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.
Kathryn, Reseda, CA – “strengthened with all power; according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously…” Colossians 1:11 NASB
“Be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
Sarah, Cleveland
Lynda, Ocala, FL: Daniel 2:22 NIV “He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with Him.”
Terra, Owasso, Oklahoma. You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. Leviticus 20:26 NIV
Lily, Oklahoma – “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
Linda, Sonora, KY
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” ~Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
Diera, Austin “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corithians 1:3-4 NIV
Olathe,KS
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.
2Corinthians9:8 ESV
Carol, San Antonio. “Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to your servant. Now, therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant.” – 2 Samuel 7: 28-29 NASB
Joy, MS “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Elvira – GP, AB, Canada
Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Shelly, Portland, OR,
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Vicki, Colleyville, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13
Jill from Jacksonville is going to renew her vows in June and say these words to her husband: “Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Cor. 13:4-7
Pamela, Missouri
In the fear of the LORD [she] has strong confidence and [her] children have a refuge. ~ Proverbs 14:26 (HCSB)
Melissa, Castle Rock,Colorado
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Karen, Dover, NH “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Eph 3:16 NIV
Suzanne; Galion, Ohio
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For Thou alone dost make me to dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NAS
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should grow and when he is hold he will not turn from it.”
But those who wait in the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:31
NLT
Billie, Greenville, KY: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9 NIV
Mariposa – Albuquerque, NM
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
PS. Just had to share this. I had a c-section on February 22 and gave birth to my second child a son. My husband had my Siesta spiral in his front left pocket while we were in pre-op and in the operating room. In pre-op he and I said my first four verses of the year over and over prior to the surgery and the word (in my spiral) was literally on his heart when his beautiful son was born. Praise the lord.
Paddy St Simons Island, GA
Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
Proverbs 18:13 The Message
Lauren, Biloxi
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness”. Jeremiah 31:3
Kristi, Abilene, TX:
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5 NIV
Sherry in Marietta GA
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,and live righteously, and he will give you everything that you need.”
Matt 6:33 NLT
Kathie. Satsuma. Truth is I am behind in my verses BUT I will not give up SO for the next two weeks may I ‘slide’ on a verse I already know and work on hard on the previous 5 verses… pretty please???
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Good ole King James.
🙂
Kristine/Mouse, Janesville WI
Isaiah 40:31, NIV
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Donna, Spartanburg, SC
Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in Your commands.
Psalm 119:66
Jennifer, Niceville, FL
Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV) You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it. You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you will not despise.
Cathy,Rhinebeck. 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. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24(NIV).
A friend told me about this and I have been memorizing right along but never got on the blog before. I’m taking a computer class–great help-now I know what to do.
1.Joshua 1:9 NIV
2.2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV
3.Psalm 142:3 NIV
4.Psalm 143:8 NIV
5 Psalm 143:10 NLT
6.2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.–NIV
Karen ~ Greer, SC: (completing Col. 1:15-20) “and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” Colosians 1:20 (NLT)
Kadie, Tinley Park
So then, if you know the good you ought to do and don’t do it, you sin.
James 4:17(TNIV)
natalie, tennessee – “dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 john 3:18 (NLT)
I’ve missed a few times so here they are
Feb. 1 Isaiah 18-19 “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I’m doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Feb. 15 Hebrews 10:35-39 “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persever so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
March 1 2Samuel “Go ahead, march on.”
March 15 Ecc. 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the laps of fools.”
All scriptures are from the NIV
Kristin from Kentucky, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”. Psalm 42:5 (niv)
M’Lissa, Keller, TX (Two verses this go around)
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV):
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.
Psalm 116:7-9 (ESV):
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Laura
Waynesboro, VA
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV
Heather, Fredericksburg, VA, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Â 2 Corinthians 1:4, ESV.
Megan, Maple Valley, WA
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Mary Lou, Young America, MN Proverbs 29:11&22 “A fool gives full vent to her anger, but a wise woman keeps herself under control. An angry woman stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” NIV
Kendall
Huntsville, AL
And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
Luke 9:23 (NASB)
Brooke, Carterville IL~ Proverbs 4:23 NLT” Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.”
Thank you Beth for all you do, your an inpiration to so many, You are beautiful! I hope I can grow up to be just like you 🙂
Celeste, Thompsons Station, TN: The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Amber, Lincolnton, NC
2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT) says “As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection.”
Sarah, Marshfield, MO “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” Exodus 14:14 NIV
Glenda, Knoxville, TN:
I’m still working on the second half of my passage from last time. I knew it would take me the whole month to get these down, but I wanted to keep the passage all together:
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for all of us, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one – for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one – for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”
Romans 8:31-34, NLT
Lynn, Lubbock. “Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:6-7 (NIV)
Laura, Southaven, MS
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 NIV