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.
Mary Molloy, Dallas TX And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NIV
“True to Your word, You let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:3 The Message
nancy-LPM
Houston
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Brittany
Lynchburg VA
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Then the Lord reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.”
Jeremiah 1:9 NIV
Jenny, Frankfort, KY “But whoever lives in the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been dine through God.” John 3:21NIV
Becky, San Antonio, TX
Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and His understanding no one can fathom.
Deb Bremen, IN
He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30 NIV
Lora
Mooresburg
But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him. I Cor. 6:17 Amplified
Jan, Albuquerque, NIV So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Hebrews 13:6
Peggy- Idaho
John 13:35 (NIV)
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Ps. 62:1-2
My soul finds rest in God Alone; my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
NIV
Memphis, TN
The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. NLT
Tammy, Sugar Land, TX
“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5 NIV
Psalm 27:113-14 (NIV)
I am confident of this; I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (4) Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Cindy/Midland
Marie, Denver: He annointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, NIV
Rachel~ Athens, GA
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
May I encourage each of you to continue to memorize scripture—what a blessing this has been!
Wendy – Cheyenne, WY.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 NIV
Janae Burnsville, MN
NIV Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Mei, Easley SC
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Stephanie, Fruita, CO
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Col 3:11 NIV
Marcie, Concordia. “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.” Zeph. 3:17 NIV
Naomi, Santa Barbara
” Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom. ” Psalm 145:3 NIV
Denise, Madison Al
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 cor 13:5)
Roxanne, Frankfort. “For the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NIV)
Runia, Silsbee TX, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”, Proverbs 4:23, NIV
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9 ESV
Katie, Dallas, GA – “My salvation and my honor depend upon God; He is my Mighty Rock, my Refuge.” Psalm 62:7 (NIV)
Hope I’m not too late!
Deb K. Sterling Hts: “My thoughts are completely different from yours”, says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8 NLT
Josie, Bossier City, LA
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt. 5:4, NLT1
Lesa from Lebo, KS
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart proverbs 3:3 NIV
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do go works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Beth, La Verne, CA
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, NIV
lisa in kc
ps. 103:2
“bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
KJV
Shirley, Ashville, AL:
Exodus 13:13-14 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)
I am so sorry I am late. I have been down and out in bed with the flu
Carrie Cincinnati, Ohio
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills,
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Betty, Port Orange, Fl.
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. ! Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Lis, London: He gives power to the faint , and to him who has no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 ESV
Kathy, NH “Out of the overflow if the heart, the mouth speaks”
Matthew 12:34
Wendy, Rock Island, IL
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 / NLT
Sorry I’m late! 🙂
Sharoni, Houston. “Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide awake in prayer.”
I Peter 4:7, The Message
Jennifer H., Sun City, AZ
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Ps. 27:13,14 NIV
Wendy, Blacksburg, VA
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 NIV
Alexis, Corvallis, OR: “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 (NIV)
Amy
Los Angeles, CA
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.
Psalm 39:7
Amy 7634, SF Bay Area, CA:
“My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged…”
Colossians 2:2a (The NET Bible)
Holly
Geita, Tanzania
“So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory. ”
Psalm 63:2 The Message
Dharma: Pasadena, Md.
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. HCSB
Jaclyn, Houston. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV