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.
Katrinna, Mandeville, LA
“I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them.” Jeremiah 32:39 NIV
Romanos 8:37-39 (Nueva Version Internacional)
“Sin embargo, en todo esto somos más que vencedores por medio de aquel que nos amĂł. Pues estoy convencido de que ni la muerte ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni los demonios, ni lo presente ni lo por venir, ni los poderes, ni lo alto ni lo profundo, ni cosa alguna en toda la creaciĂłn, podrá apartarnos del amor que Dios nos ha manifestado en Cristo JesĂşs nuestro Señor.”
Melissa, Fresno, CA
Leila in Carrollton, GA
isaiah 58:11 NIV
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Becky Pasco, WA
Thanks for all your comments…on our travels over there to the conference we knew in our spirits that the Lord was going to speak..and we came expecting it..and Boy did He ever! The first part of the conference I was in tears already and I don’t cry easily! We went to Tacoma and took home a word! Then I was blessed again to be able to hug my sista Momma! I truly consider you my spiritual momma and one day I will have so much to tell you! Thanks for being a tremendous blessing and being used of the Lord….in a world that is falling apart and mentoring not practiced much it is such a blessing to have a spiritual momma to follow and be encouraged. Oh and I have to tell you this..my best pal was with me a the conference and when you started talking about Paul and his way of encouraging believers to action…we laughed SO LOUD! We often consider my self Paul…and call me Pauline and she is Barnabus…Barnie for the girls name…she has the gift of Mercy and boy do I need it….It was just a great spirit led moment…since I am always encouraging her to step out…If it is a God go:) We were going to tell ya when we got to see ya but didn’t want to take too much time…our sista picture she is in the green and I am in the brown….we look like sisters…Oh we love you so dearly…..But enough about that…my memory verse is Col 3:23-24 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. NIV
Deborah, Pinewood, TN
Psalm 32:7 HCSB
You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
Julie from Abilene
Galations 3:5 NIV
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Kerry, Houston
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”
Psalm 18:32 Today’s NIV
philipians 3:20
but our citizenshipis in heaven and we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ
Stacy, Magee,MS “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 NIV
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man (woman) who lacks self control. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Cathie Jacksonville, Florida
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30 NIV
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
Pat, Melvin,IL
“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.” Ephesions 4:29-5:2
I know this is long but it really spoke to me and it’s what I’m dealing with.
“God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Sheilah from Melbourne, Florida
Isaiah 43:2 (New International Version, ©2011)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Kim B. – Orlando,FL
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:6 (NIV)
Jeanne, Santa Rosa, CA
When words abound, transgression is inevitable, but the one who restrains his words is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 (NET)
Susan from Vilonia, AR
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,whereby we cry, Abba,Father.” Romans 8:15 KJV
Debbie
Hickory, NC
“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. to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”
Eph 3:20-21 NKJV
Diana, Fountain, CO “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.”
Proverbs 13:4 (NAS)
Heather B.
West Lafayette, IN
Sandra, Bethany and Kayleigh from Waco, TX: Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. The Message
Sue, Kingsburg, CA
The Lord protects you;
The Lord is a shelter right by your side
The sun will not strike you by day;
or the moon by night
Psalms 121:5,6 NIV
Madge, Marietta, GA
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Jessica, Gadsden: “The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you,and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NASB
Naomi, Acworth, GA
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Christy T.
Hawthorne, CA
“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
Matthew 6:32 (NIV)
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
Becky, Plantersville, TX
“God has given each of you a gift from his wide variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Auburndale, FL
Psalm 63:3
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
PAULA – WICHITA FALLS, TX Psalm 16:1 (NAS)
Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
Deborah, Philadelphia, PA
Romans 8:22-25, ESV
For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
Ashley, Chesapeake. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Carol, Terrell, NC
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NIV
Marcia, Salem, IN
Isa. 43:1b-2
Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. NKJV
Jewel, Denver, PA
Hebrews 13:14-15 (NKJV)
For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Abby, Vacaville
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him
1st Corinthians 2:9
Proverbs 15:3 NASB
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.
Joleen McBride
Anthem, AZ
Jeanie
Sparta, TN
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Jamey, Pocahontas
“So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.”
Galatians 6:9 Good News Bible
Cara
Conway, AR
“Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-8, MSG
Cynthia – Richmond, VA
23″Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Hi Beth…I was in Tacoma…Thank you so much for your faithful obidience to the Lord. Here is a quick blog entry that I wrote about my experience…
http://www.teresa-henry.blogspot.com/
Also I have to tell you a super quick version of a dream I had when I got home. In my dream I was substitute teaching for just an hour and a half in what was suppose to be a drama class but when I got there it was a psychology class (high school). The teacher was leaving and told me she was teaching on the topic of Te Vas. She left and I had no idea what that meant. I asked the class and they said they did not know…so as I was figuring it out I was engaging the kids in other activities. But suddenly a few kids left through a large blue door and I yelled to them “don’t go…don’t leave”. And then I woke up. I was perplexed to what Te Vas meant because I have never heard or seen that expression and I do not speak spanish (except Hola 🙂 After a little bit of research so far I found that Te Vas means “You Go or leave”. I am not sure if that is a confirmation for me to GO….or to be ready to GO…or confirmation of the importance of your message this weekend. Just had to share that.
In love….Teresa
Sorry I’m late!
Kristin, Burwell, UK
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;”
Lamentations 3:22, ESV
Chicago!
Deanna, Willmar, MN
“March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b (NIV)
Linda, Johnstown, PA
Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you will shine like stars in the universe.
Kara, Ephrata PA
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created through Him and for Him. Col 1:16
Shannon- North Webster, IN
“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.”
2 Cor 12:9 NIV