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.
Stephanie, Mount Carmel, TN
“Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in your commands.” NIV
Jeanni,Westland Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. KJV
So therefore do not worry about tomorrow for it will worry about itself. Matthew 6:33
Melissa
Greer, SC
But He knows the way I take;
when He has tried me,
I shall come out as gold.
Job 23:10 ESV
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Cheryl, Loami, IL “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” NIV Romans 8:28
Denise – Key Largo
Colossians 3:12 NCV
God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He love you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Andrea, Southern Illinois-
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to shame, by triumphing over them in Him.
Colossians 3:13-15 ESV
Sandy, Central
Make me know Thy ways, O Lord Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy Truth and teach me. For Thou art the God of my salvation, For Thee I wait all day. Psalm 25:4-5 NAS
Darcy, Northern Virginia. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:5 NLT
Lindsay, Salisbury, NC: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV
Jamie – Phoenix: Deuteronomy 33:26-27 (NIV)
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
who rides across the heavens to help you
and on the clouds in his majesty.
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’
Jessica Griggs Brown, Florence, SC—
This verse has been my prayer since before I knew I was pregnant, but takes on a whole new meaning since my daughter will make her debut in 9 weeks.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (New American Standard Bible)
Libby, Texarkana: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Jessica
Birmingham, AL
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God”
NIV
Cary Forney, TX Ephesians 4:1 NLT
Lead a life worthy of your calling, for YOU have been called by GOD.
Lauren, Arlington, TX:
Psalm 23:6 ESV
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Isaiah 44:5
I belong to the Lord.
Waylene, Loma Linda,
But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is His name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people. Isaiah 51:15,16
KJV
LaGrange, GA
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Hilary, West Palm Beach, FL
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
-2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
Well I am jumping in late. I did the first round and fell off in the second…so I am going to start up now. Better late than never. Just returned from Tacoma!!!! Which was my second favorite conference ever!!! Boise comes in 1st for me!
At any rate because of Tacoma I am choosing, Matt 20:32 “And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. ESV
2 Cor. 4:7 NIV~ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Debbie
Highland, MI
Janet, Richland, MS
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the preace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Laurie, Spokane
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 NAS
Sarah, Vancouver WA
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;
He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
Amy, Granby, CT “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7 NKJV (Keeping it simple this time, but intend to meditate on this one intensly!)
Carol
Carthage, NY
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
Hannah, Georgetown Tx, Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Hill, Los Angeles
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 NIV
Sheree, Phoenix, AZ: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Byram, MS
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
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.
Jennifer, Highlands Ranch, CO
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:3 NIV
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
Elizabeth, Falls Church, VA
1 John 1:5-7 NIV
“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Cathleen, Saskatoon, SK Canada
Luke 1:78,79 “Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death. Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.” THE MESSAGE
Laura, Savannah, GA.
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Teresa, Livingston, TN
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
Christy, FL – “For You make him most blessed forever; You make him glad with the joy of Your presence.” Ps. 21:6
“I will praise the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim with me the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delievered me from all of my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”
Psalms 34:1-7 HSCB
Martha, Clearwater, FL
Greater love has no man than this,that he lay down his life for a friend.
John 15:13
Shannon, Chino, CA “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NLT)
Megan
Blytheville, AR
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
ESV
Christine Lissoy, Irvine CA: Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
Cacy~Evans,GA
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Tina, Granby CT:
“Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Sister I have been so blessed as our heart-to-heart sisters have started studying your “David Seeking a Heart Like His” Program! It is fantastic!!
My verse is Psalm 62:1-2
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
kim, Monroe NC
Psalm 143:8 (New International Version, ©2011)
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
Nanette R., Nashville, TN
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13, NIV
Carla Ritz, Lock Haven PA – “and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” – 2 Peter 1:7 NASB