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.
Danielle, Graterford. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts! The whole earth is filled with His glory!
Isaiah 6:3 ESV
Terri, Marion, IN
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his Bod,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them–
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
Ps. 146:5,6 (NIV)
Terri, Pennsylvania “And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV 2011)
Christina, Egenhausen: I will instruct U & teach U in the way U should go, I will counsel U with My eye upon U. Psalms 32:8 (ESV)
Katherine, Russell
“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”
Psalm 50:23 (NLT)
Betty, Soddy Daisy, TN
I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Psalm 89:2 (NIV)
Val, Spotsylvania Virginia
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
Denise, Orange City. Psalm 9:1-2 ESV I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult You; I will sing praise to Your name O Most High.
Michelle Charlotte NC
“Teach me your way Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 ESV
Jennifer form Arkansas
Psalm 139:3 NLT
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.
Julia, Wellington
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 (NLT)
Brittany, Louisville KY
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. Matthew 5:5, The Message
Susan, Canton, Mi
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 (NIV)
Kathy, Princeton TX.
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.
2 Corinthians 4:15 NIV
Barb, Kentwood MI:
Don’t be afraid for I am with you, Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isa 41:10 NLT
Sharon from Pasadena, Texas : 2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. New King James version
Marcia
San Clemente, CA
Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
-Ps. 139:4
Lacie
Chesapeake, VA
Psalm 91: 5 NLT “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrows that fly by day”
(I’m memorizing the entire chapter to claim for my son who serves the USMC in Afghanistan)
Lori, Pelham, NH: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Psalm 139:6, KJV
Susan, Weyers Cave, VA
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love HIM.”
~1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Rachel, Blairsville, GA: “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24, NIV.
Tammy, Delray Beach
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
(Breaking Free, Week 9 “The Steadfast Mind”, Day 1…My NAB version is different)
Heidi from Rochester, Michigan
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39, NIV Study Bible
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Deidre
Hickory, NC
Sue, Greenwood, In:
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. James 3:5 NIV
Zion, Durham, NC “That they should put their confidence in God, and not forget His works, but keep His commandments” Psalm 78:7 NASB
Sue, Pasadena, TX: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NASB
Doris, Canton, GA
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NIV
Angie
Albertville, AL
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 NASB
“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
JV
Boston, MA.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you WILL recieve what He has promised!”
Hebrews10:36~NIV
Joyce, Merritt Island, FL “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 (I actually picked this verse before I realized that it was Beth’s verse too. I am using her translation.)
Kristin, Nashville, TN
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT
Vickie Gainesville, Texas
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 NIV
“Have I not commanded you? 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
Suzann Benson
Kingwood,WV
Kathy, Shreveport:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8
Karen, Maryville, TN
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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7(NASB)
Kim in Springfield – Psalm 71:6 KJV
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Lynne, New Milford: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NIV
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV 1984)
Karen, Brandon, MS:
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” -2 Cor. 12:9, ESV
Shirley Barry, Mooresville, NC
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Jenny, Pingree Grove, IL
2 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) Go ahead, march on.
Beth, I love your rain boots… I have the same ones 🙂
Karen, Knoxville, TN
“God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:21 NASB
Gretchen,Madison, MS
“while we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 NIV
Maryjo, Chandler, AZ
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love HIM! 1 Corinthins 2:9
Belinda Neely, MS –For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deut 4:24 NIV