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.
Atlanta, GA
‘It is good to praise the Lord and
make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night.’
Psalm 92:1-2
Kelly Erwin, Tn
Psalm 19:1 NIV
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Julie, Broken Arrow, OK
I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Ps.143:6 NIV
Pam, DeLeon Springs, FL
“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
cindy, sacramento, Isaiah 49:15 (New King James Version)
15 “ Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Lantana- Edmond, Oklahoma
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. -Mark 8:35
New Living Translation
Lezli, Columbus, GA
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14, NIV
Patti, Sarasota
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Rom 12:2 (NLT)
Karla, Poulsbo, WA
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)
Bev W.-Cadillac, MI
Psalm 46 (English Standard Version)
God Is Our Fortress
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
NIV James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Vicki C.
Fort Wayne, IN
Ps 32:8 NIV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Holmdel, NJ
A glorious throne on high from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.
Jeremiah 17:12 NASB
Kendra, Portland Or
“And without faith it is impossible to please God”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Ginny, Ooltewah, TN
I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
Job 42:2 NKJV
Come near to God and he will comenear to you. Wash your hands you sinners and purify yoiur hearts, you double minded.James 4:8 NIV
Jill, Spring, TX. “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that You, O God, are strong, and that You, O Lord, are loving.” –Psalm 62:11-12a
Kathy Ontario Canada
Isaiah 49:23 NIV
Those who hope in me
will NOT be disappointed.
Juliana
Livermore
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
This is what the LORD says:
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Soorin
Eugene, OR
“No weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)
Becky, Brunswick, Ga. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Rom.1:16-17 (NKJV)
It does not rejoice about injustices but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. I Corinthians 13:6 (NLT)
Lori Newman
Fort Campbell, Ky
He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.
Isaiah 40:29
Joy, Alpharetta. “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.” Romans 7:24-25,The Message
lindsay, medford, nj. “and those who are peacemakers will plants seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” james 3:18 nlt
Vicki,Springfield. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalms 90:14 NIV
Karen, Martinsville, NJ
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
and I’d like to try this one also:
“The LORD will surely comfort (name of someone I love)
and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.”
~ Isaiah 51:3 (NIV)
Moncks Corner, SC (and I’m late…)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Emily
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” NIV
Sarah from Cookeville, TN
“To those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. The Lord has established His throne in the Heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of His word.”
Psalm 103:18-20 ESV
Beth
Madison, AL
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Jennifer Milford, OH
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Suzanne Forney, TX Ephesians 4:1
Lead a life worthy of your calling for you have been called by God.
Karin, Kingsburg
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.
Shelly G., Nashville, TN
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:4-5 (ESV)
Cindy, Union Grove
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NLT
Michelle, Warsaw, IN
“My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me”. Psalms 63:8 (NIV)
Love this…
Amy Toney, Houston TX (focusing on the 2nd half of my March 1st memory verses!)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if 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 3:24 NIV)
Greenville, NC
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Anne, London, Ontario
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. Lam. 3:22-23 NIV
 Lisa- Jefferson City, MO
“Reckless words pierce like a sword,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Kelly, Eupora, MS
“One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek Him in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4, NIV
Cheryl, Midlothian,Va,
Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom Psalm 90:12
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know.
Jer. 33:3 HCSB
Janice
Nova Scotia, Canada
Melissa, Sulphur, LA
“Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Joan, Hudson, FL
“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
Catherine Ladson, SC
Keep me and protect me, O God, for in You I have found refuge, and in You I do put my trust and hide myself.
Psalm 16:1 NIV