**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!
Erin, Denver
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10 NIV
Erin, New Orleans, La
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NIV)
Rachel, Blairsville, GA: May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12, NIV.
Erica, 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
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2Timothy 3:16 NIV
Deutoronomy 10:12 NIV
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Tolu, Boston
Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers,
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Chyrll – Memphis, TN “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
Carrie, Logan. “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7 NIV
Sandy, Gettysburg, SD: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.” 1 John 5:4a (NKJV)
Kate, Hillsboro, OR
There is no one holy like the LORD;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God. I Samuel 2:2 (NIV 1984)
Vicki, Burton Michigan
“In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37 (NASB)
Meagan, austell, ga
If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14 MSG)
Kristi, Scottsdale, AZ
“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.” Romans 13:11 the Message
Gardner, KS
1 John 5:14 (NIV) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
Glenna, Cumberland House, SK “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” ACTS 4:12 NIV
Susan
Windsor, CA
So fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2nd Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things”.
Kelly Burnett, Houston, Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Catherine, Montgomery, AL
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 NLT
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 NIV
Robbyn, Dickinson, ND
Joshua 1:16 (NIV)
“Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.”
Ps 34:17-18 NIV
“The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them. He delivers them from all thier troubles.
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
There is no way you are going ot see this Beth but I am wondering if there is a chance if I come to the Siesta celebration if I will get to meet you face to face??? That would be my greatest wish in my life time. Your ministry has touched me in such a miraculous way. I wish too that this celebration were held somewhere that we could all be in close proximity like in a big hotel where we could share with each other. Sometimes the small group sharing after the main event is as great as the whole thing. I will have to write you personally and hope you see it. Love ya lots, Betty M
Julie, Jackson, MS
Psalm 27:13 NIV
I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Finally, be strong in the LORD and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Ephesian 6:10-11 NIV
Summer, Royse City, TX
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (NIV)
Amy Johnson
Mustang, Ok
This was the favorite verse of a student at the catholic school where I teach pre-k. He was 13 and died last week. I really need a verse on God being my strength. This one just really seems appropriate. I don’t know what version of the bible it is.
“Your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you. Put on all of God’s armor” Ephesians 6:10-11
Habakkuk 3:2 NIV (In regard to our nation)
LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Kelsie Wymore, Corpus Christi, TX:
32 The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! – Psalm 104: 32-33 NLT
Houston, TX
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 ESV
Johnstown, CO
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4 ESV
Jane, St. Louis
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Donise, Longmont, CO So, my very dear friends, when you see people reducing God to something they can use or control, get out of their company as fast as you can. 1 Cor 10:14 The Msg. Sarah, Be strong in the Lord in and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God. Eph 6:10-11
Sedrone, Arp, TX sorry I am late!
Palms 108:4 NIV
For great is your love, higher than the heaven,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Christa, Denver, CO
For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12b (NIV)
April, CT now AK, “Run for your life from all of this. Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness and courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to…” 1 Tim 6:11-12, MSG
Charne Standerton (South Africa)
Psa 21:2 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withheld the request of his lips.
Kathy, West Milton For it by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Epheasions 2:8 & 9 NIV
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
Psalm 118:5 NCV
I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.
Kathy, Danvers
Exodus 15:13
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Shawn, Hamptonville: “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
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
Cassandra, Mars Hill, NC, “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 HCSB
Melissa Stauffer, Centreville, Michigan
“But for one reason only I’ve kept you on your feet: To make you recognize my power so that my reputation spreads in all the Earth.”
Exodus 9:16 (The Message)
Tina ~ Chesapeake,VA: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24(NIV)
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22
Anna Indiana
In all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Karen, Orillia, ON Canada
“You O Lord keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28 (NIV)
Brethren, if anyone is caught in transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch over yourself, lest you too be tempted. Gal. 6:1, ESV
Patty from Fairfax, VA – For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 NIV)