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.
Lucinda Watsontown, PA
Genesis 15:1 NIV Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward!
Missy, Phoenix.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
Jill, Bozeman MT
” Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”
Matt 6: 19-21
Jane W., Charlotte
Psalm 121: 3 NLT
“He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep.”
Leah, Indianapolis
Rejoice always
Pray continually
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!”
Psalm 32:1-2 (NLT)
Erin
Denison, TX
SKay, Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas
1 Corinthians 6:19 & 20 NIV
“Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 body.”
Melanie – Decatur, AL
I had a difficult time deciding on a 6th verse, but this one fits where I am.
I never like “springing forward” with the time change this time of year and this verse helped me praise through it. It’s also an encouragement to me as I deal with the loss of my maternal uncle, who was only 10 years my senior and really more like an older brother to me while growing up – I can praise the Lord in knowing that my uncle was saved and is now with Him!
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the LORD’s name is to be praised.”
Psalm 113:3 KJV
Carolyn, Maryville, Ps 30:5 NIV For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Barb, Medina
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Eph 1:21
NIV
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 NIV
Elizabeth, San Clemente, CA
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
John 8:12 NIV
Isaiah 55:10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and fourish, so that it yeields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
NIV)
Thank you for the Colossians verse. I’ll appropriate this one to speak over my kids.
In humility and respect, I’m compelled to answer that Tennesseans, particularly those of the Knoxville variety, have very specific tastes in Mexican food, having one of the best restaurants in the world, La Paz, aka Che Guevara, tucked away in a small corner of West Knoxville. We do not suffer bad food lightly. Also noting that the early Texans were relocated Tennesseans who chose to spread their glory to the rest of the world……with much laughter and love from Knoxville, TN.
Monica, Lebanon, IN, I Timothy 1:12…I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him. (NCV)
Sara Springfield MO
John 11:40
Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God? (AMP)
Shane,Russellville, Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2
NLT
Whatever you do,do it all for the glory of God! 1 Cor.10:31
Hilary
Hudsonville, MI
“But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right – everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.”
Isaiah 30:18
The Message
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Jill Plano, TX
Karla~Sedro-Woolley~Psalm 84:5~NIV
“Blessed are those who strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”
“And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe
that He exists and that He rewards
those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
Carrie, Boston
“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.” Psalm 111:7-8 (ESV)
Judy, Ridgecrest CA
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you where ever you go”.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Lisa, Bend, OR
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (New International Version, ©2011)
Amanda in Dover, TN
Sing the praisesof the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
Psalms 30:4 (NIV)
John 10:10
The thief come only to steal & kill & destroy; i have come that they may have life & have it to the full.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV
Kristie
Queen City, TX
Debbie, Lorenzo, Tx: Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
Linda, Westport
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today,and yes forever.
Hebrews 13:8
And my god shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV
Sharon, Moore,SC
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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.
Valerie
Sparks, Nevada
I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word. Psalm 130:5 NLT
He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
John7:38 NKJV
Carolyn
Oceanside Ca
The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27.1 NIV
Romans 5:8
But God, demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV
Norma C – Tennessee
Psalm 30:5 (NIV) For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Nicole Bloomington, IL
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Jamie Gibbon, Houston, Texas, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NLT)
Jennifer Dallas, TX
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 KJV
Paula Syracuse, Ks
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
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
God had said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
Philippians 2: 3-5 (NIV)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. You attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Bettie
Pasadena, TX
Psalm 37:4-5 (NIV)
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will do this.”
Christina, Plano-
Now this is what the LORD says–
the One who created you, Jacob,
and the One who formed you, Israel–
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:1, HCSB
Sarah, Christina and Esther May. Wenatchee, WA “Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.” Joshua 6:4
Patti, Phoenix AZ
Psalm 86:5 (NLT) O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Alice, Rockford, IL, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17 NIV