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.
Amber, Plainfield, IL
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everyting, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Deut. 33:26 NLT
“There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic spendor.”
Amber, Plainfield, IL
Oops, accidentally submitted the wrong one!
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Thess. 4:11 NIV
Jessica, Fort Worth: “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.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
Kim, NY – So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2: 12-13 (NIV)
Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Amy Las Vegas NAS
Denton, Tx : “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Carol, Roswell GA Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1 (NIV)
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
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.”
Ramona, Medina, Ohio
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sheila, Sevierville, TN.
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
katie, gig harbor WA
return o my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. for You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
psalm 116:7-9 ESV
Jerry Ann, Fort Walton Beach, FL
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Miriam, Columbia
“What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” 2 Peter 3:11 NIV
Kim, Salem, OR:
Phil. 4:8-9 NIV – 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the peace of God will be with you.
Kirstin, San Antonio, Texas
Ephesians 6:6 NIV
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Tammy, Marlton, NJ
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of widom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NIV
Robin, Landing, NJ
“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Tara, Mantorville,
Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“ This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
Carla F. Houston, Tx.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. Eph. 1:17 NIV
Cathy Princeton, Tx
This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. I am the LORD your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been likea river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV
Missy and Callie
Houston, Texas
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
That’s my mountain!! I skied there twice a week growing up.. aahh I miss it. It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?
Galations 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Frederika, IA
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)
Please disregard my prior verse. I had already used it. Ooops! 🙂
Liz, Edmond, OK; The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:25 NIV
Jana, Tampa, FL : We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may recieve what is due us for the things we have done while in the body, wheather good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10 NIV
Valerie, Independence, KY: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” –2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NAS)
Shelly, Seminole, FL- “Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” Psalm 37:34 (NKJV)
Roni – Demopolis, Alabama
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7 NIV
Karen, Caledonia, OH
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. Matthew 6:34 The Message
Vonda, Waterford, MI
Romans 12:10 NIV
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Laura, Morrill Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
Pam in Lookout Mountain GA, Col 3:12-13, NIV
Since God chose you to be a holy people who He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You must make allowances fore each others faults and forgive the person who offends you.
– I LOVE YOU YOU MY DEAR SISTER, BETH!!!!
Lori, Sulphur- For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 KJV
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.” Ps. 62:5 NIV
Rachel – Alpharetta. GA Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; he will never let
the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV
Stephanie, Houston, TX
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. Ps 25:5
Tami, Johns Creek, GA
Isaiah 50:4 He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. NIV
Kristi, Puyallup:
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV
Brenda, Bainbridge, Ga.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV
(32) So be careful to do what the LORD your GOD has commanded you; do not turn to the right or to the left. (33) Walk in all the way that the LORD your GOD has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land you will possess.
Melanie – Tulsa
Be JOYFUL in HOPE!
PATIENT in affliction!
Faithful in PRAYER!
Romans 12:12 NIV
Raeleen
God has poured his love into our hearts!
Romans 5:5 NIRV
Maryann, Chandler, AZ
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 NIV
Christy, Clay Center KS
Set a guard over my mouth Lord,
keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
Melissa, Hampton, VA:
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
Becky–Alberta, Canada
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 The Message
Vickie, Decatur Texas, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NAS
Robbie, Southaven, MS: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Staci, Beaumont, TX
“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.”
Psalm 18:30, NIV
Sharon – Glennville, GA
Hebrews 10:24 NIV
And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds.