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)
“You are my refuge and my shieled; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114. (NIV).
carole from Kingwood. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. (Deuteronomy 30:11 NIV)
Fran Plott, Opelika, Alabama
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BETH! (tomorrow)
Nadine in High Point, NC
So, dear brothers and SISTERS,
work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.
Do these things, and you will never fall away.
2 Peter 1:10 NLT
Carol Rea Midland, Texas
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2 Samuel 22:33, NIV
Lisa Jensen, Lyman, WY
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 NIV
Paula Rockwood, Brunswick ME
“even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. ”
Psalm 139:12 ESV
Teresa, Walla Walla, Joshua 1:9 NLT “I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Colleen, Lyndonville, NY
Pues Dios es mi salvación, en él confió y nada temo;
Dios es mi fuerza y mi canto, el señor es mi salvación.
Is 12:2 (BLPH)
Jennifer T., Fairfax, VA
Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Margaret Neil, Jackson, TN
To him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. NIV
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.
Isaiah 61:7 ESV
Rebecca Jordan, Winston-Salem, NC
If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from then. Luke 6:29 NIV
Chris, Seattle, WA
Matthew 22:29 NIV
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”
Lynne K, Virginia Beach, VA
Isaiah 26:8
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desires of our hearts.
Sharon – Fresno, CA
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.
Psalm 143:5-6 (NIV)
Ashley Lewis, Marshalltown, Iowa
Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4 NKJV
liz Kelley, college station, tx
Psalm 121: 1-2 (HCSB)
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Maddy Clemens, Los Angeles
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. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
Lee’s Summit, MO (this is my verse 12 and 13)
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savoir, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Susan, Blacksburg, Virginia
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Ps 91:11 KJV
Ellen K., Chester, VA
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power 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 ESV)
Sherree Hunsberger
Lilburn, GA
Proverbs 10:19 NKJV
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise”
Cara from Houston, Tx
Psalm 111:9 NIV
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.
Heidi, Daphne, AL
“…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – KJV)
Sally Morton, Canon City, CO
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
Debra Taylor, Madison, MS
Ephesians 6:13. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (NASB)
Toni, Greer, SC. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Holly Tabor, Nixa, Missouri
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:7 NIV
Punky Tolson, Dallas, TX- “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1, NET
Peggy, Corpus Christi, TX
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (ESV)
Ellen, Fort Worth, TX
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Phoebe Cunningham, Tucson, AZ
“it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”
1 Corinthians 13:6 ESV
Ruth Kitchener, ON
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Romans 15:13 NKJV
Now may the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Kristie Lovely, Van Alstyne, Tx
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
Shannon Hoots, Greensboro, NC “to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:10 NIV 84
Liz Allen, Wooster, OH
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
-Romans 8:15, ESV
Linda Johnson, High Point, N.C.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Cathy Clark, Umatilla, FL
You are my refuge and my shield; I have out my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114 NIV
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Sevierville, TN
Terri Lundskow – Hughesville, Maryland
Psalm 23:1 (ESV) – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Becky, Elkhart, KS
If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41 New Century Version (NCV)
Robin Ivey, Meridian, MS
” My body and mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever.”
Psalm 73:26
New Century Version
Gloria Davis, Mansfield, OH
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Cheryl Cannon – Concord, NC
“The Lord your God is in your midst,
a MIGHTY ONE who will SAVE.
He will REJOICE over you with “gladness”,
He will QUIET you with His “love”,
He will EXULT over you with “loud” singing.”
Zephaniah 3.17 ESV
Janice in Abbeville,AL
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 NKJV
Chris Wheeler Bend,OR I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope..Psalms 130:5
Ashleigh C., Terre Haute, IN. “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NIV)
Jacqueline Davidson Sarnia ON
Ecclesiastes 4:6
I say it is better to be content with what little you have. Otherwise you will always be struggling for more,And that is like chasing the wind.