**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, Sweet Things!
Finally, August 1st! I’m always so glad to see it come so that it can GO. But it’s not just the end of a long, hot summer for everybody. It’s also the last couple of weeks of summer vacation. Those of you with school-age children will soon find yourself back in carpool lines and going over spelling words. In just a couple of weeks, Jackson will start kindergarten and will catch our whole family by surprise even though we’ve known it was coming for five and a half years. We just cannot fathom it. We have a picture framed in our bedroom that I see everyday with Keith and I cuddling him between us when he was just a few hours old, and we brand-spanking-new grandparents are kissing over his head. Something was reborn in that couple of 25+ years that day. Our interests have always tended to be different and were getting increasingly so, but, that cold February afternoon in Dallas, Texas, we somersaulted right back into one another and tumbled into a well of love with a seven pound man-child.
Keith and I got to have Jackson and Annabeth Friday night while Curtis and Amanda went to dinner and a movie. They’d been gone for 10 days to Wyoming and, even though we’d seen them at a Mexican food restaurant the day they got home, we’d not had them to ourselves yet. We made a date right away. They delight us to no end and cause us to laugh until our sides split. Don’t get the idea there’s no work involved but investments don’t get better than this one. We have real, live conversation over dinner these days and, when you’re grandparents, not a single word gets wasted on you. All of it’s solid gold. Jackson told us at the dinner table Friday night while stuffing a piece of warm French bread into his mouth that butter is his “temptutation.” And, sure enough, it was dripping off of his chin and looked so good that we all shared that same temptutation and gave right on in to it.
We have an empty room in our house right now because we wanted Melissa and Colin to have her bedroom furniture and it’s turned into the perfect playroom. Nothing like an empty room to fire up the imagination. Jackson and I built an obstacle course Friday night that ended with a dizzying spin in my swiveling desk chair. It was so much fun. Amanda and Curtis walked through the door at 10:15 and we were all four still up in the kitchen, Paw Paw popping popcorn on the stove. It’s so good to have the Jones’s home. Melissa and Colin have been out of town for a week, too, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on them. They’re flying home from California this very moment. Most of the time they were out of cell phone range so we’ll have plenty to catch up on.
On to the business at hand! Our year is flying by! It’s time to check in with our fifteenth verses for our Siesta Scripture Memory Team. For some reason I’ve seen the word “gentleness” turn up a number of times in my Scripture reading lately so I’ve decided to choose a memory verse that makes especially important use of it. Here goes:
Beth, Houston. “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.” Galatians 6:1 The NET Bible
Restoration is one of the most powerful, intentional works of the Cross of Christ. Let’s never refuse anyone his or her right to be restored. Here’s to a little gentleness in a harsh world. Everyone could use some.
Stay in the Word, Siestas! You are so loved here!
“In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.” Proverbs 31: 19-24 (NIV)
Paula, Houston, TX
…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
– Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Christa, Cape Town RSA
God, it seems You’ve been our home forever; long before the mountains were born. Long before You brought earth itself to birth, from “once upon a time” to “kingdom come” – You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 (The Message)
Megan, Maple Valley
“Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted, too.”
Galatians 6:1, the NET Bible
Brittney, Olympia
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Natalie Christopher, Olympia WA
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
NIV
Carla, Iowa
Deuteronomy 1:8
See, I have set the land before you. Enter and take possession of the land the Lord swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their future descendants.
NIV
carla, iowa
James 1:8
An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.
NIV
Barb – ChiangMai, Thailand
Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning,that you may be blameless and innocent,children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Jeanne Honolulu, Hawaii
Psalm 31:7 ESV
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have(P) known the distress of my soul,
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Katera, Kentwood, LA
Linda, Newark, DE
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl
“You are my winesses,”declares the Lord, “and my servant 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.”-Isaiah 43:10
Heather Lagrange/Louisville ky
“even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Delores, Columbia TN, Galatians 2:6. NKJV
But from those who seemed to be something–whatever they were, it
makes no difference to me; God
shows personal favoritism to no man–
for those who seemed to be something
added nothing to me.
Cindy/Apex
“Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me.” Psalm 119:133 NIV
Olda, Huntsville
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, [bless] His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good [things], [So that] your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Joy, Cairo, Ga.
Psalm 143:9-10 (NIV and NET)
Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord. I run to you for protection. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Rom. 13:8ESV “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for he one loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Tita in Bear, Delaware
“but as for me, I will sacrifice to You with a voice of thanksgiving. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!” Jonah 2:9 HCS
Johnnie
Wake Forest, NC
Nancy, Dallas
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Kay, Richmond Hill, GA
“Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.” Galatians 6:1 The NET Bible
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Carmen, Largo, FL
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Ps 5:3 NIV
Becca – Columbus OH
Galatians 6:1 Kjv
1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Tracy, Edgewood
Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. ~Jeremiah 6:16(a)
Kendra, Sturgis Michigan – “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.” Galatians 6:1 The NET Bible
I will be with you when you pass through the waters,
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not
overwhelm you. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
Tamela, Piedmont, SC: Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 NLT
Devi
Geneva, Switzerland
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)
Nell, Chloe & Abbi, Wichita Falls TX
Romans 12:1-2 (New King James)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Kim, New Port Richey, FL
Micah 6:8 NLT. “…the Lord has already told you what is good, and this what He requires: to do what is right,to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jolie, Cottage Grove, MN
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Christina, Egenhausen: Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Melissa Vevay, IN
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Ephesians 6:15 NASB
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)
Debbie, Fairfax, VA
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” ~ Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
Beth, Cary, NC
2 Cor 4:16-18 (NIV)
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Nikol, Birmingham, AL: “But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” Psalm 33:11 (NLT)
Sharon, Fort Worth, Texas
Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. NAS
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 7:19
“If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.” – Psalm 25:15, The Message
Sarah, Dallas, TX
Cheryl, Midlothian, Va
I came to give life – Life in all its fullness
John 10:10 NCV
Karen, Caledonia
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 NIV
He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.
Deut. 10:21 NIV
*from Charlotte’s HOLDFAST*
mariel, NC
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NIV)
Tammie. Columbia, SC.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. (!!)” Heb. 10:35-36