Hey, Sweet Things!
You guys are so much fun. Thanks for getting excited with us about the app. I’m just thinking about how this whole technology thing was in the mind of God centuries ago when He inscribed His words on the sacred page through the pens of men. Too much to wrap our minds around, isn’t it? He is the One who knows “the end from the beginning,” and “from ancient times, what is still to come.” He says, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10)
At the moment I’m typing up this post, we have a whopping 9250 entries under Verse 1. Never in my wildest imagination did I picture this. I was pretty blown away by our strong and steady couple of thousand in 2009. Keep in mind that the 9250 is not an exact reflection of participants because there are some replies under comments, like, “I’m copying yours!” and “I’ve never even heard that verse!” I’m not going put a restriction on that because community in Christ is what makes Siestaville work. We do know, however, that way over 8000 are participating because that many women ordered spirals or downloaded the artwork. Others who are participating grabbed their own spirals the easier way from the store. I also want you to picture the many preadolescent girls we have on our team. Don’t you remember loving stickers and pens and school supplies when you were that age? I should have known they’d take to the spirals. Just close your eyes and imagine them reciting some of the verses dearest to your heart. Many of us have lived long enough to know by life experience what they are reciting by faith. It’s such a precious thought to me. They will find Jesus faithful just as we have. Yep, we have junior Siestas but we also have plenty of senior Siestas which delights me just as much. Our joy in standing shoulder-to-shoulder with this mighty band of women is indescribable. I wonder how many football fields we would stretch across. Whew. For just a split second I saw us all in my bright red college drill team uniforms. Scratch that thought.
OK, before I call for your second verses, many of you asked for the exact date of the SSMT celebration next January. I double-checked the weekend with Sabrina and it’s January 20-21, 2012 from Friday evening until Saturday noon. Of course, we’ll get you the proper information starting early next Fall but, if you think you might want to come, put it down on your calendar, start saving your expense money, and plan to memorize your darling little head off. The event itself is our gift to you and your ticket in is your well-used spiral (of either kind).
Are you ready for SSMT Verse 2? I’m giving you a heads-up that I plan to target a lot of James verses this year so, while I’m still going to tell you mine each time, I’ll also suggest a good alternative for those of you who could use an additional idea. Remember! Limit your comments to Name, City, Verse, and Translation. Here’s mine:
Beth, Houston. “My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” James 2:1 The NET Bible
Here’s an alternative I really love and memorized a couple of years ago. My dear coworker, Diane, is memorizing it right now so it’s washing back over my mind:
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 NIV
And that, O Lord, is the gospel truth.
OK, Sisters! Bring on Verse 2!
I pray that Christ is so pleased. I feel in my soul that He is.
Have a great weekend!
Psalm 18:2-3 2)The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whim I take refuge. He is my sheild and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3) I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise and I am saved from my enemies.
Julianne – St. Louis, MO
“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.”
Isaiah 58:10 NIV
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; are you not aware of it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland. (NIV)
I was also amazed at the number of replies. Praise God, His Word is powerful!
Lantana; Edmond, Oklahoma:
Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (part of it), The Message
Elizabeth, Birmingham, AL
Isaiah 58:11 (New International Version, ©2010)
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Susie F from Los Angeles
John 1:14 NIV
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
You did it! 😉
Ann, Cantonment, FL
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 NIV
Carrie- St. Cloud, Fl
Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT
The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope.
The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time.
Colossions 1:5
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Krista, Birmingham, AL
“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” Proverbs 14:10 NIV
Melissa, Blairsville, GA
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Natalie, Melbourne. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Renee, Cincinnati, Ohio
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged”
Deuteronomy 31:8
NIV
Tami, Washington, D.C.: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
Teresa, Humble, TX.
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from toubles” – Proverbs 21:23(AMP)
Maryann, Phoenix
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamenations 3:22-24 ESV
Jaye (Keller, TX)
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all.
Romans 12:17-18 (ESV)
Ps 141:3
Take control of what I say O Lord and guard my lips —- NLT
Amanda in Chesapeake VA:
Matthew 6:27 – Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? (NLT)
Suzanne – Chicago
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
I am memorizing that one too but from the Message translation! 🙂
Greenville, SC
“In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them all the days of old.”
Isaiah 63:9 NKJV
Sherry, Hillsboro OR
He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4b NIV
Lord my God, You have done many things–Your wonderful works and Your Plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak (of them), they are more than can be told.
Psalms 40:5 Holman Chrisitian Study Bible.
Oak Ridge, Tn
Cindy, Berry, “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart”. Psalm 37:4 NIV
Debbie, New Delhi India: Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in your brother’s (or sister’s) way. Romans 14:13 NIV
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to the whole house. In the same way let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven. –Matthew 14-16
Christine, Oxford, MI
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.
Ezra 10:4 NIV
Kelli – Kennesaw, GA
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
NIV
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Alison
Lithia,FL
Wendy, Mechanicsville, VA
“He has shown you, O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV Student Bible
Amy, Seminole, FL “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NASB
Katherine – Charlottesville, VA
Prov. 16:3: “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (NASB).
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
Psalm 139:17 (NLT)
Bekah (10 yrs old)
Lithia, FL
Heidi – Lancaster, PA
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hand. Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
Wendy, Elm City, Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Hi, Siesta memorizers. I would love for you to join the community of Scripture enthusiasts at http://www.memverse.com for mutual encouragement and inspiration.
In Christ, Phil Walker [email protected]
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or left;
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV)
Shanna from Chandler, AZ
Laura, Houston
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
Matthew 16:25 (NLT)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
Melanie Atlanta, GA
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32 (NIV)
Dori Cook
Spring Hill, TN
“Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name.” Psalm 86:11 Amplified
Megan, Memphis
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Kelly, Rockton, IL: Galations 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” NIV (As in cleaning, laundry and cooking!) 🙂
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Jenna
Benton, AR
Victoria,Conway AR
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)
Nicole, Blue Springs, MO
Proverbs 21:23 (The Message)
23 Watch your words and hold your tongue;
you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.
Mandy, Lafayette IN
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.
Psalm 138:7 (NASB)
Julie, Owensboro, KY “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Amy-Clovis, Ca
having miscarried 5 days ago, God gave me this:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV