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.
Anna, Houston, TX
“Now my soul is troubled. What should I say – Father save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!” John 12:27-28 HCSB
Stephanie, Dacula, GA
Deut. 8:3 ESV
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Gena – Houston
“Indeed we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.”
James 3:2
Donna, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 NIV)
Georganne, Piedmont, Oklahoma
I Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV
(19)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;(20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
And a Highway will be there. It will be called the Way of Holiness. It will be for those that walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it, wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there & those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness & joy will overtake them, sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:8-10 NIV
Star, Jackson, Tn
“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:3 NIV
“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like a mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Isaiah 44:22 ESV
Taking a suggestion from the March 1 Scripture Memory posting, I choose my verse 6 to be:
“March on my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Lee, Leola, PA
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. Philippians 4:6 TLB
Ginny, Cape May, NJ
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.”
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
Amy from Marion, VA “For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” Psalm 33:4 (NIV)
Jen, Auburn Twp., OH: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18, NIV.
Nancy, West Virginia
Psalm 62: 9 & 10 niv
9Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12
Lori- this is my life verse. 🙂 Washes peace over me each and every time I read it!
steph.
kari in Benton
I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV
Hannah from Albuquerque New Mexico
By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything.
1 John 3:19-20 ESV
Annette, Richmond, TX Matthew 5:45 NIV
that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Angie, Kansas City, MO: “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)
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”
So thankful for this beautiful, generous group of women. love y’all!!
Me too!
Christie, Westport.
“Then you will call upon Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NASB)
Christie Cheyenne WY
Isaiah 33:6 NET
He is your constant source of stability ; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom ; He gives all this to those who fear Him.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
Pat Meyer
Brookings, South Dakota
Sandy, Lexington, KY
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Laila from Chicago
[21]Â But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
[22]Â The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
[23]Â they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
[24] “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
(Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV)
Julie, Plymouth,MN
And thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19 NET
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23 NIV
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Dawn, Chambersburg, PA
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
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.
Melissa Irwin: Nashville, TN (will eat Mexican food anywhere).
Revelation 21:18 “The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.” NIV
Marilyn Gadsden, Al Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand Isa 41:10 NLT
(7)When You, God, went out before your people,
when You marched through the wilderness,
(8)the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the One of Israel.
(9) You gave abundant showers, O God;
You refreshed your weary inheritance.
(10) Your people settled in it, and from Your
bounty, God, You provided for the poor.
(11) The Lord announces the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it (the women who
proclaim it are a mighty throng).
Psalm 68:7-11 (NIV)
Carol Peavy, Jena, LA
Annette, Minneapolis “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Jane, Milton, GA “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm34:18 NIV
Susan-Statesville, N.C.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NAS)
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 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
Joni, Port Neches. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:15-16, NIV
I can never find where to post my scripture. Can you put a link up for that?
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, IN “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” 1 Timothy 1:17 NAS
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
— 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Michelle, Houston “Aunque cambien de lugar las montañas y se tambleen las colinas, no cambiará mi fiel amor por ti ni vacilará mi pacto de paz, dice el Señor, que de ti se compadece.” IsaĂas 54:10, nueva versiĂłn internacional
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights. habakkuk 3:19
Ruth C, Atlanta
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Psalm 103:6 NIV
Barb, Kentwood MI – Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isa 41:10 NLT
Good verse!
Lauren: Boston, MA “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Ruth Anne, Dover, OH: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be all glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV
Leigh DeLozier, McDonough, GA — Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things, and give me life in your ways. (Psalm 119: 33 & 37, ESV)
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Tracy
Fort Mill, SC
Stephanie, Glen Burnie, MD
Romans 12:90-13 ESV
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Troy, Ohio
Psalm 86:11-13 NIV
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Delta Dawn
Dallas, GA
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25