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
Love it! Absolutely fabulous idea. I have a well-worn spiral in my purse right now. Got the idea from you when we did the scripture memorization a couple of years ago. I put in the back of the spiral the sayings from Esther and the corresponding Bible verse “It’s tough being a woman…” so when I am wrestling, I could pull that out and focus on God rather than the issue at hand. Thanks also for making it affordable. Isaiah 26:3-4 is my most recent memory project. A co-worker and I memorized together and quoted to each other. I really want to memorize Psalm 62 and the challenge came from the David study that I’ve just started…I have never memorized a whole chapter and it’s a bit daunting but this old gal will try and love focusing my ever-swirling mind on His Word!
Merry Christmas!
Love y’all,
I love this!! Can’t wait… Just last night saw AGAIN the power of Scripture in the battle of the mind. I got some hard news yesterday, and my mind was swirling with all the “what ifs”. Then I just started to quote “He will keep in perfect peace ‘she’ whose mind is fixed on Me!” And the peace that came again was beyond words.
Thanks, Beth, for this great idea!!
Heather from Lewiston
What is the reference for this verse? It is not a serious matter but that would be a great verse for me to start out with!
Sarah that’s Isaiah 26:3
Well, I don’t want to answer for Heather Smith, but that is also one of my scripture memory verses! I believe she is referring to Isaiah 26:3 and she has personalized it.
The NIV says it like this: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” The NLT says this: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
What a wonderful promise!!
Isaiah 26:3 (New International Version, ©2010)
3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
So last night in bed that was my paraphrase I quoted in my post. (I learned it in the KJV as a kid in Awana… which explains “steadfast” versus “fixed”.) 🙂
I am so glad it ministered to you!!! You are the first person to ever reply to me on here! I love it! God bless!
It is Isaiah 26:3. If ever you don’t know the reference for a verse you can go to Biblegateway.com and search by keywords, verse, book, etc. They also have a topical search.
Sarah,
I believe she was referencing Isaiah 26:3. Hope that helps 🙂
Marybeth <
sarah,
here is the verse: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” Is. 26:3 (NIV) I wish i could say i just had in memorized and it just rolled right off my tongue. It would be a great one for me to memorize. I saw that you were looking for it and went to Bible.org and found it that way.
Blessings,
Kimberly
Thanks everyone! And yes, Bridget is right. Biblegateway.com is a great tool! That is where I pulled it from for the post above where it looks all tidy and official. 🙂
I absolutely know what you mean, Heather! I was experiencing some fear and anxiety the other night and God’s Word walked me right through it. So thankful for His Word!
🙂 Love that Becky! So thankful with you!!
Thank you! I thought of five people who don’t have the time to read blogs but would love to start memorizing Scripture. I was thinking of my Dad and husband, too. Any chance on a more ‘manly’ version of these cards? Keith could design it!
Thanks again!
When I first saw the post about the Scripture Memory Team for next year I was reluctant to open it because I know with expecting a baby in May, my year is going to be crazy busy and stressful. Then I thought that is exactly what I need to do to get me through it since I am planning and praying for a natural childbirth…what better thing to do than go armed with scripture?!
Then I got off my rule following high horse and gave myself permission to do just one verse per month and if extra is possible then fine. Between homeschooling my two older kids and preparing for the baby, five scriptures memorized is my goal!
Just ordered my spiral!!!! Thanks for keeping the cost down, it made a difference in my decision to COMMIT today! 🙂
I am looking forward to having some accountability. Thank you for your willingness. In God’s Love, sheila
Nice idea. I will check Wed PM at Bible study if the ladies want me to order for them also.Some are off-line.
So glad you’re doing this again. I need the accountability….I meant to keep up the scripture memorization in 2010 but alas, no accountability and I did terrible. And, sadly, I think my life is showing it. Sigh.
Laura, my best friend and I attempted memorizing a big ole’ huge chunk of Scripture…and quit after memorizing the first chapter. Can you say, “Bit off more than they could effectively chew”? SO thankful for this Scripture memory team and have already encourage said best friend to join in on January 1 and we are excited. We will have the accountability AND encouragement here, sister! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior. 🙂
Laura,
I was like you too. This will be good to have some accountability.
Yay!! I am so excited about doing this again. I just went to the website and ordered one for me, my daughter and daughter-in-law and my three sisters!! The cute spiral will just be the icing on the cake 🙂
Thank you so much Miss Beth. I just ordered my spiral and eagerly looking forward to the memorization. I’m counting on you and all the wonderful Siestas to hold me accoutable. On a side note, my dear aunt passed away this past Saturday. She was my friend and travelling buddy. I miss her so much but I know she is finally home with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and I rejoice for her. Her race is won. She finished well. Praise the Lord. Love you all.
I ordered my spiral yesterday and I am so excited about doing this again. I participated in 2009, but I did not attend the celebration because I was nervous about traveling all alone.
In February of this year, I met one of the ladies that participated and attended the celebration. She sent me a sweet message the other day and told me that I was welcome to travel with her if you were going to do the celebration event again. 🙂
I am so thankful that you are doing this again in 2011, but like so many others – I tried to do this on my own last year and was not as successful.
Hi Kristin – and others from all over – I traveled alone by God’s grace to the SSMT celebration last year and was blessed to meet some fabulous new Siestas! One took it upon herself to organize hotel rooms for us to share, and meals if folks wanted to join in, it was really a fantastic experience full of God’s love and joy! Please do pray and plan to join in next year
You’re right, these are so adorable! I love the design. My daughter and I came to Houston last year, so I bought her and I one and then I will put a third in our other daughter’s stocking and see if we can get her on board to join us in memorizing this next year. I just can’t wait to see what God will do in all of our lives, Siestas!
Your topic came on a great day. I had been so anxious all morning preparing for a graduation party this weekend, but God reminded me to rehearse His word home to my heart and He worked a great peace in me. I am so thankful to Him for His timeliness. Then, your post showed up and confirmed it and made me (and my daughter) smile! Thank you!
Hi there,
I have ordered mine and cant wait to begin, the Lord has really been imprinting upon my mind to stay in His Word and learn His Words, but I am not good at doing things on my own, need to have someone to be accountable to. This is a great idea and cant wait to get started.
Woo hoo! Just purchased 3 one for me, one for my sister and an extra one for who God sends my way after I mention it to strangers what we are doing, the first one to inqure about how to get started I’ll be ready!!!! 🙂 I feel like I just purchased 3 golden tickets for the Willy Wonka God Factory ha ha ha. Great idea Beth!!
Thats fun 🙂
Golden tickets indeed!!
Look at you with your cute self and that adorable Moose!
LOL, perfect picture for Siestaville, don’t you think?? This was the crazy taping that I was a complete mental case…I’m IRL with his owner….LOLLOL…buaaaaahaaaahaaaaa….
Love you two girls! & Miesta Moose!!!
I have a picture with him too! 😉
This is going to be my New Year’s resolution in 2011. I have no mind for memory, I don’t know why, I just have such a hard time but I know how important it is.
On a side note this came through my inbox yesterday and the minute I turned it on I thought “Beth”.
Years ago I attended a seminar in New Orleans and I picked up some CDs one was Jonah “with the sea weed hanging off our heads”. I have listed to it 100 times and shared it with everyone that will listen. This precious angel brought that back to life. Enjoy
The story of Jonah – like you’ve never heard it before
http://vimeo.com/16404771
NANETTE, Woo Hoo!!!
This is SOOO awesome. I’ve been trying to figure out for many days how to get this video on the blog. I saw it a few weeks ago…no one has come through my home since without seeing this lil girl speak of Jonah. PLEASE ladies, please watch this…it will bless you so much. Out of the mouths of babes…..the sniffles, the curls, the lisp, the animation, I will NEVER forget this lil girl and her story of Jonah. Bless yourself and watch it!!!
