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.
Kimberly, McComb, MS
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgement. 2 Tim 1:7 HCSB
Stephanie, Tulsa “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Kim, Cypress, TX “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Psalm 119:133 NIV
Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
Or do you think Scripture says without reason that He jealously longs for the spirit He has caused to dwell in us? But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
~ James 4:5-6 (NIV)
Lindsay, Lee’s Summit MO
What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NIV
Carmaris, Springfield MA
You are my hiding place; you alone will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7(NIV)
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA
1 Peter 2:24 NIV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness by his wounds you(Kim) have been healed.
“..give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Kristin, Clearwater, FL
James 3:17, NIV “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NIV
Julie Reynolds, Tallassee AL
Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
@ginsamica
Philippians 4: 6&7 NIV
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
DeDe – Newberry, Florida – Lord All-Powerfull, happy are the people who trust you! Psalms 84:12 (NCV)
Kendall Lyons 10 yrs. old; Cypress, NIV, Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he wil make your paths straight.”
Darien Lyons, 12 yrs old, Cypress, NIV, Philippians 2:5
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Liz Lyons, (older than Darien & Kendall – hee hee), Cypress, NIV, Psalm 27:4
“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.”
Kelly, Fort Myers. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV
“Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalms 115:1 – NIV
Lari
Austin, TX
“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.”
Deuteronomy 10:17 (NLT)
Jenna
Waco, TX
“Know this, my beloved brothers(sisters); let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of a man(woman) does not produce the righteousness that God requires.” James 1:19-20 (ESV)
Melissa
Waco, TX
Susan, Atlanta
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4 NIV
Allison
Central Asia
But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
James 2:6 (NAS)
(I’m working my way through the whole chapter)
Loganville, GA
Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:24 NKJV
Brenda – Jordan, MN
“Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.”
Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT
Katie, (Firestone, CO)
“Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 (HCSB)
Nancy, Camillus, NY
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest on us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)
Melanie – Louisville, KY
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Show me Your ways,O LORD, teach me Your paths.
Guide me in Your Truth and teach me for You are God my Savior and my hope is in You all day long~
Rita Harrison, Cantonment, FL
“For I am confident of this very things, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 1:6 NASB
Jenny, Yukon, OK
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10
Sorry so late:
Charlene, Houston
No one is holy like the Lord,
for there is none besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2
Angela
Garner, NC
Or do you think Scripture says without reason that He jealously longs for the spirit He has caused to dwell in us? But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
~ James 4:5-6 (NIV
Angela, Maui. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire of the Lord, insistently require, that i may dwell in His presence all the days of my life (Ps 27:4 amp.)
Melanie, Groesbeck, TX
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Jennifer, Cincinnati, OH
1 Peter 4:8 (New International Version, ©2011)
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
lisa, long beach,wa Psalm 34:19 NIV
The righteous person may have many troubles,but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Rhonda ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Gal 6:9 NIV
Sorry so late…internet issues.
Sarah, Fort Worth, TX
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has shown you, oh mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)NIV
Evansville, IN
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,the glorious Father, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know Him better.”
Ephesians 1:17, NIV
Sorry I’m so late! I picked my verse out a while ago, but getting it posted was the problem.
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:31-39
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Erin – Sulphur Springs, TX – Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. NASB
Cheryl, Austin. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Jennifer Highland Village,TX
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.