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.
Misti, Athens AL
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said; ” Here am I. Send me!” Isa 6:8 NIV
Andrea, Poulsbo, WA Jeremiah 31:31 Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to your towns.
“Tacoma a word”
Norrell, Prattville
Jeremiah 10:23-24a
Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Discipline me, Lord.
NIV
Linda
Boerne, TX
“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
Susan, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Susan, Longmont, CO
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8 NKJ
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14,NIV
Brandie, Longmont CO:
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
Deut 8:3, NIV
He is teaching me reliant obedience.
Nicole, Winnipeg, 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Blaine, Mn
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
Heather
Cypress, TX
“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
Kathryn, Glendale AZ, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalms 62:8 KJV
Kena, Illinois,Psalm 32:9 Be not like a horse or a mule without understanding which must be curbed by bit and bridle or it will not stay near you. ESV
Vanessa, Rio Rancho NM
March on, my soul; be strong! (NIV)
Carina, Simi Valley:
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
I John 5:14, 15 (ESV)
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, Wisconsin
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Matthew 14:27 NIV
[As He came out of no-where, walking on water . . . ]
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
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This verse is so fitting for me at this moment, as I just finished listening to your [Miss Beth] CD set called “Crossing Our River of Fear”. I loved how you told us that we are to TAKE the courage From our great God; and that He does NOT expect for us to already have it within ourselves !!! 🙂
P.s. I had already had Hab. 3:19 nearly memorized in the Amplified version due to my attending “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things” live in Houston several years back now. 🙂 I think I will review that verse now, too; as it has So much meaning packed into it ! Hallelujah ! 🙂
And, I know that I know that I DO NOT want Satan anywhere near me, nor my Mom, 3 older sisters, brothers-in-law, 3 nephews, and 2 nieces, etc., etc, etc.
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
El Paso, TX
Philippians 4:6-7 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.
Stacey -Morocco,In
“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”
1 Peter 5:7 (CEV)
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas
2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Jana (Kalispell, MT)”Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be thier shepherd; he will lead them to spings of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelations 7: 16-17
Kaila, Springfield, MO
“As for you (Kaila), always BE sober-minded, ENDURE suffering, DO the work of an evangelist, FULFILL your ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:5
“Shout for joy all the earth, worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 NIV
Esther 4:14
“For such a time is this.”
Tammy
Cincinnati, Ohio
Love this 🙂
“Encourage one another and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Julia
Americus, Georgia
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
Deaune, Topeka, Daniel 2:22 “He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.” NIV
Ashley, Atlanta, GA:
“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 (New Living Translation)
Miranda
Colorado Springs, CO
” Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”
Daniel 10:19
“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him”
2 Timothy 2:4, ESV
Sarah, Topeka, Psalms 1:1 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” NIV
Candra, Marietta, GA: “Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” -Duet 5:33 NIV
emi, white house. “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
James 1:19 & 20, NASV
This you know, my beloved brethren, But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Anne, Ralph:
Jesus said to her,
“Daughter, you took a risk of faith,
and now you are healed and whole.
Live well, live blessed!
Be healed of your plague.”
Mark 5:34 msg
Hi Beth, I just want to thank you so much for the weekend! My husband and I went together because we were needing some alone time. I have heard you before but, always came home trying to explain to him how you so rejoice for our LORD! Well, he got to see first hand. The ladies that sat by us for the most part were kind to him. One gal was really put out that a man was there. Oh, well she might have been jealous. We have been married almost 39 years and still laugh together! 4 kidlets and 10 grandkids. Praying and praising the Lord for YOU!!!
Brandy, Siloam Springs, AR
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
Erin, Kingwood TX
“Give all you worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Cassie, Bells,TX “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 New King James Version
Stephanie, La Habra, CA “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
(NKJV) Â 2 Timothy 1:7Â
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Katie, NYC: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV.
Molly Ashland, KY
“A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Proverbs 20:24 NIV
“He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!” Daniel 2:21 Amplified Bible
Psalms 27:13 Iam confident of this: I Will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. NIV
Sue, VA
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die” ~Ecclesiastes 1:1-2a
Lynn, Morganton, NC
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NASB
Psalm 27:1 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Nina, Moore OK
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and i will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV