Hey, Sweet Things! I hope you had the sweetest Christmas day. You guys had such special traditions. I loved picturing many of you yesterday doing the very things you described. Yolanda, I keep thinking about you coming from a sharecropper’s family and getting to pick out anything you wanted from the grocery store at Christmas. That you got the okra and your brother got the cool whip made me so happy. What a culinary pair. I hope so much I’m remembering those details right! If I’m butchering your story, correct me and forgive me.
Our family had such a great day! We stretched from a 22 month-old to two nearly 80 year-olds. We read the Christmas story together, prayed as a family, and tore into presents of all shapes and sizes. I was so whipped by late last night that I almost couldn’t make it to the mattress but the Moores, Jones, and Fitzpatricks had indeed celebrated the birth of Christ and shared much joy and laughter. And food. God lent me the cooking gift for 24 hours and my meal was so stinking good that I kept wanting to high-five my own self. Every time the conversation went to something else, I tried to subtly steer it back to my miraculous kitchen extravaganza and how it all came off at the same time. These are Christmas miracles, people. Not pearls before swine at the Moore house.
I don’t have a single picture to show you right now because I never picked up my cell phone. Melissa took great pictures with an actual camera but those will have to be uploaded. We’ll get them to you soon. So many fun things happened yesterday but I’ll mention the one that still had me tickled when I got into bed last night: Jackson’s first shot at karaoke. I got him a Phineas and Ferb Karaoke Machine and his parents thought it best not to get it out of the box until they got home at a later hour. Amanda videoed his debut last night and texted it to me on my I-phone. I’ve watched it over and over. I sent it to Travis and he had the good sense to love it, too. He thought maybe he noted a worship leader in the making based, I believe, on Jackson’s enthusiasm for the craft rather than his actual pitch. It is so hilarious and endearing that I can hardly stand it. Of course, little Miss is right up in his business but he occasionally acquiesced and put the microphone up to her mouth. She, too, sang with considerable gusto. The two main words of the kids’ song were “born again” (really LOUD) so the karaoke experience was the richer for its fine theology.
OK, I promised myself I wouldn’t do this because I need to stick to the task at hand and keep this post very focused so that we can direct people back to it in the future. SO, on with our important purpose: how to participate in the 2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team! Here are a few things to know up front:
*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. When we first began the blog several years ago, 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. 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 helping stuff Siesta Scripture Memory Spirals into envelopes on the 22nd, I said to my coworkers, “JUST THINK, what would happen if 6000+ women really did memorize 24 Scriptures in 2011?? What are the implications of that? What kind of repercussions might that have in our personal lives and our homes?” And we got all riled up. 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.
*Very often you will see me refer to SSMT. Just so you’ll know, that is an abbreviation for “Siesta Scripture Memory Team.” I also want the rest of you to keep in mind 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 2011, 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. 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: “Forget about what’s happened! Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert! Be present! I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out. Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road in the desert and rivers in the badlands.” Isaiah 43:18-19 The Message
(That was my first Scripture from last year so I wrote it from memory. If you choose that one, you better double check it. It’s at least 95 per cent accurate…I think. Yep. Double check it.) 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. 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 mid-January of 2012. (I’m writing this from my home on Sunday evening and I forget exactly which weekend in January 2012 we scheduled it. I’ll double check and let you know shortly so you can save money for your transportation and hotel. We do not charge for the event. Your entrance fee is your well-used spiral. By the way, Travis is planning to be there again to lead us in worship and my beloved LPM staff and daughters are looking really forward to it, too.) Here’s how you qualify:
*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, 2011)
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. 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.
I am so looking forward to SSMT 2011! Trying to the rest of your Sister siestas on board… 🙂
Beth – thank you for this place that is Siestaville. It has been a haven for so many of us and a sign of great hope for all that seek unity in the Body of Christ.
We love you so much! Sister Lynn
Sister Lynn, thanks for being a part of Siestaville and encouraging others to join you! I enjoy your posts..guess it’s that Aggie sisterhood, too!
I am committed to doing this this time around. I am so committed that I have asked my family to join me (purely optional) and they have agreed to help me and hold me accountable. I feel very apart from God right now and I need to make that right. He did not move, I did.
Thank you Beth for providing the structure and encouragement to take on this project! I listen to kids recite verses at Awana each week and keep thinking, I NEED to do this too, but alas, my good intentions get have so far gotten me nowhere. 🙂 I ordered my spiral and I know God will do a good work in me if I just do my part! Thank you again and I am looking forward to spending 2011 with you and the rest of the ladies here!
I was thinking today, what do I need to focus on Lord? I am so excited:)
And we love you!! Can’t wait!
Oh I am so excited! I got so much out of the SSMT in 2009 and have continued this year. It is much harder by yourself. I am stronger with the community than I am by myself. Glad to hear you had a good Christmas. Have a great last few days of 2010 and a grand 2011. You have blessed my life in more ways than I have words to say.
Love,
Jan
Dear Beth,
“I want to tell you something before I sign off. 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.”
Exactly back at you Beth! I feel the same way, I have come here in tears, joy, and with the heart of community to this blog. But most of all you make me, and countless others, feel like we are worth it for Christ and we truly appreciate and love you for it!! Looking so forward to the “SSMT”!
In Christ, Eileen
Was wondering how to get a journal to participate?
Go to the LPM website and you can order one – I think there is a link in one of her previous blogs – or just get you a spiral at the store and use it:)
….and if you were addressing me live, I would repeat this back to you….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 🙂
I just set a reminder on my iPhone for the 1st and 15th – I’m vowing not to be late!
That really touched me, Elaine, and caught me off guard. Thank you, sister. May God get much honor here.
Great idea!! Setting my reminders on my Blackberry now 🙂
I can’t wait! I HAVE MISSED YOU PRECIOUS SIESTAS!
Woo hoo!!! Can’t wait!
We are relishing last moments with our family for the holiday and I showed them my spiral! 🙂 I think my mom and sister may join in!!
Love you Mama Beth!
I am so excited about doing our scripture memory again..I did it on my own this past year and I love going back and looking at the verses I chose at the time..seeing what was going on in my life. Thank you Beth for making such a difference in my life and for loving us so. My daughter is going to be at the Passion conference and is so thrilled to see what the Lord is going to do! She goes to Auburn University and she is going with a group of friends from Ouachita Baptist University…we live in Arkansas:)
Love ya bunches,
Stacy
So over the moon excited! And I’m bringing my dearest friend along.
Could I get a virtual “Woot! Woot!”, siestas? 😀
Yes..yes you can! Woot!! Woot!!
Woot Woot!!!!
Is it too late to sign up and get the spiral?
LOVE reading the blogs!!!
Your siesta – Malinn
I am so excited about this! My Mom has committed to do it with me. It will be the first time we have memorized the Word together. We have our first two verses picked out.
Erma Bombeck once wrote a book entitled, “Families, the ties that bind and gag” It was that kind of Christmas for our family. After an incident, I stayed up late Christmas eve and in to the next morning praying trough Scripture and pleading with God to do what He said He would do.
God is going to do what He is going to do. He is going to work how He is going to work, but just so I would know it was Him, He wrote down His Word so that I would know it was Him at work.
In trying to find verses for the SSMT, God used that to prepare me for the last couple of days. He was sending an answer and comfort before I knew I needed it.
We are so blessed to have this opportunity again. I tried to continue my verses in 2010. Yes, it was valuable and important. However, participating with the Siestas is a unique gift. Can’t wait to begin. Thank you, thank you.
I am IN! I participated the first time but didn’t make the celebration. Praying I will get to come next year!
Happy New Year!
Phyllis from Salisbury, MD
Dear Beth,
Every time I recieve an email saying there is a post on the blog I smile and have some joy in my heart! Thank you for being you, for your love, kindness, funny stories and encouragement in the Lord. I am blessed to have found your ministry and it has impacted my life more than I could have ever imagined! I am truly greatful to the Lord for great women of God like you! I count it a great honor and blessing to be able to memorize scripture with an amazing group of women who love the Lord!
Love and prayers
Crystal
Beth,
I am sitting at home in the middle of a blizzard in the Northeast and was so happy to read your post. We have 16+ inches of snow so far and it’s suppose to snow all night!!!! I did SSMT the first time and this year I gave my mother and sister a spiral for Christmas so that we can all do it together and come celebrate with you. My mother has never done anything like this so I’m really excited that at 77 she’s willing to give it a try (she loves to go to your events when you come to New England so God is using you to get her to memorize, thank you). I can hardly wait to start and see what verses God lays on my heart this year. Having accountability was the one thing that made me stick to memorizing 2 years ago so I know I can do it again.
Enjoy your week…we will be digging out for days!!!
Debbie in Mass.
