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.
Carol, Hartley, Iowa
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“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.
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” NIV
Teresa, Semmes, AL. Hebrews 10:31 NASB
It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Meredith, Fayetteville, AR “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor for the Lord is not in vain.” I Cor. 15:58
You guys, it has been so long since I have come in here! I have always loved reading the comments, and such, but I never comment nor do I want to fill my inbox with them because there are way too many! I feel a kindredness with you all that is inexplicable and that I just haven’t found in “reality”! God bless you ladies! And the few men who happen through! I’m stealing someone’s!
Michelle, Macomb, IL
āGod 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.ā Psalm 46:1-3 (NLT)
Laura~Saskatchewan, CAN
“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.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)
Sister Lynn – Tucson AZ
“So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NAB)
Lisa, Plano, TX: 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 (NIV)
Ruth, Fredericksburg, You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. NIV
Holly, Philadelphia, PA:
“March on, my soul; be strong!” – Judges 5:21b
1Corinthians 10:24
“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”
Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies. Psalm 141:4 (NIV)
Sarah, Albuquerque, NM
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (NASB)
Abi, Apopka: āTherefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven ā for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.ā Luke 7:47 NIV 1984
rebekah (age 9) st. paul, minnesota
“rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice.”
philippians 4.4 (NIV)
Lea, Lamar Arkansas
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” Luke 6:27 (NKJ)
Teri, Opelousas, LA: Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. Psa 33:12 NRSV
Lynn, Barksdale AFB, LA
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
Becky
Brentwood TN
Jerm. 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.
Bonnie Huntington, WV.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
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.”
Letty, Puyallup
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Deb, Becker
The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
Deut 29:29 (NLT)
Teri~Boise, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.” James 1:2-3 NIV
Heather, Louisville KY
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
But let all who put their trust in You; rejoice, let them ever sing and shout for joy, spread Your protection over them. Let those also who love Your name, Be joyful in You. Ps 5:11
Cindy, Gold Canyon, AZ. “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and your rampart”. Ps.91:4 NIV
Tori, Winston-Salem, NC
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” -Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV
And my god shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV
Sahsha’s Mummy, Houston, TX
Paige, Overland Park, KS
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)
Kristin, Jacksonville. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Laura K in Spearfish, SD
John 15:5-8 NIV
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Stacy, Birmingham, AL. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. -Isaiah 53:6 (NASB)
Lindsay, Grapevine, TX: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galations 6:9-10 (NIV)
Tomi, Des Moines, IA
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”
Colossians 2:9 & 10 NIV
Dorothea, Rockwall, TX “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV
There are 15 of us all around the globe memorizing all or part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. If you want to be praying for your Siesta-mates they are: Brandi Pierce Grove, Oklahoma; Janice, Tulsa; Rebecca,Madison,MS; Linda, Carolina Beach, NC; Kaye in Arkansas; Brittney, Olympia; Deb, Windsor, CT; Amanda, Colorado Springs; Kim, Warren ; Elysa Raleigh; Robin Snohomish, WA; Stacey from Abilene; Cheryl, Uganda
shana, st. paul, minnesota
Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Hebrews 4.16 {the NET Bible}
Shari, Ohio
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthian 13:13
You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)
Lindsey, Jenks OK
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” ~Proverbs 28:26 NLT
13. No one, when tempted, should say, āI am being tempted by Godā; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. (NRSV)
James 1:13
Corinne in Chehalis Washington
Deborah Clayton, NC
āTherefore, as Godās chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.ā ā Colossians 3:12-13
Psalm 51: 12 – 13 NIV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
Mary
Houston
Mitzi
Kannapolis
When I am afraid I will trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
Missy, Tulare, Ca
Psalm 54:4
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Kim, Anchorage, Alaska, Isaiah 30:15 Amplified.
For thus said the Lord YHWH, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength.
Rachel, Flagstaff, AZ
āDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.ā Philippians 4:6 NIV
Lisa, Kingston Springs, TN
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Prov.3:3 NIV
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV
Tiffany, ATL
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience; and experience hope. Romans 5:3-4 kjv
Jill Z, Gulfport, MS – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Dionne Edmonds
Pittsburgh, Pa
“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and I make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” -1Corinthians 9:26-27
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics from Washington…it was a blessing to see a glimpse of God’s beautiful creation in that part of the country!