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.
Sarah Lacy from Cypress, Texas: ” Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13: 4-7 NASB
Amanda, Calgary, Alberta
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8 NIV
Leigh Anne, Sylacauga AL
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.
Micah 6:8 NIV
Melanie and Kara Miller, Nampa, Idaho
M: Eph 1:8 NLT. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
K: Ps 103:6 NIRV. The Lord does what is right and fair for all who are beaten down.
Estina. Bermuda.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” ~Proverbs 3:5, 6 NIV
Kristi Scottsdale, AZ
Psalm 19:14 NIV
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Twila, Reseda
May the God of hope full you with 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
Amber, Pearland “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” -Psalm 91:14, NIV
Shana, Tuscaloosa
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
John 11:40 NIV
Brenda, Flemington, NJ
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 (NLT)
Susanne, Port Royal, SC
2 Corinthians 2:15(NLT)
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.
Jeannie
Xenia, OH
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 NIV
Annette, Smithfield Utah. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Celia, Athens, AL: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor. 10: 13 NIV
Brandy-Prattville, AL. 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
Tammy, Zillah, WA:
“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 (New Living Translation)
Wilmette, IL.
Psalms 139:13
You make all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. (NLT)
Luke 7:38 “As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she whiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” NIV
“I am the LORD, your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
Psalm 81:10 (NIV)
Martha Helen,
Asheville, NC
Brie, Hickory. “Kings will be your foster fathers and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before your with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23
Martha – Natchez, MS
Psalm 46:10 (New King James Version)
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Danielle, Ousden (UK)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:1 (KJV)
cheryl, tylertown Ms, (NAS) Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise, grace is no longer grace.
Adele Fresno,CA
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Gulley, San Antonio
2 Peter 1:5-7
Make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and to knowledge self control, and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, Godliness, and to Godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
Melissa, Birmingham “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Lindsey
Lincoln, NE
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Delores
Belleville, IL
“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”
Jeremiah 29:13-14a (The Message)
In an effort to “keep it real,” yesterday I just picked out of the air a verse to memorize. While it was a great one, God has been so faithful to handpick my verses to help me with the struggles I’m facing as I memorize. This morning, He said, “Change your verse to this!” So I am.
Dori
Spring Hill, TN
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV)
Kim, Nashville, TN
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
Isaiah 50:4 (NIV)
Kelly in Bham, AL
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
This was such a WONDERFUL conference! I praise God for you, Beth!!! Thanks SO much!! I wait eagerly for the next one and for the day my daughters are old enough to join me!!
Lisa, Plano, Tx: 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,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Lisa, Rainbow City: He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:16-19 NIV
Shara from Somerset, CA Psalm 138:7 NIV
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes; with Your right hand You save me.
I just returned from a mission trip to Honduras with Samaritan’s Purse (OCC). I am so honored to be a year round volunteer with such an amazing and powerful ministry!
GOD is so glorified through them!
Jillian, Laramie
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:4
NIV
Jodi, San Diego, CA
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20, NIV
Debbie
Millen, GA
2 Cor. 4:16-18 NIV
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Marianne, Saegertown,PA
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do and he will bless you for it.”
1 Peter 3:9
Sharon, Geigertown, PA
Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” NKJV
Deborah, Cambridge-Narrows, NB, Canada
“The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.”
Psalm 103:19 NIV
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NASB
Barbara, New Orleans
Romans 11:29 (New Living Translation)
29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.
Florence Oregon,
No Distrust made him waver concerning the promises of God but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21 ESV
Cherise, Odessa, Tx: ” Yet he (Abraham) 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
Frederika, IA
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. (KJV)
Lyndsey, LA, 2 cor 10:5, NIV
Brenda
Chicago, IL
“Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.”
Psalm 19:13 NIV
Janel, Valrico FL
“Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5, NLT