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.
Sarah, Johnstown, PA
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”
Colossians 1:11 NIV
Lenore, Grayson (GA) “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” ~Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Lorie, Columbia, SC
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be on us: and establish you the work of our hands on us; yes, the work of our hands establish you it. Ps. 90:17
American Standard Version
“No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper: and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn”-Isaiah 54:17 KJV
Amy, Vacaville
“Everything is permissible for me”- but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”- but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Avayd Merriam, KS In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov. 16:9 NIV
Melissa, Waco
NIV 1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial.”
Karen, Eupora, MS
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Then I will teach trangressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:12-13 NIV 2011
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4: 2-3 (NIV)
Tammy, Dallas
He will not let your foot slip, He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121 3-4 HCSB
Jane. Canton,Illinois
” humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
James 4:10. Rye SB
Katera, Kentwood, LA
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
ESV
Andrea, Houston, TX
Isaiah 49:4b, “What is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”
Mandy, Grove City, PA
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Karon, Kingsland, GA
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NASB
Carol, Grove City, PA
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
Jan, Lake St.Louis, Mo.
” My soul yearns for you in the night;
my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.
For when your judgments are in the earth,
the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”
Isaiah 26:9 (ESV)
Robin, Indialantic, FL. “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace”. Romans 8:6 NIV
Judy Holland, MI Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NIV
Alison’s verse looks like a good one for me, too!
Denise, Ozark, MO
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 NIV
Karen
Memphis, TN
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
NIV
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Jules, Kearney NIV
Laurel, Zeeland, Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4-6-7 (The Message)
Cristin
Fort Campbell
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
2 Timothy 1: 7
Angie from Redding, Ca.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exist and that he rewards those that earnestly seeks him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Isaiah 42:5 (NIV)
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
2 Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and discipline.
Angie, Aberdeen, SD
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16, KJV
Kelly
Abilene, TX
Matthew 5:48 NIV
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Patty – Fairfax, VA
Fathers (and Mothers), do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NIV)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom. 12:12
Romans 8:31-32 ESV
What then shall we say to these things? 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 with him graciously give us all things?
Jamie in Katy
Deborah, Waco TX
My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more glady about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” II Corithians 12:9 NIV
I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Message
Tracie, Minneapolis
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.
Proverbs 21:5a ESV
(Spring Break week… don’t close up shop yet! Thanks for accepting a late entry! And I SO wish we could just install a ‘Like’ button on each of these verses. I am SO ministered by simply reading through all of them…)
Sarah, Abilene, TX
Colossians 3:12,13 NIV
“Therefore, 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 grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Ruth, Bloxom, VA
“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
Sandy, Houston, TX
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16 NIV 2010
Kathleen, Tallahassee,FL
“So we have the prophetic word made more sure,
to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp
shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the
morning star arises in your hearts.”
II Peter 1:19 (NASB)
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:26-27 NIV
ashley e
huntsville, al
Deuteronomy 30:6 ESV
And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Ada Rochester, MI
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
He will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 7-8
Elizabeth
Rochester, MI
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
He will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 7-8 NIV
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
“God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5b, ESV
I have a beautiful picture at sunrise of Mt. Rainier as well, would love to share it with everyone. How can I do that?
Thanks,
Laura
Pam, Oregon.
Acts 4:12 NIV
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Sheri
Portland, OR
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 NIV
Isaiah 55:8
“My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
Jennifer, Fresno, CA
Paige, Atlanta, NLT
Eph. 4:26,27 And don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil