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)
Angela from Aurora, Nebraska – “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from those bushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:15-16 NIV840
Debbie W. – Prattville, AL
I can never escape from your spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
Psalm 139:7
NLT
Emma, Alaska.
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Matthew 11:6 ESV
April Lopez, Bonneylake, Wa
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10NIV
Emmilianna Ferreria, BonneyLake,Wa
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 Niv
Aava Ferreria, BonneyLake,Wa
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10 Niv
Teri Wymore, Millington TN
(memorizing 7:15-18 over 2 months)
But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.
Romans 7:17 Living Bible (TLB)
Tangila, Pearland TX
[Psa 62:11 NLT] 11 God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you;
Ps: 37:4(NABGB)
Delight yourself in The Lord and Hr will you the desires of your heart.
Michelle G. From Waterloo, On, Canada
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV
Paula, Houston, Tx
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
( Galatians 6:9, NIV)
Psalm 86:10 ESV
“For you are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God.”
Allyson
League City TX
Susan Canham, Bismarck ND
“19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
-Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV
Wichita, KS
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)…”And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Kathy Welch, Tyler,TX
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you.” Isaiah 60:1 HCSB
Natalie, San Diego, CA
I John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (NKJV)
Vicki Graham, Corinth, TX
1 Peter 1:8(ESV)
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH! I cannot even begin to tell you the faith that you have helped me grow through your bible studies and your LPL time here in Memphis last August. I remember all my friends’ eyes lighting up when you came up to me that first night, put your hand on mine and said, “Thank you so much for coming!” No Beth….THANK YOU!
As an Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations Major at Rice University, I took Greek and LOVED it! (I took Latin, too, but that only helped me with my medical degree.) I love watching you point out and teach about the Greek etymology of so many New Testament verses….it makes the verses come to life in vivid color and allows me to see the rich context in which the verses were meant to be read and understood.
What a blessing you are, my fellow Houstonian, to all those who read and hear you. May God continue to bless you and your family and may God bless all of us with your continued passion to teach women!
Harmony. Moncton NB. Romans 12:2 NLT
[2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Bobbie, Radium Springs, NM
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17
Kathy Walden, Knightstown, IN
Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Ps 51:10-12 NIV
Emily Tohlen, Kansas City, MO
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Mary James, Orangeville, ON, Canada
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)
Hailey Boone, Wilmington, NC. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
Kari Ellis, Bloomington, MN: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NRSV
Marcy Boone, Garland, TX. continuing list of scriptural guidelines for renewing my mind from earthly habits to spiritual habits:
Render to no man evil for evil.
Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
Do the best you can to be at peace with all men.
Romans 12:17, 18 ASV
Karen Coppley Clemmons NC
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Tami, DS La
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 Timothy 3:2
HCSB
Sherri, Albuquerque
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 NLT
Fay, Springfield, MO
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Rachel- Cumming, GA
If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace. Romans 8:6 (CEV)
Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Vanessa, Corrales NM
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Danyelle
Beavercreek, OH
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)
Jessica Lance, Shelby, NC, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Aransas Pass, Texas June 16, 2015
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27 NIV
Diane Welch, Corinth TX
“Though you have not see, him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now. you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”
1 Peter 1:8 NIV
Jennifer Jones from Coweta, OK
Psalm 40:8 “I desire to do your will O God, your word is within my heart.’
Cindy – Houston, TX
“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND
“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.”
Phil. 3:3 NIV
Michelle, North Little Rock, AR
“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you – to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:4 (ESV)
Psalm 143:10 (NKJ)
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Mark 11:24. Whatsoever things ye desire when ye pray believe that ye shall receive them and ye shall have them.
Kathy, Nashville, TN
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30 NIV
Debra S., Ocoee, FL
“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
Carolyn, Maryville, TN, NKJV Ephesians 1:7 In Hime we have redemption through His bloo9d, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Muriel in Ontario
Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
Shan Copeland, Salina, KS
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Jill Hill – Houston,TX – James 1:12 NIV – Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who live Him.
Lamentations 3:26 – It is good to wait quietly for deliverance from the Lord.
Jamie, Wichita, KS
“If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O LORD, who could stand?
But with You there is forgiveness;
Therefore You are feared.”
Psalm 130:3-4 NIV
2 Cor 3:17 The Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.