Siesta Scripture Memory Instructions

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.

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2,602 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Instructions”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Cristy Andrews says:

    Beth, I am so excited about the scripture memorization plan! I’m already searching the word for my first scripture! Thanks for the encouragement!

  2. 102
    Vicki Koons says:

    I love it! I’m definitely in and up for this challenge. I can’t wait to see the verses we all choose. Happy New Year!

  3. 103
    Lori Geiger says:

    I am so excited to join the 2011 SSMT. My entire Bible Study Group here in Wichita, KS (Celebration Baptist Church Leading Ladies) is going to hide God’s word in our hearts together this year!!

  4. 104
    Sharon in Frederick says:

    Hi Beth and All!
    The doorbell rang on Christmas Eve. My first Christmas present arrived. The UPS man delivered my spirals. That was great I was and am able to give them to the people I designated them for as gifts. YIPPEE! I already have the first scripture I am going to memorize. I haven’t written it down yet, but the Lord has been pointing out to me in many ways for about a year now how many people feel they have *no hope*. So, I am thinking at this very moment in time (this could change 🙂 ) my theme for the year will be the HOPE we have in Christ! HUGS from the part of the East Coast that missed the snow storm by 50 miles!

  5. 105
    GA Jan says:

    Oh Beth – this blog and the real-life friends I’ve made here are treasures. Only God could have drawn us so close with such a venue. We see each other – we keep in touch with texting, email, and Twitter. In fact, Lisa McKay (The Preacher’s Wife) was the guest speaker at my church’s women’s ministry Christmas Brunch Dec. 11th…Nikki Poppins came and spent the night with me on our her way home to TN a couple of months ago. (Lisa spent the night too!) In fact, when I introduced Lisa I sort of stumbled over how I “knew her.” We met on the Internet!!! Hahahahahahahaha!

    And YOU Beth, have impacted this Georgia pastor’s wife more than anyone else on the planet. I have learned so much from your Bible studies that have helped me minister to my family and to others in our church. I just love you to pieces. Your genuine love for Jesus and making sure He gets all the glory inspires me. And you can make this girl LAUGH so hard – I get your sense of humor!

    Memorizing scripture through the discipline of the SSMT was hands down one of the greatest things I’ve even participated in. I cannot wait! I can still remember sitting face-to-face with Karen Barrows as we said our verses to each other. It was such a sweet spiritual moment in time.

    I love you Beth Moore!

    GJ

  6. 106
    Michele says:

    Thank you for facilitating this, Beth. Dealing with grief, depression, and so many uncertainties right now – I really need to focus on God & his Word.

    • 106.1
      kimberly says:

      Michele,

      Lifting you up in prayer right now!

      Love,
      Kimberly

    • 106.2
      Donna Garvin says:

      Michele, I am so sorry for all that you are having to endure at this time. God and His Word will get you through this rough time in your life…I know from experience. You will be in my prayers, dear Siesta.

    • 106.3
      Donna Garvin says:

      Michele, I went to your blog and read about A.J. & Cindy….I know exactly where you are coming from…my loss was last year, my sweet Babibear (cat) and in a similar way you lost A.J. I still agonize over it. Again, you are in my prayers.

    • 106.4
      Amanda says:

      Praying for you my sister!!!!

    • 106.5
      Becky Roode says:

      And dear Michele…isn’t it SO AWESOME that none of us are going it alone?!

      God be praised!

    • 106.6
      Miss Kathleen says:

      Michele
      This is Kathleen i NJ,,LOVE YA…cant wait to do this I think of our phone conversation all the time. I want to wish you a happy new yaer and peace too. I’ll commit to praying for you as I hope you’ll do the same for me. I wish you lived closer to me I would love to get together at Panera or someplace for a cup of joe and a snack. SIGH!!
      I know Christmas was rough for you this past year with the passing of your animals I’m going to be memorizing alot of scripture that deal with the victory we have over death since as you know I so badly struggle with death.
      I love you Michele…..
      Miss Kathleen in NJ

  7. 107
    Angela says:

    Dear Beth,
    I just want to say that I got home from a family Christmas Eve celebration and a lovely outdoor Christmas Eve service (our churches tradition since we don’t have a blg)…..to find my Siesta spiral in the mailbox…and it was like getting a Christmas present from you and the LPM family!!!!!! I am so looking forward to this team this year ~ I did it the 1st time and loved every part of it and hope to make it to the gathering this time! I don’t get as involved w/ comments throughout the yr. (mom of 4 and working PT for the comm. college) I am super busy, but I love knowing you as a friend! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Angela
    Garner, NC

    • 107.1
      Bethany says:

      Angela,
      I got my spiral on Christmas Eve too and felt the same way about it being like a gift from LPM…blessed my day indeed!
      I cannot wait for this new year and our venture into God’s word to begin!
      Happy New Year siesta!

  8. 108
    Sarah says:

    Yes- I’m making the commitment to SSMT!! Thanks for making this so organized and encouraging us to keep it simple- that has always been my downfall- to bite off more than I can memorize. Thanks again Beth- God Bless

  9. 109
    Tanya - Alabama says:

    So excited! Taking this on with a precious friend who is 8 hours away with full expectation of being freed from a stronghold. Ready for what God has in store!

  10. 110
    Amy says:

    I am looking forward to this!!!

    I thank God for you, Beth, and all at LPM for your love for and commitment to God and His people.

    Blessings to all.

  11. 111
    Jennifer says:

    I am so excited to start this…. I backed out last year at the very beginning because I felt I had too much on my plate. What a cop out!!! So here I am again, ready and raring to go with my spiral in hand!!

    Blessings!

    Jennifer

  12. 112
    Sarah M says:

    So excited! Do it Lord – do it in me! Looking forward to God’s Word transforming my mind!

    Also – I had a psych professor (christian counseling classes) in college who said it took seeing/hearing something 5 times to “learn” it. For instance reading it, hearing it, writing it, studying it and re-writing it (for her that came in the form of a quiz). And I tried her on it and it does work. For memorizing however, it takes a few more than 5 times for this siesta!

  13. 113
    Lisa says:

    I am going to do this! One thing I have never been is very disciplined. I am really going to need the scriptures this year no matter what happens with my marriage. I mentioned before Christmas we needed a miracle. Honestly, either way it goes I am going to need God’s word guiding me and some really strong women supporting me. Like you said, Beth, I don’t think anyone has ever regretted memorizing scripture! Please pray for me ladies, I have some big challenges coming up in the near future. How I handle them will leave a mark on my two beautiful babies forever.

    • 113.1
      WendyB says:

      Lisa,
      I’d like to commit to praying for you. Been there. You’re right about needing scripture and support; and you’re right about your babies. Love to you. Feel free to contact me if you need a listening ear.

    • 113.2
      Kimberly says:

      Lisa-

      I am praying for the Lord’s guidance on these challenging situations and a shield of love wrapped around your babies!

      Kimberly

    • 113.3
      kimberly mason says:

      lisa,

      lifting you and your family up in prayer! blessings siesta! kimberly

  14. 114

    As I got to the end of your post I imagined myself standing with another Siesta, reciting 12 of my memory verses (which I still worry I cannot memorize) and the joy of the vision brought me to tears. I’m praying this is the year the Holy Spirit gifts me with the ability to memorize, and I’m praying these future verses get stuck in my mind like a broken record, and they run through my bloodstream and become the very pulse that beats my heart. Oh yes Lord!

    • 114.1
      Bethany says:

      They will Melissa. They will. And reciting your scriptures to another siesta is a beautiful thing to experience. The first time around I was so nervous because my siesta friend and I had only met the month before but we were aquainted quite well (what with a plane ride from CA to TX and sharing a room together!) by the time we recited our verses to each other. You will be blessed 🙂

    • 114.2
      kimberly mason says:

      Melissa, you can do it! God wants us to hide His word in our hearts. we all will have opposition, but what is impossible for man is possible for God!!! All things are possible with God!!!!

  15. 115
    Kathy says:

    Hello – I would like to get involved in the SSMT this year and wondered how others go about selecting their scripture? I understand it’s something meaningful and relevant in our own life, but am wondering how you specifically find it? Do you flip open the Bible to whatever your finger lands on? Do you look it up by subject in an index of some sort? Do you select your scriptures all from a certain Book?

    And here’s a little testimony for those that don’t think they will be able to memorize: I was not brought up in a Christian home. A few years ago when I was 28, a friend invited me to the Living Proof Simulcast. It was there that I decided that I wanted IN – I wanted to be a believer. From my upbringing there should be no reason that I knew the Lord’s Prayer–yet after I became a believer and started learning all that I could, I discovered that I did! From heart, I KNEW IT! I can only explain it as God wanting me to know it and He found a way to impress it upon my heart even though I only heard it a few times in my life. It can be done!

    • 115.1
      Patti says:

      Hi Kathy,
      I loved reading your testimony and I’m so glad you’re IN! As a believer, You have the Holy Spirit living in you so that is precisely the way God impressed the Lord’s prayer on your heart – by His Spirit. And, each time we post our Scripture verses online, He will impress on your heart which verse to choose. My verses that year came from the book of the Bible that I was either studying or the devotionally reading for my prayer time. Your Scripture verse might also come from a passage or text from your pastor’s sermon. we have the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us and help us and you’ll find that He will do just that on SSMT posting days and always.
      I participated in the first SSMT and I can testify over and over how each verse was just the verse I needed for whatever season and circumstance I was walking through at that particular time. In fact my Scripture memory spiral for 2009 and my journals for that year run so parallel that they could be the same book but I have the physical evidence to prove they are not. I’ll be looking for your verses each month and I hope we’ll get to meet at the celebration.
      Blessings to you,
      Patti Hayes

      • Kathy says:

        Hi Patti! Thanks for your kind reply. I always see Beth’s comments about what a great community this place is and it’s good to experience that myself! Look forward to more communication this year.
        Kathy

      • Bobbie says:

        Patti, I love the way you said this and so agree that we have the Holy Spirit ‘to teach us, guide us and help us’! I’ve used my verses so many times in the last year and a half…and realize each time that our SSMT is a blessing in my life. Kathy, you’ll love your time here and the celebration is beyond words!!

        • Patti says:

          Bobbie, you are such an encourager! I often see your replies to others and am so blessed by them. Your reply ministered to me this morning and I thank you for listening and responding when the Holy Spirit prompts you to do so. I knew at the beginning of 2009 that I would be unable to attend the celebration but took the challenge anyway because it was the Word, not the celebration for which I was DESPERATE! I said all that to say that although our financial situation has not changed, I’ve been walking by faith and not by sight for almost two years now, so God-willing and if Jesus taries, I’ll be at the celebration this time. I honestly don’t know how, but I’ll be there and I look forward to meeting you, and do I ever have some testimonies to tell!
          Blessed to be a blessing,
          Patti Hayes

          • Bobbie says:

            Patti, We’ll start praying that the opportunity will present itself for you to attend in 2012! God has great plans for each one of us, so we’ll prepare and be ready to celebrate! Can’t wait to meet you!

  16. 116
    Christa says:

    Can’t wait to start!

  17. 117
    Joyce Watson says:

    Beth, thank you for your encouragement and kindness.
    I always helped my kids in Sunday School memorize and I memorized scriptures right along with them. Praying for God to help me.
    Reminds me of this Bible verse: (check it out)
    Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy_meditate on these things. Phil.4:8

  18. 118
    denise in nc says:

    Yeehaw and Yahoo-Jah!!!!! I’m sitting by the fire watching the snow continue to fall on top of our 12 inches since Christmas day here in NC. Amazing that our Creative God made all this snow and each flake unique!!! I’m so thankful for a warm home, snow play, family and a window and a fire. Now, I’m also thankful and excited to do SSMT again. I tried to keep it going last year, but planning a wedding and marrying off my girlie kept interfering. I only memorized 12 verses last year, but they were indeed much needed! Thank you, lovely Beth, Moore girls and LPM girls!

  19. 119
    Aubrey says:

    I am so in this year! In the past I have been a horrible procrastinator and very rarely finished what I started, including the 2009 SSMT. But the words that are resonating int soul for 2011 are to be intentional. So my goal (with the help of god) is to be intentional in all of life…relationships, loving others, bible study and scripture memory…and finishing what I begin and sticking to commitments. I look forward to beginning and ending this journey with you lovely ladies this year. I loved the comment that God already knows what is in store for us this year. What a beautifully comforting thought as we head in to the unknown!

    Aubrey

  20. 120
    Leslie says:

    I am BESIDE myself with excitement about this! Hoping to bring a few friends along for the ride this time – plan to share the link to this post on twitter and Facebook and use my own teeny-tiny blog to share the Scriptures I’ve chosen! Thanks so much for your unceasing enthusiasm for God’s Word and your encouragement! Love you, friend!

  21. 121
    CAROL BRUNTLETT says:

    Good morning seista mama and all other seista’s
    Cannot wait to see the work God is going to do in 2011
    I memorize scripture verses with SSMT in 2009 and oh how it has transformed my mind and I continue in 2010 by myself I would have never made it thru 2010 if I had not hid God word in my heart and prayer it has been a ruff yr so I am ready for 2011 and hopefully a new job I have been unemployed for a yr now and it is tuff but God continues to be faithful to me and provides for me. Cannot wait for the celebration in 2012 and hopefully I will make it there did not make it to the last one even though the plans were in place had to cancel them.
    Thank you mama seista for loving us and encouraging us to go on in Jesus. You have inspired my walk with the Lord and have held us accountable and I thank you from the bottom of my heart Hope to meet you in 2012 in Houston.
    I recieved my spiral on the day before Christmas Eve I l,ove it and it is right by me now. I showed somebody at church yesterday and they thought that is a good idea and a cute spiral maybe I think I can get others on board from church.
    Love you seista mama
    Carol

  22. 122
    colleen says:

    Good Morning

    I sent a msg. last night but I don’t see it so I will try again. I have only sent to your blog one other time. I would love to join the scripture memorizing group. Could I still order a spirial and if so how do I order it? Thanks for ALL you ALL do.

    Blessings!!

  23. 123
    Mandy says:

    How do I get a spiral to record my scriptures? I should already know this but I am a little behind. Thanks! I love you, Beth Moore! My ladies Bible study did your Esther and we loved it.

    Mandy

    • 123.1
      KMac says:

      Hey Mandy, You can order one when the Staff is back in the office on January 4th. Check back online to order on the 3rd or 4th as we will have spirals back in stock by that time. Happy New Year!

  24. 124
    Deanna says:

    I am so excited!!! Two years ago was a huge growth time for me, spiritually speaking, not pounds thank Jesus! Even though I could not make it to the event, the reward of memorizing all that scripture was the impact it had on my live everyday! Thank you Beth for the challenge.

  25. 125
    Nesha says:

    We love you too Blog Mama!
    I am so ready to do this thing! In 2010, I just did one verse a month to not overload this challenging brain of mine (mostly the ones I forgot in 2009 due to the meds).
    I have already told my hubs to add money in my Siesta trips fund instead of buying any gifts this year for me!

  26. 126
    Jackie says:

    This will be my 2nd time….can’t wait. The SSMT is a blast and I’m proud to be part of it. Thanks so much Beth.

    Jackie Tabor

  27. 127
    Beth in Ohio says:

    Another touch by God.

