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)
bethany, Pensacola fl
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. Phil. 4:6 (ESV)
Sarah Tarr, Franklin TN
‘The Lord bless you & keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you & give you peace.’ -Numbers 6:24-36 (ESV)
Sherry – Deer Park, Tx
Who can discern his errors? Forgive3 my hidden faults.
Psalm 19:12 NIV
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmingham, UK
And now dear brothers and sisters,
one final thing.
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.
Phil 4:8 NLT
Aryn Madsen, Beaverton, OR
“to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21 NIV)
Carolyn Tragesser, Orofino, Idaho
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 until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV (I received this via Bible study to reflect on, and the next morning, it was the Verse of the Day on YouVersion Bible app. That got my attention!)
Sherry Page
Elizabeth,CO
Romans 12:12 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Ellen, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
Maar nu weet ik mij altijd bij u, u houdt mij aan de hand en leidt mij volgens uw plan. Dan neemt u mij weg, met eer bekleed. Wie buiten u heb ik in de hemel? Naast u wens ik geen ander op aarde. Al bezwijkt mijn hart en vergaat mijn lichaam, de rots van mijn bestaan, al wat ik heb, is God, nu en altijd
ps. 73:23-26 (NBV)
Linda
Peoria, Arizona
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6 NIV
Donna Banks from Franklin, TN
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Cindy B., Smithfield, NC
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else guard your heart, for it the wellspring
of life.
Carol Rice Deer Park, Texas
He brought me out to a wide-open place;
He rescued me because He DELIGHTED in me.
Psalm 18:19 HCSB
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them…
Romans 12:6 a ESV
Karlys, La Place, LA
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Colossians 3:12 ESV
Julie Walker, Noblesville, IN
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom. NIV
Linda H, Buckeye, AZ
“But as for me, I will look for the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” Micah 7:7 AMP
Rhonda McKamie – OKC
James 1:25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
Linda; Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who confidence is in him.
Karen Gilstrap, Deer Park, WA
“Though an army encamp against me,my heart shall not fear;though war rise up against me,yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:3 NRSV
Sara Meredith
Morton IL
Don’t worry about anything. Instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.–Philippians 4:6 NAS
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19 ESV
Debbie, Portland, OR
Jan Horne
Bossier City, LA
Proverbs 22:3 NIV
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 22:3 NIV
Jeannine Anderson, Pelican Rapids MN. 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 ESV
Anne Thompson, Pella, IA “Whoever believes in him is not c9ndemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already.” John 3:18 ESV
Suzy Zumbro, Anchorage, AK
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Sheryl, PA –
The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB
Debra Hamson – Dahlgren, IL
For I am the LORD your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Lynda from Dallas, Tx
“I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.” Rom. 11:11 NASB
Kim Foley, Arnold, MD
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 22:3 NIV
Katherine Emerson, Livingston Tx
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 NIV
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
~Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Cary, NC
Faye from Calgary, AB, Canada
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)
Shannon Houston, TX
Psalm 31:14 ESV
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
Karoletha Longview, Texas
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 NIV
Barbara Ford – Troy, MO “You are inscribed on the palm of his hand.” Isaiah 49:16 (HCSB)
<3 Good Morning!! <3
Michelle O'Banion, Grandview, TX
"If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." Psalm 139:8 NIV
Theresa, Glendale AZ. “Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
Shannon, Columbia, SC
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Elizabeth Peck, Fairfax Station, VA: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NIV 1984
Jeanne Warner Robins, Georgia
June 15th:
Psalm 130:3-4 NIV
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Susan Young, Fairhope, AL
Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. James 2:18 (NIV)
Stephanie, Irvine, CA
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71, NIV)
Beth from Calgary AB, Canada
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3 NIV)
Sar Blakely, Lavonia, GA. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV
Portland, OR How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalms 1:1-2 NASB)
Redfield, AR
1 John 5:11 (RSV)
[11] And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
April, Seymour, TN
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Laura from Aurora, MO:
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts;
Malachi 3:10-11 (NKJV)