Hey, Sweet Things! Do some of you remember me telling you that I had a little surprise for you in the works? THIS IS IT!!!!! Our very own Siesta Scripture Memory Team SPIRAL!!!! Inside are 30 blank index cards just begging to be filled with your choice of memory verses. I’m almost having to stand up to type because I am so pumped. For those of you who are new to our community, one of the things we prioritize and love to do around here is memorize Scripture. It is a huge part of calling the mind captive to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5) and most of us know from experience that our battles are won or lost in our MINDS. I have been actively memorizing Scripture as a primary Spiritual discipline since my early 30’s. I am thoroughly convinced that God used it to bring immeasurable healing to my mind, my memories, and my thought life. I tend toward obsessive thoughts and fears and unrelenting replays of bad memories and, when I fall away from actively hiding God’s Word in my heart, they come back with a vengeance. Anybody else? There are no words big enough to express the difference Scripture memory has made in my life. God also showed me along the way how much accountability and partnership can enhance the success of the discipline. Two years ago I was trying to decide who I should ask to be my accountability partner for that year and God brought the idea to my mind to make it the whole willing blog community and to offer accountability to them in return. The result was one of the neatest experiences we’ve ever had on this blog. I honestly have never felt the pleasure of God more fully over anything we’ve done here.
We created “The Siesta Scripture Memory Team” and each made it our goal to memorize 24 verses, two a month for that calendar year. We signed in on the first and fifteenth of each month with the present verse God was placing on our hearts. (We didn’t memorize the same one together. It works best if we each get to memorize the verses that most apply to our present lives and circumstances. However, I always offered my verse in case someone else was drawing a blank or felt that it also resonated with them. In those cases, some of us memorized the same thing.) We logged in twice a month with our first names, cities, verses, and translations and held each other accountable to get them hidden in our hearts for keeps. We worked hard and saw victory after victory over the flesh and the kingdom of darkness. We topped off the year with a free event in Houston for those who kept their commitment. The only ticket in was a well-used spiral. We had a BLAST. As long as I live, I’ll never forget what all of you looked like in pairs, saying half of your verses to one another.
Well, the SSMT (Siesta Scripture Memory Team) is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! We will begin January 1st. Look for very specific instructions next week on how to participate. (Hold off on as many questions as possible until that time because the post will answer so many.) Everyone is welcome! Even those who have never visited our blog before. Anyone who wants some accountability in memorizing Scripture is invited. Let me also quickly say that no one is pressured to participate. You won’t be an outcast here. We still do many other things on this blog. It’s just an offer made in much love to those who would benefit from it in their walk with Christ. Living Proof Ministries exists to encourage women to love the Lord Jesus Christ and walk with Him in His Word. This is one way we hope to accomplish our ongoing goal to the great glory of God.
Again, I will get you all the details within the next week BUT I needed to let you know NOW about our brand new, you-inspired SSMT spirals! Let me tell you a couple of things about them in advance:
*You are by no means required to have one to participate! These are strictly for those of you who want one! It is very easy to go to your neighborhood Walgreen’s, CVS or Target and grab a spiral of index cards. That’s what I’ve done every year up until now. (But, admit it, aren’t these the cutest things ever?? I.LOVE.IT. I am so thankful for Sabrina who jumped on the vision the moment I expressed it to her and for Cheryl Casey who listened carefully to the concept then created this design for it and for our beloved Cathy at Copy Doctor who sped ahead and got them printed. As we always say around here, it takes a village.)
*You are welcome to order one even if you don’t wish to participate in the SSMT. Many of us may not want the added pressure of 2 verses a month but we still like to keep a Scripture memory spiral. By all means! There is no legalism where these are concerned. If you want one, you can have one. If you don’t, you’re free!
*We very much wanted to serve you with this spiral and not attempt to make any profit off of it. We are offering it to you only at our cost plus shipping and handling. This is NOT a way for the ministry to make money. You’ll see that it is $3 plus S/H. Sabrina got the cost as low as possible. I was thrilled with this outcome.
