Hey, my dear, dear Sisters. I thought about you so much while we had the privilege to serve in Washington State. We cherished every second we were there and God was so gracious and merciful to us. He could not have given us a more wonderful group of participants to kick off the 2011 Living Proof Live schedule. We lapped up every second with them. They were so full of praise and expectation for God to speak and so rowdy and fun. I would have brought every single one of them home with me to Texas if I could have.
I want you to know that you sowed very direct seed into that event. On Friday afternoon my notes were, for the most part, ready to go but I just sensed a desire to seek something more from God. I knew in my heart that it involved prayer so I got down on my knees again and prayed but I got back on my feet still not quite feeling the breakthrough that I was hoping for. The thought came to me, I believe by God Himself, to get on the blog and scroll through all the comments to the Tacoma Ticket Giveaway post and look for entries where Siestas had prayed specifically for the event. I hit a gold mine. I stopped at each one of them and actively agreed and received all that had been prayed. The breakthrough came! It was God’s good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I can’t express to you how deeply and profoundly it hit me. Sometimes I feel like I harass you guys half to death for prayer but we are so desperate for it. I knew this weekend that it is God’s way. Profit sharing. Oh, how I pray that we might be able to believe God for a 2 Corinthians 4:15 work as we partner together:
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
I think God particularly blesses our seed sowing when we have no direct involvement at the event or gathering. No personal gain except the glorious nod of God. I’m actively praying for Priscilla Shirer’s simulcast in several weeks even though I’ll be in Fresno. I don’t doubt she’s praying for us, too. I can’t wait to hear the report of all God is going to accomplish through that mighty servant of God as she teaches and as her brother, Anthony, leads worship. This is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. One Lord. One Body. One Spirit. If the grace of God through Christ is “reaching more and more people,” our thanksgiving overflows to the glory of God!
The group in Tacoma exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Their outpouring for Japan moved us so deeply. Our wonderful brothers and sisters from Samaritan’s Purse were swamped. They were so overwhelmed at the break that we had to keep them open after the event and position them at exit doors They counted dollar bills all afternoon to the tune of $66,025.25. As soon as the horrific tragedy occurred, we asked Samaritan’s Purse if our offering for that LPL could go specifically to relief for Japan and they complied joyfully and set up an immediate fund. (Any of you are welcome to get on their website and also contribute if you feel led and aren’t already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. It’s just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May “the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness” show Himself in every possible and undeniable way. May one of those ways be the banding together of His Body around the world to be His hands and a healing balm within them. They need our help.
It’s time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! I’ll give you my sixth verse (it reminds me of you) then show you a small handful of pictures I took over the weekend on my iPhone.
Beth, Houston. My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 The NET Bible
OK, here’s some pictures from Tacoma if you want a peek before you chime in with your verse.
This was my one glimpse at The Mountain. We had rain most of the time and, mountain girl that I am, I just kept looking out of my hotel window for a glimpse of that famous sight. While I was studying, I felt a tugging at my heart and I jumped up in hopes that the clouds were lifting somewhat and sure enough, there that bad boy was. I was so happy, I cried.
This was the sunrise the next morning. I was always an early riser as a kid and, now that I am an adult, I know it nearly drove my mother crazy because she’d have preferred her Folgers by herself. (This helps explain to you why I was a coffee drinker by the ripe old age of six.) My dad used to take up for me and say, “The early bird gets the worm!” Well, when I caught a glimpse of that sunrise in Tacoma Saturday morning and fifteen minutes later it was pouring down rain, I knew my Daddy was right.
I can’t believe I’m about to let this come out of my mouth but I had some of the best Mexican food on earth there in Tacoma. I was baffled. Someone had recommended “Masa” (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, “Texans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.” But, after the event, we were about to have a meltdown for hot sauce and decided to cave to the pressure. It was so good I couldn’t believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas weren’t on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. I’ve never tried them before but I’ve been with Travis and Angela when they’ve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky and grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. She’s expecting little Christos in a few months and we loved getting to talk to her. We saw a couple of tables of women from the LPL event, too, and so loved getting to hug their necks.
As if the Mexican Food wasn’t good enough, there was a Stumptown coffee bar attached to it. Talk about the ultimate way to end a meal! I have become a fan of Stumptown through our dear Kelly Minter who considers it a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (My words, not hers.) Michelle has been ordering it for me for a year or so and it’s what I grind and fix about twice a day in my office at LPM. Darla was our barista at the coffee bar in Tacoma and, as I live and breathe, the woman was an artist. Look at this crema. That is not whipped cream. That is how she finished off a Latte with plain-old low fat milk. UNBELIEVABLE. I was so impressed. I wanted to ask her how she dealt with her pride but she seemed astonishingly humble for such a craft. Almost like she didn’t notice she was a rock star.
