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 Godās good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canāt 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 Godās 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. Iām actively praying for Priscilla Shirerās simulcast in several weeks even though Iāll be in Fresno. I donāt doubt sheās praying for us, too. I canāt 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 āreaching more and more people,ā 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 Samaritanās 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 Samaritanās 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 arenāt already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itās just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May āthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessā 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.
Itās time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iāll 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, hereās 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, āThe early bird gets the worm!ā 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 canāt believe Iām 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 āMasaā (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, āTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.ā 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 couldnāt believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenāt on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iāve never tried them before but Iāve been with Travis and Angela when theyāve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky andĀ grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. Sheās 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 wasnāt 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 itās 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 didnāt 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 DIDNāT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnāt afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLās. For crying out loud, if somebodyās broke, it doesnāt 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 weād 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, Iāve 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.
Paula, Russell, KY
Psalm 50:14, NLT
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.ā
Psalm 50: 23, NLT
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.ā
Sarah, Eagan, MN
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Jamie, Bothell, WA:
Cease striving, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10, NASB
Karen, Lynnwood, WA – “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.”
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
Gizmo, Spring Branch, TX
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
Colossians 3:1 (NIV)
Jodi, Fairhope, AL: Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5, NKJV
Elaine, New Orleans, LA
“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
(NIV)
Chris Floyd
Kokomo, IN
Hebrews 2:1 (NAS)
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.
Cary, Celina, TX: Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV
Lauren, Houston. āCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.ā Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Elizabeth, Oxford, PA
Philippians 2:14-15a NIV
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, āchildren of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.ā
Kristi: Inman, SC
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:24-25. NIV
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” Galatains 5:1
Cathy, Lebanon
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Barbra, Oxford, PA
Philippians 2:14-15a NIV
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, āchildren of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.ā
Deidra, Waynesboro
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:15 KJV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil. 4:5, NIV
Kathy, Atlanta, GA.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as it is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Isaiah 61:1-2 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.
Hannah, Oxford, PA
Psalm 139:2 NIV
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Janell, Denver, CO
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
Michelle, West Des Moines, IA
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
Kristen, Denver: “But people who obey God are always generous.” Proverbs 21:26, CEV
John 15:5 (New International Version, Ā©2011)
5 āI am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
LaShay from Saltillo, MS – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Danielle, Lansing, MI.~
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”
Is. 49:16a (NIV)
Jenn, Orlando FL
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
Deanne, Laguna Hills, CA “Be joyful 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
Pam, Buena Park, CA
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high I cannot attain to it.” Psalms 139:6 NASB
Connie
Austin, TX
Ps 46:10 Amplified
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
Betty
Vicksburg
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
NIV
Tanis, British Columbia
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. Ps 121:1-2 HSCB
Donna, Sarnia, ON, Canada
“When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
Heb 9:11-12 NIV
Amber
Shrewsbury, UK
“For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20 NIV
Barb * St Cloud MN * 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hears as a depost, guaranteeing what is to come.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 (Nasb)
Cyndi, Friendswood,TX
Leah; Perkins, OK
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 (NASB)
Terri Charlotte, NC
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it…: Song of Solomon 8:7a KJV
1 John 2: 15-17 KJV
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Kim
Colorado
Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst-not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.
John 4:14 The message
Charleen, Nashville
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Tami, Palm Coast, FL.
Ah, soveriegn Lord, you created the heavens and the earth with your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
Bedford, KY
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
James 5:13 NIV
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how He will answer my complaint.
Then the LORD said to me: [. . .]
The vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it WILL BE FULFILLED. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will NOT be delayed.” ~ Habakkuk 2:1,2a,3 (NLT)
Donna, Spring, TX: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)
āIf calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.ā
2 Chronicles 20:9 NIV
Crystal, Munford, TN
Lindsey, Fuquay-Varina, NC
“He will cover you with His feathers;
you will take refuge under His wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”
– Psalm 91:4 (HCSB)
Vicki, Surprise AZ
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:12 NIV
Kathy, Danvers
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
He rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him!
Jennifer, Powell, Oh…”Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you will shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 NIV