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)
Anna, Tillsonburg, ON
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Allison H.
Wilmington, NC
“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;”
Romans 12:12 (NKJV)
Susan Toney, Raymond, MS
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8
Melissa Teakell, Wichita, KS
“Everything is permissible” –
but not everything is beneficial.
“Everything is permissible” –
but not everything is constructive.
1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV84
Candice from Wallingford, PA “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
Plano, TX
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
Psalm 51:17 (NIV)
Jennifer Kinsler
East TN
“If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
Stacy B detroit, Michigan
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30 (NIV)
Susan W Carthage MO Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV)
Natalie
Anchorage Alaska
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corin. 4:18 NIV
Terry, Odessa, FL
2 Peter 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
Andrea*B
Jefferson City, MO
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10,NIV
Pati S, Macomb, MI
Psalm 3:3 (NASB)
But You O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory and the One who lifts my head.
Liz, Round Rock, Texas
“Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child; Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed; For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous Than the sons of the married woman,” says the LORD.
Isaiah 54:1 NASB
Kathy, Los Gatos, CA
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
Deneen Horne, Jacksonville, Florida
“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)
Kelly, CA
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12, NIV
Catherine, Centreville, VA.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:”
Psalm 37:5 (NIV)
Sunni Sutphin Mt Airy NC Ephesians 3 : 9 NASBhttp://bible.com/100/eph.3.9.nasb and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things;
Peggy Hale
Mauriceville, Texas
Continuing with Psalm 103:14
“for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Lauren Warner, Austin TX, “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
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.(Psalm 37:23 NLT)
Sherri, Indian Trail, N.C.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Dearest Beth,
Your Esther Bible study was the first Bible study I ever did and up until that experience i had NO idea Bible study could be so very fun and even humorous! I have done many of your studies now and have found that all of them have brought me into a deeper relationship with my Lord, and at times I feel He has used them to help me process and heal in areas only He could. Through your example, Beth I have learned that if I too can have a closer, deeper relationship with the One who made me if only I make it a priority to seek Him and spend time with Him the way that you do! I thank God for you and your teachings Beth!
Happy Happy Birthday!!! God Bless you & yours!
Michelle
Khakki Bonner, Nashville, TN Proverbs 1:7 NKJV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. (I Thessalonians 2:2-3 NKJV)
Nikki Gack, Park Rapids, MN
Cast ALL your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Happy Birthday ,my friend and my teacher, Beth!!!!!!! Love you bunches!!!!!!
Heather Wilkinson
Springfield, VA
Psalm 121:6-8 (NIV)
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Jackye Bowen, pendergrass, GA “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Jenna, Fort Worth, Tx
Isaiah 41:20 ESV
so that people may see and know, may consider and understand,that the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Ansley Bowen, Pendergrass, GA “Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;
Preserve my life from dread of the enemy.” Psalm 64:1 NASB
Ashlyn Bowen, Pendergrass, GA “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 NIV
Joyce Smith~~Mount Juliet, TN ~~The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Sandra Smallwood, Anchorage, AK
Psalm 23:6, NLT
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the daygs of my life, and I live in the house of the Lord forever.
Amanda, Sherman, TX
1 Peter 3:12 KJV
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Jenni Banicki, Elk Grove, CA, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NABRE)
Jen Newsham. Longview, TX. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Bonnie Mink Hendersonville, Tennessee A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV
Anna Cate, Murray, KY
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. (Psalms 73:25-26 NLT)
Kim, Euless, TX
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19 NIV)
Cheri C from Frisco TX
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 ESV
Karen, Trenton, OH
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)
Gail Hinshaw, Summerville, OR
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
Proverbs 3:3. NKJV
Rebekah McAnally, Elgin, OK
God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.
Psalm 46:5 HCSB
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren (and sisters) to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1 KJV
Dorelle Hogan, Hot Springs, AR, “Jesus said to him,’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” John14:6 (ESV)
Victoria, Hooksett NH
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 27:7 (KJV)
Gwen of Doylestown, PA
Be still before the Lord, and wait for him. Don’t get upset when someone gets ahead— someone who invents evil schemes. (Psalms 37:7 CEB)
D’Anna Nowack
Kilgore, Texas
Matthew 7:1-3 (NIV)
1Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will e judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?