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 Godās good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canāt 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 Godās 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. Iām actively praying for Priscilla Shirerās simulcast in several weeks even though Iāll be in Fresno. I donāt doubt sheās praying for us, too. I canāt 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 āreaching more and more people,ā 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 Samaritanās 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 Samaritanās 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 arenāt already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itās just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May āthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessā 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.
Itās time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iāll 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, hereās 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, āThe early bird gets the worm!ā 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 canāt believe Iām 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 āMasaā (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, āTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.ā 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 couldnāt believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenāt on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iāve never tried them before but Iāve been with Travis and Angela when theyāve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky andĀ grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. Sheās 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 wasnāt 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 itās 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 didnāt 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 DIDNāT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnāt afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLās. For crying out loud, if somebodyās broke, it doesnāt 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 weād 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, Iāve 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.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Prov. 17:27-28 NIV
Jenn M from Mass, 2 Timothy 4;5 NIV
But you,keep your head in all situations endure hardship.do the work of an evangelist,
discharge all the duties of your ministry.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3, NIV
Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Kathy
Chattanooga, TN
Revelation 3:17 (NIV)
17 You say, āI am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.ā But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Anastasia Saegertown, PA
Lauren, Seattle, WA
Jeremiah 17:7, NRSV
“Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is in the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green. In the year of drought, it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Aliza, NZL. Ecclesasties 2:24-25 (NLT)
The best people can do is eat, drink and enjoy their work. I saw even this comes from God.
Because no one can eat or enjoy life without Him.
(late entry because I’ve been away, learnt it while I was gone)
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9b NIV
Patti, Clemmons, “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29 NIV
Rhonda McClellan, Newnan, Georgia
āIs not my word like fire,ā declares the LORD, āand like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jer 23:29 NIV
Vicki from Big Spring
Deuteronomy 11:1. NIV
Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken,
nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
~ Job 8:21 (NIV)
Late getting it on here, sorry!
Hollie R – Granbury, TX
Amanda, McKinney
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Stacey,Houston,Exodus 33:13
If you are pleased with me teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.
Shelli, Almont, MI – But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. – 1 Cor. 1:27-29 ESV
I’m catching up but I am determined not to quit.
Carolyn, Union City, GA
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps. 32:8 NIV
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days
Psalm 90:14
~Paula K, Muskegon, Michigan~
Catching up!
Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)
“When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, LORD God Almighty.”
denise in NC
In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land. Jeremiah 29:12-14
I said, ” Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
Regina, Rock Hill, SC
God teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
Psalm 119:33 MSG
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Robin from Morehead, Ky
“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we ask of Him. ”
1 John 5:14-15 NIV
Katie, Roanoke Tx “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
Scripture memory verse
Psalm 121:7 & 8
The Lord will keep you from all harm-
he will watch over your life,
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
This is my posting!!! Hope you get it!
Christy, Greeley, CO: “The One who called you is faithful and He will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
Linda (Mom & Nana): “For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face.” Psalm 11:7 NIV
Josie (age 11): “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV
Isabel (age 8): “A friend loves you all the time.” Proverbs 17:17 NIV
Just trying to catch up and I meant to put this in the March 1 post…not sure what I did wrong. Some people can put their verses in Greek, I can’t even get mine in the right day. š
Christy, Greeley, CO: “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Linda (Mom & Nana): “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11 NIV
Josie (age 11): “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” James 2:24 NIV
Isabel (age 8): “Physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things.” 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
I will always show you where to go, I’ll give you a full life in them emptiest of places – firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
Michelle Bentham – Watuaga,TX Isaiah 58:11 (MSG)
Marcy from Conroe, TX: “(The Lord said) to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.’ Therefore, gladly will I boast in my (weaknesses) that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJ
Naomi, Santa Barbara: “I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Danielle, Corpus Christi, TX
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Romans 12:1b & 2a
NIV – 2011 copyright
Leslie, Hickory NC
Psalms 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Wendy
Waterford, VT
The unfolding of your words gives light.
It gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.
Psalm 119:130-131
NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
The Spirit of the Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
Isaiah 61:1
Be careful then how you live- not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity.
Eph. 5:15
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of the Lord is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Galations 6:6 (NIV)
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
I don’t have internet at my apartment, and it’s hard for me to get on here while I’m at work… so I’m a little behind in posting, but I’ve been keeping my scriptures going until I can post!
“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
Miranda, Atlanta
Love y’all!!!
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended when you ask for it.
James 1:5
Message Bible
Laurie T.
Richmond, ME
So love this wording from The Message!
Sheri, Atlanta, TX
Proverbs 21:23 NKJV
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble.
Susie, Moultrie, GA
Psalm 25:5 (NLT)
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Kim from Springfield, IL
Romans 6:19 (NIV)
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
Andrea, Houston,
“He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121: 3 – 4
Whoever obeys His commands will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. FOr there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man’s misery weights heavily upon him. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 NIV
Vee, Howe, TX “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 KJV
Jennifer, Houston
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
I am super behind on posting…trying to catch up now!
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Psalm 28:7 NIV