*Now, listen to this part carefully. Once you place your order, we will turn them around as quickly as humanly possible. Please keep in mind that our staff is small but very willing to serve! We also have Christmas holidays to celebrate so the ministry will be closed part of the time. Many of you who order right away may have your spirals by January 1st but if we end up with several thousand orders (we have no idea what to expect), yours may not get to you until the second week or so of the new year. Please know that we’re going to get them to you as fast as we are physically able. Just write your first couple of verses on temporary index cards until you receive your order then write them again permanently in your spiral when you receive it. Sound good?
And, because I know someone’s going to demand to know now: yes, we are going to have another SSMT celebration (in mid-January 2012) for those who keep their commitments in 2011 but no one – let me say that again – NO ONE will be scorned for not showing up with this cool spiral. I mean that. I am also laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of it. I am acting like a nine year old.
OK, if you want one, here’s what you do. Copy and paste this link into your browser and it will take you straight to the order page:
http://www.lproof.org/store/product.asp?itemid=2011SMTspiral
Listen, even if you don’t care one iota about a spiral of blank index cards, please know that we at Living Proof Ministries so desire to serve you and cheer you on in your walk with Christ Jesus. He is everything to us around here. May He be thrilled to spend 2011 with us!
I love you,
Beth
Oh yay! I adore the spiral! And am so excited for the accountability of the SSMT again! This year, I am sad to admit that I’ve only got 6 measly verses memorized. Thank you for helping us along in our walks with God, Siesta Mama.
How fun! Personally, I recite Psalm 16 over and over again. “I have the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Also, I had a new revelation today about Christmas! God taught me today that Christmas is really a celebration of the radically inconvenient. Jesus did the most ridiculously inconvenient thing, why can’t I serve others even when it’s inconvenient (or messes with my holiday shopping schedule)? Here’s the post at Live with Flair: http://livewithflair.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-ridiculously-inconvenient.html
That’s one of the verses I had a siestas name by!
It was during Easter sitting in church,the verse
and person came to my heart:)
OMS (oh my siesta), that is fabulous!
I’ve already picked or maybe God picked my theme for next year ~~ verses with RUN and HOPE. I need to do much of both in a God focused direction. Off to place my order =) J
Hahahaha. I love OMS.
hysterical. i will use that and will not cite my sources.
OMS! You’re good, Jill! Love this
i.love.it.too.
I’ve just ordered mine. Memorizing scripture is by far the hardest thing for me. I seriously might be a/d/d. I fail over and over again to memorize scripture. I’ll need prayer.
Listen, Melissa, even if all you do is read them over and over again, you’re still calling your mind captive to Christ! It still brings so much healing to the mind. Stay with it! I am asking God to give you the supernatural unction to do it. Keep your verses short and aligned with your circumstances. That will help so much.
Thanks for your encouragement. I love scripture so much and I try try try to memorize. I get frustrated with myself – but it will be beautiful to just try again and to have a very girly, precious, spiral to keep up with. I think it will be just the trick! Thank you so much!
What fun! Thank you!
Can’t wait!
So excited!! Just ordered my spiral. Can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for 2011. Love you Moores!
This is exciting! I have been memorizing scripture lately after finishing “Breaking Free”.
I do a jail ministry and yesterday I read the ladies the Tamar bit out of “Breaking Free” and so many were in tears saying it was what they needed to hear. So powerful!! I have also been encouraging them to memorize scripture so they can be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Thank you for all of your teachings. They are such a blessing.
Beth,
Can’t wait!!! Really if anyone is even the least little bit thinking about it, DO IT!! IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Love,
Jan
I too can struggle with obsessive thoughts and fears. With the impending birth of my first baby, I’ve had them more so now than ever! I’m so glad for the accountability to memorize scripture again. Thanks, Mama Beth!
Ellen – google the song “A Baby Changes Everything!”
My life changed with my first pregnancy. I started going back to church, rededicated myself to Christ. My son completely changed our lives and 22 months later his brother came along. We were just talking last night, what in the world did we do before them and how ordinary our lives would be without them. That baby is going to bless you in so many, many ways! 🙂
April, I’m surprised I’ve never heard that song before. It’s so applicable to my life on so many levels! Thank you for sharing it with me. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Also, I’m so glad to hear how your first son helped shape your life!!!
YAY, I am sooooo excited! I had this on my mind because I believe God gave me my verse and theme for 2011 today!!!
My oldest daughter has also told me that she wants to participate this year. She comments as “Oliva ~age 12”. When I first came across her comments I didnt know whether to scold her on the dangers of the internet, or just be thankful she is reading this blog! I had down on my last minute shopping list to pick up a spiral for her! She will love this! I know she wants to come to the SSMTC, but that will be up to God. If He wants us both there, He’ll make a way.
Thank you for your service to us ….I love you too 🙂
Merry Christmas!
O Kelly, that makes my day! We will LOVE seeing that “Oliva~age 12”. She will be one of our junior Siestas. I hope you both do it and come to the celebration!
I got so excited when I saw your comment that I called….ahem..”OLIVIA” in to read it. She said “MOM you spelled my name wrong!!”. LOL I didnt even notice and she is about to kill me. I won’t live this one down for a while!!! (grin)
lol.. a junior siesta: the kind you accidently take a and pretend you were up just praying…0_o
Olivia makes my heart smile!!
Kelly,
My little niece went to Houston with me but did not attend the sessions with me. She is just 8 but wants to memorize scriptures so she can attend. (I think her desire is more about the chocolate cake I mentioned, but I know God can start from there!) I ordered her a spiral as well as myself. She will be all of 9 years old when we get together.
Jan
Jan, How I pray the Lord brings us all together!! I also have a 9 year old daughter, but she is content to let her sister participate this round. They are both in the AWANA program and memorize much faster than I do! I didnt tell my nine year old about the cake…..just for the reason you mentioned! LOL
Merry Christmas!
Yeah! I have been anxiously awaiting for this! I’m so excited! I played along in 2009, and I was greatly blessed. However, I was not able to memorize all 24. I’m going to do it in 2011! Beth, thank you for sharing your testimony about scripture memorization with others. I never dreamed it could be such a powerful tool to break down strongholds. Thank you! I can’t wait to join you!
YAY! I’m, literally, on here for about 1 minute, but I had to post that I love it! Just love it! Ordering one this week for sure.
…I’m SUCH a girl!…
Now, work is calling. Love you, ladies! Can’t wait for SSMT 2011!!
As a side note: I’d like to offer to purchase some for any ladies who simply can’t afford any luxuries right now but really would love to have this. Sometimes a little simple extra keeps us poor human souls motivated to keep on keeping on, ya know?! Let me know if anyone wants this, LPM ladies. You’ve got my email! Much love…
Oh, dear Miss Beth, this is sooo exciting!! I participated in the SSMT two years ago, it being the first time I memorized Scripture regularly. It was one of the most wonderful and significant things the Lord used in my life! I continued it this past year, memorizing two verses a month, because it was so impacting and a life-changing discipline with Jesus I didn’t want to lose. But boy, having the accountability and reminder each month being on the SSMT is so helpful…I’m thrilled to participate this coming year! Big hugs to you all, your girlies, and the LPM staff. Merry Christmas!
If it wasn’t for the SSMT celebration I never would’ve met you, Sweet Meg. Love you!
I am so very very very excited!!!!! So need this!!! Thank you! I am finishing this year no matter what!!!!!
I’m literally GIDDY at this idea!! Just today when I got an uncertain diagnosis of a little thing that’s been going on with my baby girl, I found myself getting all wound up about it. I finally dug out my scripture memory that’s hidden in my heart and relied on HIS truth instead of my own {or lack thereof}. It made all the difference! My 2009 scripture memory was, and is, amazing for my heart/faith. Can’t wait to get back in big time in 2011-and with these blasted CUTE spirals!!! Thank you, Siesta Mama & Siesta Sistas!!
Done! So excited to participate in 2011! 🙂
oh SQUEEEEALLLL!!!! I was just thinking the other day, I need to get a spiral to be armed and ready for Siesta memory verse which is just a couple of weeks away. I love it. Now I have to get some coordinating pens and I am set.
I just love this.
I squealed, too, Jill! My reaction baffled my amused husband who doesn’t quite get my affection for office supplies, Siestaville, and Scripture memory (that last one he gets.) OH AND THEN TO COMBINE THEM! It’s just too much! Coordinating pens here we come. So excited for SSMT!
YEAH!!!!
