Hello Siestas! I pray you are well and blessed.
My name is Amy. I grew up in Texas and New Mexico. I’m blessed to have been raised in a loving home where I grew up as a Pastor’s kid. While I am no longer living in either of those states, I still claim Texas as my ‘Home Sweet Home.’ I love to read, cook, organize everything, and writing. Just recently I took up knitting!
I chose a scripture that while I know it – I don’t live it. For that reason I don’t have it memorized like I should. It carries so much promise I knew I needed to share it with you.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 NLT
I could write about my insecurities and fears all day. In fact, I have re-written this post four times now. Why? I have a fear of what other people will think of me – of how I will sound when people read it. The funny thing is that I want to be a writer. My heart and passion are in encouraging others, listening to their stories, and teaching God’s Word.
It has taken me a few years to find out this is what I really want to do with my life. My education is not in English or Communication, but I have figured out that it doesn’t matter. As my pastor says, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
For years I have allowed my insecurities and fears to control me. I allowed the enemy to use them to hold me back from God’s call on my life. It has crept into my life in many areas: with my weight (a struggle that has lasted over fifteen years now), in finding a spouse, with other relationships, with job opportunities, with life goals I’ve wanted to achieve, and so much more.
Coming into this year I knew I had to change focus. My problem wasn’t that I didn’t know the issues I needed to deal with, or even the solutions to those issues, it was in the action to take the steps to achieve them. We’ve all been there at one time or another, right? Take my weight issue, for example: I’ve known for years I’ve needed to admit it, work on it, and conquer it. My problem wasn’t admitting I needed to lose weight. I had admitted that to family, friends and even myself. My problem wasn’t in knowing what to do – I had read everything, been to a dietitian, nutritionist, a few trainers, and tried many diets. My problem was simply doing it.
I have a wonderful younger brother. He has grown into an amazing man of God. He is my best friend and the best person in my life when it comes to being honest. He isn’t afraid of hurting my feelings. He loves me enough to speak truth. He talked to me the other night about this very issue of weight. His words, while truthful and hard-hitting, held so much grace. While I was carrying on about feeling alone with no one around to help me, he said “Amy, in the physical sense you are alone. You are alone because you are the only one who can physically do this. I can’t step into your body and make you – it’s up to you. But in the spiritual sense, you should know better. You are so strong. Physically you are strong. Spiritually you are strong. But you’re also strong mentally. If there is anyone I know who can do this it is you. You really are a warrior. You just have these jabs the enemy keeps hitting you with. You are in this for yourself!”
I need to hear those words. My eyes watered when he called me a warrior. I don’t know that I’ve ever been called that before. It made me realize that I’ve allowed my insecurities and fears to control me for too long – not just in my weight, but in many areas in my life. To hear someone I admire so dearly call me a warrior! I associate warrior with words like boldness, courage, dedication, steadfast, determined, unstoppable. To see my brother’s confidence in me helped me to understand that is how Christ sees me – like a warrior! I needed this to kick me into high gear.
Now I’m determined. I won’t allow fear or insecurity to hold me back from what God is calling me to do. It doesn’t matter what the issue, I can conquer it. I am a daughter of the Most High God. Dear Siesta, you are too!
I want to encourage you that whatever issues you are facing this year, remember that Jesus adores you and calls you His daughter. His Word says that we can confidently walk forward in life wearing strength and dignity as our fashion statement. We can walk into our future knowing that we are warriors for Christ. We don’t have to know the future to face it with confidence. The Word says we laugh without fear of the future! We don’t have to fear what is to come, our future mistakes, our insecurities and how they will play out.
We just do our part and take a step. Our confidence comes in knowing he is taking us one step at a time as Psalms 37:23 says: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” NLT
My prayer for us, Siestas, is that we take Him at His Word. He delights in the details of our lives, He knows what is to come, and we can confidently take the step, the action, and move forward, without fear.
Patty Pierce
Searcy, AR
Col. 3:17 ESV
And whatever you do whether in word or deed do it all I the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him .
NIV Jer30:17 But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord.
Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Lynda S. From Brockville, Ontario
““I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NIV
Amy Spry
Dothan, AL
Ephesians 5:18 NIV
Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Elisabeth
South Africa/Modesto, CA
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 139:22
In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, Who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:12
(NIV)
DeLand, Florida
Psalm 22:11 ( New Living Translation)
Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me.
Roseanne, Tacoma, Wa
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Mona Huston, Bossier City, LA – John 1:1-2, NIV, 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
Dianne, Maineville, Ohio
You will seek me and find me when you seek me
with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 niv
Julie Fawcett, Round Rock, Tx-
” Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
Psalm 63:3-4 NIV
Kathy Wilson, Chandler, Arizona
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I John 1:9
ESV
Ashley Roth, Peachtree City, Ga.
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NAS)
Stacey B., Fayetteville, Ga
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
260 E. 49th Ave.
” Or do you think that the Scripture say in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?'” NKJV James 4:5
Allison in Fort Worth:
Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
ruthless people are trying to kill me –
they have no regard for you.
Psalm 86:14 (NIV)
Malorie Elrod, Sharpsburg GA- 8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. (Psalm 89:8 NIV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8 KJV
And whatever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 ESV
Kathi Crowder from Yorktown, Virginia: “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8
Michelle,
Bossier City, LA
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32 NIV
Jann Sanicola, Holtsville, NY
Psalm 119:57-59 NIV
“You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”
Kelly, Cut-n-Shoot Tx
Timothy, my child, I entrust to you this command, which is in accordance with the words of prophecy spoken in the past about you. Use those words as weapons in order to fight well,
1 Timothy 1:18 GNT
Just a few weeks late on posting But better late than never
(It just goes so well with the one I posted today and besides I feels as I …..doted all my I’s and crossed all my T’s)
CrystalParrott: Everett, Ontario Canada
Because human anger goes not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:20 NIV
Patti, Clemmons, NC
“Even so ye, for as much as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV
Anne-Marie, Munich – Germany 5I forgot to post it earlier) Psalms 143.8 (ESV) “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Courtney, Lima, Ohio. “Keep watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41 (NLT)
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, Wisconsin
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John 11:35 : Jesus wept. [NIV]
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These may seem to be two very “simple” words for my SSMT memory verse this time . . .
HOWEVER, I quickly realized that I NEED to Know that JESUS went through periods of weeping in His earthly ministry/life, just like me.
I have been struggling with major grief; adding one more precious person to the “list” of beloved people in my life who have gone into the presence of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus. But, this time, it was my dear Aunt Doris; not simply a beloved friend. And, sadly, these three/3 special people all passed away between September 24th and November 5th, 2015 . . .
THANK YOU, LORD JESUS, for allowing me/us to “know that You humbled Yourself” to feel what it is like to weep deeply, and to have gone through times of mourning and sorrow; and, have felt the pain and agony of grieving, TOO !!!
I love You, Lord Jesus! Please help me to “keep pressing on, and to Know that I can still have JOY in my heart”; as Miss Beth told me once . . .
In Christ’s Love, Jennifer
Oh Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of this season of loss you are facing. Jesus definitely gets it. Consider yourself hugged.
Whitney Holder, Wilmington, NC. “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Psalms 37:23 NLT
Debbie Weaver, Cumming, GA
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 322-23 NIV
Patricia from Richmond Texas
The Lord is my strength and my shield, in him my heart trusts and I am helped, my heart exalts, and with my song I give thanks to him.
ESV. Psalm 28:7
Sheri, Portland, OR
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is ture.
3 John 12
Janelle MacKay, Malta, NY “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Margie Rodriguez, San Angelo, Texas
Proverbs 3;13 NIV
Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
Beth Reid, London, ON
2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphant procession, and through us spreads the fragrance the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
Gwyn Cummings, Rowlett, TX
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6
Jo Ellen Chance, Shawnee, Kansas
You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. – John 14:28 ESV
Tangila, Pearland TX
[Ecclesiastes 5:5 NLT] 5 It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.
Gina Demangos San Diego CA
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Tasha J., Edmond, OK
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Karen, Richardson, TX
Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
Susan, Wynne
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm118:6 (ESV)
Barbara Smith, San Antonio, Tx
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11
Lori Boone, Renton WA
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins .” Mark 11:25
Susan Smith, Helena, MT
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57:11 NIV
Tammy Disch, Garland, TX Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned Romans 5:12 (NASB)
Psalms 32:8 NLT
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Laury Pitts from San Clemente, CA: “I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity;” Jeremiah 29:14a (NKJV)
Stacey DeYoung- Morocco,In.
Habakkuk 3:18 AMP
Yet I will choose to rejoice in the Lord;I will choose to shout in exultation in the victorious God of my salvation!