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.
Cristy, Monroe Ohio
Feb 1 & 15 scripture:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do wether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)
Tamela, Piedmont, SC: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Psalm 95:6 NIV
LeAnne, Albertville Psalm 112:7-8 “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.” NIV
Denise
Myrtle Creek, Or
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
Leigh, Grayson, GA:
Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For The Lord Most High is awesome. He is the Great King of all the earth. Ps 47:12 NLT
Megan, Charlotte “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” Proverbs 14:30 ESV
Stacy Featherston, Searcy, Arkansas….
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1 NLT
Louie Giglio inspired me to memorize Psalm 63:)
Shelley
Springfield, MO
Psalm 121:5-6
The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night. (HCSB)
Debra, Gentry Arkansas
Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way: say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Jenny, Sugar Land, TX: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Angel, OroValley
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasig in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Amy, Georgia
Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
Toni, Sugar Hill, GA
“The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” Isaiah 51:3 NIV
Tona, South Carolina
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 NIV
Susan\ Maple Grove, MN
“Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before you, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (NAB)
“Rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Joel 2:13a (NIV)
Amy, Colorado Springs:
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12, ESV
Hannah Grace, Piedmont, SC: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Nellie, Danville Ky
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches and in glory by Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19 KJV
Krista, Jamesburg, NJ, Romans 8:39, NLT
No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Kate, Ottawa area, Canada:
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar;for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God whom we cannot see? And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.
1 John 4:20-21 (NLT)
Kathy, Easley: I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 NIV
Marilyn ~ Seattle
The earth with all it’s people may shake, but I am the one who holds it steady.
Ps. 75:3 (NCV)
Emily, Iowa, But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 NIV
Sandy in Amarillo:
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 KJV
Kristina, Huntsville, AL: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalms 100:4
Bombey, Houston
Praise the lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2. NIV84
Sonya, IL
Psalm 52:8-9 NLT
“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.”
Heidi~Lindale, Texas
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Cor. 13:6 NIV
Terri from Mechanicsville, VA
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Micah 7:8 NIV
Ephesian 6:16-17
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. NIV
Bridget, Portland, TX
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
March on my Soul with COURAGE! Judges 5:21b,(NLT)
Ali C., Dublin, CA- “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.” Lamentations 3:25 NLT
Suzette, Vidor Tx
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 cor. 9:8 amplified
Diane, Roswell, GA
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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.
“For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But, I am among you as the one who serves.” Luke 22:27 NASB
Barbara, N. Tonawanda, NY- O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2 (NIV)
Oak ridge, tn
Now the goal of our instruction is love [that comes] from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5
Mandy – Powder Springs, GA
PS 62:5-8 (NLT)
5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
Caitlin, Omaha:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus ous Lord.” Romans 19:38-39 ESV
Betty from Austin, Texas The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63 NIV
Valerie, Scott City
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1, KJV
Carmen, Summersville, WV
“Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 NCV
Kathy South Bend Isaiah 43:10 NIV, “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord and my servant shom I have chosen, so that you may KNOW and BELIEVE me.”
Teketa, Newport: Exodus 15:11 (NIV)
Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Alison Spartanburg ,SC
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19 NIV
Siesta Stephanie Stanford Ky
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.
You will seek me and find me whenyou seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 11,13
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)