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.
Sylvia V., Jersey Village, TX
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”
Psalm 3:3-5 NKJV
Diane, Ontario, Canada
Glory Hicks
Mt. Enterprise, Tx
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
Nitsa, Eugene, OR. “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Colossians 3:12-13 NAS
Harriett, St. Albert AB
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Phyllis. Charlotte, NC
PHILIPPIANS 4:8 (NKJV)
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Finally, brethren,
whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and
if there is anything praiseworthy—
meditate on these things.
Cathy, Gastonia
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strenghten your heart; Wait, I say, On the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NJKV
Kori, Duluth MN:
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Psalm 112:4 NIV
Nel, Willard MO, “If a man say I love God, and hateth his brother he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he loveth not God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20
Jana R. Houston, Texas: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 NKJV
Carol, Gig Harbor, WA
“Bless those how persecute you, bless and do not curse”. Romans 12:14 NIV
Leanne, San Antonio: You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said. Luke 1:45 NLT
Martha, Pine Bluff Psalm 91:4 ESV
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Patti, Colorado Springs: “…God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34b (AMP)
Jackie, Versailles, KY
for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Phil 2:13 NASB
Martha,Lynchburg,VA.
God is my strength and power and he maketh my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
Robin – Nampa (Same verse as Beth – because it talks about knitting!!)
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. Colossions 2:2-3 NET
Tina Marie, Gig Harbor, WA
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29
NASB
Michelle, Bossier City
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Devi
Geneva, Switzerland
And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV)
Shonda
Tacoma, WA (wish I could have attended the LPL event)
John 14:21 NIV
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV
Heather
Liberty, TX
Romans 8:28 (HCSB)
And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Vanessa, Florence, SC:
But now, this is what the LORD says –
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
Joy, Peachtree City. “Do not judge lest you be judged. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2. The NAS Bible
Amy, Omaha, NE
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
I Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
Susan, Chesapeake, VA:
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devasted for generations.” -Isaiah 61:4
Bonnie, Selah, Wa
Therefore do not lose heart! Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwards we are being renewed day by day. 2 Cor. 4:16 (NIV)
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8
Holman Christian Study Bible
Stefanie Parrish, FL – Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Sherrylu, Powder Springs, GA
And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 NASB
Melissa, Round Rock, TX
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
Proverbs 31:14 NIV
Shauna, Horn Lake
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)Â
… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Karen K from Illinois —
Deuteronomy 10:12 — “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul.” New Living Translation
Kuria, Malaysia
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:17-18(NIV)
Yes, Lord, I know some righteous people who are feeling crushed right now. Deliver them, Lord. Let them know you are close.
Dee, Muncie IN
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleaseing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Crystal- Mullica Hill, NJ- 2 Peter 1:5- For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge. ESV
March On Siestas! Shine!!
Peggy, Peace River, Canada
A person plans his course but the Lord directs his steps.
THE NET BIBLE, Proverbs 16:9
~Grace & Peace, San Diego, CA
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)
Psalm 119:11-12, NLT
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
I praise you O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
Patty, Granite Bay, CA Romans 12:12 NIV “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.”
Cheryl, Peoria, AZ “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
Yvonne, Wisner, LA says:
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever
does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17 NIV
Marybeth in Oxford, PA: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Aidy, Sherwood Park, AB
In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through HIM who loved us.
Romans 8:37 NASB
Lisa, Edinburg- “Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” Psalm 119:34 NIV
Lauren from Alabama
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
– Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
Yolanda, Queen City, Texas
James 3:19 (NIV)
My dear brothers take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; ~Psalm 130:5 ESV