I had just been thinking about saving some money for Jan 2012 for this very reason…guess I’ll get to it!
and I just put my order in for this super cute surprise. thanks Sabrina for all the hard work.
love,
rachel
Beth – I have already ordered mine. I do dearly love me some “office supplies,” and this is even better – scripture supplies. What an idea! I love the artwork – and I love that it is dated with 2011! Memorizing scripture is a discipline that has reaped so many blessings. My sweet husband just said to me Saturday, “how did you know right where that verse is?” SSMT! SSMT! SSMT! 🙂
Love you friend – Merry Christmas!
Jan
Georgia Jan your comment about loving some office supplies made me laugh! I LOVE THEM TOO! The only thing i love better (and i’m sure you would agree) is a new Bible! I love the smell!
Blessings!
Kimberly
Love me some office supplies too!! You are so right on that scripture supplies are even better!!!! Yay!!
I agree – good job Cheryl Casey…whoever you are! Very cute!
I am so excited about doing this again! and I ADORE these little spirals. My Mom and I did this in 2009 – went to the conference and had SUCH a blast! It continues to be a highlight in my walk with God. I love going back through my spiral and being able to recall just what God was up to in my life at the time – precious. Thank you for doing it all again!
I just love you,Beth. Your ministry is the BEST thing that has happened to help me in my walk with Jesus. I cannot wait to get my spiral!
Best Christmas Blessings on you and your precious family!
Love and Prayers Always!!!
Nancy
Yay! On I-phone so can’t say more than YAY!!!
I love it!!!
I can’t wait for the SSMT to begin…I know I can memorize Scripture on my own, but there was just nothing like reading through all the posted verses week after week…! Such a blessing.
Thank you so much!
In His love,
michelle in VT
Just ordered mine.
Eeeeeee. So excited. Can’t wait to fill it and my heart with God’s promises 🙂
Thanks so much for making them available to us!
YEAH! Can’t wait for this and ordered a few for my Jesus-gal-pals! How fun is that?
What a great idea! Just bought one. 🙂 Thanks!
Yay! I love Scripture memory! I have never used a spiral because I enter mine into an Excel sheet (GEEK!). That way I can keep copies in different places so I always have them handy and don’t worry about losing them.
I might order a cute spiral though just to be part of the fun! 🙂
I’m another GEEK — I print out my verses and keep them in different places in the house so I can review anywhere! I’m so excited that we will be memorizing together in 2011; I loved 2009, but was sad to miss the SSMT Celebration (I was teaching and just couldn’t get away). Maybe 2012????
This is the coolest!!! I just added my final verse to my 2010 spiral, and I am looking forward to SSMT 2011!
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
Adrienne, I can’t wait to see you!!!
yeah! can’t wait! 🙂
I love it,
I love it,
I LOVE IT!!
I’m so excited that we are doing the SSMT again. I didn’t realize how much I had missed it until I caught myself giggling like a school-girl while reading your post! I’m ready and (again) excited!!
Beth –
You are such a blessing to think of us in such a sweet way. Thanks for going out of your way for this! I’ll get my own and save everyone some trouble. I am so excited to start SSMV but also very nervous about it. I’ve always memorized on my own and at my own pace. This feels daunting but I know it will be a blessing to have the accountability. I also struggle so much with my mind/thoughts. Like you said in “Fruit of the Spirit”, the walls of my mind will never stay neutral. I need to fill them with God’s truths or my mind spins out of control!
Much love to you and your family and staff during Christmas. This blog is such a blessing even though I am mostly a silent participant. If encourages me even if I don’t comment. Thanks for making that OK too:-)
Absolutely, it’s ok! May Christ continue to set our minds free, Crystal.
Great idea! I just bought one. I’m looking forward to participating again.
Dearest Beth ~ This is wonderful! I placed my order today because I’m in Haiti and will be home 14th – 28th. Oh please, Lord, let me get my cards before I come back!!!! 🙂 Much love to you…
Love you, Sharon! Thank you for all you do in Haiti and praying for a sweet and restful time at home.
