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.
Rosie, Tacoma Word
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 NKJV
Kim; Poplar Bluff, Mo
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
“She will have no fear of bad news;
her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Her heart is secure,
She will have no fear;
in the end she will look in triumph on her foes.”
Psalm 113:7-8
NIV
Great verse. This was mine from last time, but I think it is Psalm 112:7-8.
I was waiting for a a breast cancer result when God gave me this verse.
What a blessing His Word is!
Thanks. Were you diagnosed with breast cancer? I hope you are doing well!
No, Praise God! I just had a huge cyst! They were able to tell from my ultrasound.
Erin, Herndon, VA
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7, NKJV
Janet, Georgia: “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” –Job 12:10, NIV
Jennifer, Lutz, Florida
“You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not” Matthew 13:11 NLT
Connie, Reidville, SC
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:16–NIV
Adrienne, Clarksville
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Pamela Sue, Palm Bay, Florida 🙂
“Trust in the Lord with
all your heart,
do not depend on
your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you
which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Translation
Janae – Riverside,PA
Deuteronomy 10:17(NIV) “The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who show no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
Kat, Wilmington, NC
“Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Connie Windham, Trout, LA
Isaiah 45:22 NIV
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Lisa, Jackson, Missouri
March on, my soul, be strong. Judges 5:21b NIV
Laura from Canton MI
Romans 8:6 (New American Standard Bible)
For the mind set on the flesh is death,
but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
My verses are not “sticking” as easily as they were at the beginning of the year. Please pray that God makes them stick in my heart and mind. Thanks.
Laura, I’m praying with and for you.
Words kill, words give life;
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)
Teri- Corpus Christi, TX
Greta from Albuquerque
2 Tim 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. NIV Proverbs 3: 7-8
Jennifer, Kansas
“I pray that out of His glorious riches
He may strengthen you with power through
His Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell
in your hearts through faith”
Ephesians 3:16
* I must confess I am new to the group. I was too scared to commit at the beginning of the year. I am now reading So Long Insecurity and realize how desperately I need this. Thank you Beth!
Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Brandy, San Angelo, Texas Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” New Living Bible
Carol
Albuquerque NM
1Samuel 2:2 NIV
2- There is no one holy like the Lord, there is no one besides you there is no Rock like our God.
Carol
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.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR:
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.
Psalm 143:8 NIV10
Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
James 4:14 (NLT)
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Susan, Barrie, ON, Canada
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”. NIV2011
Kathy G, White House, TN
Phillippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus NIV
Ramona, Pasadena:
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Gina, Ridgeland, MS
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:5,6 ESV
Ooops! Re-posted last verse! 🙂 New verse for March 15 is
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8. ESV
Tricia, Tucson.
Psalm 105:4 Look to the LORD and his strentgh; seek his face always. (NIV)
Jennifer, Ocala, Fl
Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(memorizing the beatitudes…love them!!)
Shiffra, Vicksburg, MI
“Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch,strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of G-d,” they said.” Acts 14:21-22
Victoria, Thomasville NC
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. James 3:18, NRSV
Becca
Salem, OR
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Lori, Pine Island, MN
“The day is Yours, and Yours also the night;
You established the sun and moon.
It was You Who set all the boundaries of the earth;
You made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:16-17 NIV
Rhonda
Gilmer
You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.
Deuteronomy 10:20-21 (NKJV)
Marla, Yakima.
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
Psalms 31: 14-15 NIV
Tucson
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.”
James 1:22 NIV
Dawn in Monett,MO
Psalm 73:25,26 NIV
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.
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Decatur, Alabama: “Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28,29 ESV
Wendy, Orillia, Ontario, Canada
physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
Patty – Glendora, CA
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7
Rebekah from Marion, IN – “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” – Joshua 23:14 – NIV
Spring, TX
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
NIV
Lynette, Nashville, TN
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better.
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
Kristi, League City, Texas. “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
Kim>Hickory,N.C.- Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Lacey in Indiana
” The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The LORD turn his face towards you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26(NIV)