Hey Siestas!
Can you fathom that we are on our 10th memory verse??? Good grief! 2011 is almost halfway over! Amanda and Curtis just got Jackson’s preschool graduation pictures and we all nearly flipped. It is the cutest thing ever, especially with that missing front tooth. His ceremony is in a few days but the little blue cap and gown just about put all of us over the edge. We will have a kindergartener next year and a mighty fine one at that. It just sails by. And how well many of you know.
I am getting lots of questions about whether or not we’re having Siesta Summer Bible Study. I want to say yes so badly. I have tried to turn this puzzle piece every conceivable direction to see how it would fit on the table. Between SSMT every 1st and 15th, the summer Living Proof Lives, the final Deeper Still, and, probably the biggest factor of all, the complete James manuscript due date at the end of summer, I just can’t make it work and still be a wife, mom, and active Bibby. I also don’t have my faithful blog master, Amanda, here to assist me with all that summer Bible study entails right now. I am, however, presently thinking of some ways that we can hold one another accountable to stay in the Scriptures this summer and also give you the opportunity to connect with other Siestas who want to do some of the same studies. Stay tuned for that. For now, I’ll joyfully recommend to you two that I’ve done this Spring:
Duty or Delight by Tammie Head (Many of you will remember getting to know this brand new author in April through our blog video. She is dear to me and will no doubt become dear to many of you.)
Brave by Angela Thomas (Angela is a gifted teacher and writer and I try not to let anything she offers sit on the bookstore shelf for long before I bag it and read it. I’m almost finished with this study and have been tremendously blessed by it.)
Both of those women love Jesus and communicate His Word beautifully. And you know how I feel about Priscilla Shirer and everything God uses her to bring to the table. You’ll never miss on her. Man, I wish we could do one of their studies the traditional way in Siestaville this summer but sometimes we realize that even another good thing is perhaps the wrong thing for now. If the Lord is willing, we’ll definitely do a study our usual way next summer on the off year from SSMT.
OK, young ladies, how about that 10th verse?? NO DROP OUTS!!! This verse is trying to leap off the page at me this time around and not so much for my own plight right now but for some people I really love:
Beth, Houston, Texas. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
Praise You, Lord. You are so faithful. Close in on those who are brokenhearted and hold them in Your healing grasp. Deliver the discouraged in such dramatic ways that You alone get the credit. We exist here in this blog community to give You glory, Lord. Come and get it. Our eyes are to the skies.
Jennifer – Lansing, MI
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” Philippians 4:4-5 The Message
Leslie, Missoula, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Lisa, Richmond, BC
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
Marian
Blackshear, GA
Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17 NIV
Zan, from Franklin, TN
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress,
I will never be shaken.” ~ Psalm 62:1-2 NIV
Shelly, Lakeville, MN “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
Tanya- Sheffield, AL: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Cari, Huntington, WV
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged. Psalm 34:18 NET
Lacey, Leonard TX. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Lara Oak Ridge Phil 3:10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection ]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]. AMP
11That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
Sarah, NC “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold or your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Is. 41:13 NIV
Elaine – Brea, Ca
(in an attempt to memorize a passage in Romans 12, I will do one verse at a time.)
Romans 12:9 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the natins, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 NKJV
Melissa, Granbury, Texas
Proverbs 22:6(nkjv)
Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Sara from Knoxville, TN
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! (NET)
Sarah, Isle, MN
“I will commit myself to you forever;
I will commit myself to you in righteousness and justice,
in steadfast love and tender compassion.
I will commit myself to you in faithfulness;
then you will acknowledge the Lord.”
Hosea 2:19-20 (NET)
Jan, Alabama, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Barbara, North Tonawanda, NY “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)
Christa, Denver, CO
The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Tricia Faison Wendell, NC
2 Timothy NIV
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Lisa, Elmhurst, IL
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, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Lori, Owasso
Isaiah 54:13 Amplified Version
“And all your children shall be disciples (taught by the Lord and obedient to His will), and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.”
Sharon : Modesto, Calif.
But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm! Proverbs 1:33 NIV
“You’re blessed when you are content with just who you are- no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourself proud owner of everything that can’t be bought.”- Matthew 5:5, The Message
Marriage should be honored by all…
Hebrews 13:4a (NIV)
Donna
Franklin, TN
Midge Florence, SC “I am the Lord’s servant! May every thing you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38 New Living Translation
Melinda – Atlanta, TX.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5, NASB
Lubbock, TX
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thess. 3:5 NIV
Tiffany, ATL
“For with God nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37 KJV
Paula – Albertville, AL –
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
Luann, Grand Junction CO
Proverbs 10:19 (New International Version 1984)
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
{ouch}
Sue, VA
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NKJV
Cassandra, Mars Hill, NC “All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (HCSB)
Iris, Sherwood, AR: Colossians 3:21 NIV “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Carol, Webb City, MO
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1 (NIV)
Viola Dodd Lubbock TX Proverbs 16:2 People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the Lord. TNIV
Natalie, Olive Branch “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Karen, Brandon, MS:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Cor. 15:58, ESV
Shelly, Pittsburgh, PA “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
Robyn, Wichita, Kansas: The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Psalm 19:7 NIV
Jane, Gulfport – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing;” Philippians 2:14 (NASB)
Alisa
Clinton, MS
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 NSAB
Sarah, Port Angeles, Washington Psalm 37:18 NASB, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Mandy from Rockwall
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (NIV)
God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NCV
Lisa~ Mesa, Arizona
1 John 2:15 NLT
Don’t love this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you don’t really have the love of the father in you.
Elysa, Raleigh
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
James 3:1, 2
Suzanne; Pasadena, Texas
Ecc 4:9-12 NKJV The Value of a Friend
9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Judy from Lake Charles, LA-“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)
Deborah – Cheyenne, WY: And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:21 NASB