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.
“Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.”
Colossians 3:10 The Message
I was on vacation and didn’t have internet access! Late, but none-the-less, here is my verse:
Nicole, Portland OR: 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
Jess, Haysville, KS
“People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
Kim Laguna Niguel, CA “When I am afraid I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Ina. Lancaster, PA
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
I Cor. 6:19, 20 NLV
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 NLT
Cheryl, Alta Loma, Ca
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
I memorized this verse many years ago, and can paraphrase it well. Isn’t it just like our God to let us know when it’s time to revisit something….even if we think we’ve got it down! 🙂 Love and Hugs!!
Patti Rae Saskatchewan, Canada
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Psalm 9:9 The lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Janell Urban, Clovis, NM “The grace of our Lord was poured on me abundantly along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 1:14 NIV
Danay’e – Spencer, IN
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
– Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
Karla, Sheboygan.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Shanna, San Angelo, TX
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 17:5, NIV
Linda Rockwell, NC KJV
John16:33 “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me, ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Carol
Tacoma, Washington
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
Erin Smith, Little Rock, Arkansas
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
Phyllis, Rolling Hills Estates.
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7 NCV
Kristin Gahanna, OH Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:4-6 (NIV)
romans10:13 NLT
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Marlys, Hillsboro
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up.”
Luke 18:1 NIV
Kelsey Noll- Tallahassee, FL
Psalm 25:4-5- Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for your are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
I just discovered this and am so excited to join all of you!
from Port Angeles, Washington
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Barrett, plano, TX
The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world.
NLT Psalm 19 1-4
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 21:6
Betty Fulkerson, Montgomery, Tx. I missed putting in my 5th verse so it is; I can do everything through HIM who gives me strengh, Philippians 4:13. Now my 6th verse is; The entire law is summed up in a single command; “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Galatians 5:14
Sarah, Longmont, CO Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
(Late! Just home from a trip)
Ruth, Providence:
“I will rejoice and be glad for Thy steadfast love
because Thou hast seen my affliction,
Thou hast taken heed of my adversities
and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
Thou hast set my feet upon a broad place.”
Psalm 31: 7,8
Geri
from Deer Park,TX
Isaiah 49:6 NASB
He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel;
I will also make You a light of the nations
So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Melodie, Orlando, FL
Deuteronomy 30:8-9, The Message
8 And you will make a new start, listening obediently to God, keeping all his commandments that I’m commanding you today.9 God, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you: you’ll have babies, get calves, grow crops, and enjoy an all-around good life. Yes, God will start enjoying you again, making things go well for you just as he enjoyed doing it for your ancestors.
King George, VA
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV
Barb from Lino Lakes, MN
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
~2Corinthians 4:7~ EST
BJ and Teri from Owatonna, MN
“A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit, and let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Jenny, Kansas City, MO
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Wendy
Clovis, CA
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eph. 3:20-21
Psalm 31:19
NIV
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
Lynn, Louisville
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Psalm 18:33 (KJV)
Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
stephanie, la conchita, ca.
“you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Isaiah 43:10
week 2 of breaking free. 🙂
Amy
Lexington, KY
2 Corinthians 4:15 NIV
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.
Runnells, IA NASV Isa. 46:4
“Even in your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you.
I have done it and I will carry you,
And I will bear you, and I will deliver you.’
Kathy, Price, Utah:
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
Kim-Richmond,VA…I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
Lynda, San Antonio, Texas
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deut. 6:4-5 NIV
Kendall from San Antonio, TX:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Debbie, Rochester, MN
Is. 50:4-5 (NLT)
The Sovereign LORD has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I do not rebel or turn away.
Sabrina; Mobile, Alabama
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Cindy in Raleigh NC
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Buford, GA
Job 28:23-24 Amplified Bible
God understands the way [to Wisdom] and He knows the place of it [Wisdom is with God alone]. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.