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- Carlsbad, NM
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18 (NIV)
Kristy, Spanaway, WA
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
-2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Darl, Bakersfield, CA “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Debbie, Calgary.
And the LORD said to Debbie (um, I mean Moses), “Is the LORD’S hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”
Numbers 11:23 NET Bible
Thank you, LORD. YOU be glorified!!!
P.S. I was late — I’m sorry.
Lisa V, Washington, NJ “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6 (NASB)
Glenda, Tualatin
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. 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 Saviour.
Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV
Gail in Fort Worth
Ps 46:1-3, NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Yvonne
Fresno
Jeremiah 31:33 NIV
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Cassie; Fulshear, TX: “For Your faithful love is before my eyes, and I live by Your truth.” Psalm 26:3 (HCSB) ❤
Kristy, Mauriceville, TX
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.”
1 Cor. 15:57 (NKJV)
Joyce, Abilene
Ps.30:7 By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
Angela, Mansfield TX
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 55:22 (NLT)
Jana, Fresno
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord.
Even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22 NIV
Becky-Tacoma,WA Psalm 16:5 Holman
“LORD, you are my portion and my cup(of Blessing);
you hold my future.”
Jody, Mission Viejo, CA
Set guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the doors of my lips.
Psalms 141:3 (NIV)
Janie, Lubbock: ‘Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV
Claire, Memphis, TN
James 1:5 (HCSB)
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
Renee – Cypress, TX
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 NIV
Shalene, Clovis, CA Deut 3:24 NKJV
O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?
Paula, Houston, TX
“… 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)
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Erin, New Orleans, LA.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Janan, Houston, Psalm 103:5 NIV, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Susan, Portland, OR
“The mind controlled by the sinful nature is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 TNIV
Erin, Denver
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
-Jonah 2:8, NIV
Deborah ~ Nashville, TN
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
– Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Jeannette, Beaumont, Tx.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. NIV 1984
I think I will memorize the whole chapter this year.
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT
Robin, Arkansas: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9 NIV
Lyndsey, Telford, PA: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Karen: Sacramento, CA
“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.” –Proverbs 16:3 (MSG)
Elizabeth
Wilmette, IL
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
Cindy, Milton, WA:
One thing I have desired of the Lord, and that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life. To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. Psalms 27:4 (NKJV)
Tammy-Lubbock, TX
Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:3 ESV
Martinez,Ga
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Romans 5:5 The Message Bible
Elizabeth, OKC
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
Carolyn, Santa Maria, CA
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession to Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jn 14:6 NIV
Lorraine M. Surrey, BC Canada
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. Phil. 4: 6-7 NKJV
Kathy Jo, Dayton, Nevada
… if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:7,8 (NIV)
Kayla @ Springfield, OR:
1 Corinthians 6:12 ~ “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” (NASB)
Cessie, Bakersfield, CA
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Sarah Moreno Valley, CA
But forget all that it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
Laura Beth, Frisco
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36, NIV
Anchorage
Colossians 3:8 NET
But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.
Nita, Corinth
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36, NIV
Pat, Littlefield, Tx….”Be still and know that I am.”
Psalm 46:10, NIV
Huntsville, AL
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26 (ESV)
Shelly
Amarillo, TX
Judges 5:21b
March on, my soul; be strong!
NIV