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.
Erin, Phoenix. “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.
Matthew 6:34
Traci
Frankfort, KY
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens
Ecc 3:1
Eph 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Kelly from Hickory,NC…sorry so late
Philippians 4:7 NIV
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Chirst Jesus.”
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed”
NIV 1st Peter 1 :13
Kelly Jo Albany Kentucky
When I am afraid I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 NIV
Shanelle from Phoenix, AZ
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Col 3:12 NIV
Raleigh from Austin, TX
“For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” -Matthew 11:30 NIV
Wendy Modesto, CA
So sorry I forgot to submit this earlier. This is my verse for March 15th.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 NIV
Can’t wait to see y’all tomorrow in Fresno!!!
verse 7 Karen, Ocean Springs “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” NIV
Kim, Kansas City, “A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” (Prov. 11:22) NLT
Crissy
Nashville, TN
“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”
1 Cor. 15:19 NIV
“A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”
Proverbs 15:18 (NASB)
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
Pam, Tyler, TX: “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is just. The instruction of his God is in his heart; his steps do not falter.” Psalm 37:30-31 (HCSB)
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)
Christy, Conifer, CO
(I’m sorry, I keep thinking I forgot to post last time and it’s been plaguing me, so I apologize if this is a re-post!)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV 1984)
Lisa, St Louis
“He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.” John 1:20 NIV
Michelle from Loveland, CO
Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Matia, Fort Worth
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy”
Colossians 1:11 HCSB
Psalms 61:2 NKJV
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting FAther, Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6
Lindsay, Albuquerque, NM
“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 CEV
Kelsie, Albuquerque, NM
“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ [fn]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 NIV
Alysa, Albuquerque, NM
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”
Proverbs 4:1
Paula, Las Vegas, NV (soon to be Muncie, IN)
“Because you did not trust enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelite, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
Numbers 20:12 NIV
Vicki from Loveland, CO Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Lacie, Americus I can’t remember if I posted March 15th??? Just in case .
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:33 NIV
Kelly, Huntsville
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
Teresa, Amarillo
Yet I still belong to you. You are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
Psalm 73:23-24, NLT
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8
Sheila
Garner, NC
Proverbs 28:19-20
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Michelle, ONT, Canada
Hosea 2:19
I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.
Toronto, ON =)
Proverbs 24:13-14 (NKJV)
My son, eat honey because it is good,
And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul;
If you have found it,there is a prospect,
And your hope will not be cut off.
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5 NIV
Fresno LOVED Beth, Thank-you sooo much for coming to be with us!
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
“As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze. I totally Forgot to list mine!!! My sister had a baby that day! Jenny hope Williams Pelham Alabama Daniel 7:9 niv 1984
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
I keep forgetting to post!
Lynnette in Houston
John 14:26 (NIV)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
NIV
Katherine, Edmonton,AB, Canada
Lara, Pikeville, KY
“Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
Psalm 36:5 (nkj)
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.”
One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; another will call himself by teh name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s’, and will take the name of Israel.
Isaiah 44:5 NIV
Dee
Kyle, TX
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 KJV
Karen A. Bennett
Hope, AR
Stephanie, Amarillo, TX ~ Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 (NIV)
Lauren, Topeka
7:”Clense me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.”
8:”Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”
Psalms 51:7-8 NIV
Tanya, Sierra Vista, AZ
“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules.” -Ezekiel 36:26-28
Teresa, Odessa
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2
Psalms 121:1-3 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. KJV
Natalie, Roanoke
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. NIV
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121:8
NLT
Kristin
Montgomery, AL