Debbie, you gave me such a good idea. I’m going to ask my mom (age 78) to do this along with me – we are an ocean apart and I miss her so. Thank you!
I am super excited about this challenge! I just know God’s gonna show me all kinds of good stuff throughout the whole year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWJZgkr640s. I didn’t get to share our tradition and this is a new one, but surely worth repeating again and again. The tenderness and sincerity of children, nativity costumes and a few sheep out in the hills of southern california. My bible study mommies shared their babies with me once more. My favorite part is “and the glowy of the lowd shown round about”. Enjoy.
I’m looking forward to participating in this!! When I was reading your post and read the part where you said to think of what the impact of 6,000 + women memorizing Scripture would be, I got goosebumps! I think it will be powerful!!! 🙂
Yes, I feel slightly exhausted ;), but I am going to give this thing a try!
i was just looking the other day on how to become a part of this group—couldn’t really figure out, ran out of time, but today…herre it is!!! i am so excited…Yes! we can do this!!
I think i am signed up and a part of this blog, but i am not sure. I got my spirals a few days ago and got some for 2 dear friends and want to challenge them to do this with me. Either way i am in. Please let me know if this is the place i put my scripture memory verse on the 1st and 15th. I am very excited about this! I want to grow this year and God knows I need to change!
Hi, Patti! You’ll sign in for the first time on January 1st. I’ll make sure it’s very obvious. Glad you’re in!
Last year, I conveniently skipped over the SSMT posts. This year I’m jumping in!
I’m currently 11 weeks pregnant with twins (my first pregnancy!). This will be great to help me through the pregnancy and mid-year I’ll have them and the real fun will start! I can only imagine how badly I’ll need scripture then! It will be tough, but committing to this will help me stay sane through what’s sure to be a crazy, life-changing year.
Thank you!
One Scripture a month per baby! I can’t think of many bigger favors you could do them. We’re so happy to be in this with a mom expecting twins! Keep us posted.
I think it’s GREAT you are doing this! If you can get the discipline of making the Word a priority down before those precious babies get here, you’ll be two steps ahead when they do (and that goes for any other thing that requires discipline). I wish I had done that. It’s hard to do it once you have young children, if it’s not already part of the routine. And what an environment you’ll be setting for them. Yay you 😉
Dear Amber,
Congratulations! I’m getting God-bumps just thinking about the power of God’s Word over the lives of your precious unborn children. They are going to hear the Word every time you repeat the verses you are memorizing. That is an astounding thought to me. I hope we’ll get to meet at the celebration next January.
Blessings to you,
Patti Hayes
I’m truly excited about this journey I’m about to take. It will be my first time memorizing scripture. This is a blessing!
i cant wait! i am practicing leaving a comment via my phone since I will be away from the computer on the first!
It worked, Carisa!
So excited! Thanks for the update Miss Beth. Can’t wait to see some of those Christmas photos! Or wait, how about a karaoke video? Already have my first verse picked out…but I haven’t written it in my spiral yet. I still have to go buy a NEW PEN!!!! Yes, just for my SSMT Spiral! See you again on SATURDAY! I can’t wait!
I am so excited to take part in the SSMT challenge again. This will be my second time doing it. It was life-changing before and more impacting than I anticipated. The added bonus of having a community of believers made a lasting impression on me that I will always cherish. Thank you for providing such a wonderful ministry. It is a blessing. I truly adore you and LPM.
His,
Kim
CAN’T WAIT! I always post my verses on a sticky note on my bathroom mirror, but my husband (bless his soul) bathed my youngest daughter today and then stood her on my counter to put lotion on her (can I get an amen for a guy who understands the importance of moisturizing in a girl’s life?). My mirror is COVERED in little bitty lotion handprints – I definitely don’t want to wash them off (they are SO precious), but 1) my sticky notes will never stick to it and 2) I would like to actually SEE in the mirror. Guess I’ll have to either choose or find another place to put my sticky notes! 🙂
Robyn
Can’t wait to do this again!!! Ordered my spiral last week 🙂
Yipee and yahoo! I can hardly wait! 🙂
I’m praying about what my verses will be. I’m reminded how important each verse is when it comes to the season I am in. November 2009, I commented to memorize Romans 8:1 “For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us”. On November 2nd, my best friend passed away and I was in shock over God directing me to memorize that just a day before. He pursues us, does He not?
