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.
Julia, Crystal Springs. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Kelly, Lewisville, TX: Psalm 23 NIV (with a few throwbacks to the King James that sticks with me from my childhood)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 NIV
Psalm 47:10
Be still and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Laura Kathryne
Auburn, AL
“The LORD upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down.” Psalm 145:14 NIV
Austin, TX
“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)
That’s my very favorite verse in the Bible. There are times I’ve clung to those words.

Meg, Ohio: Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. (NIV)
I’m sorry & I’m trying to keep this short but God’s been really convicting me about Holiness! All these verses spoke to me on the topic so I’m gonna try to memorize them all. Not sure I will this month. If not, next month too.
Monica, NY.
“Strive to live in peace with everybody & pursue that consecration & HOLINESS without which no one will [ever]
see the Lord.”…….HEBREWS 12:14(AMP)
“Think straight. AWAKEN to the HOLINESS of life. No more playing fast & loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can’t afford @ times like these..”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:34a(MESS)
“What you say goes-it always has “Beauty” & “HOLY” mark your palace rule, God, to the very end of time.”…….
PSALM 93:5(MESS)
Michele, Weber City, Virginia
You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn North.
Deut 2:3 NASB
Hey Michele! Are you journeying through the book Made to Crave, too? Prayers for you Siesta! 🙂 2Corinthians 4:16
Psalm 119:16 NIV
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Natalie Ward,Peidmont,SC: “Make every dffort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14(NIV)
Jennifer
Kodak, TN
See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Tracy- Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
“The voice of the one crying out in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
Luke 3 vs. 4-6 NRSV
Sarah-Bremen, Ohio
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Cindy, Grand Rapids, I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Rev 3:18 NIV
Beverly, Rock Hill, SC
“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”
1 Peter 5:7 (CEV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 NIV
Charlotte, NC (Reminder that God is in control even as we watch the devastation in Japan.)
Carolyn,
This was just the verse I was looking for!! It’s been on my heart this evening, but I couldn’t remember the “address”. Yay! Thank you.
Jeni Majors, Prescott, AZ:
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1 NLT
My God shall supply all your need according to his riches and in gory by Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:19
Cindy Wincel-Indianapolis, IN
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Corban age 6
Paula, Lake Charles, LA John 16:33 (NET)
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.
Amy from Tampa. Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
Lacey, Bath, PA
The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when He delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24, ESV
Anne, Johnson City, TN
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give a future and a hope.
I forgot to note that this is from the ESV.
Psalm 29:11 (New International Version, ©2011)
The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Linda Tavares, Richmond, VA
“I labor struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works in me.” En Cristo
Colossians 1:29 NIV
Tina, Chesapeake, VA: Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3:10 (NIV)
Katie, Durham, NC: “a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
Stephanie, Queen City: “10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
James 4:10 (NKJV)
Lori from Magnolia, TX
O house of Israel, I will judge you each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 18:30
Oopps, forgot the reference. Proverbs 14:13,ESV
Psalm 68:19 NIV
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
Who daily bears our burdens.
Alyssa, Fort Worth.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample on the great lion and the serpent.
Psalm 91:13 (NIV)
(continuing with Psalm 91, 12 verses down!)
Nicola, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
This is so that by two unchangeable things (His promise and His oath) in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled to Him for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before us. Now, we have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul (it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it) a hope that reaches farther and enters into (the very certainty of the Presence) within the veil. Where Jesus has entered in for us (in advance) a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. Heb. 6:18-20 AMP
Erin, Albion, IL
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Jennifer Flores, Colorado Springs, CO- 1 Corinthians 10:31 TNIV “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Kayla Haddon Guthrie,OK
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NKJV
Tammy, Clarksville, TN: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
vickie
Russellville
Hosea 2:14-15
Therefore I am now going to allure her. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. Then she will sing as in the days of her youth as in the day she came out of Egypt.
NIV
I know this probably an unusual memory verse but it is the instruction God has given me to deal with my teenage daughter who I adopted 4 years ago
Kathryn from Louisville, KY.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.”
-Psalm 23:5 (NASB)
Rebecca, Berlin GA
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, cloth yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, hentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on Love which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray
The Message
Philippians 4:6
Martha
Catawba, NC
I Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Breanna 14
Russellville
Gal 5:16
So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature
NIV
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God sent His Son into the world,but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17
1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing
Connie, Chariton, Is not My word like a fire? says the Lord, And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV
Diane, Cary NC and Naperville IL
Leviticus 20:7 (ESV) Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
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. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:47 NIV