Jumping up and down right now!!! Jumping up and down!! And so anxiously anticipating the work He will do in us with His Mighty Word!! Can’t wait! (and I just had to have one of those cute spirals too! :))
Okay….I was afraid to commit to this in 2009. I am going to commit to this in 2011, very nervously though. My memory keeps forgetting what it should be remembering, alot! I do not take this task lightly, that’s why I wouldn’t commit in 2009. With my dear Savior and you other siestas, I’m all in….please pray for my 3# fallen brain to forward this on to my heart that needs to keep & protect these treasures. My husband will NOT understand my giddiness when he gets home in a few. Love you ladies.
In the power of Christ, you can do this, Vickie! We’ll all do it together! Remember, even meditating on them helps captivate the mind to Christ.
I understand Vickie. Medicine I take for health reasons causes memory loss..discouraging and even embarrassing when I want so much to recall what I used to easily.. I am committing also and claiming this truth for us both:
Isaiah 41:10 “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.” and vs.13 “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” I will pray for you.
Can I please tell you how glad I am that we are going to do this again???? I just ordered a spiral notebook and cannot wait to start! Thank you for doing this 🙂
So at first I thought, that’s too cute, but I won’t use it. I’m a great starter, but not so much a finisher. Maybe I will give it a shot, though. I have benefited so much from hiding His word in my heart. It’s amazing what the Spirit draws out when I need it.
Sister, if you ended up memorizing only a fourth of them, you’d have six more Scriptures in your sweet little brain than before. It can only help. Do indeed give it a shot!
Perhaps I shall 😉 At this stage in my life I want to be a better teacher/servant to others, and it drives me crazy when I have to say, “well somewhere in there it says…” I may use this to remedy that problem, and memorize some new ones as well.
Just ordered mine, I’m soo pumped about 2011 and memorizing scripture with all of you.
I love it….. And can I just say that I NEED this scripture memory. Really, I am walking in a very, well I can’t find the words for it season right now and need to draw near to Him in this way.
Amen and Praise Him
Bethany
This is great!! I am very excited about this!! I did not participate in the first SSM, but cannot wait to order my spiral. Yes, I love notebooks and pens!
Siesta Momma,
YES- what a great idea!! I am so excited about this. I just ordered my spiral, gonna be so much fun!!!! Marlo
I can’t wait!! Thank you Beth for tying us together in one more tangible way.
You better believe I’m ordering one!!!!! The cutest things I’ve ever seen. Thanks LPM team! So grateful.
Hugs and blessings over you all!
Fran
Fran, I hope you come!! I would love to see you again!!
Yea, Ms. Fran is doing it!! Woo hoo! 🙂
BETH! You’re coming to my state in MARCH 2011!!!! I am praying hard that I get tickets to be able to come to your event! I cannot wait to hear you speak live. LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Beth I’ve never tried to memorize scripture so this will be my first time. I ordered two. One for me and one for my sister in law so she can join me. I am hoping to stay focused on his word as I begin another phase in my life. I am looking forward to this. Thanks Beth.
You can do it, Angie! Welcome!
Just ordered my new Siesta notecards! Adorable! I tried last time it was done here on the blog but felt frustrated so I never stayed on top of it. I am giving it another chance and hoping I can persevre 🙂 Thanks for all your hard work all you at LPM and Mama Beth! We are sooo grateful.
I so want you to be blessed by this experience and for God to show you what you can do in His strength. We’ll try to help you with some pointers along the way but, for now, think SHORT! In your busy season, don’t choose long verses. You can do it!
The fist verse I chose in 2009 was Psalm 150.
ALL of Psalm 150.
That may have been a mistake….
YES!!!!!!! I am going to use you as an example of how NOT to start your Scripture memory year! You know I’m messing with you. I love you to pieces. But start with one verse. Laughing.
If my humiliation will serve Him, you go right ahead … Laughing with you and I have TOTALLY learned my lesson!
PS – totally bummed to have missed the siesta fun after Deeper Still in B’ham … I have so much to thank you for Mama Beth!
Love ya!
I love that one. Good luck.
That made me laugh out loud!
Thanks Beth. I am so excitied to get started. I have tried this year but have not done as well.
I really feel led to participate in this activity this year. Memorizing anything (even my telephone number) has never been my strong suit, but I really want to try this.
I have my spiral that I got while doing your Daniel study where I put random verses. It has given me strength in times of trouble.
I had to smile when I felt that I could hear the excitement in your voice while reading about SSMT 2011. I’m in! 🙂