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 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.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Cathy, Dallas
But she who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18
Melissa, Houston, Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brethern by the mercies of Go, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1
Ashley DeLen, Alma Ks, Proverbs 4:24 (niv)
“Put awa perversity from your mouth, keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
Julie, Fredericksburg, VA
“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.”
Ephesians 1:17, NIV
Laurie, Granby, CT
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Heather, Shiloh, NC
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
I hope to see you soon. And we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
Shelly Wilson, Fort Worth, TX
Hosea 2:14 (NIV) – “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.”
Rachel, Orlando.
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.” Proverbs 12:4 NIV
Jennifer, Conyers,GA
Psalm 19:14 NIV Bible
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.
Kendra, Sturgis, Psalm 3:3 But thou O Lord art a shield about me-my glory and the lifter of my head. KJV
Phil. 4:8
Finally brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on what ever is right or deserves praise; things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.
God’s Word translation
Jennifer, Fayetteville AR:
Isaiah 40:31
“but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” -NIV-
Nightingale
Miami, FL
Job 8:21 NIV
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
faith, Safford, AZ> ” And my God shall supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19 (the net bible)
Christy, Katy TX: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowlege him and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:4-5 NIV
Kristin, Covington, KY
Hebrews 12: 1-2, ESV.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Karen, Hewitt “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”. Revelations 3:20 (NIV)
Lisa, Sparks, NV
“and joyfully giving thanks to the FATHER who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Col 1:12 NIV
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11 NIV
Becky, Springfield
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
Psalm 86:4, New International Version
Jennifer, Greensburg:
Proverbs 17:9 NIV
“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Amanda, LaSalle, Ontario, Canada
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4: 2-3 NIV
Darbi, Saltillo, MS:
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26 KJV
Kelli McLean – Kalispell, MT
“The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Isaiah 51:11 NIV
Dawn – Falmouth, KY
Galations 6:9-10 NLT
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.
Emily, Greensburg
Ephesians 4:32 (ICB):
“Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”
Tammy ~ Tampa, FL
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Susie, Fort Worth …for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them. Psalm 44:3 (ESV)
Carla LaFayette, Al.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10. NIV
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28
Annie L. Bloomington, Indiana
Christy – Justin, TX
(Sticking with my “confidence/courage” theme for the year…
Joshua 1:9 NLT “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. Psalm 139:1 NLT
San Marino, California
Heather, Greensburg
Psalm 100 & 66 verse 1 (NIV):
“Shout with joy to God all the earth.”
Lindsey, Hamshire, TX:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Wendy, Ringgold GA
Col 2:2-3 NET
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.
Jasmyn ~ Tampa, FL
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Jeanne; Honolulu, HI
Psalm 112:7 (New Century Version)
They won’t be afraid of bad news;
their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.
I must say that the journey the LORD is carrying me on with these verses has been quite interesting. I know for sure HE has a sense of humor.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Alli
College Station, Phi Lamb
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4 NIV
Karen
Naples, FL
Esther 4:14b
HCSB
“Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”
Brittany- Middletown, OH
“Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” Psalm 40:4
Brenda-Towson
Surley God is my Salvation I will trust and not be afraid the LORD The LORD is my strength and my song he has become my salvation. Is 12:2 NIV
Betsy, Katy, TX; Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV
Debbie, Fisherville, Ky,
Are not all angels ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 NIV
Angela, Frankfort, KY
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV
Marlene – Chicago, IL
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Mary Beth, Pittsburgh, PA
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Psalm 91:11 {NIV}
Jessica, Winston Salem, NC
“Don’t depend on your own wisdom. Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong. Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong.” Proverbs 3:7-8 (New Century Version)