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.
Kathi
Lexington, OH
Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)
Michelle, Chesapeake, OH “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)
Audrey from Ohio
Psalm 139:1-5
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.
You hem me in behind and before,
and You lay Your hand upon me.
Kay, Greenwood, SC
“The Lord has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God.”
NCV
Psalm 51:11 Cast me not away from your presence and take not your holy presence from me amanda marco island,fl
Jill, Danville, KY
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18 New Living Translation
Kelly, Greer, SC
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Ps.34:18 (NIV)
Marti, Loganville, Ga “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Gail
Ellensburg, WA
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
Ann, Murrells Inlet
I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
Isaiah 49:16 NIV
Kay, Greenwood, SC
Micah 6:8 NCV
Emily from Washington, DC …. “I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)
“Your testimonies are very sure, HOLINESS {apparent in separation from sin, with simple trust & hearty obedience} is becoming to your house , O Lord, forever.”…
Psalm 93:5(Amplified)
Monica, NY.
Patti, Northville ~ “Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18 NIV
Janifer, Glen Burnie, MD
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Sedrone, Arp, TX
Is 55:8 NKJV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, ‘ declares the Lord
Anna, Austin: Be Still and Know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Anna Mitchell, Tyler, Texas:
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
ALSO POSTING FOR MY DAUGTER:
Ella Grace (8), Tyler Texas:
Phillipians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Jana, Quitaque, TX
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:2-3 NIV
Rita Quinlan – Alva, Florida
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.
Psalm 3:3 Amplified Bible
CeCe, Girdwood, Alaska
The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33: 5-6 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our Gd? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. 2 Samuel 22:31-34 NIV
Kim, Kansas City, “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.”
(LK. 6:22-23)NIV
Danna M.
Atlanta, TX.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11 NIV
Hebrews 10:23 “we must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. Afterall we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.”
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing and be glad all our days. (NIV)
Nesha: Mechanicsville, VA
‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’
Psalm 34:18 NIV
Teresa, Peoria, IL
1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
Stephanie
Rome, GA
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Kelli, Bowling Green, KY
“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
Cynthia, Massanutten, Virginia
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.
Phil 4:8 ESV
Kaye in Arkansas— “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
There are 15 of us all around the globe memorizing all or part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. If you want to be praying for your Siesta-mates they are: Brandi Pierce Grove, Oklahoma; Janice, Tulsa; Rebecca,Madison,MS; Linda, Carolina Beach, NC; Brittney, Olympia; Deb, Windsor, CT; Amanda, Colorado Springs; Kim, Warren Raleigh; Robin Snohomish, WA; Dorothea, Rockwall, TX; Stacey from Abilene; Cheryl, Uganda
Marie, Easley SC
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Ps 16:6 (ESV)
Jennifer, Nashville TN
Psalm 126:5 NIV
They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.
Kelly, Waco, Tx:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
…those who Hope in me will not be disappointed.
Isaiah 49:23 (NIV)
LK AZ “The Lord lives. And blessed be My Rock. And exalted be the God of my salvation.” Psalm 18:46 ESV
You will keep in perfect peace (completely whole TM) him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Julia,Whidbey Island, WA: “Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!
2Cor4:15 The Message
Amanda, Hoyt, KS “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Loretta, Murrayville
When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138:3 NLT
Cassie, Keystone Heights, Fl
Proverbs 15:16 MSG
A simple life in the Fear-of-God is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.
Caitlin, Tulsa, OK
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
-Psalm 9:10 (NASB)
Joyce, Big River, SK, Canada
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (New King James Version)
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Andrea, Florence, Ky – When we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his lovingkindness and his truth. – Psalm 25:10 TLB
Denise, Grovetown Georgia, She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14 ESV
Barbara, Prospect. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ” My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Isa. 40: 27 (NIV)
Lori, League City, TX
Cassandra Hickory, NC
Hebrews 4:13
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (NIV)