God used the SSMT Celebration in January to bring me such joy, encouragement and healing. Never before had I been surrounded by so many God-chasing women. I loved every second. Thank you for following the Lord to provide this again. We can all certainly memorize scripture without LPM, but the accountability and encouragement we all receive on this blog is unmatched. Can’t wait …
Blessings to you precious Siesta- thank you for sharing your heart. What a powerful testimony to God’s sovereignty and the joy of memorizing His Word
Perhaps we will meet up in Houston next January! I too loved the first celebration!
Deidre,
What a powerful example of God’s intimate involvement in our lives. I am so sorry for your loss. I am looking forward to meeting you in Houston and I LOVE the name associated with your post.
Linda Lexington, KY
Deidre, that is the same verse that I read at the bedside of both of my girlfriends who passed away this year. Isn’t God so amazing how he gives us scripture to ease the hurt in our hearts and give us and our loved ones hope for what is to come for us. I too was there this past January at the SSMT celebration. I hope to meet you next January!
Lori
Can’t wait to see you again Deidre!!! Let’s plan on a chunk of time to really talk this time 🙂 love~ Traci
Hi Traci! I left you a little note on my blog post today because I have lost your email address. I always want to respond but can’t 🙁 YES … next time we will definitely plan to spend more time together.
I AM SOO EXCITED and ready to begin our SSMT again! I had a blast at our event last year and can’t wait to do it again! Thank you for inspiring us to write the word on our hearts! We love you!!
Hi Teresa! I have meant to e-mail so many times! I’ll look forward to seeing you again in January!! love~ Traci
So glad SSMT is back! I have experienced the difference scripture memory and meditation makes, and I’ve experienced the difference it makes when it’s lacking in my life. I’m definitely ready to reintroduce it into my routine. Thanks for equipping us in this area again this year!
Beth,
You are so right…we are going to be meditating on something why not let it be God’s holy word? I cannot wait to see how God is going to renew our minds in the coming months.
I am fired up! How about you?
Hugs and blessings,
Mary
Miss Beth, I so desperately want to join in this effort this year. I have been following the blog for so long, but never have participated. I am looking forward to it. I need it so badly. Lord willing, I will do it with you!
Thanks for this and always being an encouragement! :~)
Do it, Brandi! You won’t regret it!
Hello Beth-
I have only commented one other time,but,I have been reading for about a year. I am soo excited about memorizing scripture. Thank-you for doing this. Is it too late to order the spiral? And if not how do I do it? Thanks again and God Bless.
Hi, Colleen! No, not too late but the order form may still have a hold on it until the printer can get caught up with our orders. You’ll see what to click on the main page for the LPM website. Blessings to you!
Ooooh, I hope the order form comes back up soon… I realllly want to participate. I guess I could use my own spiral until I can get the official one and then transfer it all over?
So looking forward to this! Rejoicing already in the victory we will have over the enemy and the oneness we will experience with Jesus through having His Word in our minds and on our hearts! Oh how I love Him! Looking forward to seeing His faithfulness shine!
Can’t wait to get started! Thank you, Beth, for encouraging us to undertake this discipline. SSMT has blessed my life more than you know.
I am so excited to do this again with all of you! It was such a blessing before. The only thing I regret is not planning in advance to attend the celebration. I had a last minute opportunity, but didn’t feel peace to jump on the plane and go. Wish I had! Making plans now to be there in 2012. Would love me some roomates! Praying God will connect me to the right people. Anyone else in my same boat?
Blessings to you all ~ Kristin in CA
Hi Kristin, Where are you in CA? I’m in Orange County and will fly out of here or LAX. Maybe we could room together 🙂
Hi Karene! I live in Tulare, which is between Bakersfield and Fresno. LA is definetely in driving distance or I could fly out of Fresno and connect with you in LA. Let’s keep in touch. You can contact me through my blog by clicking on my name above. Nice to meet you!
~Kristin
Overwhelming but so needed, This will be a challenge for me but I need this. Thanks for setting this up.
So happy you had a great time with you family for Christmas.
Blessings from magnolia Bible
Theresa
ps Peggy C and I sent the LPM Blog to Pastor Joe .
The picture is of Caitilin and I out on alunch date at Taco Bell. You and your staff have prayed for her . She is 4 1/2 and potty trained , not walking yet but making progress God is amazing.
I’m in. I’ve been working hard to write and get online now that my job seems to be settling in on me… 🙂 Life is good here, and I’m going to pray my way through the next 12 months that God would implant His sweet word, rhema word, in my heart over the next year.
Thanks for challenging us, growing with us and trudging through leading the way for a band of women in love with our Lord. It’s all about Him, isn’t it. It’s all about who He created us to be, and finding that truth in our hearts is worth the journey.
Word of God speak to us all in 2011. Besides, that sweet man of mine still owes me a trip to First Baptist Houston – I intend to cash in – Mid-January 2012. 🙂 Love ya, blog mama!
I can’t wait to meet you face to face, you have encouraged me so much since we first met in “blog-land”. Love to you
Me, too. Yolanda. Me, too. You have also encouraged me. When the first round of SSMT went around you so encouraged me when I was wading through some mucky truth that hurt desperately. I love you, too. I can’t wait to meet you Face-To-Face and see some of those precious women I met in San Antonio in 2008. The really good news is that I am not wading through anything right now, I feel like I’m in the boat with Jesus and He is calming all the storms. It’s a sweet moment that I intend to enjoy.
God gave me a couple of themes for my memorizing last night – Fasting and set apart… 🙂 Can’t wait to sink my teeth into it. 🙂
I’m sooo ready for this! My SSMT spiral came and it’s all ready to go!
Blessings,
Ginger
Wetumpka, Alabama
Beth, Thank you for your encouragment to call us to come up higher through the study of God’s Word. We appreciate your dedication to God and His call on your life. Our sword of the Spirit is going to be sharper after this year of SSMT.
Could you share how your knees are and if you will or have had surgery?
In honor of your new study on James and your knees:
James 5:16 “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV) James was a great man of prayer. He was called “Old Camel Knees” because, having spent so much time on his knees in prayer, his knees were calloused.
[Thru the Bible Commentary]
Thank you so much for the knee prayers! No surgery…yet. Would really like to not have it. I still am living life pretty hard on them and they’re holding up. When they quit, I’ll head to surgery.
Our study group will continue to pray for you (& family). Thank you for your prayers–yes, they are effective.
SSMT=I just found the free App for the iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad App for “Praying God’s Word” on Overcoming Unbelief by Beth Moore. My sword just got sharper; wow, that was quick!
beth, i am going to be praying for your knees. i’m just going to flat out pray that they will be strong in the name of the Lord and that like mose’s sight and hearing were still strong the day he went to be with the Lord, you will still be kneeling before God at the ripe old age of 95! Blessings!
Beth, as I read the comments about your knees, Isaiah 35 came to my mind. That our Lord is working strength in both your hands and your knees, restoring them. Because you are a highway to the oasis in the desert my friend. 🙂
Blessings.
Hi Beth, I’m so excited about our Scripture memory for 2011! I was so challenged by you two years ago when we did it. I hadn’t memorized verses since I was a child, and I really didn’t think I could do it, but with God’s help, I did! And those verses came to mind when trials came into my life later in the year. They continue to come to mind at the most needed time. I think the Scripture memory of 2009 has been one of the most important things I’ve ever done.
I couldn’t attend the first January SSMT celebration because of finances, but now that we know this far in advance, I can be saving up for it. I so hope and pray I can come. And maybe there’s another siesta who is also coming from Orange County, CA, that could travel with me?
Looking forward to Jan. 1!
Beth, I am new to your blog, but not to you. You have been my teacher since 2005 and the Lord has used you mightily in my life. I am planning to participate in SSMT and I also planning to share your idea with others through a radio program that my husband and I are starting in January. We are on the air every Saturday morning for one hour and my husband agreed to let me offer up a memory verse each week! He rocks!! Thanks for the inspiration and the challenge. I have a goal of 24! Praise God for you and the gifts you so willingly share in service to His kingdom!
I hope to someday meet you and give you a big hug! By the way, we have a mutual friend at Yates and Yates. 🙂
I’m happy to meet you, Gina! May God continue to gain much fame from you guys.
I got my spirals in the mail the day before Christmas!
I ordered two & put one in my daughter’s stocking.
I’m super excited that she is going to do this with me this time.
Thank you all for your hard work getting them out before Christmas.
I’m SOOOOOOOOOO excited!
Your sweet friend Johnnie and I had the best phone conversation when I called to order my spirals. We talked about the joy of being grandmas. 🙂
Glad you had a wonderful Christmas with your family.
Love,
Valerie from OK
Hey Beth- this will be my first time to do the SSMT- I don’t write often on this blog- I tend to glean and graze:) I know this is something the Lord is pleased for me to do and I see a trip to Houston in my future!
Blessings and btw- I had such an awesome time at the Deeper Still in Bham- just wanted to say thanks!