Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2013 Instructions!

Hey Siestas!  We’re two weeks out from our big launch and, based on the number of people who got Siesta spirals -not to mention those grabbing their own – we should have one titanic team!  May God get much glory! (If you’re interested in a spiral and have yet to purchase one, click here for the details.) Numbers are nothing if they don’t translate into fruit displayed in our lives but if we truly decide to live out the words that are going to live in us, remarkable things are in store for the Kingdom of Christ among us.

Here is everything you  need to know about how to participate in the 2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team!

First, a few things up front since many people joining us have no previous interaction here:

*For you new comers, “Siesta” is just an endearment for “Sister.” There’s no club to join and no person you need to become. If you’ve trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, you’re a sister in Christ. If you don’t know Him, we’d love for you to stick around and get to know us and see if anything around here draws you. Everyone is welcome. Here’s a bit of our back-story on the weird name: When we first began the blog, it never occurred to any of us how much we’d come to love each other. As the community grew closer and closer and the participants more and more familiar with one another, one of you asked what name we should call each another. I tried to say, “I’ll tell you what we are: We’re sistahs!” but spell-check switched it to “siestas.” It stuck and that’s been us ever since. We even liked the thought that its actual meaning is to take a nap. We’ll know we’ve been a place of divine intervention if we’re a respite from the female competition and clatter out there. Only Jesus can give us that kind of relief in this exhausting culture.

*We call this a Scripture memory “team” because that’s exactly what we are. We’re a really long line of women standing shoulder to shoulder with our swords drawn. (For you newcomers, Ephesians 6 calls the Word of God the “Sword of the Spirit.”) And we don’t draw our swords to wound people, to convict our family members (God’s job) or to cut off the ears of our hearers. We draw our swords to fight the good fight of faith. While I was saw stacks and stacks of Siesta Scripture Memory Spirals being stuffed into envelopes for shipping, it hit me with fresh impact. What if thousands of women really did memorize 24 Scriptures in 2013?? What are the implications of that? What kind of repercussions might that have in our personal lives and our homes? That’s worth getting riled up over. SO, you bet this is a team. Don’t be too cool for it. Remember, God’s Spirit is a fire. If we’re too cool, we can’t help but quench it. If cheesy works around here, we’re not ashamed. Just throw in a can of jalapenos and grab a tortilla chip.

*Very often you will see me refer to SSMT. Just so nobody’s confused from the start, that is an abbreviation for “Siesta Scripture Memory Team.” If you’re not participating in SSMT, please know that we don’t limit the entire blog to our Scripture memory participants. It has a big presence on here because it’s twice a month but we still do lots of other things. Please don’t feel left out or forgotten.

OK, NOW FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS. You can cut and paste these somewhere if necessary. Here’s how it will go:

1. On the 1st and 15th of every month of 2013, you will find a post by 8:00 in the morning where I will ask for your memory verse and give you mine. This will begin New Year’s Day 2013. You are committing to 24 Scriptures in 12 months. In previous years, I’ve found this to be a very doable pace. If you do much more, you’ll tend to fall behind and not retain. If you do much less, the impact is negligible. You really can do this. So many of you will surprise yourselves with what you’re capable of doing in the power of the Spirit. Yes, it takes work but it’s tremendously fulfilling and the results are nearly immeasurable. Look at it this way: you’re going to be meditating on something: unforgiveness, toxic memories, misery, lust, greed, dissatisfaction, jealousy, competition. Choose Scripture! Christ Himself said as a man thinks, so is he. He also said His words are spirit and life. This is work worth doing, Sweet Thing. Never – NOT ONCE – have I ever known anyone to get to the end of a Scripture memory commitment and say that it didn’t make any real difference. Not a single time.

