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.
Lisa, Bethany, OK
That is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
Ephesians 4:8 NIV
Anna, Maumelle, AR
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19NIV
Deena, Corona,CA
“For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Rissa, Boaz: “May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints inheritance in the light.” Colossians 1:11-12 (Holman CSB)
Gigi, San Antonio
He fills my life with new things. My youth is renewed like the eagles’s! Psalm 103:5 (NLT)
Libby
Dallas, Texas
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Lord, how I long to hear You with every step!
Yelm, WA
Psalms 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
Melissa, Spring
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.-Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Karen, from Chandler, AZ,
Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”
I did not get a chance to post my last memory verse, but it was Romans 12:12:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Both NIV
Loving having these in my head!
Renita A
Woodstock, GA
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Natalie
Little Rock, AR
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.”
Revelation 19:6 New American Standard
Shanna, West Bloomfield, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8-9 (NIV)
Psalm 27:7
New American Standard Version
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.
San Bernardino, CA
*Psalm 27:14
 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
Kristie
Sandia, Tx
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Isaiah 55:10,11 (NIV)
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Hebrews 11 vs.1 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Paula: Oklahoma I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NIV).
Lauren, Kansas City, MO
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 43:2-3a, NIV (A continuation of my last memory verse — Isaiah 43:1)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6 NIV
Lindsey, Madison, GA
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)
“when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NIV
Sherri, Modesto, CA 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Ruth, Paducah
O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house
And the place where Your glory dwells.
Psalm 26: 8 NASB
Robin, Scottsdale, AZ
Luke 1:45 (NIV) “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”
Kati, Ocracoke Island, NC
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.
Romans 12:1 The Message
Amanda, Queen City,TX: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Annette
Maplewood, MN
“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”
1 John 5:18
NIV
Andrea, Overland Park,KS
“But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.”
Psalm 51:6
NLT
Heather, Wilmington. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39, NIV
Gloria, Aiken SC
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 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.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
~Isaiah 43:1-3
Alisa Taylor, Clinton, MS
The Lord said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4
NASB
Kelsie in Corpus Christi, TX
1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34: 1-3 NIV
Alicia, Gulfport.
Worship the Lord with joy! Enter his presence with joyful singing!
Ps 100:2 NET
Barb Chiang Mai, Thailand
“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
God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor- not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and His ways.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (NLT)
Becky, Brandon
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” 1Corinthians 10:31 HCSB
Lori, Ft. Worth, “He is your constant source of stability.” Isaiah 33:6 (NET) 🙂
Cheryl, Louisville, KY
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
Rachel Small, La Habra CA
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as daughters by whom we cry “Abba! Father!””
Romans 8:15
Dori, Spring Hill, TN
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:3-4
Sue, Orillia, Ontario, Canada: “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.: Revelation 7:17 (KJV)
Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
Krista Croft
Centennial, CO
Kelli
Southeastern Colorado
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NIV
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold onto what is good, reject every kind of evil.
Mary, Springfield, MO:
“The LORD will command
His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night
His song shall be with me –
A prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:8, NKJV
Abbie, Omaha, NE
“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.” (NIV)
Traci – Corona, CA
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)
Gotta share The Message too – “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Thank You, Jesus!
Linda, Bend, OR
Psalm 27:4 NIV
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to see Him in His temple.
Rene, Abilene “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Arlette, Cheney, WA
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action;
be self-controlled;
Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1:13(NIV)