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!
“For I’m going to do a brand new thing. See I have already begun!”
Isaiah 43:19
NLT
Dana, Pace Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. NIV
Virginia, Scottsbluff
Psalm 119:3-6 (I want to work on memorizing ALL of Psalm 119 this year….) in the NIV
They do nothing wrong, they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees. Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all Your commands.
Amy, Starkville, MS “For the Lord your God is living among you.He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness.With his love, he will calm all your fears.[a]
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
I am so using this verse. Thanks, Amy! Jenny
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Col. 3:12 (NIV)
Karen, Bristol, RI, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” Philippians 2:3
Shareese, Hughesville, Maryland,
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (Phil 4:6,7 MSG)
I love this version!
Stacey, Spring
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Elizabeth/Lewisville, TX
Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
Amanda; Waco, TX: I therefore, a prisoner fo rthe Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Eph. 4:1 (ESV)
(I’m planning on doing Eph. 4:2 next time)
Michelle Myers from Austin, Texas: “That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9, The Message
You know the plans you have for me, O Lord, plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
That’s mine, too!
Beverly, Colorado Springs, CO
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Phil 2:3-4 ESV
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Rhonda McClellan, Newnan, Georgia
“But it is the Spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.” Job 32:8 NIV
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
(NIV)
karen, Cheney, WA.
“Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalm 63:7-8 (KJV) 🙂
Amy, Hood River, OR. Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Psalm 115:1, KJV
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, your will be saved.
Romans 10:9 NIV
Stephanie, Elkins: Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8 KJV
Tina, Houston
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 NIV
Susan,Atlanta. For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isa. 41:13 NIV
Angela ~ Maui, HI
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Melissa Canton, MI She watches over her family, and never wastes her time. Proverbs 31:27 NCV
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Kate ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Life application study bible – NIV
“Then because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”
Mark 6:31-32 (NIV)
Brenda, Winnipeg, MB
Lakecia, Montgomery
Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing
Prov. 12:18, NIV
Emily, Crystal Springs, MS
Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants–what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Romans 12:2 GW
Psalm 31:4-5
“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say YOU ARE MY GOD.” My times are in your hand.”
New American Standard
Kimberly, Mobile, AL
Rene, Overland Park, KS “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Phil 1:20 NIV
Susan, Dallas, TX
1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Life application study bible NIV
I’m sorry I am late to post, but have been memorizing from day 1!
Stirling, Charlotte, NC
Week 1: “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father'”. Romans 8:15 NIV
Week 2: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Racheal
Cathedral City, Ca
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Joan, Frankfort, 1Peter 2:9 You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ESV
Sandra, Jackson, LA, Zephaniah 3:17 NIV “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Debby, Santa Rosa CA
James 1:19-20 NLT
“Understand this my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer Ps. 19:14 (NIV)
Christina- Atlanta GA
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Lonnie, Little Rock Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5 NKJV
Ashley in Kings Mountain, NC
Rebecca, Largo,FL
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15
Kelly, Lewisville, TX NIV
“Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirt and do not break faith . . .”
Malachi 2:15
Nancy, Gettysburg SD
Psalm 86:11-13
11 Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
THen you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. Jermiah 29:12 NIV
I found out 1 1/2 weeks ago that my husband and I are pregnant and this is my prayer for our child:
Athens, GA
“May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His Holy Heaven with the Saving Might of His right hand.” Psalm 20:4-6 ESV
Anne, Cypress, TX
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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3: 5-8
Life Application