**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!
Valerie
Louisville, KY
Psalm 147:3 NIV
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale
“Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way” (Romans 14:13, HCSB).
Barb*St Cloud, MN*
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. Isaiah 46:9 NIV
Renee, Roanoke VA: (Taking 2 weeks on these!)
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Amen! I think I will add this one to a future memory verse slot. Thanks, Renee!
Thank you for this verse. I had mine for today, but when I saw yours I wrote it down also to start memorizing for the 15th. This has always been one of my favorite verses, and especially now with the economy the way it is. But no matter what we can always rejoice in the Lord, our Saviour.
Andrea Hart Orlando, FL Psalm 34:5 NIV
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Amy, Oklahoma
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
1Peter4:7 NIV
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Jane W., Charlotte
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father'”. Romans 8:15 NIV
Wanda North Canton, Ohio
James 1:19-21 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 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.
Connie, Tyler
“We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:26 NIV
Karen from Jefferson City,
For the start of a new school year (I am a professor).
Psalms 73:23-26
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Sandra, Florida. He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Ezekiel 37:4 (New Spirit Filled Life Bible for Women)
Nicole, Portland OR: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9 NIV
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2 Timothy 2:16. NIV
Deidre
Hickory, NC
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised”
Hebrews 10:23
KJV
Kaycee, Cabot: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27a
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Vicki, Surprise, AZ
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
Rachel
Fullerton, CA
John 10:10 ~ (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I cam that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
James 1: 1-4
I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, writing to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come: Hello! Faith Under Pressure
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
Christina
Louisville, KY
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Lindsey from Dubach, La is memorizing “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.” -James 3:9 (NIV)
Pam, Sioux Falls, SD
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.”
Psalm 107:9 NIV
“Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed!” Philippeans 2:14 The Message
I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Madison, MS
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NLT
Barb, Lakewood, CO
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 NKJV
And Jesus told us in John 16:33 that we would have trouble (sufferings) in this world, but we will come to know peace (glory revealed in us) in Him who has overcome the world!! To God be the glory!! Sending much Love to Beth and all my Siestas this glorious August day!!
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20 KJV
Titus 2:14
Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself, a people (to be peculiarly His own, people who are) eager and enthusiastic about (living a life that is good and filled with) beneficial deeds.
(Amplified version)
Joni,Port Neches. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
Becky
Owasso OK
John 5:39-40 NIV
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that tesitfy about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Berni, Albuquerque
“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.” Philippians 4:8b NLT
Karen, Clarksville “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD with be my light.” Micah 7:8
Emily, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Kathy
St.Louis, MO
Debbie, Walpole, MA
Psalm 121:4 (continuation) NIV “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep.”
Diane, Killeen, TX: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NIV
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“Fear the LORD your God and serve him. HOLD FAST to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” ~ Deut. 10:20-21 (NIV84)
Lisa McGriff, Dothan, AL
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Ephesians 5:22-24
NIV
Andrea, Tulsa. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1, NIV
Susanne, El Paso, TX
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 2:14-15
Lena, Wilmore Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Matt 5:7,8 (NIV)
Jeanene, Newnan GA
Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You.
Psalm 143:8 HCSB
Libby from Goodwine, IL
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Janet, Richland, MS
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do no cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
Carol, Hartley, Iowa
I Corinthians 8:3
But the man who loves God is known by God. NIV
Katherine, Charlottesville, VA:
“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4, NIV).
Laura, Hoyt, KS. “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them a heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
Melissa, St. Mary’s County, MD Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
KJV