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)
Bobbie Lutz
CollegeStation, TX
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Abby Smith in Troy, OH
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
~ Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Kathryn, Oceanside, “That’s why I work hard and struggle so much, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. ” Colossians 1:29 NLT
Carol White, Vian, OK
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:19 NIV
kathy white modesto ca
‘YOU WILL BE SECURE, BECAUSE THERE IS HOPE; YOU WILL LOOK ABOUT YOU
AND TAKE YOUR REST IN SAFETY” JOB 11:15 NIV
Gayle in Atlanta, Texas:
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:2
Lisa Rogers Valley Center ks
Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. (Psalm 27:11 NIV)
Michelle Matlock, Queen City, TX
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. NIV
Crista
Forest, VA
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. –Hebrews 13:7 NASB
Mallory Barker, Celina, Texas “For this reason I kneel before the father.” Ephesians 3:14 NIV
I previously was listed as from Floyds Knobs, Indiana but have since moved. Thanks!
Kara, Overland Park, KS
“And joyfully, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12 NIV
Anna from Boise, ID:
(from last week that I forgot to post) Matt 28:18: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
and
Matt 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT
Kara Lerssen
Ida Grove IA
JUNE 18, 2015
Romans 8:37-39 NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors thru him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Kimberly Moore
Austin, TX
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Cait McCoy, Masontown PA. “His heart is secure, he will have no fear. In the end, he will look in triumph on his foes.” Psalm 112:8, NIV.
1) I will lift up my eyes to the hills–
From whence comes my help?
2) My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV)
Tammy, McKinney,Tx
“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 NKJV
Julie Richardson, Grand Rapids, MI
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Barbara Q, West Point, Georgia
Galatians 2:21 NIV
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Isaiah 42:10 (NKJV)
“Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands and you inhabitants of them!”
Carolyn
Wheaton, IL
Anne, Simpsonville,SC “Rejoice always! pray continually! Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ! Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Jo Ellen Chance, Shawnee, KS
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:18. ESV
Kathy Jackson, Memphis TN
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NLT)
Lou Ann Smith, McAllen, TX
Trust ye in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
Heather Colorado Springs. As far as the east is from the west so far he has removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 niv
Diane Morgan
Mesa, Arizona
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 1 Corinthians 2:3 NASB
Beth Smyth Perth Western Australia
Psalm 5:3. NKJV
My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to you, and I will look up
In his (her) heart a man (woman) plans his (her) course, but the Lord determines his (her) steps. Proverbs 16:9
Vikki Stemler, Jeffersonville, IN
Let love be your highest goal. I Corinthians 14:1 NLT
Nitsa, Eugene, OR. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 NAS
Jennie Marie Knoll – DeWitt, AR
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trial of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finis its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Sheryl (58) Bella (7) Parker, KS
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified He also glorified. Rom 8:28-30 NIV
Moreen, Sydney Australia
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
You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word.
psa.119.114.nasb
Happy LATE Birthday btw- to a beautiful woman (as I mama would say, inside and out!)
May your spirit run and jump like a new born calf knowing ur Daddy God is thrilled at your beautiful heart!
Lee Ann Wimer; Norman, Oklahoma;
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21 NKJV
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strives to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
1 thes 5:15
Jana, Quitaque, TX
James 1:9-11 NIV
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation–since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Charity K. Cohutta, GA. “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 KJV
Kimberly Barrett, Camden, Arkansas
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV
Kerry, Nederland TX
A Psalm of thanksgiving. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness, come before Him singing with joy.
Psalm 100:1-2, NLT
Joyce
New Jersey
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
Sorry I’m so late…I’m in the middle of a move!
Kim Haines-Ashland, ME
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Tammy Decker
Mt Pleasant, SC
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
Melissa Weseloh, St. Louis MO
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)
Vicki, Tulsa, OK
Psalm 139:16 – All your days were written in my book before there was one of them.
Carolyn
Indianapolis, IN
Zephaniah 3:9 HCSB
For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve Him with a single purpose.
Kathryn Todd
Katy, TX
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” I Cor, 10:4