    I am so very excited to be a member of this team! I hadn’t clicked on Lifeway or your blog in a while and did so this morning while drinking my coffee and trying to organize my thoughts and day before my kids get up. This post was the perfect reminder of what I need to continue to improve my daily walk with God and how to also continue to meet other sisters in Christ. I almost dropped my coffee, and that is something that never happens! (I do love my coffee)

    This blog is now my home page.

    I am about to begin my 4th Beth Moore bible study on Jan. 5. (I haven’t gotten my book yet, so can’t remember which one it is. So embarrassing) Can I thank you enough, Beth? You make me laugh, think, and cry, and. I am so grateful for God placing your wonderful self in my life to help me learn about Him and also about myself.

    I haven’t been able to order your adorable SSMT notebook, but I’ll be doing so when they aren’t back-ordered anymore. In the meantime, my husband had put a cute notebook that happened to have perforated notecards in my stocking. He said he wasn’t sure what I’d need it for, but knew that I would use it. I’d say so! More evidence of how God touches and also, how my wonderful husband is also a reeeeeeaaaalllly major gift from God, wrapped up specially for me.

    Anyway, thank you again, Beth and I’m looking forward to January 1st, 2011 and one more step with God.

  28. 128
    Dana says:

    I am excited to use your tool to “get into The Word” regularly. I just figured out how to write and read the comments. So count me in!

  29. 129
    Autumn says:

    I’m in! Can’t wait!

  30. 130
    Mandy says:

    I’m teary-eyed thinking about how God is going to change me this year. I’m praying for a BFF relationship with the LORD, and I cannot wait!!!!

  31. 131
    Joan says:

    Beth, I’m very excited about doing this. I have let the enemy have control of my thoughts for way to long. I need a complete renewal of mind & what better way. I love your verse you used in 2009. It will most likely be mine. I want a new life & forget the past. Praise you for all you do. Trully you have blessed us

  32. 132
    Audra Broughton says:

    I am SO excited about this journey!

  33. 133
    Becky Cage says:

    okay, just catching up with this opportunity, yippee, it sounds great and am glad to know there is a place to get this kind of encouragement. Big Hug, and I’m off to find my first scripture!

  34. 134
    KELLY S says:

    olivia & i are reading this on tv through the wii. cool.we are ready with our verses and spirals!! love u

  35. 135

    This post fills me with great joy.

  36. 136
    kimberly says:

    Dear beth! i’m so excited and can’t wait. i tried it last time and dropped the ball. this year i have talked friends in to joining me and am determined to be there in jan of 2012!

    on a side note, i have thought alot about a comment someone wrote in a couple of weeks ago. it was quoted from an article after the deeper still conference in bham that i attended. it said something like ‘i can guarantee that every woman in that audience felt loved by beth’. it really struck me because i sure did feel loved and i thought ‘wow, how does she do that?’. i thought of it again when my family and i helped out with a boys and girls club Christmas party for underpriviledged kids. our pastor kept saying ‘just find a kid and love on them’. and i really had trouble with that. i have four children. why was that so hard? maybe because i didn’t know them or was out of my comfort zone. or, maybe because i am never so concentrated on making someone feel loved in such a small window of time. i guess God really had me thinking on the whole love subject because i couldn’t help thinking about it. i am not necessarily intentional about loving on people in general. sure i love my kids and hug on them and tell them how proud i am of them and that is easy. but what about other people? a lady who i have ‘known’ over the years, but really in name only went through with me how she was depressed because her brother had just died and all she had left was her sister and her husband who was totally unaffectionate and had always been for their 36 years of marriage. what about people like her (and like me)who aren’t marked as underpriviledged, but who also desperately need love. afterall, love is the greatest commandment. so i am working on intentionally loving on people even people who don’t necessarily scream that they need it!
    blessings dear beth and siestas! i love you! kimberly

  37. 137
    Kim says:

    Can’t wait to join so many of you memorizing scriptures in 2011. I’m not usually very good at memorizing so I’m praying for the Holy Spirit’s help in hiding His Word in my heart and mind. Thanks Beth for leading us on in this.