Oh, How I love Jesus,
Vickie
Thanks I watched that it was to sweet I will never forget that story myself I remember one time there was an incident in my life where God pretty much said one morning early about an incident I had with neighbor it was like you will go to Nivneh and talk to her I said Lord no I don’t want to go talk to her and God said to me what if you were the only 2 here in the world so to make a long story short I went over to her and talked to her that early a.m. one day I will tell the whole story but to long to say here.
Thanks again
Carol
Nannette she reminds me of a mini-Beth Moore!
This is the most awesome thing ever! I am SO EXCITED!!!!! I was not a Siesta yet in 2009, but this year, 2010, was my year of jubilee… and next year – oh, my, goodness! I can’t even begin to think of the wonders God will do.
I am totally in. This is where I need to be!!!!
Love you,
Hilary
This post came at such a great time. Just this morning I’ve had to conciously keep my mind at bay. It has been filled with bad (and good) memories from a recent breakup and the thoughts just send me into a tailspin. So your words of encouragement were greatly needed.
I’m so thankful to have come across this blog! I only began reading about a week ago, but have been so blessed by it. (I’m digging into Archives now) 🙂 I’m so excited to be a more frequent visitor and to join in the scripture memory!
Thanks so much Beth and Siestas for showing such a genuine heart towards God!
Mama Beth,
I am so excited about this. But when I went to order I realized that I didn’t carry the credit cards you needed for the store. So I will just make a cute one to use instead. I love the idea of us all doing this together. I can’t wait to begin. I so need accountability.
I love you Mama Siesta. You have taught me so much.
You are a Super Siesta Mama! Love Scripture, Love the Spiral, Love you! I hope and pray I will see you in Texas in 2012 for this next celebration!
Merry Christmas!
Hi, just finished my very first Beth Moore study: Living Beyond Yourself. Wow, such a blessing!
I’m joining your journey next year and I can’t wait to receive my notebook! I do have the option of making my own because I have a roomful of scrapbooking supplies but, heh, who am I kidding? By the time I get around to it, it will be 2012. 😀
I did this one too and just finished last night also. I just learned so much.
Ordered mine!! I definitely need the accountability!! I started out well the last time we did it but did not finish well.. praying this time I will hang in there and make it to Houston next January!!
On another note.. I saw where you and AJ went to deliver cookies etc to the hospital.. I am SO thankful that you are well!! Praying for you, LPM and your sweet family!
love you!!
Martha in MS
A bit of encouragement for those of us that struggle with memorizing.
Memorizing the exact wording of scripture is difficult. I love that the Lord God whispers portion of scripture to me when I need answers or I find myself singing a scripture song because He is singing it to me. 🙂
I recently told a friend that I am so grateful that the Lord God is available for counseling sessions 24/7…at work…in the car.
For a couple of days, I have been at a cross roads of a serious decision. My flesh and spirit were battling a vicious war. Then yesterday… in the car I hear…”Gina, I will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Me.” The battle between my mind and emotions stopped as I began to remember and focus on Him.
Hope this helps someone.
I am so pumped to commit more Scripture to my heart in 2011! After prayer, I think the Scriptures will be the red letter words of our Lord and Savior.
Merry Christmas!
What a great incentive and challenge! Beth, we have a wonderful friend in common who is in Houston. I haven’t seen her for years, so this gives me an opportunity to, hopefully, see her, as well as meet you again, Siesta, in 2012! My spiral is on its way.
I love, love, love the spiral notecards! Thanks to the village for working so hard on it for us!
It reminded me that you asked us about our favorite pens last year I think, and I don’t remember seeing a post about the winner! I need a good pen with my awesome spiral!
Can’t wait to hide His Word in my heart with Siestaville!
