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.
Amid drama and sick child I can’t remember whether I posted my verse. I have been faithfully rehearsing it but can’t search the 105 pages here for it.
Nicola, Calgary AB “This is so that, by two unchangeable things (His promise and His oath) in which it is impossible for God to prove false or to deceive us, we who have fled to Him for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before us.
Now we have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul( it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it-a hope) that reaches farther and enters into the very certainty of the Presence within the veil Where Jesus has entered in for us in advance, a Forerunner, having been made High Priest forever in the order of, in the rank of Melchizedek. Heb 6:18-20 AMP
Melissa, Blairsville
“I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
Tiffany, League City: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Abby, El Campo, Texas
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Dana, Birmingham
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for.
Matthew 21:22 NIV
Jennifer, Collierville, TN (near Memphis)
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s perfect peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Lorraine, Smithfield, NC
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord; plans for good not evil, plans for a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV
mary from Connecticut –
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
Glory to God!
Danville, CA
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lam 3:25-26 RSV Ellen in Dallas Tx
Better late than never…right?
Ashley, San Angelo, TX
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 ESV
Ellen
Colorado Springs
Most blessed of sons is Asher;
let him be favored by his brothers,
and let him bathe his feet in oil.
The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days.
Deuteronomy 33:24-25 (NIV)
Kathryn, Jacksonville – Psalm 30:5 AMP – ” . . .His favor is for a lifetime”
Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Sorry I am late. Had the verse just forgot to post it.
Kim Thatcher,Az
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 (NIV)
from Clarkston MI
And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:18 (RSV)
Bernice – Lemont, IL
“I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
Job 23:12 – NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Houston, Texas
Lisa Corbin,KY
But You O Lord are a shield about me , my glory and the One who lifts my head.
Psalm 3:3 NASB
Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.
Deut. 8:12-14a
Salli from Oakland, NJ (late again…sorry, but I’m trying to keep up with this Psalm) Psalm 27:2 (NIV)
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Bec, Bendigo Australia-
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a NIV
(whoops – a bit late!!!)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (NASB)
Miranda, Atlanta
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Acts 20:24, NLT
Susan, Alabama: “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.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Flower Mound, TX
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 (TNIV)
Chesterfield, Va
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 NKJV
ashlee danville va
do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
philippians 4:6
niv
I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people. — Leviticus 26:12
Cheryl-Ponder, Texas oops, really late!
Better late than never….
“My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever
Psalms 73:26
🙂
God Bless!
Melissa
Asheville
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Deuteronomy 33:17 NIV
Paula, Birmingham: (Sorry to be so late!) “Put no trust in extortion; set no vail hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.” Psalm 62:10 ESV
Charlie
Mississippi
Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but this one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Penny from Knoxville, TN
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Julie ~ Strongsville, Ohio
Crazy month, but better late than never! Here it is:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:7-8
I Cor 2:9
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him!
What a great verse we placed on my valiant warrior husband’s headstone!
Joan-Florida
Ye must be born again. John 3:7b KJV
Susan, Katy, TX
“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.”
Ps 57:7a (NIV)
Rachel
Fallston, MD
John 10:10 NLT
The thief’s purpose is to steal kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Susan
Corinth, TX
Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Erin, Chicago
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”–Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Beth ~ Kansas City
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. I Cor 2:9
Heaven help me, I’m never gonna post my verses on time!
Jennifer, Houston
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
Yep, His mercy is exactly what I need. Praying that I am merciful, too!!
NASB Eph 6:10 Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength os His might.
Debbie, Stevenson Ranch,Ca
(better late than not at all – for March 15th)
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. NIV
Dana, San Angelo, Texas
“But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.”
2 Cor. 2:14 American Std. Version
As God’s Child, we triumph through seeking His will and knowledge in all things.
Grace. Decatur, Alabama
These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
Genesis 6:9 ESV