Hello Siestas!
I’m Adrienne, aka “Fuzzytop”, writing to you from Jasper, Tennessee, a very small town about 25 miles west of Chattanooga. I’m a transplant to the South, having moved here from the Phoenix area in 2005. My family consists of husband, Tom, Rachel (HS Senior), and James (HS Freshman). Along with the humans, our family includes six dogs and eight cats, and of those, only two were acquired deliberately; we have soft hearts for abandoned dogs and cats. We also have six cows, a donkey, and assorted chickens and live on 40 acres in a rural area, which is a huge change from the Phoenix suburbs.
So…..a little bit about myself. I grew up overseas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We lived there until I was nine, and then immigrated to the United States, landing in Mesa, Arizona. Culture shock!!! After High School I attended Arizona State University, receiving a BS in Bioengineering and later, a MS in Quality Engineering and Applied Statistics. For many years I worked as an engineer and a project manager at Intel Corporation in AZ. Here in TN, I work in Quality Assurance for an engineering firm in Chattanooga. Work-wise, I seriously love data analysis and statistics. Away from work I enjoy reading, drawing, beading, gardening, and spending time with my family. I also love Bible Studies, and have done every Siesta Summer Bible study with two dear friends, Linda and Sarah, whom I met through this blog.
As a child, I had very little exposure to Jesus and the gospel. In Kuala Lumpur, I attended a Catholic school, and I recall my class practicing for communion using slips of newspaper in place of the wafers. The nuns were very concerned that we not “mess up” our First Holy Communion, so it was a stressful event. I had no idea what it all meant. My parents were not Christians, so as a child we never went to church or read the Bible, but somehow I knew in my heart that God was real. During difficult times in my early years, I remember praying to God, and trusting that those prayers were heard.
During High School, I began attending church and youth group with some close friends, and began identifying myself as “a Christian”, but I know now I had never truly given my heart and my life to Jesus and fully trusted in Him for salvation. My Christianity was nothing but a label. I became disillusioned when I found out those High School friends were no different from the non-Christian “bad” kids I knew. I dropped out of Youth Group and then church for many years.
During college I met my husband. He had been saved during his senior year of High School, and we spent many hours talking about God, and Jesus. After we married, we started attending church. One fateful Sunday I went alone, and during the invitation, I felt an overwhelming conviction that the invitation was for me. Honestly, I was stunned, having thought for many years that I was saved! I didn’t respond to the invitation that day, but all the next week it was on my mind, and I prayed to really know what to do. The following Sunday during the invitation I was again convicted in my heart that I needed to respond and this time, I went forward, prayed for Jesus to forgive me of my sins, and truly accepted him as Savior. Even today, almost 30 years later, I can remember the overwhelming flood of relief and joy.
Of my four siblings, parents, step-parents, in-laws, nieces and nephews, only a few are saved. I count many lost people among my extended family, and I believe it is an imperative that I pray for them. In Romans 10:1 Paul wrote, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved,” (emphasis mine). As C.H. Spurgeon once stated in a sermon:
Until the gate of hell is shut upon a man, we must not cease to pray for him. And if we see him hugging the very doorposts of damnation, we must go to the mercy seat and beseech the arm of grace to pluck him from his dangerous position. While there is life there is hope, and although the soul is almost smothered with despair, we must not despair for it, but rather arouse ourselves to awaken the Almighty arm.
There are days when I am frustrated with seemingly unanswered prayers regarding the salvation of people I love. So the Scripture I’m choosing this time is 2 Pet 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (NIV), which reminds me that these things are under His control and His timing, and that God desires salvation for every soul. If you have lost loved ones, like me, perhaps this verse will comfort you also.
I am so grateful for this blog, and SSMT. The friends I have met through this blog, the original Siesta Fiesta, and the SSMTC events are so precious to me.
Love in Christ,
Adrienne (Fuzzytop)
Christina D., Decatur, TX
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:5 NLT
WendyC – Cheyenne, WY.
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14 NLT
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” Solomon 3:4 NIV
Brenda Lenz, Georgetown Texas – “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, The One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
Abi Welch, Luverne, AL. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV
Marilyn — Seattle
For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. (Psalm 143:11 NIV)
Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redemmer.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (Ephesians 5:10-11 NLT)
Morgan, Arlington, VA
I took the advice of memorizing in chunks, and this is the finishing segment of Ephesians 3:14-21.
“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and pwoer that comes from God. Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at workwithin us, He is able to accomplish infintely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:19-21, NLT)
Cathy Harris, Cedar Park, TX – Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church, and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. NIV
Ruthie, San Antonio, Texas. ” Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (King James Version)
Patterson, CA
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
“Who can know all his errors?
Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.”
Psalm 19:12 NET
Sue-Iron Mountain, MI
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NIV)
Catherine Lesley – Waterdown, Ontario
Finally, brothers, 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)
stephanie Hamburg Ar. Therefore, dear brothers, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. Romans8:12 NLT
Lynn from Lucas Kansas. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 ESV)
Dottie Morrow, Mansfield, TX
“…for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.”
Proverbs 3:2 NKJV
Melissa Rausch, Blue Springs, MO
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the LORD’s declaration. Isaiah 55:8. HCSB
Sherri Medford, Abilene, Tx
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11. NIV
Metamora, IL
Daniel 2:20-23, NIV
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are His.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known what we asked of you,
You have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Terri Plumlee, Stamford, Tx
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 NIV
Andi Crumrine, Rockwall, TX
Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had! Lamentations 5:21 NLT
Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
For this is what the high and exalted One says—
he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite
and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Wendy Davis
Oriental, NC
to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:6 NASB
Mary , Lilburn GA. Ps 130:5. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. NIV
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (Philippians 1:9-10 NIV)
Nancy Turner, Woodbridge VA
For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord gives grace and glory;
He does not withhold good from those who live with integrity. (Psalms 84:11,HCSB)
Stephanie, Tucson, AZ “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 devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Marge-Chili, WI
Romans 8:35,37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
NIV
Tara- Rockwall, Texas
Psalm 16:8
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Julie, Madison, GA
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NLT)
Karla Smith, Columbus, OH
Ephesians 1: 3 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
lori smith little rock ar
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Karen Penn, Sturgis, MI. “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NIV
O Lord you have searched me and you know me.
Psalms 139:1 NIV
Sierra. Wyoming, MI.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 NIV
Minnetonka, MN
NIV Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Gigi Parisi
Mullica Hill NJ
Isaiah 61:7 NIV
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
Kim Beechem from Idabel, OK:
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen -Ephesians 3:20-21
Eutawville, SC
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 ESV
Chrissy Hilliard, Overland Park, KS
PHILIPPIANS 3:20 (NIV)
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Terryl Arola, Pine City, MN.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Susan Atkinson, Arkadelphia, AR
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.
Ps. 105:4 ESV
Karen Stark
Tallahassee, FL
26b.for he is the living God,
enduring forever;
his kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and his dominion shall be to the end.
27a.He delivers and rescues;
he works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
Daniel 6:26b-27a ESV
Becky, Roswell, GA
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”
Proverbs 14:26, ESV
Lisa Cummings, Joaquin, TX
Continuing work in Ephesians 3….
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:17
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossian 4:5-6 NIV84
Dee Ann in Henderson, Texas
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV