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.
Marilyn, Peterborough Ontario Canada
Matt 11:28-30 NAB Come to me all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for yourself. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Cathy
Jerusalem, Israel
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,
Beth, your post was awesome! I live in Texas but grew up in the Seattle area. I love Mount Ranier!! And I miss it. 🙂 Thanks for the pics.
Diane, Killeen: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us – so that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 67:1-2, TNIV
Courtney, Fort Collins, CO
“You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4 NLT
Michelle F., Hamilton, MT
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8 (NKJV)
Jeannette, New Jersey
“But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
Psalm 146:5 (NLT)
Kim, New Port Richey, FL
John 15:16 NLT
“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”
I have set the LORD always before me, because he is at my right hand, I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Psalm 16:8 NIV
(Asking my siestas to pray for me. Having a hard time staying motivated with memorizing my Scriptures.)
Don’t give up, Jessica! I’m praying for you….
Erica, Amman, Jordan
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
-Isaiah 58:8-9 (NIV)
Larissa Simpson, Benbrook, Tx
“When You, God, went out before your people, when You marched through the wilderness,the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai,before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance.Your people settled in it,and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor. The Lord announces the word,and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.”
Psalm 68:7-11(NIV)
(this is my whole month of March memory verses)
Melinda, Independence, MO – I’m learning 2 this time.
Isaiah 41:10 – NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I Corinthians 16:14 – NIV
Do everything in love.
Brenda, Hilton Head, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil. 4:6 NIV
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
My salvation and glory depend on God;
my strong Rock, my refuge, is in God.
Psalm 62: 5-7 Holman Chirstian Standard
But, I had never heard of the NET Bible and I may be in LOVE!! And their website – offering parallel translations – is AWESOME! Thanks Mama B!
Julie, Cincinnati, OH:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10, NLT
Jodi – DFW
24 “This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD,the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself… who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,
Isaiah 44:24,25b NIV
Shelby Ft Myers FL My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the stength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 NKJV
Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:8 NIV
JoJo Sutis, Doyline LA
“For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” 2 CORINTHIANS 4:15 KJV
Karen, Russellville, AR
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:14 (NIV 2010)
Judy from Lake Charles, LA-“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Pamela, Lexington SC
Proverbs 31: 25 & 26 (NLT) “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Tammy, Howells, NE
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalms 143:8 (New King James Version)
Mama Beth,
I wrote down the verse you gave us in my journal. It is such a lovely verse so I may memorize it next time. Thank you for sharing.
Jane, Normal IL 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. NIV
Susan Fisher
San Angelo, TX.
Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Tamara; Alabaster, Alabama: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
Kathryn – Atmore, AL
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – I Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
“Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” Proverbs 8:33 KJV
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ~ 2nd Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)
Charlotte, Houston “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) NIV
In praise to the Father for His blessings on the Siestas as we gathered for the James study…what an awesome journey in Jesus name! Thank you so much Beth.
Judy, Tehachapi, God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NKJV
Paula, Olive Branch: Workouts in the gym are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. I Timothy 4:8 The Message
StacyJo, Spokane, WA
Ok this is a looong one – but God’s pushing it on me right now. . .
James 3:6, 8-10 (NIV)
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. . . but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers (and sisters!) this should not be.
Just to share – this has to do with one of my ‘STOP’s’!!
Libby, Littleton, CO – Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” AMEN!(ESV)
Karlys, La Place, LA
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:6, NASB
Dawn, Hamilton, NJ
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5,6 NKJV
“As a Father has compassion on his children, so the Lird has compassion on those who fear him.” Ps. 103:13. Sarah, Ames, IA
Sarah, NC “Trust Him at all times you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.” Psalms 62:8 HCSB
Kaylie Vega TX “Wait on re Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord” PS 27:14
Patti, Statham, GA ” The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet [you] with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”. Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Laura, Tracy, CA: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Katrina from Tulare, CA: “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!” Romans 8:15-17 The Message
Erin, Bothell, WA. “Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.” Prov. 31:25 NRSV
Beth, Marion Psalm 135:13-18, The Message
God, your name is eternal,
God, you’ll never be out-of-date.
God stands up for his people,
God holds the hands of his people.
The gods of the godless nations are mere trinkets,
made for quick sale in the markets:
Chiseled mouths that can’t talk,
painted eyes that can’t see,
Carved ears that can’t hear—
dead wood! cold metal!
Those who make and trust them
become like them.
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”. Luke 1:47 (NIV)
Jane, Irvine CA:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Lynsie, Jackson, MS: “Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.” 1 John 2:8 (NIV)
Stephanie P., OH
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV)
Rachel, Billings
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything ~James 1:4