2.You are to enter the verse you’ve chosen to memorize for that two-week period within twenty-four hours of the post going up. I’ve been asked many times if it’s okay if you’re late supplying your verse and, yes, of course it is, but try to avoid doing it often. The people who make it to the very end of the year are overwhelmingly those who stay up with it month to month. Please know up front that one of the important parts of this process is the exercise of self discipline. This culture is mass producing wimpy narcissists. Year-long commitments like these that require punctuality and focused energy push back on that degenerating trend. All that to say, please don’t drop out if you get behind. I just want you to know that this will be much more successful if you treat it as a real, live commitment you are willing to work hard to keep.

3. When you clock in with your verse those two times a month, keep your comments limited to your name, city, verse and translation. Long comments on SSMT days are no-no’s. It won’t take you long to figure out why we maintain that rule. Wait till you see the powerful sight of hundreds if not thousands of verses flowing down the comment stream. It is a gorgeous sight. When you’re having a bad day, all you have to do is scroll down a few hundred of your sisters’ Scripture selections and I promise you, you’ll get a word. It’s a very powerful thing. Here is a sample comment:

Beth from Houston, Texas: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

Always add your translation because so many of your sisters will want to know where you found the wording for your entry. One of the great impacts of this process is how much we reap from each other’s selections. Often you’ll see a sister say, “I’m doing the one so-and-so did last time!” (Yes, you can make a comment that brief. Those can be fun. Occasionally you’ll even see someone write, “For the sake of my marriage, I’ve chosen to memorize…” That’s okay, too, but try to keep it very succinct.)

4. THIS ONE IS KEY! As often as possible, choose a verse that means something to you in your present season or circumstance. This is the reason why we don’t all memorize the same Scripture. We’re not all going through the same things. The more you let God lead you to verses that direct you or edify your soul in your present circumstances, the more He will renew your mind toward your challenges. This is a huge part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 where we’re told to demolish strongholds and take our thoughts captive to Christ. If you don’t have a verse on your mind or you’re drawing a blank when the 1st or 15th rolls around, you are welcome to share mine. I will always include it in the post. You might also look at a few of the comments and see if one of theirs resonates with you. I say this next part with a grin: try to refrain from memorizing Scriptures that you think your spouse or your children need to learn. Memorize what you need to learn. That means do your best to avoid jotting your verse on a stick note and planting it on your bathroom mirror where your man can see it and repent of his sins. He probably won’t because he’s got your game. I bet you can guess how I know that.

5. I strongly recommend that you stick with only one verse to memorize each time. (This is just a recommendation and not a rule. You’re free to do whatever works for you.) Keep it simple and meaningful. (If I were addressing you live, I’d have you repeat that sentence back to me so just go ahead and say it out loud in order to nail it down. That sentence could be your best friend through this process.) If you do too many verses or get too complicated, you will soon be overwhelmed and want to drop out. Better to do 24 simpler verses over a 12 month period of time than a chapter over the first month then quit. We want this to be a discipline we practice for the rest of our lives. Think marathon. Not sprint.

6. Either shortly before or after making your entry each 1st and 15th in the blog comment, write the verse by hand in your own spiral. (Again, that’s a recommendation and not a rule. I’ve discovered that there’s something about writing it with your own hand and picturing it later in your own handwriting that helps it sink into your memory bank. I’m not entirely sure why.) Take that spiral with you everywhere you go. Read it and read it and read it and read it. Do mental gymnastics with it. Flip that baby over and over. Many women have told me along the way that they’re not good at memorization and I truly understand that. I also beg to offer two responses: First, that may change. Give the Holy Spirit a chance to do something brand new with you. Second, even if you don’t get your verses down word for word, you are still meditating on them as you read and reread them. You still, thereby, accomplish one of the most important goals: captivating the mind to Christ. You just can’t lose on this one. Either way, it has a powerful effect.

