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 Godās good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canāt 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 Godās 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. Iām actively praying for Priscilla Shirerās simulcast in several weeks even though Iāll be in Fresno. I donāt doubt sheās praying for us, too. I canāt 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 āreaching more and more people,ā 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 Samaritanās 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 Samaritanās 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 arenāt already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itās just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May āthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessā 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.
Itās time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iāll 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, hereās 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, āThe early bird gets the worm!ā 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 canāt believe Iām 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 āMasaā (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, āTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.ā 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 couldnāt believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenāt on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iāve never tried them before but Iāve been with Travis and Angela when theyāve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky andĀ grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. Sheās 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 wasnāt 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 itās 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 didnāt 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 DIDNāT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnāt afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLās. For crying out loud, if somebodyās broke, it doesnāt 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 weād 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, Iāve 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.
āFor I know the plans I have for youā declares the Lord. āPlans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.ā Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Lisa, Glenview
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV
Lindsay, Albion, IL ” Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Laura, Del Rio, TX
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.”
NASB
Sarah, Marion, KS – Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1: 2-4, The Message
Julie, new braunfels, these Things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11 nasb
Melanie GA
Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,ā
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Barb, Madison, WI
“Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. YET THE LORD SET HIS HEART IN LOVE ON YOUr fathers and chose their offspring after them, you abovE all peoples, as you are this day.” Deut. 10:14 ESV (Praise God!!)
Krista, Birmingham
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Phillipians 2:15 NIV
Laura, Houston, TX
“Because You are my help,
I sing in the shadow of Your wings.
My soul slings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:7-8 (NIV)
Wendy, Vero Beach
Revelation 17:14 (NLT)
Together they will wage war against the Lamb, but the lamb will defeat them because he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings and his people are the called and chosen and faithful ones.
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. NIV
Ruth, Shawnee, KS
Psalm 3:5-6 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track.
Dianne, Florida
“I do not fear bad news;
I confidently trust the LORD to care for me.
I am confident and fearless…”
Psalm 112: 7-8a
Melissa, Monroe, LA
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Rhonda Lima, OH
Ps. 27:1 (NASB)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life, whom shall I dread?”
Penny, Cincinnati. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Cheri, Urbana, IL
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our (every) time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)
Beth, this has been so good for me. So easy to memorize verses that are pertinent to what is going on in my life!
Debbie, Forest City, NC
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)
Janet from St. Louis
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Josh. 1:8 (NIV)
Jenifer – Sunnyside, WA – Rev. 4:11 (NASB)
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
candifer, sd: i have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. for i have chosen you and will not throw you away. don’t be afraid, for i am with you. do not be dismayed, for i am your God. i will strengthen you. i will help you. i will uphold you with my victorious right hand. isaiah 41:9-10 (NLT)
Laura, from Sharon, PA
Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Lissa, Greenville
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Diane, Ft.Lauderdale, Fl.
May the God of peace who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV
Michelle, New Smyrna Beach
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” Proverbs 31:27 (NIV)
Christy, Summit, MS; Isaiah 25:4 “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” NIV
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Johanna, Carlsbad
2 Peter 1: 5,6 (ESV)
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
Traci
Vadnais Heights, MN
Psalm 18:32-33 (NLT)
“God arms me with strength,
And He makes my way perfect~
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
Enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”
Cadillac, MI
He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with Him. Daniel 20:22 NIV
Amy, North Texas
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” James 4.10 KJV
Suzanne, Decatur, Texas
“20)Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,21)being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Jeanene, League City
“Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4 KJV
Tracy, Moberly, MO. āThis is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.ā
1 John 1:5 NLT
John 3:30
He must increase but I must decrease.
Romona, East Alton
Psalm 103: 4-5 (NIV)
Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Solomon 4:7
Vivian, Birmingham, Alabama
I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure.Ā I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold.Ā They will call on my name,Ā and I will answer them.Ā Ā I will say, āThese are my people,āĀ and they will say, āThe Lord is our God.āā
Zechariah 13:9 NLT
Lauren N. From Dallas, TX
Isaiah 33:6 (NET)
“He is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him.”
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “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 100:3 (NIV).
Jan, Clarkston MI
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
“the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH”
Nehemiah 8:10 TLB
Becky, Chattanooga, TN
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Kathy, St. Petersburg, Fl,
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Colossians 3:7-8
The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me..the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love HER and reveal Myself to HER.
John 14:21
Charlene
Pampa, Texas
Kristina, Huntsville, AL
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalms 100:5 (NIV)
Lori, Knoxville, IA
John 8:12, ESV
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Janet
Enid, OK
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Stacey Redding
Shelbyville, Ky
James 1:2-3 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.