These were two of the most wonderful women we had at the Tacoma Dome. (Blood) sisters Roxana and Christine sat down nice and close to the front and gave God considerable glory in my earshot. They and their small group wore tiaras to the event so we were blessed to no end by every glimpse of them. That is, of course, Michelle in there with us.
This last picture is of a group of really young women that were having coffee at the Starbucks we went to several hours after Stumptown. (No coffee for me that late. I’m saying that because I know somebody’s going to get into my business. I got Blueberry water but I didn’t want to. I drank four sips.) One of these darling things is getting married next week and had a little veil on. They were so cute we could hardly stand it. Just as they were getting up to leave, one of them looked over at me with wide eyes and asked if we were we.
WHY DIDN’T YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldn’t afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPL’s. For crying out loud, if somebody’s broke, it doesn’t matter what age they are, we try to get them tickets if they really want to go. LifeWay, too! They are tremendously tenderhearted and willing to do whatever they can to minister and disciple. Tons of tickets were given away to that event in Tacoma. You have no idea how much we’d like to do it for free.
This was my view from the airplane seat just as we were about to put our tray tables up and our seat backs forward for departure. I wanted you to see my cute rain boots peeking out from the bottom. I’ve had them for a couple of years and worn them about a thousand times but they were for such a time as Tacoma.
Well, I’ve rattled your ear off. You guys are important to me. I love you. I think of you everyday. Now, cough up your sixth verse!
Hold tight to Jesus in the ebb and flow of this temporal world. One sweet day this convulsing earth will be made new. The skies will tear open like a veil and every eye will see. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Julie, Dallas: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Kari, Fulton, SD
See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given my victory.
Isaiah 12:2,3 NLT
Dawn, Dubuque, IA
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Carolyn
St. Peters, MO
This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15b
Amy, St. Augustine, FL: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”–Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Maryann, Norwood, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely,Christ, in whom are hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Colossians 2:2-3, NIV
Jen in Exton
Romans 8:37-39 Ampl
37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors
and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,
39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ.
Sally, Grants, NM
Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ESV
Angie, Anna, TX
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Isaiah 49:15-16
Turkesshia Moore, Greensboro, NC
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
Jeanne, Albuquerque, “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel.” Judges 5:3 NIV
A Story Fit For a Song!
Karina, Recife- Brazil
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21, NIV
Ashlie, Dallas, GA
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will be able to abound in every good work.” 2Cor. 9:8 NIV
Sorry so late. Wrote it in the spiral, forgot to comment!!!
Rebekah, Groves, TX “No discipline seems pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Cindi Hueytown, AL NIV
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth Psalm 121:1-2
“The LORD announces the word and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng”
psalm 68:11
Deirdre Russell
Snellville, GA
sorry I am late posting. I was on an 11 day camping trip.
Roya, Michigan I Cor. 10:31 KJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Dallas, TX
2 Corinthians 5:15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (ESV)
Orange County, CA
Romans 12:2 (NLT) …let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do.
“Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.” Psalm 63:3
Gloria, Cumming, GA:
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Martha, Lexington: ” Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Emily, Potomac, MD
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
-Psalm 40:5 NIV
Kay, Clemmons, NC
Search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139: 23,24 Holman Christian Standard. (Sorry I’m late.)
Wilson, TX
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15 NIV
Lynn, Orlando, FL
“The LORD bless you and keep you …”
~ Numbers 6:24 (NIV)
Becky, KY
Jeremiah 29:13,14a (NIV)
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
Dawn – Menomonee Falls, WI
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
‘In everything, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the law and the prophets.’ Matthew 7:12 NASB
Dawn Missouri City, Texas
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Webster, MN
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard
no mind can conceive
what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I Cor 2:9 NIV
Knoxville, TN ‘A man’s heart plans his way; But the LORD directs his steps.’ Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
(for 15th check in)
NKJV Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart will fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!
Lori, San Angelo, Tx
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.
1 Thess 4:11 (NIV)
Cheryl, Vancouver. Always keep this Book of the Law on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV
Martha, Lexington: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 NIV
Alicia – Hopkinsville, KY
“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Psalm 4:4 NKJV
Hillary, Auburn
Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:7
He reached down from on high and took hold of me, he drew me out of deep waters. He brought me out into a spacious place; HE rescued me because he delighted in ME.
Psalm 18 v. 16 and 19
Christy in Lexington, KY
For as high as the heavens are above the earth. So great is his love for those who fear him. Psalms 103:11 NIV
Kim, Wallingford
My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 The NET Bible
Tina, Cincinnati, OH: I Corinthians 6:19-20 – Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. NIV
Haley- New Orleans, LA
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Vicki Eufaula al
1 Corinthians 6:14-15a- By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?
Deut. 30:20 NIV “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life.”
Allison, Columbia
“By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God”
1 John 3:19-21 (ESV)
Deborah, Dublin.
1 Cor. 13:13 ASV
“But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
Cameron Richmond Va
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV