WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE 2015 SIESTA SCRIPTURE MEMORY TEAM!
WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Allow me to introduce myself to you as your fellow sojourner for the next 12 months and your official cheerleader. It will be my pleasure to remind you often that, in Christ Jesus, you most certainly CAN be victorious in this adventure of the faith, this challenge of the mind and this discipline of the Spirit.
Nothing we’ve done on this blog since its inception has seemed to attract more outrageous favor from God. We are convinced that He loves it. God never misses a single individual going to the work of memorizing His Word but imagine His delight when a huge community of tremendously diverse women in age, background, and worship tradition band together in a pilgrimage of faith. You don’t have to stop and wonder if it’s God’s will for His words to abide in you. The Word of God alive, active, and abiding in us speaks to us, shields us, warns us, strengthens us, sanctifies us, equips us in our callings, and directs us in our decision making. It sharpens our insight and improves our discernment. It makes us wiser and, let’s be bold enough to say, even smarter. Our brains were hardwired to flourish across the board when nourished by the Scriptures. Above all else, Scripture abiding and thriving in us builds up our faith, for “faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Â And, Girlfriend, we want to be women of faith. That faith erupts into works that were planned for each of us before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 2:10)
OK. I want to get right to it before I lose some of you so that no one will be unclear about the protocol.
The entry of your first verse is your official registration for SSMT (Siesta Scripture Memory Team). Everybody who joins us needs to start right here in a designated comment to this exact post. Even those who may jump in with us a couple of months late who are willing to work double-time to get it all done will start right here.
For a quick recap of our objective: Remember, we are committing to the memorization of 24 verses in 12 months. Two a month. We each get to select our own verses to align with our personal needs and challenges. Choosing a Scripture that resonates with you is immensely helpful in the memorization process. If you have trouble coming up with one of your own, you can always share mine or look through the other entries for ideas. You’ll find your SSMT posts right here on the blog at 8:00 AM on the 1st and 15th of every month in 2015. [Under the LINKS section listed on the right hand side of our blog home page, you will find all SSMT posts will store together for easy access. See “Scripture Memory Team 2015”.] If you haven’t had a chance to read all the instructions and hear about our end-of-year celebration, please go back and read the informational post then return to this spot. Questions unanswered here are answered there.
One of the most important things for you to know from the top is how to arrange your comment with the verse you’ve selected. We limit each comment to this information:Â
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Â
SO, here goes mine! I’m obsessed with the Book of Ephesians right now so much of my memory work will probably come from those pages.
Beth Moore, Houston, Texas. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19 ESV
We’re fellow citizens with the likes of Peter and John and James and Stephen and Paul and Timothy and Barnabas and Joanna and Susanna and Lydia and Tabitha and just try counting all the Marys. We’re fellow citizens and members of the household of Middle Eastern believers confessing Christ in hostile climates, of Chinese believers meeting in house churches, of Eastern European believers finding hope in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have brothers and sisters in Thessaloniki, in Paris, in Belfast, in Riyadh, in Copenhagen, in Calgary, and Rome. We – right here in this community – are sisters to a household of God that stretches across this globe, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ alone. By grace through faith. “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) That’s what makes us family. We, beloved sister, are in gorgeous company. Let’s give our time on this planet as part of this household all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go! Don’t panic or jump the gun and post a second time if you don’t see your verse published soon. I will be moderating all these launch comments by myself because I don’t want my staff to have to work on the holiday so I beg your patience. I’ll be hard at work on it but it will take me a while to get them all posted. As a rule over the next 12 months, only post a second time if it’s been 48 hours since you left the comment and you still don’t see it.
****I noticed that some of you posted verses earlier than this post was published and they came up on the SSMT informational comments.  I should have doubly emphasized what time the posts will go up each round: 8:00 AM, each 1st and 15th. So sorry if I did not make that clear enough! If you submit your verse earlier than that, it unfortunately appears under the wrong post and, the way blog moderating works, there’s no way for us to transfer the comments over. If you left your 1st verse under any other post than this one, please add it here as well. This is the official registration post.  I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it! So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Higgs, Central Georgia. 119:105-106 NASB
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have sworn and will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in me also. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:1,2 NIV
Kami, Dallas, TX: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Joyce Davidson, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
“He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Romans 4:20 NET
Phil. 4:6 NIV Do not be anxius about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord.
Beth Willis, Terre Haute, In
“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 raise my hands.” Psalm 63:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Mechelle, Terre Haute, IN Proverbs 13:24 NRSV
Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are diligent to discipline them.
After a year and a half of attitude, bullying and no respect from my 13 year old daughter. i finally had to take a stand as a parent and ask her to leave for her father’s until she changed her attitude. It has been 7 months. I struggle daily with my choice. We have had no contact.
Kristi, Scottsdale, AZ
And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” (â€1 Samuel‬ â€1‬:â€20‬ ESV)
Katie F. Grand Rapids, MN
John 14:1 NIV
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Rozanne Gaston, Leawood, KS
Isaiah 50:4 NIV “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
Denise Tonn, Edmonton, Canada. 1 Corinthians 2:5 NASB
…that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 ESV I am from Austin, Arkansas.
Sarah Doyle, St. Peters, MO
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
Shelley, West Frankfort, IL
“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” ~Jeremiah 29:12-13, NKJV
I apologize for posting on the wrong date. Sheesh!
Jennie, Franksville, WI
“Always be joyful. Pray continually and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NCV
Mary G, Chattanooga, TN
Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
Eph 3:20 KJV
Woodstock, NY
May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace- as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15.13 NIV
Kim B, Harrisburg, PA
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1 ESV
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10:39
Carol Rea, Midland, Texas
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11 NIV
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.
1 Sam. 15:22b-23a
Reba Warren, Wickenburg, Arizona “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Stephanie, Dayton, OH
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Tara Kendrick, Austin TX – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies. (Is 55:2 NCV)
Cindy Heer, La Center, WA. “She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.” Proverbs 31:16 AMP
Sarah, Chattanooga, TN
“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:12-14 NLT
Jennifer S., Elk Grove CA
Psalms 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.(ESV)
Phil 4:13 For I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength.
Jill Keith, Austin, Tx
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (â€Psalm‬ â€143‬:â€10‬ ESV)
Tilly,tilburg, nl
In het begin was gods zoon er al. Hij was bij god en was zelf god.in het begin was hij al bij god. Alles is door hem ontstaan. Zonder hem zou er niets zijn. Joh 1:1-3
Lindsay, Greenville
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. Hosea 11:4 NIV
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. NIV
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV
I have chosen Habakkuk 2:3 “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” NLT
Libby, Fortville, IN
When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 NIRV
Judy, River Forest, IL. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.” Colossians 3:16a NIV
Dawn Russell, Wausau, Wisconsin:
“May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NET
Bloomington, IN
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Heb. 10:23 (NIV)
Jessica- Roswell, Georgia: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Marni, Demopolis, Alabama. 1 Corinthians 13
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 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. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Maurya, Overland Park, Ks: “God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.” Galatians 5:22
Jennifer Hoodjer, Greene, Iowa
” The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Fremont, Nebraska So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Julie from Fort Wayne, Indiana
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 niv