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.
Debra, Ponte Vedra Beach- Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
Shelley, Creswell
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
Is 55:11 NKJ
Tanya, Englewood, OH:
O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy and you have promised these good things to your servant.
II Samuel 7:28 (NIV) (Session 6 of the David Study)
Melisa – Roanoke, VA
You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. – Psalm 32:7 Christian Standard Bible
Julie, Carlsbad, Ca “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Nancy, Versailles, Ky
It is “H” week. I prefer to say this scripture with She, as taught in So Long Insecurity, but I already have an S scripture that I need to memorize 🙂
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. -Psalm 112: 7-8 (NIV -’84)
Kara, Aurora
Deuteronomy 30:11
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.
Megan, Greenwood, IN: “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
Rachel, Bellingham, WA – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Jamie, Fort Worth
Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. II Peter 1:4 NIV
Linda in Red River, NM
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 14:3 (New King James Version)
Maurina, Lake Charles, LA “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NASB
Ginger, South Point, OH
“Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.”
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit.
1 Peter 3:18
Judy Littleton, NC
God has not given us a spirit of fear
but of power love and a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7 (NKJ)
Carolyn Terrace BC Canada
Colossians 3:24 (NIV)
Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, it is the Lord you are serving.
Jackie, Lake Charles, LA “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NASB In total agreement with Beth….Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Carrie, Princeton, MN:
“Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through Your Word.”
Psalm 119:37 NLT
Katie, Dayton OH
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Kim Arlington, Virginia
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 – TNIV)
The Netherlands ‘May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.’ 2 Thes 3:5 NIV
Jennifer :),
‘And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.’
Phil.4:19 NLT
Enterprise AL
Sharen, Geelong, Australia
James 1:27 (New International Version, ©2011)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Janet, West Linn, OR
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12 NIV
Robyn
Lake Wylie SC
1 John 2:27 (NLT)
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
DeeDee, Houston,Tx
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.
james 1:26 NLT
Kaye, Stone Mountain, Ga.
“O Sovereign Lord, You are God! Your words are trustworthy and you have promised these good things to your servant.”
II Samuel 7:28 NIV
Cheryl, Everett Beth I had an amazing weekend with you in Tacoma. To God be the glory. Thank you for taking the time at the end for a Siesta Momma hug! “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He annointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” 2 Cor 1:20-21 NIV
Look to the Lord and his strength; Seek his face always
Psalms 105:4 NIV
Stacie, Cedar Rapids, IA
1 John 4:8 NIV
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Donna
Loganville, PA
Psalm 119: 36-37
Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
NIV
Tanya, Valley Center, KS
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.”
“And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:29,32, Amplified
Annabel, Valley Center, KS
“In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you. This is what is written in the Law and in the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12, NIrV
Kristy, MB Canada
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
Marybeth from Norcross: Stretch Goal this time…
All of Psalm 63 (NIV) “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you all the days of my life, and in your name I WILL lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods, with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed, I remember you. I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me. Those who seek my life will be destroyed. They will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Beth, Gig Harbor
That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.
Col. 2:2 (NASB)
Loretta of Bloomfield, NJ
Proverbs 3 (3-8) NKJV
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.
Kathy @ Wilmington NC
Proverbs 8:7 (NIV)
“For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.”
Kathy, Cochran, GA
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love. I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down and fed them. Hosea 11:4 (NCV)
Angela, Oil City, LA…but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:19 NASB
Eva, Knoxville: …he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NIV)
Katie, Houston. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 New King James Version
Jeannie, Vero Beach
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Karna – Clarkston, WA
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (NIV) Ephesians 6:10-11
Regan, Conroe. “For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever,and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5, ESV.
Judy from Louisville, KY Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
Tamara
Kelowna, BC, Canada
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
Linda, Bartelso,IL. This Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Titus 4:6+7 HCSB
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21(NIV)
Kathy – Seymour, IN
Deut. 31:8 NIV
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.