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.
Lois, Wausa, NE.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
Jody Boise,ID Proverbs 16:3 NASB
Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
Ann, Rockwall, TX
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Jamie, Bixby, OK “Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.” James 1:3 AMP
Becki, Pearland, TX
Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil. ~ Joel 2:12-13
Leslie, Tyler, TX:
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:31-32 (NIV)
Dannel
Holtwood PA
Romans 8:7-8 NIV
the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
James 1:22 NIV
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Rachel-Memphis, TN
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIV
brooke, atlanta
all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 timothy 3:16-17, niv
Rebekah – Fulton, MS
“And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.”
-2 Cor. 3:4-5, NKJV
Julie, Springfield MO. Deu 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” RSV
Nicole
Blue Springs, Mo
I have to repeat March 1 verses, did 3 don’t know why, need a little more time 🙂
1 John 5:11-13 (NIV)
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
PHIL 4:19 (KJV)
And my God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Dawn : Buies Creek, NC
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:4-7(NIV)
Paige, Flatwoods. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
When you live an honest life, you will stay out of harm’s way. But those who cheat and lie fall into ruin.
Proverbs 28:18
Sam v.
Woodstock, VT
Diane, Baraboo, Wi. – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1John 5:14-15 NIV
Tara, North Platte, NE. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27-28
Jackie
Cypress, TX
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Tyler, Sherwood Park, AB
continuing with the 2 verses from last time:
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends You,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
~ Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
“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)
Stephanie Techau
Cynthiana, Ky
Janet, Norman, OK
Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High.
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
This is for March 15.. Psalm 31:1 kjv In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Ashley, Lubbock, Tx. “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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV.
Susie, Longwood, Florida “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Clarice – Knoxville, Iowa
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NAS
Kathy, Houston
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to Him must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek HIm.” Heb 11:6, NASB
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Joshua 21:45 (ESV)
Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel (me) had failed; all came to pass.
Dale, Henderson, KY
2 Corinthians 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. (NASB)
Zephania 3v17
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
Susie, Bremerton, WA
“O, Lord, who may abide in your sanctuary,
who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right;
Those who speak truth from their heart.”
Psalm 15:1-2, NRSV
Issaquah, WA
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
-2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24
Amy, Colorado
Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said, Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His.
Daniel 2:20 NIV
Sandra, Burnaby BC
Jeremiah 32:17 ESV
‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
John 15:6
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
Kay Chester, VA
janalese. angier. Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to His glorious
name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen. NIV Psalm 72: 18&19
Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)
Karen, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV – Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Karen, Shelby Twp., MI
We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.
II Chronicals 20:12b (NIV)
Linda. East Chain, MN. 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
Judy Fuquay-Varina, NC James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. NIV
Marla Lame Deer, MT
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? NIV
Allayne, Bangkok, Thailand:
Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your annointed one. Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84: 9-10 (NIV)
Joanne
St. Petersburg, Florida
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33
NIV
Donna, KC:Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:6 NIV
Shaminder
Toronto,ON
May the Lord answer you when you are in trouble; may the God of Jacob make you secure!
May He send you help from His temple; from Zion may He give you support!
May He take notice of your offerings; may He accept your burnt sacrifice!
May He grant your heart’s desire; may He bring your plans to pass!
Psalm 20:1-4
NET
Mary Lisa, Glenwood, MN: 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair
Jane, IL
I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8