OK, I think that’s enough to get us prepared for January 1st. Now, let me tell you well in advance how to qualify for our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration on January 17-18, 2014 which is the biggest blast ever. I’m telling you about it now so that you can have it for a little extra incentive. Our main incentive is the will and good pleasure of God, of course, but He Himself authored great celebrations in His Name so feel free to be excited at the thought. Also, I want you to have plenty of time to start saving your money for your transportation and hotel. We do not charge for the event. Your entrance fee is your well-used spiral. By the way, we hope to have Travis back again to lead us in worship and Amanda, Melissa, my whole LPM staff and volunteer team will be there  to serve you.  Here’s how you qualify throughout the year:

*Clock in by first name and city at least 21 out of 24 times. (But please make your goal 24 out of 24!) Let me reiterate that you can be late with your entry on a 1st or 15th of any month but, by the end of the year, there has to be a record in the comment sections of you signing in at least 21 out of 24 times on a SSMT post. Make sense? Please give us 24 hours to post your comment before you assume it got lost. We still moderate all comments and the amount we get on SSMT days necessitates a slower pace. Thank you for your cooperation!

*Bring your spiral to the celebration. Again, that’s your ticket in.

*Be prepared to say any 12 of your 24 memory verses to another Siesta (of your choice) during the designated time at the celebration. (We get in pairs.) Some of you will be tempted to let this be a deal breaker but don’t back out! Siestas are really sweet and patient with each other and we are notorious for giving each other hints. We can even act out charades if necessary. If you’re one of those who genuinely struggles with memorization, just tell your memory buddy up front and she’ll give you all the grace you need.  Tell her the gist of the verse as accurately as you possibly can. She’ll be able to tell that you are well acquainted with it and that the goal was accomplished even if you can’t say the verse word-for-word.

*Register for the event when the time comes. (December 1, 2013)

Whew! Have I exhausted you?? I’ve worn myself to a pulp. Sorry this is so wordy! We just want to answer as many of your questions up front as possible.

I want to tell you something before I sign off. I may sound like a broken record but you have to let me say it again as we embark on this wild journey together. You have impacted my walk with Christ. This community has given me encouragement when I was nearly down for the count. I am more disciplined because you are here. You make a difference in my life. You make me think, and laugh, and study. You offer me company when I am lonely. You stir me up to love and good works. You are used of God in my life to make this hard world a better place.

That’s what Siestaville is for. Women walking alongside women on our way Home, stirring up excitement toward that great day. SSMT is just one way we do that. AND IT’S A WHOPPER. Let’s do it, Sisters, starting this coming January 1st! I’ll talk to you again about other things before then but I don’t want the New Year to take you by surprise.

Your blog mama loves you.

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1,641 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2013 Instructions!”

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Comments:

  1. 1451
    Meryl Mailloux says:

    Still catching up!

    May 15

    Romans 11:33 NIV
    “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements and His paths beyone tracing out.”

  2. 1452
    Meryl Mailloux says:

    June 1…almost there…

    Romans 12:11-13 NIV

    Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

  3. 1453
    Meryl Mailloux says:

    Romans 12:9-10 NIV
    “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

  4. 1454
    Ann says:

    My June 1 verse:

    1 Thessalonians 5:18
    Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

    Ann, Mandeville, LA

  5. 1455
    Elizabeth says:

    Wisdom will save you from evil people, from whose words are twisted. Proverbs12:12 NLT

  6. 1456
    Sarah Scott says:

    Sarah, Lufkin, TX
    Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)

  7. 1457
    Marla Kemp says:

    Marla
    Bolivar, MO
    But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17 NASV)

  8. 1458
    Cindi Martin says:

    Cindi from Amanda
    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:17

  9. 1459
    Rachel Roy says:

    Rachel from Woodstock, GA

    Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

    Hebrews 10:23 NIV

  10. 1460
    Ann Wellen says:

    Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

    Ann
    Mandeville, LA

  11. 1461
    Ann from Colorado says:

    “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

  12. 1462
    Michelle says:

    Michelle from Buda, TX

    “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.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

  13. 1463
    Sally Uhl says:

    Philippians 4:7

    And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  14. 1464
    Rita says:

    Rita, Bristol, TN 2 Timothy 1:7
    (NIV) 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

  15. 1465
    Ruth says:

    From Hamilton, Ohio

    “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

    Psalm 146:1-2 (NIV)

  16. 1466
    Cindy says:

    He frees us ! He recues us from death.
    Psalms 68:20

    I AM FREE !!

  17. 1467
    Lorraine says:

    Lorraine,Ontario,Canada
    Because you kmow that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3

  18. 1468
    Sandee Jasnoski says:

    Sandee from Wichita, KS
    “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

  19. 1469
    Diane says:

    Diane from Houston, TX
    If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light will become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalms 139:11-12

  20. 1470
    Connie M. says:

    Running just a little – well, really a lot – late!

    Philippians 2:14
    Do everything without complaining or arguing

  21. 1471
    Glenda Arnold says:

    Glenda – Texas
    July 1, 2013

    1 Peter 3;10

    Whoever would love life and keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

  22. 1472
    Natalie Bennighof says:

    Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
    Philippians 3:8

  23. 1473
    Sarah Scott says:

    Sarah, Lufkin, TX

    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

  24. 1474
    Ann says:

    Psalm 18:1 (ESV)

    I love you, O Lord, my strength.

    Ann, Mandeville, LA

  25. 1475
    Sher says:

    I Peter 1:10,11
    “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.”

  26. 1476
    Cindi Martin says:

    Cindi from Amanda “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

  27. 1477
    Kim Morris says:

    Kim, Richmond, TX, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (NIV) Prov 31:8

  28. 1478
    Denise from Germantown,WI says:

    the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. (Romans 4:17 NIV)

  29. 1479
    Leisa Hale says:

    Leisa from Sheridan, In

    Philippians 2:13 NIV
    for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

    Matthew 20:28 NIV
    just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

  30. 1480
    Elizabeth says:

    These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths.
    Proverbs 2:13

  31. 1481
    Ruth says:

    Hamilton, Ohio

    “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

  32. 1482
    Connie Minish says:

    Connie in Eagan,MN

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
    Philippians 4:6-7

  33. 1483
    Cindy says:

    Pride leads to arguments, be humble, take advice and become wise.

    Proverbs 13:10

  34. 1484
    Sally Uhl says:

    2 Cor 5;7

    We walk by faith, not by sight.

  35. 1485
    Carrie in Highlands Ranch,CO says:

    Psalm 121:5&6 NIV
    The Lord watches over you-the Lord is the shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day; nor the moon by night.

  36. 1486
    Elizabeth says:

    They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Proverbs 2:14 NLT

  37. 1487
    Dee Ann Coker says:

    Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he
    has made. Psalm 145:13

  38. 1488
    Donna, Gloucester, VA says:

    (July 15) “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 NIV

  39. 1489
    Julia says:

    Julia from Cincinnati,Ohio

    But you, O, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
    Psalm 86:15

  40. 1490
    Kim says:

    Kim from Cincinnati,Ohio

    But you, O, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
    Psalm 86:15

  41. 1491
    Sally Uhl says:

    Psalm 147:11

    The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

  42. 1492
    Carrie, Highlands Ranch, CO says:

    The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your lif3e. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7&8NIV

  43. 1493
    Sher, Mansfield says:

    I Peter 1:13
    “Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled;set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

  44. 1494
    Ruth says:

    Hamilton, Ohio

    “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

  45. 1495
    Sarah Scott says:

    Sarah, Lufkin, TX

    25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    I desire you more than anything on earth.
    Psalm 73:25 NLT

  46. 1496
    Cindy says:

    Kind words are like honey – enjoyable and healthful.

    Proverbs 17:24

  47. 1497
    Sandee Jasnoski says:

    Sandee Jasnoski from Wichita, KS:
    “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

  48. 1498
    Diana Mielecki says:

    Is. 43:4-6 KJV Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not, for I am with thee.I will bring thy seed from the east and gather thee from the west.”

  49. 1499
    Denise from Germantown, wi says:

    But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

  50. 1500
    Rachel Roy says:

    May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

    Psalm 19:14 NIV

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