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.
Romans 5: 3-4
We also rejoice in our sufferings
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance character
and character hope.
Nipomo, CA
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jer. 24:7, NIV
Isaiah 41:10. NASB
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Jayne
Frisco, TX
Allison Atlanta, Georgia “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laught at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Mindy, Rowley, IA
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. NIV
Beth, Ypsilanti
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers”. Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
Emily – Des Moines, IA
Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 NIV
2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
And God is able
to make all grace abound to you,
so that in all things,
at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
Julie, Boone NC
“Live and obey and love and believe right where you are. This is God’s place for you.” 1 Corinthians 7:17
Brenda, Greenville sc.
I Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Tanya, Warren, PA
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
Please let it be so Lord Jesus!
Kathy – Anahuac, TX
Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
Suey, Houston, Psalms 116
Teri in Tampa
Lamentations 3:21-24 (NLT)
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this…The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Â Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him.” Â The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 2:16-17 NIV
I Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
Do everything in love.
Father God, grace me and empower me to do
EVERYTHING in love. Amen.
Psalm 139:17-18 NIV
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
Sara, Orange, CA
” He supplies the needs of those who honor him. He hears their cries and saves them. Psalm 145:19 NIV
Lisa, Bartlett TN
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do notbe terrified; do ot be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Melissa Nashoba,OK
“O Lord, teach me how You want me to live. Then I will obey Your commands. Make me wholeheartedly committed to You”! Psalm 86:11
Tara
Greensboro, NC
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not they holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:11-12
Kristi, Lubbock,TX
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all he has made.”
Psalm 145:13 (NIV)
Natchez, Ms
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grieviances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
Nan, Coppell, TX
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17, NIV
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” ~Matthew 24:35 NIV
I Samuel 1:27
For this child I have prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition!
I am going to be a Grandmother for the first time!!! Boy have I prayed for
this little one!
Thank you Lord! :):):)
Rebecca -Birmingham, AL
Commit your ways to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Take your everday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going to work and walking around life – and place it before God as an offering
Romans 12:1 (message)
Lindsay ~ Bangor
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;”
~I Thessalonians 5:16-18a (NIV)
Anne Marie, Woburn, MA
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 (The Message)
Cindy, Dallas, TX
Peace I leave with you. My peaace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
And know whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Ecclesiastes 3:14 NIV
Jennifer in New Orleans, “March on, my soul; be strong.” Judges 5:12 NIV
Kandi, Little Rock
He must increase, I must decrease. John 3:30 KJV
Suzanne, Knoxville, TN
“For Got hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
Angie~ Cincinnati, OH
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)
Janice-Abbeville
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
I am just so thankful for you. You have no idea how much God has taught me through you…Don’t ya just love Him more when He shows off! That mountain view, what a gift from God! I remember the time you mentioned that He wanted to show off for you in a hotel room where you were resting comfortably and God kept telling you to look out the window and you kept saying I’m fine, LORD, until you finally got up and looked out and He said what do you think about that and you said I think it’s mighty fine, LORD. He is just so wonderful. God Bless You and Your Staff! Love you all,
Michele, Edmond, Ok.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NKJV
Linda/Augusta
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;
instead, serve one another humbly in love.
Gal. 5:13 NIV 3/15/2011
“You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV
Crystie, Lancaster, SC
“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.”
Isaiah 26:3-4
Kim, Mabank, TX
“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16 (NAS)
Lauren, Stephenville, Texas:
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 ESV
Raines, Albany, GA: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col 3:13 NIV
Carol – LaGrange, Ga – In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6:16-17 NIV
Liz, Washington D.C.,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10 ESV
Sue, Newnan, Georgia
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
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
2 Samuel 7:18 ESV
Sue R in Magalia, CA
Ps 16: 7-8 NLT
I will bless the Lord who guides me, even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken for he is right beside me.