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)
Jennifer, Chattanooga, TN
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
Teresa from Georgia
Deuteronomy 31:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 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.”
Jana Fields, Wills Point, TX
Psalms 34:18 NIV
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Theresa Dau, Chesterfield, MO
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Christy MacDonald, St. Clements, Ontario, Canada
Ìf you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. NIV Ephesians 4:32
Kelly Morency, Sevierville, TN- But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16 ESV
Ariana McKee. Boise, ID. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5 NIV
Kim Freeman Fort Worth, Texas Isaiah 58:11-12 NIV
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets of Dwellings.
Carol Stainbrook, Kimberling City, MO
“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 NIV)
Patience Nason, Citrus Heights, CA
“So Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 NLT
Carla Langley, LaFayette, Al.
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, Ephesians 3:20
Erin G.
Columbus, OH
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
Fenton, Ashburn, VA, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (II Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)
But I will sign of your strength in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:16 NIV
Marianne Gignac – Houston
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5 (NKJV)
Erica K., Atmore, Alabama
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16 (NKJV)
Samantha Zumbro, Golden CO
“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:5-6 ESV
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri; “Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.” Psalm 86:4 NIV
For I am the Lord your God who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord of heaven’s armies. And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safely in my hand. I stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth. I am the one who says to Israel, “You are my people! ” Isaiah 51:15-16 NLT
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ” 1John 5:3 -KJV
Vickie-Wichita Falls, Tx
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
“For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace.” -John 1:16
Amy, Hobe Sound, FL “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. (1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV)
Sherrie Lynn, Collierville, TN.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. (Psalm 33:6 NIV)
Psm 62:6 NASB
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken
Nancy English, Laramie, WY
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 NLT
Laury Pitts from San Clemente, CA:
And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16 NKJV)
Rhonda Anderson, Harlan, IA When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:4 ESV
Pam Sue
Spring, TX
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5 ESV)
Cathy Holland – Gastonia, N.C.
Romans 12:9-10 (ESV)
“Let love be genuine.
Abhor what is evil – hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection.
Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Tina Crouch
Waxahachie, Texas
Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Marty, Clarksville, TN
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:37 KJV
Janelle MacKay Malta, NY “For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” Psalm 33:4 NIV
Tami, Louisiana
“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
Leanette, Atlanta
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25 NLT
Kezia Lewis. Krabi, Thailand. “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.” (Psalms 91:3 NKJV)
“I form the light and create darkness, I make well being and create calamity. I am The Lord who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:7. ESV
Linda Smith, The Woodlands, TX
Psalm 138:3 (NIRV)
“When I called out to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave.”
Lisa Martin from St. Louis, MO
John 14:1 NLT
Jesus said: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me”
When ever I start to question Why?….. I simply remember it is not my job to worry, I have put my faith in God alone, and have no need to worry.
Love you all!
Kelly Hayden AL
Is. 41:10 ESV
Fear not for I am with you be not dismayed for I am your God I will strengthen you I will help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Tammy Martinez, Burleson, TX
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:1-3 (ESV)
Amalia Smith
Lumberton Tx.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 GNT
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you:he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalms 55:22
Danielle, Evansville, IN
No temptation has over taken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13 ESV
Amanda Gozur, Albuquerque, NM
“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)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Leah Haughton, LA
O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.
Psalm 38:21-22 NIV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“A merry heart doeth good like medicine” Proverbs 17:22 KJV