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.
Helen, Cambridge, UK: LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habukkuk 3:2, NIV
“It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)
Brenda, Midlothian, VA. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.
John 14:1 NIV
Katherine – Atlanta
Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 NIV
Lyndsey- Knoxville, TN “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is FREEDOM!” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NOV
April, Vermilion
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
~Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Beth, Mt. Holly, NC
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8 KJV
Beth in Candler, NC:
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Carrie Hunter, Hindman, KY
FEAR thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my rightousness.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Dawn, London, UK
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:99 NIV
Suzanne, Charlotte NC: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV
Lyn
Littleton NH
The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains. The world and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.
Psalm 24:1-2 NASB
Emily, Newnan, GA
Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Cor. 7:1 NIV
Patty, Ada, OK
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord,
yes, I will rememer your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy,
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
You display your power among the peoples.”
Psalm 77:11-14 (NIV)
Tracy
Edgewood
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. ~Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)
Tammie, Pikeville
Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV
…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…
Sharon, Atlanta:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalms 141:3 NAS
Vicki in Burton, MI
Proverbs 18:10 ESV
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Jeannie, Valdosta, Ga
Malachi 3:16 ( NIV)
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other , and the Lord listened an heard. A scroll of rememberance was writtedn in his prescence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.
Krista League City, TX
For we do nto have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 NAS
Kristen Spring Hill, TN
James 1:22 NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do waht it says.
Toni, Gulfport, MS
Romans 7:12 ESV Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions.
Jolie, Cottage Grove, MN
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:25-26 NIV
Mary in Charlotte.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. Psalm 25: 4-5 ESV
Jamie, Kingston, Oklahoma
He changes time and seasons. He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:21 NIV
Shirleen, Greenville,SC….Psalm 119:105(NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Traci, Knoxville.
(continuing memorizing Psm. 62) Psalm 62:7-9 [NET for 7,9; NIV for 8 – long story!]
God delivers me and exalts me;
God is my strong protector and my shelter.
Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart to him for God is your refuge.
Men are nothing but a mere breath; human beings are unreliable. When they are weighed on the scales, all of them together are lighter than air.
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before the works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an Earth. Proverbs 8:22-23
Dawn, Mt.Olive, NC
“What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all-how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-32 NIV
Blessings to all:)
Kim, Atlanta
“For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” – Acts 20:27 (NIV)
Pam
Virginia
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 NKJV
Gillian, Oshawa, Ontario Canada
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3-4NIV
Jody, Alvin TX
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us.
Psalm 68:19 CEV
Caprice from Indiana:
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Courtney, Houma, LA
For as she thinks in her heart, so is she.
Proverbs 23:7a, NKJV
(changed from he/his to she/her)
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
For the wages of sin is death.
But the gift of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS.
Connie, Greene Iowa
For out of His fullness (abundance)we have all received (all had a share and we were all supplied with)one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift heaped upon gift.
John 1:16 (AMP)
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Jen in VA
Sarah, Dallas:
“You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn, through the sleepless nights. Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.”–Psalm 56:8, The Message
Waupun, WI
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
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.
Kelly Charlotte, NC
Ephesians 4:23-24 NIV
to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Erin, Grand Rapids MI
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the doors of my lips. Ps. 141:3 NIV
Lisa Ray – Trout, LA
Because of these the wrath of God is coming.
Colossians 3:6 NIV
Stephanie, Lynchburg, Va: “love the Lord your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life…” Deut. 30:20 Holman Christian Standard
Diane, Lumpkin, GA
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm 37:3NIV
Karen, Virginia Beach
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
Linda, Carolina Beach, NC
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge fo God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
There are 15 of us all around the globe memorizing all or part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. If you want to be praying for your Siesta-mates they are: Brandi Pierce Grove, Oklahoma; Janice, Tulsa; Rebecca,Madison,MS; Kaye in Arkansas; Brittney, Olympia; Deb, Windsor, CT; Amanda, Colorado Springs; Kim, Warren Raleigh; Robin Snohomish, WA; Dorothea, Rockwall, TX; Stacey from Abilene; Cheryl, Uganda
Tammy, NC Whatever you do,do it enthusiastically as something done for the Lord and not for men Colossians 3:23
Anna, Indiana
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whtever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
Philipians 4:8