Pam
I am so in!! I have already ordered my book and fowarded the message to my best pals to join me in the adventure! I am so looking forward to participating and encouraging my sisters…along the jouney…I so appreciate the family of “Christ” Thanks Beth for challenging us to go deeper in Him this coming year! Love ya tons!
This makes my heart so happy. Memorizing scripture is a wonderful challenge for me, but memorizing them out of a cute spiral makes it a cuter challenge. : )
I’m so thankful you are doing this again. I ordered my spiral and a couple extras for my local siestas. They will be new the SSMT.
Merry Christmas!
I am buying one for each of us in our small group, I know they will love them!!
what a wonderful idea you had!!
Thanks Beth you and your team are so awesome! !
Absolutely fabulous!
Beth-
Obsessive toward thoughts and fears? Unrelenting replays of bad memories?….I was for sure that little bundle of unhappiness was just for me. drives me absolutely nuts. So I’m not alone after all.
Looking forward to the SSM starting back up…I didn’t do too well last time, I just could not get them to stay in my brain. No accountability partner here, so I will look to my siestas on the blog for that.
Maybe the Lord will allow me to go the SSMT gathering, that sounds like a lot of fun.
Oh and 2 thumbs up for the gals who created the cover and got them ready to go.
Y’all rock.
So is God talking to you on my behalf?
He has been nudging me for the last few months to memorize, so I try and try, I get one verse down and then go onto another and the first verse is gone. This mind really really has a hard time retaining.
I felt God nudge me again, so with one of my group of ladies Bible study, I have asked them to pray for me to keep pushing myself. That is my prayer for the new year that I memorize and recall His Word.
I had seen many women in your community speak on doing the memorization, and when I read their excitement, I hold my breath and think I can’t do it. But once again God has brought me to this blog and now I think, maybe with God’s help, I will keep trying.
I won’t be one of the vocal ones – usually I am, but I am commited to my Lord to bring His Word into my heart and mind to feed my spirit on.
Thanks Beth, for being a leader with a heart tender towards God’s Word!
One thing that helps me is to read/work on my current verse during my morning quiet time (not a long time, usually, 5-10 minutes max), then I’ll review 5-6 of my previously memorized verses. When I just focus on the verse I’m currently working on and neglect the review of my previously memorized verses, I inevitably lose parts of them. I believe the Word is likened to a sword because it truly does become dull {in our minds} when we don’t practice and keep them close. Hope this is a help!
love,
Audrey
Thank you Audrey.
It points me towards victory so all the help is appreciated!
Diana
What a great idea!!! I carry around my little cards to memorize from the back of the Bible Study and they fall out of my pockets and I can’t remember where they are etc!!! I can’t wait to get my copy and learn how this works!!!
YEA!! How cool is that! I picked up my spiral that I have been working on this year and had a moment of panic that I didn’t already have a spiral for next year! You started something with Scripture Memory in me, Siesta Mama, and it is good! God bless you and your staff as you get these out!
LOL…Shelly I had similar feeling the other day when I remembered I had given the one I had purchased for next year to my husband. I thought “now what am I going to use?” Well here is my answer! Ü
Got mine ordered. Can’t wait. I too need the accountability.
I am so excited about the new venture. I was not a part of the team last year, but am honored to be a part of it this year. I have been really trying to find the motivation to memorize God’s Word. I know that it is imperitive to our Spiritual Walk. Thank you Beth for continuing to encourage us women to be mighty warriors for the Lord Jesus!
I was so excited about the spiral I totally missed the paragraph about the SSMT celebration (in mid-January 2012). Ahhhhh yes yes yes! So excited. Can not wait for the announcement for the date so we can get some flights and hotel reservations!
I am dying to go to Texas and I can’t think of a better reason to go! Thanks Beth!
This is such an answer to prayer! God is using specific verses from His word to heal, renew, and rebuild me…however, I struggle with memorizing. I do carry around my spiral of index cards with verses though everywhere I go and read through them daily, and some days hourly Ü. This Siesta Scripture Memory Team commitment will help me step to the next level of committing them to memory no matter how challenging memory work is for me.
Beth, please share some strategies for memorizing if you would…that would be helpful!
What a blessing this shall be!! Ü
HOW did you make those EYES over your U??? I Love that.
you just hold down the “ALT” key and then use the key pad and type 1 5 4
WoHoooooo!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to order mine and get to memorizing……What a terrific idea!!!!!!!!!! (The Siesta’s notebook).
Blessings,
Georgia in NO MI……BBBBBRRRRRRR!!
Try Janet Pope’s book……”His Word In My Heart”
She is awesome at memorizing….whole books of the Bible!
Georgia in NO MI
Thank you for the book idea…I will definitely pick up a copy. Be Blessed!!
I can’t wait to get this Christmas present for myself in the mail–oh what fun!! I purchased an extra one to give to someone, great idea!! Thank you for ALL the blessings (and laughs) of reading your blog!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
So very psyched about getting in the WORD while motivated by Siestaville and using that CUTE spiral! Sadly, I don’t know if I’d prioritize scripture memory without my latest addiction to you all! Recently my 8yr old son said “I know what you’re addicted to, Mom.” White hot fear filled my heart as I asked him to tell me. “The Bible and Jesus, I think.” Whew – got that one fooled. So time to make that an answer I can agree with whole-heartedly. Oh, that the Word be my 1st priority in 2011. Over ALL my other loves.
I.LOVE.YOU.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh how I have been on the countdown for this! Totally excited about the super cute spiral!! Who doesn’t love a cute accessory when accomplishing a challenge?!?!?!
Yahoooo! I’ve ordered one for me and cannot wait to get started with all our siestas for the 2011 year! Merry CHRISTmas everyone and blessings to all!
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
When I saw your pic, all I could think of was our crazy trip home from the SSMTC!!! Wow, that was definitely a trip we’ll never forget!
love,
Audrey
Thank you! Thank you! I love it!
Looking forward to memorizing with the Siesta Sisters!
Yippee!!!!!!! YIPPEEE!!!!!!!
So excited. Beth, it was you who unlocked the tool of scripture memory to me when I did the Paul Bible Study in 2004 (where have those 6 years gone?) It was a lifesaving lifechanging lifepreserver and although I love ALL you do in your ministry – if you just equipped women and encouraged them to memorize scripture – that alone would be work worth doing (in my humble little opinion). The spiral is great and it has given me a great idea for Winter 2012 Lifegroup at my church – I’ll gather women for this very purpose and maybe the whole group will see you in Houston in a year – woo hoo! Here we go. (I’m not standing as I type, because my co-workers are already pretty sure I’m crazy )
Leslie Olson
Apple Valley, MN
YAY YAY YAY!!!!!
WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are AWESOME!
What a fun surprise!! Those are adorable! I had to tell you, I got my hair highlighted with blond today. It’s very subtle but, I knew you would want to know.
Big Hugs,
Michelle, TN
Yay!! Thank you. I took part in this and missed it tremendously this year. Can’t wait for 2011! I just ordered myself and 4 close friends each one!
Houston Looks Warm this AM. I saw a big zero this AM. I am looking so forward to this. I seem to remember word for word and expressions too of all kinds of negatives. But memorization of scripture difficult for me. and yet something I so much need. thank you beth and pat loves you too.
The surprise was so worth the wait! Just yesterday, I was thinking, “I need to get a new spiral for the Siesta Memory Team.” And, what do ya know Siesta Mama delivered! (Ordered mine as soon as I read the post last night.) So excited to do this again! And, I’m already looking forward to the celebration in 2012. I couldn’t attend the last one, so I already asked my hubby’s permission for the next one, so we can plan ahead. 🙂