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)
Casey, San Antonio, TX. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Onda Jenks, Morgantown, WV-“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22 (ESV)
Joelle
Abilene, TX
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)
Susan, Sydney , Australia “…her sins which are many are forgiven: for she has loved much …” Luke7:P47 NIV
krystal ward
dallas, tx
may God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. the one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV
Kim, Batesville, Ms
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way to go for to you I lift up my soul.
Billie Galyen, Greenville, KY “It has been testified somewhere, ‘What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the Son of Man, that You care for Him? You made Him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned Him with glory and honor…'” Hebrews 2:6-7 ESV
Because of the Lord’s great love we are consumed, for his compassions never end. Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
I’m behind so here goes my catch up!
Julie Elrod, Smyrna, GA
Give me understanding that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:34
Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Psalm 119:35
Incline my heart to Your testamonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalm 119:36
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways. Psalm 119:37
Confirm to Your servant Your promise, that You may be feared. Psalm 119:38
Turn away the reproach that I dread, for Your rules are good. Psalm 119:39
Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me life! Psalm 119:40
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
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21
As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Eph. 4:1
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph. 4:2
Sherree Hunsberger
Lilburn, GA
1Samuel 2:2 NKJV
“No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.”
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4-6 (NIV)
Franklin, TN
“You saw me before I was formed. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” Psalm 139:16-17 NLT
Colleen – Phoenix, AZ – James 5:13 HCSB
Is anyone among you suffering?
He should pray.
Is anyone cheerful?
He should sing praises.
Lynn, Divide, CO
Ephesians 1:19-20
“…And what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, – Ephesians 1:19-20
Galatians 6:1 (NASB) – Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Carol Kirby, Amarillo, TX 2 Peter 1:6
And to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance , Godliness
Gwen Wray, Miami, OK
“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
Diana
Wooster OH
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26 NIV
Kelly from Jefferson City, MO:
Remember Lot’s wife. Luke 17:32 (NASB)
Luke 1:78-79 “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadows of death, and to guide us to the path of peace” NLT
Asheville NC Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 (NASB)
Stacy Fountain
Kate Fountain
Mary Dean Fountain
Bess Fountain
Dothan, AL
And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Romans 5:4, NLT
Jennifer B
Plano, TX
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
James 1:13 NIV
Poorna Diaz, Reston, Va.: So when we couldn’t stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn’t be discouraged by these hard times. He’s a brother and companion in the faith, God’s man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ. [1 Thessalonians 3.1-2, MSG]
Mary
Winter Park, FL
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 RSV
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL
Now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law.
Romans 3:21
college station Tx
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you. Is 43:2 esv
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
The one who says, “I have come to know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. ,1 John 2:3-4
Stephanie – Tampa, FL
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
Alexia- Champaign
Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2 NIV
Kearney NE
I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your Name for ever and every.
Every day I will praise You and extol Your Name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2 NIV
Sherry Lee, Owensboro, KY
Ephesians 3:16 nlt
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Jessica Solid, Atlanta GA
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21/ ESV)
Lissa, Greenville, SC
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103:11 NLT
Anne Acker, Johnson City, TN
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Candice from Houston, Texas – “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
cindy b, Alton nh
Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children. ESV
Mathew 4:10 (NIV) Away from me Satan. For it is written , worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.
1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strenghten, and establish you.
Deneen
Sterlington, Louisiana
Jodee Walker, Mountain View, WY. “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. ” 1 Corinthians 13:8
Beth from Northridge, CA
Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Sarah L., Houston
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Vivian, Person
“He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
I John 2:4 NKJV
Stephanie, Fort Worth, TX;
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:20 (ESV)
PatWilfong, GreenBankWV.
” a bruised reed
he will not break,
and a dimly burning
wick he will not
quench. ”
Isaiah 42:3 Holy Bible, NRSV
Lindsey Diggs
Smyrna, TN
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“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.”
Frances from Fort Worth, TX
Psalm 30:5
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
NASB
Angela Dedman, Murfreesboro, TN. “You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.” Psalm 119:114 MSG
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)