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)
Susan, Andover, KS
“Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 Kings 6:16 (NIV)
Thank you, Adrienne! I, too, have family I pray will see the truth of Christ’s salvation on this earth. May God touch their lives in ways that we never imagined so they are saved by grace and faith!
Jennie, Denham Springs, LA
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1, NIV
Diana J of Houston
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Ephesians 5:1 ESV
Kathy from Chandler, OK “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34 ESV)”
Proverbs 31:25-27 esv
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. (Psalm 37:4 GNT)
dont depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit
Zechariah 4:6 (CEV)
Lindsay Newman, Prophetstown, IL. ” But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us.” Romans 5 : 8, NIV
Linda
Montana
NKJV Ps 103:3)
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Rochelle Powers; Kansas City, MO Philippians 3:12b-13 NLT For I have not achieved perfection, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Jennie Spearin Granite Bay, CA
“Finally Brethren whatever things are true, whatever things are Noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are a good report, If there is anything praise worthy meditate on these things. The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me there do and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Meggie JOY – Calgary Alberta Canada – ‘…In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – ‘ -Ephesians 1:4b-5 -NIV
John 4:24 NIV
God is spirit and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth.
Richmond, TX
Ephesians 2:7 NIV
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Cristy, Monroe Ohio
Catch up post
May15: Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 1Thes 5:13b-14
June 1: See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1Thes 5:15
June 15: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God, in Jesus Christ for you 1Thes 5:16-18
Becky from Vicksburg, MS
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. I Samuel 12:24 NIV
Barb from Richardson, TX
Heb.6.19.nlt This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 25:12 NIV Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
Rhonda Beck Winston Salem, N.C.
For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Heather Smith
Nashville, TN
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.”
Psalm 37:4 NLT
Andy Spray – Centreville, VA
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ur are able; but will with the temptation also make away to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Mary Jo Stayton, Independence, MO
Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 MEV
Abilene, KS
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
alegra bishop
Psalm 9
1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Edmond, OK… Isaiah 42:3 (NASB)… A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.
Heidi Duffield….. DeWitt, AR
“And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11 (HCSB)
Laura Hall
Kyle, Texas
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thess 5:18, ESV)
Kelli Hall ~ Sherwood, Oregon
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV)
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Ephesians 2:1 NKJV
Terri, Orange TX
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV
Marsha, Angleton TX “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV84)
Jodi Burson, Zachary, LA
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! (Psalm 96:9 ESV)
Sarah Whitt, Fort Worth TX
“You observe my travels and my rest; You are aware of all my ways.”
Psalms 139:3 HCSB
Merideth Colvert Conroe, TX
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Stacey M
Clayton, NC
May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 HCSB
Misty Sanders, North Charleston, SC
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
Psalm 62:5 NLT
Melissa Fancher – Marble, Ar –
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
…..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
Tasha J.
Edmond, OK
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:3 NIV)
Lauren Fancher, Marble, AR
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10 – (NIV)
Christina Fort Worth
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25 NIV
Julie B, Chesterland, OH
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”
James 1:13 (ESV)
Vonda Schwarz, Bertrand, NE “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.” Malachi 2:5 NIV
Emily Pogue, Starkville, MS
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
Gloria Staker, Springfield, Ohio. “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins,but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24. NIV
Kaci; Thomasville, Ga
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Romans 12:9 NIV
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. There is no law against these things. Ephesians 5:22-23 (NRSV)
Sara Weick Jonesboro,AR
Psalm 8:3-4 NIV
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”
Kristel Hines from Russellville, AR
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”
Proverbs 29:11 NLT