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.
Stephanie, Austin, 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 net. 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 5:3-5, the Msg, still working
Sara, Lakewood,CO. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)
Beth, Troy
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13(NIV)
Amy, Cherry Hill NJ. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:5, NLT
Amanda, MI
My the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Teah, Birmingham, AL
I Corinthians 9:26 ESV
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
Jess, Grand Forks ND
God never changes his mind about the people he calls or gifts he gives them.
Romans 11:29
Jamie: Raytown, Mo
Psalm 63:3 (New King James Version)
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Marissa – San Dimas, CA
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21
because Jesus loves forever, He has a permanent priesthood.
Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to GGod through Him because He always live to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV
Kathie, Aiken SC
Arielle, Cincinnati
Isaiah 41.9-10 NIV
I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, āYou are my servantā;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
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.
“DELIGHT yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.
COMMIT your way to the LORD; TRUST in Him …”
Psalm 37:4-5a NIV
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Steph from Ontario, Canada
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
Philippians 2:13 New Living Translation
donna, mt. pleasant nc
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humilty, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NASB
Ellen, Sevierville: Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Kari, Winchester CA
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.”
Joel 2:12 NASB
Stacie, Cyvadier, Haiti
Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Karla, Maumee OH, Psalm 27:3 (NIV)
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident
sharon, illinois
we ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. colossians 1:9,10 esv
Keri, Loves Park, IL “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the worldāthe cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and doesācomes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 NIV
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
Michele ~ Kenosha
Gloria
Jacksonville, FL
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:3 NIV
meagan Austell, GA
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7 NIV
Jaime, Colorado Springs, CO: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Celeste, Anaheim Hills, CA
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Lindsey, McKinney, TX
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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…
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Tammy, Paducah,KY. For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in HIm shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
In honor of March 16 (John 3:16 day) š
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT
Johanna from Forsyth, MT
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Terry – Louisa, VA
As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a Shield for all who take refuge in Him.
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Psalm 18:30-32 NIV
Jen, Shreveport
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.
Kim from Lovettsville Va:
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubs is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossd by the wind. James 1:6 NLT
oops!! I didn’t realize it was the 16th already!!
Joan Fredericktown, OH
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern 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.
I love doing this with ya’ll!!
Julie, Nebraska:
Psalm 16:11 NIV: “You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Carmen, Eau Claire, WI
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Gail, McDonough, Georgia
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51: 1-2 (NIV)
Laura, Houston:
āBe still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.ā
Psalm 46:10 NLT
Whitney, Louisville: “Therefore, You are great, O LORD God. For there is none like You, and there is no other God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
-2 Samuel 7:22, ESV
Blaine, Magnolia, TX:
All of this is for your benefit. And as Godās grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NLT)
Phala, Thomasville, AL
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Christina – Royse City, Texas
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)
Vickie, Baytown, TX
My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8 Amplified version
miss Beth,my life got confused,and I’m behind.trying to catch up.
Becky Grove City HCSB study Bible
Colossians 3:5-6 Therefore put to death what belongs to your worldly nature;sexual imorality,impjrity,lust,evil desire and greed,which is idolatry.Because of these Gods wrath comes on the disobediant.
*impurity*
Cara; Fridley, MN
The Master, God, has given me a well-taught tongue, so I know how to encourage tired people. He wakes me up in the morning, wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders. The Master, God, opened my ears, and I didn’t go back to sleep, didn’t pull the covers back over my head. Isaiah 5:4-5 MSG
Karen, San Antonio, Texas
“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Psalms 39:7 NLT
Erin in Alabaster, AL
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Nehemiah 4:14 ESV
Joy, Springfield OH: “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.” Proverbs 16:20 (MSG)
Natalie
Austin, Tx
Since we live by the spirit; let us keep in step with the spirit. Gal. 5:25 Life Application Bible
Thank you for always sharing your heart with us, Beth!
Deborah, Markham, VA
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”
Philippians 2:13 NIV