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.
Loganville, GA
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Tracey, Knightdale, NC:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Christine
Wichita, KS
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:7 (NIV)
For anyone reading and following all these from the beginning, I mentioned last time on 3/1 that I would be posting my verse for this time later since I would be on a mission trip to East Asia on the 15th. Well I am now back in America and will post a verse soon, but I had to share a testimony. I know, a no no on this, but I just *have* to! I wanted the Siestas to hear it! I was excited and frustrated because I don’t have a local warm body doing this with me, (besides my kids to encourage me!) but I wanted to step up my memorization anyhow. So long story short, while on my trip there were some very hard times, but EVERY VERSE I have memorized thus far were EXACTLY the verses I needed for those very hard times! Over and over when the enemy was attacking my body and spirit, every verse I had memorized thus far was just what my sword needed. I was overwhelmed with that and had to share and say Thank You to you for encouraging us to do this and say Thank You to our Lord Jesus for prompting me to do this despite not having a partner and for giving me the verses He knew I would need on the trip. I just love it when my Daddy works like that! New verse coming early this week!
Thank you for sharing with your Siesta family even if it is a “no-no” 🙂
I am super excited to hear of your every need being met!
John 14:1-3 (King James Version)
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
(Three verses, because I already know part of this!)
Melissa, Atlanta:
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
~Psalm 138:3, NIV
Sherri, Frisco, Texas – Sorry for the late post; on vacation in Jamaica and was without internet connection for a week.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Joanna, Bothell, WA
Wasn’t able to be in Tacoma due to the death of our beautiful, God-fearing 94 year old Grandma Laura, but knew that the Lord would be my portion.
Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Joanna I just had to tell you that I am sorry for your loss. I can relate. My sweet God-fearing 94 year old Grandma Mary went to be with the Lord last Monday. I was with her when Jesus called her home. I miss her like CRAZY today but I am smiling through tears at the thought of those two lovely ladies worshiping their God together! I learned Ps 62:5 last time, so verse 6 this week…because He ALONE is my rock.
My world has been rocked with the news that my husband has cancer, and so when I read 2 Cor. 4:15 above just after reading it in my “Stepping Up” bible study book, I KNEW what my sixth verse was! “All of 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.!” 2 Cor. 4:15 (NIV) I confess that I have it partially memorized already because the Lord used it when my grandmother and father died within five weeks of each other, but I think given everything, you will be gracious to me.
Ps 103:1-2
1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Jane (yikes,really late)
Cuba, Missouri
Wendy-Rome, GA
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Psalm 63:3 NIV
Beth from Cleveland
Phil. 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
WHitney Decatur, Al
Prov 17:27-28 ” A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”
Carla from Lufkin, TX
Deut. 11:18
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Deut. 11:18 (NIV)
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV
The Lord is my light and my song; He has become my salvation.
Exodus 15:2 NIV
Philippians 4:13 NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Tammie, Virginia
Philippians 4:7
and “the peace of God”, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
NKJV
Littleton, CO:
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 NIV
Emily, Superior, CO, “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 forever more.” Psalm 121:7, NIV
Jamie, Corbin,KY
Romans 8:32 NIV
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Emily, Superior, CO – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” Ephesians 6:7
Meredith Sloan
Greer, SC
Psalm 29:11
“The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Susan, Hillsboro, KS
Colossians 4:2 Amplified Bible
“Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.”
“I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only goal is to finish the race with joy and complete the task the Lord Jesus has give me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV, I think)
Jen in Roanoke, VA
Jerri, Princeton TX —- oops! I’m late 🙂
Psalm 121:3-4 NIV
He will not let your foot slip– he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Isreal will neither slumber nor sleep.
Matthew 7:7
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat & mouse, hide & seek game we’re in.” The Message
Sharon, Lititz,PA,
Jeremiah 32:17 NASB
‘Ah Lord God! Behold,You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult fo You.
Lisa, Chattanooga, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:10-11 KJV
DLynn; Amarillo
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 1:13 Holman
Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Dina Martin
Panora, IA
Valerie, Spring, TX. Love must be sincere, hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 NIV
Kelly, Corona, CA
Psalm 17:6&7 NIV “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Stephanie
Knoxville, TN
“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 at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (I Corinthians 13: 4-7, ESV)
Tricia, Eldridge
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Summerville, South Carolina
3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (NKJV)
Beth, Johnstown, OH
For the word of the Lord is right and true;
He is faithful in all He does.
Ps. 33:4 NIV
Charlottesville, VA “You did not choose me, but I choose you.” John 15:16 HCSB
Melle Waco, Tx.
Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you. I will tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.” (Message)
Sorry so late–Spring Break!
Katherine, The Colony, TX
Nahum 1:7 ESV
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Ann, Faith, SD
Colossians 3:14-15
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called(AO) in one body. And be thankful.
ESV
Jennifer, Fuquay Varina, NC
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
Matthew 17:20, NLT
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 4:16 NIV
Carla, Coweta. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phil 4:8 NLT
Jeanne – Keller, Tx NASB “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” I Pet 5:10
No internet on spring break!!
Danelle
Ames, IA
ESV
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been bought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
Romans 6:13
Joni, Littleton CO
Psalm 32:8 NIV
” I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you.”
Houston, TX
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.