**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!
Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world 1 James 1:27 NIV
Menomonee Falls, WI
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and
I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 KJV
Regan, Conroe. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
my august 15th verse is Psalms 100 vs 2: Serve the Lord with gladness come before his presence with singing.
Michelle Calgary (Airdrie) Alberta Canada
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. James 3:17 Life Application Bible
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 NIV
Amy, Washington D.C. “The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” Proverbs 12:24 NKJV
Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Col 3:12 NIV
Rissa, Boaz: “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; an deven though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and arefilled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
Oh my goodness… This post is for me… okay, probably for others, too, but really it’s crazy how, when God wants to hit a message home, it comes from EVERYWHERE. I am a crazy devoted Christian first who later became a crazy, stupid alcoholic. I grew up in a VERY Christian house and have loved God with all of my heart all of my life. I have always enjoyed just getting those quiet times when I can read God’s word and journal (oh my goodness, can He ever speak through journaling!) I took some courses a few years ago in medical transcription and wound up with an account in psych… most of the patients being young girls who were VERY disturbed… I just cried and cried, and wanted to shout to them, “but, Jesus… if you ONLY knew HIS LOVE!” It was that time that I first participated in the “Believing God” study and thought… “why am I in my 30’s, a Christian my whole life and this is the first time I am hearing this???” I thought of my own pre-teen girls and how much I wanted them to be more equipped (two p’s or one?) with praying God’s word and the power of BELIEVING. I made up my mind… I wanted to help these girls!! I started taking courses at Liberty University in counseling, and loved it. Then BAM… I got pregnant, had my beautiful daughter and had the worst post-partum you could think of. This was the beginning of what I can’t even believe… I had a c-section so was prescribed pain killers, then realized I was beginning to use them to “feel normal.” I stopped them, but then the alcohol began… And wowza… this once on-fire, want-to-live-like-crazy-for-God woman fell and fell hard. And I could go on and on about my story, but basically I am one Christian girl who is so stuck and desires like crazy to feel that “fire” from on high again, but feels so numb to everything, and so needed to hear this message today… if anyone reads this and wants to send a little bit of prayer this way, I could probably use it!
Dear sister in Christ,
You have a BRIGHT future ahead of you! He has such good plans for Your precious life! I will be praying for you. Keep fixing your eyes on Jesus… He specializes in restoration! 🙂
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma
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. Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Heidi, Round Rock, TX
Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Psalms 46:10A NIV
Psalms 46:10A NIV
Be still and know thatI am God.
Katherine, Shiremanstown, PA
Praying at the same time for us as well that God will open up to us a door for the Word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned ~Colossians 4:3 (NASB)
Amber Clovis, CA
“I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
Mary, Portland–And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 (NIV)
Revelation 22:4 (NIV)
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Courtney, LaPlata, MD
Colossians 3:18-25 (ESV)
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
Lea
Lamar, Arkansas
Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering;” Colossians 3:12 (NKJ)
We got a bit off track with our verses the past few weeks because my Aunt Donna was diagnosed with cancer on August 4. The four of us, Donna’s daughter, Laura, my sister, Elaine, Aunt D, and myself are all doing SSMT together. We’re catching up now and so thankful for the many verses that the Lord has written on our hearts these past nine months. The Lord has used them to help so much during these difficult days. Aunt Donna chose the verse below and is daily reminding us to enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, despite the current circumstances, because, truly, “He has dealt bountifully with us.”
“I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 13:6
Kate, Grapeland, Texas (NAS)
Donna, Lufkin, Texas (NIV)
Elaine, College Station, Texas (ESV)
Laura, College Station, Texas (NIV)
Nancy in Perry, GA
2 Cor. 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread throughout the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” NKJV
Shawna – Boise, Idaho
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1
Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Col 3:12 NIV
Lisa Gayle Houston, Texas
Elizabeth
Wilmette, IL
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives,
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
Wylie, Texas
Psalms 91:4 (NET)
He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord; they are plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Psalm 27:19
As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. NIV
Cindy, Henrietta, TX
Psalm 27:19
As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. NIV
McKenna, Henrietta, TX
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12 NIV
“And now Israel, what does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord you God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statues of the Lord which I am commanding you today for your good?” – Deut 10:12-13 (ESV)
Jen L, Roanoke, VA
Hebrews 4:12 NLT
For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Galatians 5:1 (RSV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
that’s a great one deb!
glad to see i’m not the only one who is playing “catch-up” and getting my verses on the blog. i’ve been memorizing, just kept forgetting to leave them here. hope you are having a great week, SisterDoll! love you!
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life.
1 chronicles 21:24
Iwill not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a aburnt offering that costs me nothing.
NIV
Andrea, Ontario, Canada
“The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love. ”
Psalm 147:11
Christine from Raleigh, NC
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
~ Isaiah 42:16 [NIV]
Hope, Northport, AL
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”
2 Timothy 2:23 NIV
Trisha, Midland, TX: You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4
Good morning, everyone: Have a great, blessed weekend!
Barb, Lakewood CO, Isaiah 54:17 (NJJV)
No weapon forged against you will prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord!
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Acts 17:26 NIV
Jennifer – White, GA
“My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.”
Psalm 139:15-16 NASB
(Due to crazy circumstances, I’m late posting, but I am still memorizing! Got caught up on my posts, and glad to be back online!)
“Behold, happy is the man who GOD correcteth; therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty!
-Job 5:17 (KJV)
Nakeisha
Houston, TX
Penny, Cincinnati. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galations 5:25 New Living Translation
Charlotte
Philadelphia MS
Therefore, my breathern, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vane in the Lord.
1Corinthians 15:58
NKJV
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.
2 Chorinthians 2:14
Ivy Morrison, Willis, TX
“Preach the Word: be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
SSMT #17 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV
Lisa – Seattle
Ephesians 6:13-14
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. NLT