  38. 138
    Tammy says:

    I am really looking forward to doing this again! 2009 was a very tough year for me. I look back at the scriptures that I memorized and can see how I went from memorizing verses that showed how desperate I was early in the year to verses that were filled with hope and thanksgiving. The SSMT really helped me make it through. The Lord really worked on my heart through the scriptures that I memorized. I can’t wait to get started again!!!
    Also, I went to the SSMT Celebration on scholarship last year…what a blessing! Thank you Beth and those who made it possible! Love you!

    Tammy

  39. 139
    Tina E. says:

    Count me in! Oh, boy! God is AWESOME! I keep having the feeling that CHANGE is about to occur. Sure am glad that GOD’s WORD is everlasting!

  40. 140
    Hilary says:

    I have been thinking about this so much since the SSMT spiral arrived in my mailbox… 🙂 I know God has so much in store for us in the coming year, and this is just one of those things that makes my heart leap for joy! Over and over I keep repeating to myself a verse I learned as a child “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

    I am so excited to hide His word in my heart again! For 10 years my bible collected dust in the basement. I am believing God that He will redeem those wasted years! Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

  41. 141
    Nothing Catchy says:

    I didn’t do this last time but I’m definitely in this year, and I can’t wait!

  42. 142
    hollie says:

    I am so excited to start this with y’all this year! Scripture memory has been something I’ve desired to do but struggled with the discipline to do it. When I saw Beth’s tweet about the books, I knew this was a great plan. I’m getting married in June and my sweet roommate Laura and I are going to do this together. I figured, what a great way to help keep me grounded and focused on what really matters, and what a sweet bonding experience with my dear friend before I move into the next phase of my life.
    Excited for January 1st!

  43. 143
    Eposi says:

    Ms Beth, I am so glad you had a good Christmas. Rejoicing with you that your cooking was a hit. God truly answers those kitchen prayers. I know because I have said quite a few in the kitchen too and watch Him perform miracles. Talking about the importance of getting in the Word, I often use the Word to petition His help with cooking. I’d say something like, “Lord, please help me cook this meal and make it tasty. I know that You know how to cook because Your Word says You cooked breakfast for Your disciples by the Galilee”(John 21).

    I am so thankful for the privilege of hiding God’s Word in my heart this year along with my sisters. What a priceless investment- with the end goal of knowing Him and loving Him through obeying His word (John 14:21)! Through the years I have gone through the Bible looking for reasons why it was important for me to meditate/memorize, and know God’s Word. Here are some of the reasons I can think of from memory and where I believe the address is (maybe completely wrong about these) in the Bible:

    1. Man (I) shall…live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Deut. 8:?)
    2. God will make the way of those who meditate on His Word prosperous (Joshua 1:6-9?)
    3. The one who mediates on it day and night will be like a tree planted by rivers of water- very fruitful (Psalm 1:1-3).
    4. The Word of God rejoices the heart, revives the soul, makes wise the simple, is sweeter than honey, provides warning from danger, promises reward to those who keep it (Psalm 19:?).
    5. His sends His word and it brings healing (Psalm 107:?)
    6. God’s word is a lamp unto my feet (thanks Amy Grant:)), giving us direction. It helps keep us from sin when we hide it in our hearts. (Psalm 119:?,107?)
    7. Those who hear Christ’s Words and obey it will be like houses built on a rock. They will not fall apart when the storm comes (Matt. 7)
    8. His truth sets me free as I know it (John 8: 32?)
    9. The word of God sanctifies me (John 17:17)
    10. Christ uses the Word to “wash” His bride (Ephesian 5:?)
    11. It is my offensive weapon, my sword (Ephesians 6:18?)
    12. It is good for making myself approved, a good work man, as I rightly handle it(2 Timothy 2:5?)
    13. It is useful for correction, rebuke, reproof, instruction for righteous living. It equips me for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
    14. It is living and powerful, sharper than a two-edge sword (very effective), a discerner of the thoughts and intents (motives) of my heart (Hebrews: 4:12-13)
    15. It is a vehicle to ignite faith in me as I hear it(Romans 10:17?).
    16. It is a mirror that shows me my true self, giving me opportunity to make adjustments (be a doer of it), resulting in a successful life (James 1:22-25).

