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)
Kathy Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
Psalm 73:25 NIV
Emma Mierta Davison, MI
John 16:32b-33 The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. The Message
Danielle Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
Psalm 73:25
Linda, Bartelso, IL. “To Him be the glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21 NKJV
Nicole//Dallas//Matthew 11:29 NLT
“29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Marilyn Brown in The Plains OH says:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Evan Stratton,Charlotte NC
“Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you
will end up out in the cold –
real losers.
Those who worked against you
will end up empty-handed –
nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
you won’t find them –
Not a trace of your old enemies,
not even a memory.
That’s right. Because I, your GOD,
have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, “Don’t panic.
I’m right here to help you.”
Isaiah 41:13 (MSG)
Tanya, from Lorton, VA
Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Rene Sandifer, Overland Park, KS “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, ” Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)
If I keep my eyes on GOD, I won’t trip over my own feet. (Psalm 25:15 MSG)
Sarah Miller, Melbourne, Florida “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
Tami G.
Nashville, TN
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9 NIV)
Dr.Wilma Arant, Swartz, LA
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3 NIV
Karla K., Broomfield, CO
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8 ESV
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV
Suzanne Kragt
Eden Prairie, Mn
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” nkjv
James 1:12 (NLT)
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Lori – Columbus, GA
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10 KJV)
Martha from Corpus Christi, Texas
because our gospel came to You not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 ESV
Lorri Sapp, Oak Grove, MO “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24, NIV
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
(Isaiah 40:29 ESV)
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
(Isaiah 40:29 ESV)
Ann St. Louis, MO
Acts 2:42, NIV
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
‘Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.’ Proverbs 29:25, NLT
Nicola Evans,Oceanside Ca.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Psalms 51:6
( Happy Birthday, Beth! God just bless your socks off, girl! (maybe into some new birthday shoes?) ~Zoey
Winder, GA
Colossians 3:12 NASV “So, as those who have been chosen by God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Madison, MS
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21 NKJV
Lucille Goins New Bloomfield Mo.
James 1:2 NKJV
My brethren,count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
Madison, MS
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold. Proverbs 3:13 and 14
I have gotten behind and am catching up.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6:17 NIV
Edgar Springs, MO
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Teach me Your way, Lord,that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Ps 27:14. NIV
Sherilyn, Warsaw, IN
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
I Timothy 4:15 NIV
Marilyn Leslie Mentor on the Lake, Ohio
II Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. NIV
Katie Davila, Tomball, TX:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV)
Joyce Grimes – Pace, FL
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17 NKJV)
Thank you for your encouragement. Charles Spurgeon’s sermon notes were very convicting. I have a daughter named Erin, who walked away from her faith in college. This Scripture reminded me, that though she may be a promise breaker, God remains faithful to his promises.
Maureen Chabot, St. Clair Shores, “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments to yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.” (Gal. 6:1-2 Msg.)
Amanda Grasza, Calgary, AB
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5 NKJV
Jessica Battle Ground, WA
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
“Jesus replied” the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed but if it dies it produces many seeds John 12: 23-24
Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
“Lord,You have been our dwelling place in all generations.”
Psalm 90:1 NKJV
Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Angie W. Federal Way, WA and Ennis, MT
You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.
Is 43:4 ESV
Karen McCormick-Waco, Texas. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Angela Brown Rogers Ar
No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk on it. (Isaiah 35:9 AMP)
Elaina from Heber Springs, Arkansas
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
NLT
Belen Gaeta, San Juan Capistrano, Ca.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
Amy Villa, Auburn, WA “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20) ESV