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)
Nicole Brentwood, CA
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; the shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Megan S.–Kansas City, KS
Ephesians 3:19 NIV
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ruth Moore Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Psalm 103:8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Lori
Shakopee MN
And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 HCSB
Natalie Bullock- Pearl, Ms- I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
Ellen Roth from Bad Axe Michigan
Ephesians 3:19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Sara Wheeler from Alexandria, AL
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.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Jennifer, Fort Worth
“bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Cor. 13:7, NKJV
rhonda
gilmer
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Jaclyn, Houston. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ” Colossians 3:17 ESV
Brandi Mincey, Hope Mills, NC
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24
NIV
Deborah, Hartsville, SC; “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.” -Proverbs 18:10 NASB
Clifton, VA “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20 NIV
Robbyn Hanstad, Frisco, Texas
Ezekiel 36:26 (HCSB)
“And I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit within you.”
Jennifer Tinsley, Indianapolis, IN. “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2Corinthians 9:8
Dana Camp – Newnan, GA
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23 Holman)
Judy, Satellite Beach, FL
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm, 27;14 (NIV)
Kathy Land, Shattuck, OK
Psalm 145:12 (NIV) “so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”
Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness? Job 38:17 (ESV)
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I do hope.
Psalm 130:5
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:5 (NIV)
Leavenworth, KS. Galatians 2:20 HCSB
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.
Ann, Odessa ,Fl
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
Nehemiah 9:17b
But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.
Lana of Mishawaka, Indiana
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Diana Scott, Romulus,MI-
Psalm 31:5 NLT- I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.
Layne Hall, Columbus, MS: Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT
Arlington, TX
2Timothy 2:24-25a NET
And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcdting opponents with gentleness.
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” NIV
Tasha (Mom) and Destiny (Daughter) Eberhard- Centerton, AR
Tasha: Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, which is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.
Destiny: Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Carol Peavy
Jena, LA
God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 MSG
Mandy Codding, Wadsworth, OH
Psalm 46:1 God Is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. NIV
Vanessa from Calgary, Canada
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us and we are his, we are his sheep, the sheep of his pasture Psalm 100:3
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:2-6
NIV
Heather Morgan
Waxahachie, TX
Psalms 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Missy B. Fuquay Varina, NC
“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2, NLT)
Susan Paine Hillsboro, KS
Philippians 3:17 “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” NIV84
Lisa Parke – Arkansas 13 Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. 14 You are my friend if you do what I command. John 15:13-14 (NIV)
Teri, Kalamazoo, MI
Luke 12:2(nkjv) “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.”
Lesley
Steamboat Springs, CO
Psalm 84:4 (NIV)
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
Sara Martin, Houston, TX: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22, NIV
Sylvia S. Collinsville, IL
Psalms 42:11 (NASB)
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
1John 1:7-But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (NIV)
Luke 1:45 NIV
Andrea, Pottstown
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.
Cindy Wilbur, Clifton, VA
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:12 NIV
Diane, Longmont, CO
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then also you will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 NIV
Diane Flook, Flagstaff, AZ
“to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21 NKJV
Bedford, TX
NIV Psalm 103:1-2
“O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing “
Maryse Sturm, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, Europe
Dan kunt u, eensgezind en eenstemmig, de God en Vader van onze Here Jezus Christus loven en prijzen.
Romeinen 15:6 HTB
Sandra
Keller, TX
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 (NIV)