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 Godâs good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I canât 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 Godâs 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. Iâm actively praying for Priscilla Shirerâs simulcast in several weeks even though Iâll be in Fresno. I donât doubt sheâs praying for us, too. I canât 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 âreaching more and more people,â 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 Samaritanâs 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 Samaritanâs 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 arenât already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. Itâs just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May âthe Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulnessâ 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.
Itâs time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! Iâll 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, hereâs 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, âThe early bird gets the worm!â 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 canât believe Iâm 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 âMasaâ (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, âTexans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.â 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 couldnât believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas werenât on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. Iâve never tried them before but Iâve been with Travis and Angela when theyâve 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. Sheâs 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 wasnât 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 itâs 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 didnât 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 DIDNâT YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldnât afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPLâs. For crying out loud, if somebodyâs broke, it doesnât 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 weâd 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, Iâve 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.
Corbin, KY
Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 NKJV
Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV ’84
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Kay from Deer Park
Jovin, Houston TX – “True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” Psalm 23:3 MSG
Psalm 121:6 HCSB
“The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.”
Ivy Morrison
Willis, TX
Gwen, Fairmont, WV
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
Anica, Huntsville, AL
Oh so sorry ladies! I’ve been working on this one since before the 15th, but forgot to post! Blessings to each one of you Siestas!
Song of Solomon 2:10(ESV)
“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,'”
Proverbs 20:5 “Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.” Message
Janice; Springville, AL
I Timothy 2:1-2 NIV
I urge, then, first of all that petitiions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Lara, Aubrey, TX: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14. NAS
Ashley, West Monroe. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
For I know the plans, I have for you declares the Lord, plans for you to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11NIV
I didn’t get this memorized last time, so I’m listing it again.
Stacey, Wichita, KS
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7, NIV
James 1: 22 NIV
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Cheryl
Kemah, TX
Tami, Columbus, Ohio
Mark 14:38 (NIV)
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Dana Pace, FL
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3-4 NIV
Prov. 30:7-9, NIV
âTwo things I ask of you, LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, âWho is the LORD?â
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
JennLee, Perfect Austin, TX
SO late with my verse… but I needed some days this week for the Lord to give me the right verse. It’s been a doozie of a week.
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape Godâs judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that Godâs kindness leads you toward repentance?
-Romans 2:3-4, NIV ’84 (but I was tempted to use Holman’s for the word “restraint”!)
Jacki, Bettendorf ~
“If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death, but if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.” Romans 8:6, NLT
April, Lawrenceville, GA
2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
(sorry it’s late!)
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’
Isaiah 52:7 NIV
Diann, Woodburn: “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” Exodus 33:13 NIV
Judy, Manassas, Va
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness or the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at my side and ten thousand at your right hand but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
Psalm 91: 619 NASB
Katherine, Helena, AL
Proverbs 16:6 (CEV)
If we truly love God, Â
 our sins will be forgiven; Â
 if we show him respect, Â
 we will keep away from sin.
Kris, Vientiane Laos
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. (Psalms 143:8)(New Living Translation)
Linda & girls, Pauls Valley: “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 NKJV
2Corinthians 5:21 NIV
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Claudia
Mauriceville, TX
Gal. 1:10 NLT
Obviously, I am not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ servant.
Raelyn – San Antonio
Natalie, Omaha, NE
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Kiana, Austin
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Margaret, Sebring,Florida
For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…
2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV
Late again, still waiting on my computer.
Sorry this is late, but life is a little crazy right now.
how the Lord knew I needed this verse
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
âThe 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.â
Michelle, Portage IN
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29: 11 NLT
Greenacres, FL
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB
Heledd. Bridgend, Wales
‘for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.’
Philippians 2.13 NIV
Shelley, Dallas
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined be fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is reavealed.”
1 Peter 6-7 NIV
Jessica Leavenworth,IN
NIV Isaiah 43:10
“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“and My sevent 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.
Cheryl, Port Angeles, WA — The Lord is my Light and my Salvation — whom shall I fear? the Lord is the Stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV
“Be devoted to one another in brother love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~ Romans 12:10 (NIV)
ls, nc
“Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush Him”
-isaiah 53:10a
Christi—Clinton, Utah “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain you.” Psalm 55:22 NASB
Pattie in Converse, Texas: Psalm 119:71 NLT:
The suffering You sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your principles.
Doris, Whiteville, NC
Romans 11:33 ESV
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgements and inscrubable his ways!
Guess I need to correct the spelling in my post.
It is
how “inscrutable” his ways…not inscrubable đ
my good laugh for the day!
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, what is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Carrie Pueblo, CO
For God is working in you giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. Phil. 2:13 (NLT)
Kimberly
Fort Wayne, Indiana
NIV
Isaiah 51:3
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins, he will make her desert like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving, and the sound of singing.
Charne – Standerton South Africa. Rather late than never!!
âFor I am the Lord who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear.â-Isaiah 41:13
Beth,
I know this post has nothing to do with your previous post, however I really wanted to say, “Happy Purim!” to you! A group of amazing women and I are in the midst of the Esther study and LOVING it so much! God continues to use His Word to shape us. Thanks for leading us through it in this special study…and again, Happy Purim! đ
Beth R
Psalm 103: 9-10
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Paula
Moorefield, WV
Ooops late again. Been studying it, just forgot to post it. Here it is.
Psalm 57:7 NIV
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident.!