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.
They will forget their shame and unfaithfulness they had toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. Ezekiel 39:26 NIV
Debby, Ellicott City, MD Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. The power is like the working of his mighty strength.”
Lexington, Ky
You are my hiding place! You protect me from trouble and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me. Psalm 32:7 (CEV)
Kathy
Lynden, Wa
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Sue Chesterfield VA
Philippians 2-13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Sulphur LA- I have hated them that regard lying vanities; but I trust in the lord
Psalm 31:6 King James Version
Julie, Danville, KY:
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you and fights for you against your enemies to give you victory.” NIV
Amanda Cartersville,GA
Mark 14:38 HCSB
“Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Dana, Ozark, MO
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the doors of my lips. Ps. 141:3 NIV
Becky, Fairfax, VA
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3
“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God.” ~Colossians 4:2(NCV)
Bobbie Jo
San Angelo, TX
Julie Lexington, Ky
“I am still 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(NIV)
Beth, Oklahoma City
Psalm 119:16 NIV I delight in your decrees;I will not neglect your word.
Tara, Frederick, MD: “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” Ephesians 5:13 NIV
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Shannon
Katy, TX
Priscilla, Mesa, AZ
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
Catherine, St Paul;
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Allison, Burgaw, NC
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, NIV
Sara, Fisherville, KY 2 Cor. 4:11 “For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” NIV
Katy, TX
Proverbs 19:11 (NLT)
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
Ashley
Rock Hill, SC
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7
Amy from Cumming, GA
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)
Cathy, Walton, IN
“I have no greater joy then to hear that my children are
living by the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)
Elizabeth, Birmingham, AL.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 NIV 11
2 Corinthians 5:5
The Message
The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.
Crystal, Everett-Canada: 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. 2 Samuel 22:31 NIV
Lena, Wilmore
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NIV)
Kristen, Baton Rouge
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
Melissa, Proctorville, OH
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 NKJV
Laurie, Columbus, OH
Psalm 25:12-14 NIV
Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear Him, He makes His covenant known to them.
Jen – Springfield, MO
He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber
Psalm 121:3 NIV
Cacey, Northville, MI
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Tuscaloosa, AL Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NIV
Lisa Auten, Rogers, AR; “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1 NASB
Beth, pearland Texas
James 3:17 NIV
But wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Joy, Salina:
“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:8 (NIV)
Cathy, Colorado Springs, but from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children– Psalms 103:17 NIV
Liz – Mascoutah, IL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 13:15 (NIV)
Heather, Cedar Rapids
I’m still catching up, so I’ll post 2 more verses. Both NIV.
Psalm 15:1–Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
Psalm 15:2–He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.
“I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:24 NIV
Karin from Brandon, MS
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph 2:8-9, ESV
Hope, Northport, AL
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds adn praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Amy, Cleveland: “Commit to the Lord everything you do. Then your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3, NIRV
Tammy, Marietta, GA – The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. – Isaiah 61:1-3
Martha,Albertville,AL / Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.Ephesians 1:4 (New Living Translation)
Erica, Houston
Romans 11:29 NIV
For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
“For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Karyn, Elberfeld, IN – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NASB)
Lacie, Americus Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV
Kari, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy
James 1:2 (NLT)