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.
Tammy, Columbus, Ohio
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Proverbs 17:27 NKJV
Gina, Spring, Tx
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
Alicia, Ft.Wayne,IN. “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45, NLT
17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Mary from Houston. Texas
In the desert they gave in to their cravings; in the wasteland they put God to the test. Psalm 106:14. NIV
Becky
Richmond, KY
Proverbs 25.28 (NIV)
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man [woman] who lacks self-control.”
Thank you Becky! This is just the scripture I need right now as I enter First Place 4 Health program. I have “borrowed” this scripture for memorization.
Deanna, Denver
Psalm 18:1 NIV I love You, Lord, my strength.
“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 NLT
Sarah Jenkins
Bancroft, ON
Canada
Megan, Columbus, OH
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back
Proverbs 29:11 (New Living Translation)
Tria – Somerdale NJ
I’ve forgotten to post the last 2, so here are my 2/15, 2/28 & 3/15 verses:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit all who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by Whom you were sealed for the Day of Redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
-Ephesians 4:29 – 5:2
Stephanie Parker
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
Kim Banks,Newbury Park CA
Proverbs 17:22 RSV
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
Penne, Spokane, WA
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Tammy Jones
Glencoe, AL
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. Matthew 6:34
Bonnie, Center Line,MI
John 14:6 NIV
Jesus answered,I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jeanine, Athens, NY Psalm 63:7-8 (NIV)
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to your; your right hand upholds me.
Sherry Taneyville I raise my eyes toward the mountains. where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121: 1-2 NIV
Melanie, Portland, Oregon: Consider it pure joy, brothers & sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature & complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV).
Rebecca, Vancleave, MS:
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
Courtney, Chicora. “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.” Col 2:2-3 NET Bible
Sherry, Cleveland,TN
The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26, NIV
Nikol, Birmingham, AL: “What other nation is so great as to have their god’s near to them the way the LORD our God is near us when we pray to him?” Deuteronomy 4:7 (NIV)
Celeste, Laguna Niguel
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Col. 3:12 NIV
Brook, Santa Monica
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1.15-17 niv
Jonna-Denton, TX
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal. 5:25 NKJV
Mary Ellen, Billings, MT
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You.” Is. 26:3 NIV
Dagmar, Tyler TX
“Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”.
Phil 1:27 NIV
Donna Kirkland, Wa
John 14:27 NASB
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Angela, Springfield, Ohio
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gayla, Johns Creek, GA
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5,6 NIV
(Taking your verse, Sweet Beth!)
Jennifer, Denver
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
Kay, Modesto CA: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 NIV
Stephanie, Reno, NV
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
(NAS)
Laney, Jacksonville, FL
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV
Marilyn, Sykesville, MD
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Jennifer- Monroe, GA
“He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety & great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.” Isaiah 33:6 (NET)
Misti, Belleville MI “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Amanda, Springfield, Ohio
Matthew 13:11-13:
“(11)He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. (12) Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. (13) This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.”
Jessie, Meriden, CT
And now Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires you to fear Him, to live according to His will, to love and worship Him with all your heart and soul,…
Deuteronomy 10:12, NLT
Anita
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
Jennifer, Otisville, MI
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NIV
Molly, Wilmington, DE
…no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
Jessica, North Bend, WA
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Prov. 21:20 NIV
Sandy, Arkansas
The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 NLT
Carroll, Waco
“and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 NRSV
Tamara – San Antonio, 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 good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23 & 24
“in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Cynthia, Blaine, WA: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV