**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!
Psalm 56:3
NIV
“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Shelly
Downey, CA
beth
lakeland, fl
These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!–Habakkuk 2:3 The Living Bible
Sahar, Gainesville, VA
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me til I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 NIV
Sahar, Gainesville, VA
Correction to previous post
“Even when I am old and gray do not forsake me O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to those who are to come.” Psalm 71:18
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NASB)
9 But just as it is written, things which eye has not seen or ear has not heard and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.
10 For to us, God revealed them through the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
Sara, Great Bend
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (ESV)
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28
Sr. Rebecca, Clyde
Phil 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
Kori, Cabot, Arkansas
1 Samuel 12:16 NIV
Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!
LuAnn
Port Huron, MI
Psalms 145:8-9 NIV The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.
Sherry ~ Hillsboro, OR “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 NASB
Christi, Clinton, Utah-
I AM SO HAPPY FOR AUGUST; CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN SALT LAKE, BETH!!!
Continuing on from the last session’s verses… “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:21
Angie, Toronto.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Philippians. 2:14-16 a
Debra, Mississippi
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto your own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct they paths.
Psalm 103:22 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Mary Ellen, Billings, MT
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him”.
Psalm 103:11 NIV
Angie, Delaware: “But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].” James 1:22 (AMP)
NIV James 1:19
19. My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.
Kristen, Los Angeles
Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Tracey, Bear Creek, NC: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6 NASB
Runia, Silsbee, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”, Hebrews 11:1, NIV
Michele, Edmond, OK
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of Gd, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 NKJV
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Michelle, Waukesha, Wi
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.” Mat 6:34 NIV.
Yvonne
Fresno
Psalm 84:3-4 NIV
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Jeanie
Sparta, TN
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Allie, South Pasadena CA
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 NRSV
Teresa, Haxtun, CO
Ephesians 4:23 (NLT) Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Sue
St. Louis, MO
Proverbs 31:30 NASB
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears in the Lord, she shall be praised.
Michelle – Frisco, Texas
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit – Psalm 34:18
A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.
Proverbs 25:11
Can’t wait to see you in Houston!
That is a beautiful thing!! I love it when God allows a word to be fitly spoken!!
Nancy, Kiwoko Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 NIV
Abby Corvallis OR ” Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.” Proverbs 16:6 NIV
Ann, Murrells Inlet
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Kelly
now in Daphne, AL (moved 2 days ago :o)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James
1:22
NIV
Kathy, Grand Ledge, MI
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Jodi Alley – Humble, TX “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of My God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10 NIV
Psalm 63:2 NIV ” I have seen You in Your sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.”
Shaminder
Toronto,ON
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7
NIV
Kelly, Lees Summit,MO
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparibly great power for us who bellieve. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated him at His right hand in the heavenly realms”
Eph 1:17-20
Annita, Haleyville, AL
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me. Psalm 13: 5-6, NIV
Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.
1 Peter 5:7 The message
Mischia, Morganton, North Carolina
“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
Toronto, ON =)
Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
When I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Lisa from Greenville, SC.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Marie
Byhalia, MS
Acts 26:18 NASB
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Patty – Hokes Bluff AL
Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand. Is. 41:10
Beverly Elliott Ohio NIV If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It is quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously-take God seriously.
Micah 6:8 The Message
Judy Norfolk, Va
Trust in Him at all times, O people:
pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge.
Ps. 62:8 NIV
Jeannette from Ellicott City, MD
“I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God:
I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever.”
Psalm 52:8 HCSB
Barbara, Avon Park: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56 NIV