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.
Lisa, Daytona Beach, FL
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Shaunta’, Montgomery, AL
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; -Col 1:9-10 NAS
Carisa, Aberdeen, SD “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” Ephesians 4:22
Ericka, Langhorne, PA: “By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions” – Hebrews 11:33 ~ New Living Translation
Charity
Wales UK
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29
Jane, Houston, TX
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! ~ Psalm 27:14
Sally, Barrington, IL “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1 ESV
Michelle, Ontario, Canada Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Sherry, Ontario, Canada
“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
Kim, Searcy, Arkansas. “Hear me, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor (in spirit) and needy. Bring JOY to (me)your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.” Psalm 86: 1,4. NIV.
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. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph, 2:8-10. ESV
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 8:12
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philipians 3:13-14 NIV
Rebecca in Durham: Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy . . . Psalm 43:3-4 ESV
Lucia, Valdosta, Georgia
Psalm 10:17 (NIV)
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.
Jennifer Jonesboro ar
Ephesians 3:14-17 NIV
For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and earth derives it’s name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Beth,
Thank you for writing So Long Insecurity. I hope you don’t mind, but the final chapter that has the sinners prayer I rewrote in a note on my facebook page…I made sure to give you the credit. I became a Christian when I was little. Ever since I finished the book I kept thinking that I should share it with everyone I could. You are a great communicator and I think that the book wasn’t messy at all…I related to so much of it that I feel like a new woman who has taken back her dignity…thank you for helping me.
In Him,
Sarah
Dorinda, O’Fallon, MO. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
Pam
La Grange, KY
The heavens declare the glory of God;, the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1
NIV
“Lord, I have heard of Your fame;
I stand in awe of Your deeds, Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath, remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2, NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
Duet.29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Three Rivers, MI
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17
Deb, Pierre,SD
And to provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness in stead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, They will be oaks of righteousness. a planting of he Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3 NIV
Catherine, Spring Texas
“…And without faith it is impossible to please God…”
NIV Hebrews 11 vs 6
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15 NIV
Carmen Largo, FL
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
Serena
Ft. Wayne, IN
I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 NIV
Mar Jo The Woodlands, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
LaShon, Indianapolis, IN 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
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
“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)
Newnan, GA
“Go now to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”
NIV
Ezekiel 3:11
Jenny, wellington, FL
Isaiah 55:11 Niv
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
MacKenzie from St. Louis
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Phil 2:14-15
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
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.
Diane
Bridgeport, WV
Oh so late again!!
“The sun will not strike you by day;
or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.”
Psalm 121:6-7 (HCSB)
Sasha
Bellingham
Angela
Winder, GA
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”–Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
Debbie, St. Paul, MN
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. Rom. 12:2 NIV
Erin, New York, NY
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Mary Arnold, Durham NC: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31 NIV
Wendy, Elm City, (NIV) I Chronicles 16:11
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always.
Cindy, Virginia Beach,
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
Kendra Mitchell, West Frankfort, IL Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Paula: Mesquite, TX: (sorry I’m a few days late posting! Spring Break you know…)”Trust in HIm at all times, O people; poor out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
dutchess of winterville, nc “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3 NIV
Hi Beth,
Well, now you know our secret, we’re not only in love with coffee- we LOVE fresh yummy food too! We are very used to the fancy designs on top of our coffee here- it makes you feel so special, doesn’t it? The conference was so affirming and I have to say that I am going “knees down & hands up” every day from now on! Just wanted to say Hi, I’m leaving in about two minutes to go to my Esther bible study. We only have one more week and I have to say it’s been so much fun, I truly hate to see it end. But spring is coming- How do I know? Today the sun was out, it poured down rain, the wind blew, and it hailed buckets of ice and in a week or so I’ll be out digging and planting, no substitute for bible study, but I sure can talk to God while I’m gardening. See you next time!
Nancy, Arkansas “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts; I Am the First and I Am the Last; besides Me there is no God.” Isaiah 44:6
Karla and Hannah, Ft. Thomas, KY
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Marcia, Grand Rapids, Michigan, “You are my witnesses,” says the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” Isaiah 43:10 NIV