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.
Kate from Cheney, WA
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track.
A familiar verse in a fresh translation
Psalm 3:5-6, Message
I’m going to use this also, but it is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Nancy, Wichita, KS
I like this.
Judges 5:21b NIV
March on, my soul; be strong!
Kaycee, Cabot: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 NIV
Christina, Longmont CO
“My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times you people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge”
Psalm 62: 7-8, NIV
Peggy, Indianapolis
Isaiah 55:8 NKJV
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways
My ways,’ declares the Lord.”
Leigh Gray
Carmi, Il.
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the doors of my lips. Ps. 141:3 NIV
As I was scrolling through….I saw your verse and just knew it was for me! Thanks for posting :)I’m making it mine now too 🙂
Lisa, Arlington, TN: I’ve been convicted about my words lately. Hope you don’t mind, but this will be my verse, too.
Jackie, Brockville, Canada
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
I love this verse, thanks for the reminder.
“guide me in your truth and teach me for You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:5 (NIV)
Whitney Snow; Hamptonville, NC: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8 38-39 NASB
Michelle Calgary (Airdrie) Alberta Canada
Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ who though he was God did not demand and cling to his rights as God but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. Philippians 2:5-7
Hey Michelle!
Nice to see another Albertan doing this…I’ve got a view ladies at our church joining me with learning our verses.
Keep on going!
Liezil, Stettler AB
Myriam- New York
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:15 NLT
Barb, Evansville, IN
continuing the Shema
Deut 6:6-7 ncv
Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Leigh-Anne, Bemus Pt. NY
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14
Cindy,Alton NH
We glory in tribulations also: knowing tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience, and experience hope: And hope maketh us not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us.Romans 5:3-5 KJV
Sharon in Florien: Lord, teach me how you want me to live. Then I will follow your truth. Give me a heart that doesn’t want anything more than to worship you. Psalms 86:11 (NIRV)
Carissa, Houston, TX 1 Peter 5: 10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Laura, Bossier City:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. — Psalm 13 NIV
Nancy, Newport News, VA
“Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
Tricia, Xenia, OH
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Charlotte – Ohio
3-15-11
Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your heart, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3
Dear Heavenly Father may your precious hand be upon all the people of Japan.
Tina, Roanoke, AL
“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
Sherri, Ayden,NC Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Pm 32:11 ESV
Jennifer; Houston, TX: Charm can fool you, and beauty can trick you, but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Debbie, Smyrna,TN
March on, my soul, be strong!
Judges 5:21b
NIV
Linda, Delray Beach,FL You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Leslie, Missoula, MT, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
I John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth. NIV
Marie Gregg, Post Falls, Idaho –
““I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.” – Luke 12:8 (NIV)
Jani – Agate, CO
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Kristen, Three Rivers, MI
“So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:11 NLT
Patty, Lakeport, FL
You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways. Psalm 139:3 (HCSB)
Sedrone, Arp, TX Is 55:8 NKJV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways My ways, ‘declares the Lord.
Kathy Branstner Minnesota
O Lord you have searched me and you know me,
You know when I sit and when I rise,
Your perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psalms 139 verses 1-2 NIV
Deborah, Katy, TX
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Valerie, Ashburn
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 NLT
Revisiting Psalm 139- Already memorized yet needed to be revisited.
Gretchen, Kearney, MO
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God. Soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. Psalm 42:5 MSG
Amanda, Katy, TX
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Lori from NC. – (picking up from last verse). 2 Perer 1:4. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine natre and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Hebrews 10:22 “So let’s come near God with pure hearts, and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciouses free from evil and our bodies washed with clean water.”
Contemporary english version
Kara, Houston, TX
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Sue, Kingsport, TN. Lord, be merciful to us! We wait for you. Give us strength each morning! Deliver us when distress comes. Isaiah 33:2 The NET Bible
Tara from Tampa
Hebrews 12:6
“Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son (daughters).
Melissa, Miles City, MT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Michelle in Nashville:
“Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” — 2 John 2:3 NASB
Rebecca
Julian, NC
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your hearts before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
NKJV
Pat H. Indianapolis, IN
I pour out my heart for the people of Japan this week. God be with them..
Vicky, Enders
Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4, NLT
Jolynn, Rowlett, TX
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
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.
Alyson Lung; Longmont, CO
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Psalm 148:3 NIV