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.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:14-16
Dallas,TX, “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 NIV
The Journey Continues ~
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
Cayucos, California
CONFESS YOUR SINS TO EACH OTHER AND PRAY FOR EACH OTHER
SO GOD CAN HEAL YOU. WHEN A BELIEVING PERSON PRAYS,
GREAT THINGS HAPPEN. JAMES 5:16
Lisa McGriff, Dothan, AL
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
New King James Version
Julie, Chesterland, OH
“Above all else, guard your heart,for it is the wellspring of life” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Laura, Little Rock. ” But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.” Psalm 71:14-16 (NIV 1984)
Marsha, Lexington Park, MD, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God
Matthew 5:8 NAS
PRAISE GOD…this verse healed me from a TV show I thought I couldn’t live without.
Marsha, that just rocks! I love it when God’s word changes my heart.
Nancy J, Sioux City Iowa
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:15 NLT
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
I Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)
“Therefore, humble yourselves under the might hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
Becky
Choctaw, OK
John 10:30-33
“I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.”
Karen, Scottsdale, AZ
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14 NKJV
Finally, Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV1984)
Bridgett from Pell City, AL – We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. Psalm 39:6 NLT
Cheney,WA
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Hannah R. | Norman, Oklahoma
“Think of how we regard as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
James 5:11, NET
Charr from Absarokee Mt
KJV Ps 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Kay, Sheridan, AR
This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Megan, Grants Pass
“I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 (NASB)
Phyllis, Gilmer, Tx
Isaiah 48:17
“This is what the LORD says, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
Christi, Cameron, NC
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Ann in Prior Lake, MN: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 The MESSAGE)
Jen, Knoxville,TN
Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-2 (NKJ)
Jennifer, Avon Park, FL
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Kay ~ Diana,TX. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Prov. 16:3
2 Tim 1:7 NIV “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self control (or a sound mind).”
Leigh, Montgomery: For God is sheer beauty; all-generous in love, loyal always and ever. Psalm 100:5 MSG
Anna, Montgomery: Just when they think they’ve arrived and folks praise them because they’ve made good, They enter the family burial plot where they’ll never see sunshine again. Psalm 49:17-18 MSG
Peggy, Tucson, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” Jn 1:16 NIV
Jennifer, Oreland, PA
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Heb. 10:23 (NKJV)
Sandy, Deming, NM
Teach me Your way O LORD and I will walk in Your truth;
Give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name. Ps 86:11 NIV
Julie, Chesterland, OH
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts
Point out in me anything that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
NLT Psalm 139 23-24
Robyn, Wichita, Kansas “You, then, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
Patti, Colorado
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers (sisters). Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:16 NIV
2 Corinthians 10:4,5, NIV
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
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; Robin Snohomish, WA; Dorothea, Rockwall, TX; Stacey from Abilene; Cheryl, Uganda
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale
“The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25 NIV).
As the Father has loved you, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
John 15:19
NIV
Yolanda
Ulysses, KS
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13 NIV
Hannah, Chesterland, OH
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 (NIV)
Chrissy
San Tan Valley, Arizona
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
Billie, Kailua-Kona
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:16-17 (NIV)
Baileigh, Spartanburg, SC “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Kels,Redding “My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word.” Ps118:28 (NIV) YES LORD PLEASE
Sheri, Bolivar, MO. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9
Loved this passage SO MUCH that I decided to add on to what I did the last two weeks…Glory to HIM!
Joy, Monroe, GA: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. -Isaiah 25:1, 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!
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Casi, Woodway, Texas
Melody, Cleburne, “21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:21,22
Jennifer J. – Texarkana, AR
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31 (NIV1984)
Kelly, Charlotte, NC:
Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey and commit yourself to him, for he is your life.
Deuteronomy 30:20a (NLT)
He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber (he never sleeps) Psalms 121:3 NIV
Mary Kay
Fulshear
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Romans 12:6
NASB