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!
Jordan – Reno, NV “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1Peter 5:6-7
Do not gloat over me, my enemies!
For though I fall, I will rise again.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord himself will be my light
Micah 7:8
NLT
Marilyn – Rochester Hills, MI
“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.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Megan, Prattville,Al: “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me, you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:11-13 (ESV)
Lucy, PA Proverbs 12:16 NIV
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
melissa, Rochester, NY Jeremiah 29:11
For Surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with Hope. NRSV
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8
Terry
Washington,IL
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.
Lamentations 3:24 NIV
Regan, Conroe. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel and not frightened in anything by your opponents.” Phillipians 1:27-28a, ESV.
Vicki: Greenville, MS Matthew 5:43-47 MSG “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
Angel, Tawas City, MI; Pure and undefiled religion before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself inspotted from the world. James 1:27 NKJV
Darbi; Saltillo, MS – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
Christina
Louisville, KY
Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.
1 Samuel 14:6 NIV
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 NIV
“The Lord your God is in your midst,
A warrior who gives victory;
He will rejoice over you with flashers,
He will renew you in His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing
As on a day of festival.”
Zephaniah 3:17
NIV
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
Ashley, Atlanta, GA
“You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12
Lori
Fort Cambpell, KY
Be on your guard: stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV
Marcia ~ Farmington Hills, MI
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11 NKJ
Janet, Richland,MS Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths: guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Terri
Powder Springs, GA
Blessed is the one who is not offended by me. Luke 7:23 ESV
danae | lafayette, in
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
— psalm 37:8
Cheryl from Fairhope, AL – I will give you a new heart and put a new Spirit in you, I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV
Amber M. in TN
Erwin, TN
“I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.” Jeremiah 32:40 ESV
Robyn, Birmingham, AL
You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!”
Psalm 91:1-2 (The Message)
Memorizing Psalm 91, along with my 3 daughters (ages 9, 5, & 4) in honor of Joanne Heim. 🙂
Ashley, Grand Junction, CO
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17, NLT
Kristin
Clearwater, FL
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
Jeremiah 31:25
Lisa, Van Buren, AR
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”
Matthew 6:33
Holman CSB
“But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray.”
Luke 5:16 (CEV)
Amber, Houston
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
John 6:53 (NIV)
Shawn, Covington GA
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14
Susan from Stow, OH
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isa 40:31 NASB
after posting my verse (Isa 40:31) yesterday, today on my way to church I saw my first ever bald eagle. when i stopped to watch him – my memory verse came to me!! God is sooo awesome!!
Ashley, Conroe. “And to put on a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24, NIV.
Lorie, Rochester, MN “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2nd Corinthians 4:18
Kori, Trevor,WI. Psalm 90:13-14 (NLV)O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Diana, Kyle TX: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NIV
Andi, Lincoln NE
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2
Beth, Huntsville. “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:18. NIV
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, she must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Abi, Apopka: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” Psalm 23 NKJV
Lisa, KC
I already know another version but The Message version is really good for me!
Phil.4:6-8
“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. Its wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”
Angie, Delaware: “ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” Isaiah 60:1 (Amplified Bible)
Melissa from Decatur, TX: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NAS
Becky, Choctaw, OK
“For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”
John 5:18 (NAS)
“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Psalm 119:89 NIV
Kathy, Charleston For judgement is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement. James 2:13 ESV
Judy, Marietta
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no warries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Proverbs 3:25-26 NIV
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”
Becca, Houston, TX