    There are so many more “precious promises” like these in the Word but this is what I can remember right now. I honestly did not list these for the purpose of bragging. I have no merit (1 Corinth 4:7). It has been the work of the VERY PATIENT HOLY SPIRIT. The list is something I often remind myself of and it motivates me to get in the Word and allow the Word to get in me. I was hoping it might encourage a sister too. Lord Jesus, please give us the grace to obey your command to “let the Word of Christ dwell in [us- me and my sisters] richly” (Colossians 3:16) in 2011. Thank You in advance for the victory, for we know that we have the answer to every prayer asked according to Your will (1 John 5?)!

  44. 144
    fuzzytop says:

    I am so excited about memorizing scripture again this year! In the past few months God has been speaking to me over and over again about “treasures”, even before you spoke on this at Deeper Still in B’ham. So until I hear otherwise, this will be my focus for 2011.

    It has been a strange Christmas. We have had wonderful times as a family, but a week before Christmas someone shot our dog, Chuckette (yes that really is her name), in the foot, and we had to have her leg amputated. It’s been hard.

    Much love and hugs,
    Adrienne

  45. 145
    Cindy Beth says:

    Soooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Closer to heaven in 2011!!

  46. 146
    Jana I. says:

    So excited, CANNOT wait!

  47. 147
    Bethany says:

    So excited to start it up! It’s been a rough year but God has not ceased to be God and He’s carried me though assuring me that He does care for me. I am ready for what He will bring this year. And it is icing on the cake to walk this road with my siestas and siesta mama!

  48. 148

    I’m so excited I can hardly wait until the 1st!!! Thank you so much for all of LPM’s in getting the spirals out so quickly! Mine is in my purse and ready to go! It’s taking everything I have to not get it out and go ahead and write a verse down! But, I want to pray over it and each verse before I start. I want the Lord to direct me to each verse like he did in 2009! I look back on those verses and am still able to remember them because they were planted so deeply within my heart. Each one means something special to me.

    Ssince I feel like I put the “q” in quirky, my favorite part of this post is this: “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.” LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

  49. 149
    Angela J says:

    Beth… I am so excited to be joining you and the other Siesta’s on this memorization journey! I don’t know that I am exactly the best at memorization… but I do believe what you said… that the Holy Spirit can work wonders when we open our hearts to HIM! I am in need of something special from God and am finally ready to let HIM take control. I have a past much like yours… a childhood of sexual abuse and a marriage almost destroyed by affairs. My husband chose to stay with me and we have committed to making our marriage work. Although we have come a long way in this process… it is NOT where it should be!! I am hopeful that he will learn to trust me again and that our marriage will be all that GOD intended for it to be, despite the circumstances!! Thank you for all that you do and the encouragement you provide… you astound me!! I stand in awe… I want God to do in me and for me what He has done for you!! God bless you, siesta!!! 🙂

  50. 150
    Amanda says:

    I am so glad we are doing this again. I still go over my last spiral at times. I ordered 2 of LPM’s spirals. Im praying over who I should give the other one to and encourage her to participate. We’ll see what God shows me. I’m glad you get to enjoy Melissa and Colin home for awhile. My family and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing Christmas, um, but I didn’t have to cook. It was my sister-n-law’s turn, so I’m sure she’s the exhausted one this year. Man, it was great eatin’ though!!!
    Merry Christmas, Happy New Scripture Memory Year 🙂

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