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.
Joshua 1:9 (New International Version, ©2011)
9 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.”
Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Proverbs 28:26
Shawn, Georgia
Amy Ann, Tulsa, OK “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!” 2 Peter 1:3 The Message
Suzy, Wheelersburg, OH – “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the face of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” NIV
Jeri B., Battlefield, MO
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who is not merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement. James 2:12,13 NIV
Marion, Royse City, TX
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV©1984)
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Sarah, Isle, MN
It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Psalm 119:71-72 (NIV)
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
John 14:1-3 NIV
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
These verses came alive to me as my dad passed away on Saturday. I believe these verses were God given…to me!
Lisa – Seattle
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Exodus 15:11. “Who among the gods is like you,O Lord? Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? NIV
Toni, Morgans Point, TX – 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. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Lori, Treviso, Italy
Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me.
Psalm 31:21 (NIV)
Sarah, New Palestine, Indiana
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Leanne, Abbotsford BC, Canada
The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:8 NLT
Debbie, Sevierville
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts You. Isaiah 26:3
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7, ESV
Julie, Port Huron, MI James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Chrystal, Lexington, KY
Matthew 28:20 NIV
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Thx for tip on Samaratins purse. was looking for reputable organization through which to give to japan 🙂
Julie
Clanton, Alabama
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11, NIV
Cindy Gandy
Hazlehurst, MS
Proverbs 12:14 (NIV)
From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,and the work of their hands brings them reward.
Rebecca, Arkansas
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
kendal. north wilkesboro, nc.
but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to GOd, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into this wonderful light! (had to the exclamation point!)
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Kristy, Moore, Oklahoma
ESV Psalms 18:28-31 For it is you who light my lamp; Â the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God–his way is perfect; Â the word of the LORD proves true; Â he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? Â And who is a rock, except our God?
Evie – Cedar Creek TX
“Show me Your ways LORD teach me Your path. Guide me in Your truth and teach me for You are God my Savior and my hope is in You all day long”. Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV
I am so grateful that you came to our area! You’ll never know how the L-rd spoke to my friend and me when you were here – both Friday night and Saturday. Thank you! Our G-d is so very good and knows just what we need at just the right moment.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Jessica, Houston:”Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth, “See, today I appoint you over the nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant”. Jeremiah 1: 8-10 NIV (love you so much, mama b)
Concetta, White Oak, James 1:12 NIV, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
“I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 3:14, NIV
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though themountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah
(NASB95)
Megan-Kansas City, KS
He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. Jn 8:47 NIV
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13, NIV
“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
Stephanie; Ogden, Utah; “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth.”; John 14:16-17a (NIV)
Tricia Union, KY
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Thank you to another siesta for this verse.
1 John 3:19-20 NIV
19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Crosby, TX
Lacey, Leonard TX
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Tammy, Rowlett, TX-
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Ashley, Colorado
“You will not die!” the serpent replied to the woman.
Genesis 3:4, NLT
*Odd scripture choice, I know. But I want to have this at the forefront of my mind when confronted with modern day folks still selling this lie. It’s good to remember WHO that lie comes from.
Lacey, Keller TX: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Heb 4:16 NIV
Debbie, Walpole, MA
Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)
“I am the Lord, God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Kimberly, Circleville OH: God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
Grace, Circleville OH: For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Bev, Ironton OH: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NKJ)
Kristin, Fresno CA
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The NET Bible
…Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
2 Samuel 7:18 NIV
Kimberly, Tuscaloosa, AL:
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears he will answer you!” Isaiah 30:18-19 NIV
another verse on waiting . . . hmmmm!
Kelly, Cheraw, SC: “then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”” – Acts 4:10,12 NIV
Laura ~ Strawberry Plains, TN
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Hebrew 11:6 (Holman)
Mary, Davison, MI
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV
Karen, Lexington, KY. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 The Message
Stephanie-Sahuarita, AZ.
…20″you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 {NIV}