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.
Kelly, Auburn, Al – Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deut. 6:8-9 NIV
Chrissy, Lawrence, KS
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3 (NIV)
Darcie, Bethel, CT “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:16-17 NIV
Mark 10:32
They were on their way up to Jerusalem with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.
Kimberly, South Dakota
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (Amp)
Becky, Scottsdale, AZ: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4: 12-13 NIV
Ruth 1:16 – NIV
“…Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Sue M.
Grand Rapids, MI
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:6 ESV
Barbara, Vicksburg, MS
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 John 5:14 NIV
Heather – Shokan – New York
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 NKJV
Amanda, Windermere, FL (Orlando): “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Katie, North Carolina,
John 14:27 NKJV
“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.”
Heather from Conway, SC: “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:10 (Amplified Bible)
Margie, Medina,Ohio~
“Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4
NIV
Bunny from Fithian, Illinois:
…and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear the command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 HCSB
Anna, Lexington, SC: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45 (NIV)
Cathy, Tyler, Tx Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Thanks everyone for their prayers being lifted on my behalf. I am struggling so much right now.
Joanne, Westerville
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Phillippians 1:21 NKJ
Jamie, Union Center:
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Heidi – Lancaster, PA
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 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 elso in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:32,38,39
Elaine Kiley Marietta,Ga
2 Timothy 2:24 NIV
“The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.”
Joy, Cairo,Ga.
“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
April, Greensboro, NC: “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 NIV
Elizabeth, Charlottesville
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Herbrews 11:1, ESV
Killen, AL
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3 (NIV)
“…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn…” – Isaiah 61:2
Ann Hayes, Garden City, MI Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. KJV
“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
James 4:7-8 NIV
Chris
Canton, NC
“I pour out my complaint before Him, before Him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way.”
Psalm 142:2-3
Leah Hayes, Taylors SC Jas 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. NET
Deborah,Marshall, The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguements and every pretension that sets itself against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. II Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV
Elizabeth, Rocky Mount, NC.
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.
Boni, Manassas, VA; “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 Cor. 4:18 NIV
“But if I go to the east, he is not there;
Brenda, Collinston, La. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Jayme; Marietta, Georgia:
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.
Psalms 62:1-2 / NIV
“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thes 5:16-18.
Michelle, Piedmont, Oklahoma
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV
Sharon – Lakeway TX
“When I thought ‘My foot slips”, Your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
PS. 94:18 ESV
To answer before listening-
that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13 NIV
Jessica DeWitt,IA “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:8-10 (NIV)
Heather, Piedmont, Oklahoma
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'”
Mark 16:15
Skylar, Collinston, La. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT
Shelly, Willmar MN. NIV
John 8:31-32
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. THen you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Ceffie Bridgeport WV He alone is myrock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2
Macey, Whidbey Island, WA: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Heb 11:1 NIV
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 NIV
Brenda
Fort Ashby, WV
Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Lisa (11)
Fort Ashby, WV
Romans 12:21 (NLT)
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Cheryl, Chadbourn.
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
Psalm 19:7-9 NASB
Jeni
Vevay, IN
Psalm 119:165 NSAB
Those who love Thy law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.