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.
Rebecca, Abilene, KS
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Angie W., Federal Way, WA
O LORD, you are my God; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Isaiah 25:1, ESV
Winnipeg, MB Canada
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Heather, Fort Mill SC (and is late with my verse again!)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 ESV
Whew, checking in late, but finally found the verse that spoke to me as I was writing on my blog last night!
“Lord you are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6
Heather
Mosinee, WI
Submit yourselves, then to God. RESIST the devil, and he WILL flee from you.
James 4:7
NIV
Carrie Jones
Ontario, Canada
Lori
Bangor, Maine
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 Message
Grove, Oklahoma
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
NIV
There are 15 of us all around the globe memorizing all or part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. If you want to be praying for your Siesta-mates they are: Brandi Pierce Grove, Oklahoma; Janice, Tulsa; Rebecca,Madison,MS; Linda, Carolina Beach, NC; Kaye in Arkansas; Brittney, Olympia; Deb, Windsor, CT; Amanda, Colorado Springs; Kim, Warren Raleigh; Robin Snohomish, WA; Dorothea, Rockwall, TX; Stacey from Abilene; Cheryl, Uganda
Lubbock, TX
“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40 NIV
Marisa, Kissimmee FL
“For I am the Lord who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear.”-Isaiah 41:13
This verse was very special and meaningful to my family in the hospitalization, homegoing, funeral, etc. of my niece. It is even posted at her grave. Even in the middle of very hard things, God can give grace. . . and even JOY and miracles. I am swept away by his goodness and love for all of us. He is ALWAYS faithful. Thanks for posting. Great verse. . . GREAT and mighty God!
Lori, Norwood, MA. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27 – 28/NIV
Carol ~ Webb City, MO
“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)
Jeanie, Arkansas
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Judy, Montgomery “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28 NIV
{Perhaps my verse will explain, not excuse, my tardiness *winking smile*}
Renita~~Prattville, Alabama
Blessed is the (wo)man who perserveres under trail, because when (s)he has stood the test, (s)he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NIV
Cheryl(Alabaster, AL) 1 Corinthians 2:12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.(NLT)
wendy, broken arrow, OK
“Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom. 12:2 NLT
Casey-Henrietta, TX
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Kim, Corning, NY: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (NKJV).
Jeri Cook, Missouri City, Texas
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 NKJ
Michelle, Russellville ~ fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Glen Allen, VA.
I COR 13: 4-8 ESV
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice a wrong doing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. LOVE NEVER ENDS.
Susan, Chicago. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that come from the good news of peace,
Ephesians 6:14-15 NET
Mary Ann, Summerville, S.C.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8(NIV)
Jennifer
Fort Worth, TX
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Debra, Many, La
“Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on you chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6: 14-15 (Holman)
Nicole, Prairieville, LA
“The Lord will fight for you; You need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Sharon, Colorado Springs
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
MARILYN, VAN BUREN, MO
FINALLY, BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT, PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL. FOR WE DO NOT WRESTLE WITH FLESH AND BLOOD BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, AGAINST SPIRITUAL FORCES OF WICKEDNESS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. THEREFORE, TAKE UP THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY AND HAVING DONE EVERYTHING, TO STAND. STAND THEREFORE HAVING GIRDED YOUR WAIST WITH THE BELT OF TRUTH, HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND HAVING SHOD YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. ABOVE ALL TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH WITH WHICH YOU WILL BE ABLE TO QUENCH THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED ONE, AND TAKE UP THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.
EPHESIANS 6: 10-17 NKJV
Sherree Hunsberger, Lilburn GA
“Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.”
Proverbs 3:30
NAS
I know I am disgustingly late with my verse. A graveyard schedule and all manner of craziness carried my silly little head through the 15th without a clue. Dur. Here is my verse!
Courtney, Moses Lake, WA
Matthew 8:13 NASB
“Go. It shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant was healed that very moment.”
Lydia, Norman, OK
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12 NKJ
Dustalyn, Murdock, NE, “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NIV)
Margo, Laramie Wyoming
To proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2,3 NIV (I plant to memorize 1-4)
Janine, Santa Cruz, Bolivia,
The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 121:5 (NIV)
Delta from Lakeland, Florida
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (The Message)
22-23 Then Samuel said,
Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—
empty rituals just for show?
He wants you to listen to him!
Plain listening is the thing,
not staging a lavish religious production.
Not doing what God tells you
is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
Getting self-important around God
is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
Because you said No to God’s command,
he says No to your kingship.
HEBREWS 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Tori D. Mays
Elmer, La
ISAIAH 41:13 NIV
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.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Tim 1:6 (NIV)
Melissa, California
Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentence and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength'”
NIV 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power,
and love and a sound mind.
Goodness…I had a doozy learning mine for the first half of March…I think I’ll be doing that one again. I hope the next one is planted deep in my heart..
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (NIV)
Phyllis Irving, TX
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power, and
of love and a sound mind.
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Romans 15:13 NSRV
Jodi, Loganville “O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress” Isaiah 33:2 NIV
(Sorry I’m late posting. We’ve been moving since Wednesday and finally have my new email and internet working! Yay!)
Daniela Abingdon, MD
Abingdon, MD
Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen the more understanding you will be given – and
you will receive even more.
Mark 4:24 NIV
Sallie-Beaverton, OR
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Lisa Hawaii NKJV Romans 6:6 Our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be sone away with, we should no longer be slaves of sin.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV