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.
Martha, Florida
I will find rest in God alone, He is the One who gives me hope.
Psalms 62:5 NIrV
Susan, Buena Vista, GA. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26. NLT.
Lynn from Humble, TX
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
Pslam 27:1 NASB
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “The Soverign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the world that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” NIV Isaiah 50:4
If you want to enjoy life and see happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and maintain it. 1 Peter 3:10-11
Jennifer, Marietta, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NLT)
Jessica, Saint Cloud
May God Himself, the God of peace sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who called you is faithful and He will do it!
1 Thess. 5:23-34 NIV
Jan, Denton, “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” Luke 11:23 NASB
Kelly
Ruston, LA
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus
Acts 20:24 (NLT)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Sheila, Tampa – Philippians 2:7 – But made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness
Debbie Laureen , New Port Richey, FL
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God;trust also in me.” John 14:1 NIV
Brooke, Birmingham, AL
DO not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:8 NIV
as His divine power has given to us all things
that pertain to life and godliness, through the
knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
1 P. 1:3 NKJV
Leigh, Seneca Falls
Anne, Simpsonville, SC
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 NIV
Gayla, Lee’s Summit, MO
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…
Phil. 2:3-5 NIV 2011
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
Holman Christian Standard
Lauren, Senoia: “Not only so but we aso rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; persevarance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3,4 NIV
Tammie in St. Peters, MO
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 (NIV)
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Continuing my focus on GRACE verses this year. Found this verse that just wore me out. Never read it before!
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the GRACE that could be theirs.”
Jonah 2: 8 (NIV)
Leah
Blairsville, GA
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
Erin – Springfield, MO
Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Luke 12:15 NLT
“Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all of my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things… ” Psalm 103:2-5 NLT ♥ Elissa in CT
Lois, Abilene, KS
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you;” Isaiah 43:2a,b NIV
Keysha McNeil, Roanoke, VA
Isaiah 54:10 (ESV)
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compssion on you.
Heidi,
Fayetteville, GA
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Tess
Cartersville, GA
Isaiah 66:2b NIV
“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”
Karen, Clarksville. “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prinsoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD, for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3 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 4:18 NIV
Rebecca, Greenwood, IN
1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
Psalm 16: 1-2 NIV
Deb, Pelzer, SC
Psalm 119:60 “I will hasten and not delay to obey Your commands.” (NIV)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)
Anita
Valdosta, GA
Lauren from Spartanburg, SC: Acts 4:12 NIV “Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Kat, Albany, NY
” O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.”
Psalms 95:6
Teresa ~ Naples, FL
Psalm 150:1-2 ESV
Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!2Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Emily – Fairburn, GA
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV).
Thank you for your update. I miss hearing about you.
Lawan, Lawton, OK-But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV84
Denita, Lake Charles, LA-“Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”
Isaiah 43:4
Carrie, Burnsville, MN
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on my God! He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”
Psalm 62:5-7 (NIV)
Louisa, Austin
“I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8 NIV
Heather, Lansing-MI
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:6 (NLT)
Melanie, Amherst, MA
“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”
Hebrews 11:29 NASB
Sierra, Vandalia, MO
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. John 15:7-8 HCSB
Amy, Houston
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1: 5-6 NASB
Amie from Rochester, MN “the Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 38: 23 NLT
Lynette Alton, IL
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. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Deanna – Nora Springs Iowa
Isaiah 28:16 NIV
So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
   “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
   a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
   will never be stricken with panic.
Judy, Marietta says “O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever. 2 Sam 7: 28-29 NIV