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.
Erie, pa
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Ps34:4 NIV
T. Cooper from Amarillo, Texas
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV 2011
Karen Larson
Lino Lakes, Mn
Love never fails…
1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV
Memory Verses 5 and 6, they go together
Psalm 125:1-2
“Those who trust in the Lord are as Zion. It cannot be shaken; it remains forever.
1Peter2:6
“Behold I am laying a stone in Zion a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
I was in Nicaragua on the 15th, but had put my verse in my phone beforehand. I was so glad I did…God used it to bless me in a time I needed his strength.
Sallie, Tupelo, MS. “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Jenn, Leesburg, VA “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Karen Lake Jackson, TX
Colossians 1:12
“…and giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the Kingdom of Light.”
Pam in Texas using The Everyday Bible
“Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you.
He will never let good people down.”
Psalms 55:22
Anne, Wauchula
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rms. 15:13 (NIV)
Jean, Fairfax
He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him. Prov. 18:13NASB
Courtney, Lakewood, CO.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1, NIV
Better late than never, right?
Ali, Verona, VA
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, long, how high, and how deep His love is.”
Ephensians 3:18, NLT
Wanda – Laurel, MS
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
Proverbs 4:18 (NASB)
Cresanna – Bible School Park, NY
In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Hosea 6:2, NLT
A Cord of 3 Strands – Karen, Christy, Cheryl
Jay, OK
LORD my God, You have done many things-
Your wonderful works and Your plans for us;
none can compare with You.
If I were to report and speak of them,
they are more than can be told.
Psalm 40:5
Emily Mechanicsville, VA
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. NIV Psalm 55:22
Mary Ann Ringgold, Ga.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 NIV
When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in (the splendor of His) glory.
Col. 3:4 (Amplified)
Laura Greensboro, NC
“I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:9-10 NLT
Psalm 27:14 (NAS)
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”
Psalm 28:7a (NAS)
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in Him, and I am helped.”
Carolyn
Wheaton
Sarah. Sydney. Australia.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.Â
2 peter 1:3 NIV
D’Anna
Philadelphia, PA.
1 Thessalonians 5: 12-13 (NIV)
12 Now we ask you brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord, and who admonish you.
13 Hold them on the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
My dear siesta’s… you become more precious to me by the post. Stay steadfast in memorizing those scriptures.
In the same way, count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Rom 6:11 NIV
Dora, Houston, TX.
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.
– Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” -James 1:22 NIV
Jami, Spring Lake NC
Kamilah Houston
Watch, stand fast in the faith. be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
Rebecca Oliver mobile al
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 esv
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (PHilippians 4:13 NIV)
(I wanted to add an extra verse so I would be “caught up” and this is one of my favorites.)
Kelly
Clarksville, TN
Psl: 28:6 NIV
Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.
Sydney, Tucson, AZ
Lamentations 3:26 NIV
“It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord”
College Station, Texas
Psalm 121:3 [NIV]
He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber.
Romans 12:12 [NIV]
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Tammy, Hendersonville,TN
“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
Susan, Oklahoma City, OK
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Galatians 6:14 NIV
Matt 10:32
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
Bonnie Kate, Taylors, SC
Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God.
Hebrews 9:15 Message
Always inspiring Beth! Trying to memorize, meditate and live Col 3:12-14. Not easy for some reason!! 🙂
Julie, Goldfield, IA
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.
Dianne – Hartselle, AL
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.
I Corinthians 15:58 (The Message)
Maureen, Cambridge, MA: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Kirsten
Lubbock, Tx
God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Psalm 51:10 The Message
Kathleen, Houston
Jeremiah 31: 13
For I will turn their mourning into joy,
And I will comfort them and give them joy for sorrow.
Loveland, OH
Psalm 43:5
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Still late, but still in it…
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23-24 NIV
Whitney West Chester, OH
Mark 14:38 (NIV)
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Mindy – Lindale
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1 ESV
rachel conroe texas
james2:26 for just as the body without the spirit is dead, faith without works is dead.
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (NIV)
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” I Chron. 16:11
Ann, Edmond, OK – “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” I Chronicles 16:11
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9