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.
THe LORD
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138:8, NIV
Donna, Jacksonville, Texas
“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good – His love endures forever” Jeremiah 33:11 NIV
Melany, Garrison, Mo: Because she loves me says the Lord, I will rescue her. I will protect her for she acknowledges my name. She will call upon me and I will answer her. I will dwell with her in trouble. I will deliver her and honor her. With long life will I satisfy her and show her my salvation. Psalm 91:14-16 NIV
Susan P., Callaway, VA:
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.”
Philippians 4:6 (The Message Bible)
Heather, Ontario, Canada
You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people and I will be your God (Ezekiel 36:28). NIV
Kelsi, Eau Claire, WI
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11, NIV
Deb, Lexington, TX
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Siobhan, Austin,AR “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.”PS. 28:7 ESV
Jenn
Frederick, MD
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Colossians 1:15-16 NIV
Lauren, Kentucky, Hebrews 12:1, NLT: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Linda, Longview: “Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. 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 43:18-19 NIV
Kristi, North Webster, IN
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Lisa~ Mesa, Arizona:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful, and Thankful
Colossians 4:2 NCV
Allison, Ruston
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do no be afraid, do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Tami, Vero Beach – Galations 5:22-23 NASB “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: against such things there is no law.”
Amy, Washington D.C. “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 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
Tricia Wendell, NC
The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shallI fear?
The Lord is the stonghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV
Sarah, Lufkin
“As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead…From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.”
Galatians 6:14,17 NLT
Buffy,
Rogers
…being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil 1:6 NKJ
Angela; Covington, GA
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
LaShae, Abilene, TX. “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV
petra ceres, ca
eph 4:29 niv
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Kaiva, Victoria, MN
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39 NLT
Carrie, Jupiter, FL
Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. KJV
Joy – Whitehouse, TX
I Chronicles 29:12 (NIV)
Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Teresa, Cincinnati, Ohio
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV
Shirley, Palm Coast, FL – Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5 NLT
Lisa, Olympia, WA
Psalm 62:5-7 NIV
“Find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”
Katie Coggins of Appleton, WI (but not for long – here we come, Houston!!!)
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-20a
Kyndra, Houston, TX, Psalm 95:6-7 (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.”
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land, and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
Karen, Birmingham: “He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.” Isaiah 33:6NET
Marcie, Frisco, TX
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Marilyn, Florence, AL
James 3:13 NLT
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom.
Kathy West Milton
I love you, O Lord,my strength.
Psalm 18:1 NIV
Alice, Portland OR, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Christine, Westminster, CO
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
P.S. LOOOVE the rain boots! Polka Dots = so fun
Michelle, Seattle: “Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take.” Jeremiah 31:21a NIV
Mary, Pierre SD
No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
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. II Cor. 4:15 NIV
Ladonna, Cottondale, AL: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Beth,
I never thought that I would see a picture of my daughter on your blog! But there she is, standing right next to you at the Starbucks in Tacoma! It was such a delight for her and her friends…and her mother! I had to post a link to it from my blog 🙂
Melissa, Chino, CA
Rejoice always. Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Joyce Ellis
Ooltewah, TN
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Proverbs 4:18
(KJV)
Andrea- Centralia, WA
Thanks so much for ministering to us this weekend in Tacoma! The Lord spoke to my heart and was glorified!
Isaiah 54:10 (New American Standard Bible)
“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My loving kindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”
Says the LORD who has compassion on you.
“For each one should carry their own load.” Galatian 6:5 (NIV)
Houston, TX
Alyson, Tallahassee
Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
It is the same with my word.
I will send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I sent it.
Robin, Tracy CA
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3 NIV
Donna, Albuquerque. 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 {NET Bible}