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.
Sue C, Middletown, IN
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Psalm 3:5, Message
‘may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,’ Eph 3:18, NIV
Leah, Little Falls
Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be His treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
“Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:17-18 (NIV)
Jill, Austin TX
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who has promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Troy, OH
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isaiah 53:2-3 NIV
JOY
WEST MONROE, LA
COLOSSIANS 3:1-2
“SINCE, THEN YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST, SET YOUR HEARTS ON THINGS ABOVE, WHERE CHRIST IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON EARTHLY THINGS.”
Mildred in Mer Rouge
Those who hope in me(the Lord)will not be disappointed.
Isaiah 49:23b NIV
Chris, Glen Morgan, WV I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 HCSB
Rosalie, Cincinnati
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 112:7 KJV
Kim, RIchmond, TX:’may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,’ Eph 3:18, NIV
Nicole, Ocean Springs, MS – “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” ~Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)
Sarah, Euharlee, Ga. O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:1-2 NIV
Thanks for sharing the pictures and sweet points. I am so in awe of our precious Savior and the pouring out of His love during your time in Washington State.
“Live by Faith, Be known by Love, Be joyful in Hope”
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Darla Tampa, Fl Colossians 3:23 NLT
“And whatever you do, do it heartily (with all your soul), as to the Lord and not to men.”
Katie, Loveland CO. “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.” Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
Lisa D., Alpharetta, GA
“Stand frim then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Alicia, Columbus, OH ~ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
posting for my friend, Sandy R., Eatonton, GA
“Stand frim then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)
Sharon, Riverside, Ca.
Then my head will be exhalted above the enemies who
surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with
shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Psalm 27:6 NIV
Please pray for me as I will have knee replacement surgery
on Thursday, March 17th.Thanks.
Mari, Zionsville
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel Ephesians 6:19 NIV
Kristin, Hamburg, AR
“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 AMP
Megan, Charlotte, NC.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1
Erin, Northville MI- I NEED the truth Kate from Cheney WA- I’m sharing her memory verse : ) God Bless!! “Psalm 3: 5-6 The Message”
Sharon L., Bulls Gap, TN. –
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. – John 14:6 (KJV)
Debbie, Cheyenne, WY – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NASB)
How in the world did I type “stand frim” for both me and my best friend? I meant “Stand Firm” on both of the above entries. I am sure that gave God a giggle. 🙂
Lisa, Steinbach, MB
John 12:28 (NIV)
“Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven.”I have
glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
Paula, Earlham
“And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God’s Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life.” I John 5:11,12 NLT
Sandy K., Mansfield, TX: I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you, I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2, NIV
“Set your minds on things sbove, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3 (NIV)
Shaley- Texas
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7 NIV
Laura, Plainfield, IN
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 NIV
Romans 8:28
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” (Holman Christian Standard)
Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version, ©2011)
17 The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Liz gladstone or
Joy, Greenville
“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is the Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Rev. 17:14 (NKJV)
Lynchburg, VA
Hebrews 4:16 (English Standard Version)
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Marge – Chili WI
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Kim, E. Granby, CT: Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed. Psalm 141, NLT
Karen Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be proceeded for you. Matthew 6:33 niv
Ashley, Tampa, FL 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. Is 33:6 NIV
Kelli, Indianapolis:
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being -Ephesians 3:16 NIV
The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8 HCSB
Rebecca, Wasola, MO
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:1-2 NIV
Carol, Phoenix, AZ Romans 8:18 NIV:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Kerry, Sheridan, Wy
Is.56:6
ESV
. . .And the strangers/foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants. . .
Cheryl – Concord, NC – “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 146.5 nkjv
Vickie,Louisville KY:
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Kate-Overland Park, KS
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
2 Corinthians 4:7NASB