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.
Amanda, Conway, AR- “For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.”
-Hebrews 10:36
Amplified
Barbara, Knoxville
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 NIV
Cristina, Seattle WA –
To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Romans 12:20
ESV
Jennifer, Fairfax VA
“But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
2 chronicles 15:7 NASB
Jessica, Westminster MD
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5, ESV
Letha. Mountain Home, Arkansas. “‘For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.’ The God who has compassion on you says so.” MSG
Lara-Greenville, Ky
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so.”
Proverbs 3:27 NKJB
Rochester, MN “O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.” Psalm 63:1-5 (AMP)
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:4-5 NIV
Lana, Champaign, IL – “Trust in the Lord wit all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Kathy-Pensacola
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21 (NIV)
Peggy, Mexico,
Isaiah 43:6 (NIV)[it should be 6 & 7 but I need one verse at a time :0( ]
“I will say to the north, āGive them up!āand to the south, āDo not hold them back.ā Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth” Isaiah 43:6
Julie, Corpus Christi
I John 2:17 “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” NIV
Talmage
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.
Terry
Washington, IL
“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NLT
Marilyn…in Mississippi
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Sharae from Emporia, KS
Isaiah 55:3a
Incline your ear and come to Me
Listen, that you may live. (NASB)
Amanda, White Rock BC, Canada. “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 1 John 4:18 NLT
Leslie Currie, NC Jeremiah 32:17 KJV
Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.
Wow! Praise God!
Cindy Sylvia, Searcy, AR
Let his left hand be under my head. And his right hand embrace me.
Song of Solomon 2:6
Phil. 4:13 NIV
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Melissa G., Concord, CA
Lindsay, Las Cruces, NM
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5
My prayer fro Japan.
Deborah – Topeka, Kansas “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is tayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Elizabeth, Verona, WI-
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,continue to live in him, rooted & built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, & overflowing with thankfulness!
Thank you, Lord!!!!! Col. 2:6-7
Rose, Dallas Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
āNever will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.ā[
NIV
Katie, Cleveland, Oklahoma:
“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it.” 1 John 3:18-19 (The Message)
Stephanie Lewisville, TX
Greater love has none one than this than to lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 NIV
Kristen, Fort Worth: “Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.” Psalm 119:6
Michelle Frisco,Tx – Hebrews 10:23 NET – “And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.”
And Happy Birthday to my sweet little sister that is not only my sister but my favorite siesta too!!!!!!!!
Nancy, St. Petersburg FL
The Soverign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
Carrie
Prior Lake, MN
Titus 2:3-8(NIV)
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Nancy, Birmingham ~ Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 NLT
Hilda in Pearland:
Matt. 25: 5 & 6
Mat 25:5 “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming!
jenn, cumming:
You will find peace and rest
when you turn away from your sins and depend on me.
You will receive the strength you need
when you stay calm and trust in me.
But you do not want to do what I tell you to.
isaiah 30:15 NIrV
Tatia, Elkridge, MD:
“Oh Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and the earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT)
Lara- Greenville, Ky
“Do not withhold good from those whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so.”
Proverbs 3:27 NKJV
Hanni, Warsaw:
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God. (Ps. 50:23 ESV)
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 NIV
Shannon, Rogers, AR “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16 NIV
Leanna, Lafayette, IN.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but
the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, NIV
Katie, Atlanta, GA:
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 NIV
Sam, Boston
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
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
Edie
Mobile
Col.4:6 NET
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone .
Ruth, Westerville Ohio
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6, NIV
Joelle, Abilene TX
“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.”
James 3:17 (NIV)
Muscle Shoals, AL
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all ā how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
Lori, Mapleville, RI, There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2
Priscilla, Denton, TX
āHe alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.ā Psalm 62:6 NIV
Katelyn, Tulsa
“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27.13-14 NIV