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!
Shayna, Houston
Psalm 85:13, NIV
Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps.
Shelly, Fort Worth, 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) – Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
“she opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
proverbs 31:26 ESV
linde, dallas
Rachel, Danville, PA
Zephaniah 3:17 “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.” NIV
Sarah, Burlington, ON: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 (TNIV)
Angela, Amarillo, TX – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. I Peter 2:9 NIV
Cathy Orofino,Id
You crown the year with Your good blessings and you
leave abundance in Your wake. Ps 65:11 Net
Houston – “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
1 Cor.13:5 NIV
Amy Hopper, Ardmore, OK
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3: 20-21
Jill, Booneville: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NKJV
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
Pushed to the wall, I cried to God;
from the wide open spaces He answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies.
FAR BETTER TO TAKE REFUGE IN GOD THAN TRUST IN PEOPLE
Ps 118: 5-8 (Message)
NIV says:
In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and He answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
The Lord is with me, He is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
IT IS BETTER TO TAKE REFUGE IN THE LORD
THAN TO TRUST IN MAN.
(gonna try to memorize both versions…)
I chose this verse because, I asked God to be at the center of my prayers for Joanne, He led me to the center of His Word.
Psalm 118 is the center chapter of the Bible – 594 chapters both before it and after.
Psalm 118, verse 8 is the center VERSE in the Bible.
My desire is to make it the center of my will … to be in the center of HIS will:
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
Good stuff right there!
Just love that. I so want to be consumed by the Lord.
Sarah
Wartrace, TN
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Tammy/Tennessee Psalm 3:3 “But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the ONE who lifts my head high.” NIV
“the Lord your God is with you. His power gives you victory! The Lord will take delight in you and in His love, He will show you new life.” Zephaniah 3:17, Good News Translation
Kari College Station “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you and you will (get it).” Mark 11:24 – Amplified
Karna, Clarkston WA
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 – NIV
That’s like my life verse right now! It is also the theme verse of my sadly neglected blog, I featured it decoratively on it in the ESV. I haven’t used it because I have it “previously memorized”, but may use it this year at some point. I know you are memorizing the NIV, but if the graphic would be something that would encourage you, I wouldn’t mind if you right-clicked and saved it for your use 🙂
Julie Elrod, Smyrna, GA:
“You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake.” Psalm 65:11 The NET Bible
Nicole, Portland OR: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Terri, Kirkland. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6, NIV.
In the same way your Father
in heaven is not willing that
any of these little ones should be lost.
Matthew 18:14 NIV
Lisa in Texas
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 ESV
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD, Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14, NKJV)
Lindsay, Albion, IL “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NASB)
Emily-Kalispell, Montana~Psalm 5:12 “For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” KJV
Jenny D, Lacey WA: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Brenda, Hilton Head, “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 upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jer. 29:11-12 NIV
Pam, Hendersonville: Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and they gentleness hath made me great.Psalm18:35 KJV
Janet from Orange, Texas: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” ~ Jeremiah 33:3
In the Message translation:
“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
I have to mention that my husband is joining me in scripture memorization! Praise God!!! I’m calling him my Siest-sir. 🙂
Sarah, Marion, KS, “And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 2:9, NKJ
Am going to stop calling him my Siest-sir after seeing it typed out . . . it looks a little too similar to sister, and he is all man. 🙂
2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJ
Cheryl Richmond,Va “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the WILL of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes. 5:16-18 ESV
Vanessa, Bremen, Georgia
“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
Patty, Granite Bay, CA “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or immagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Mansfield, OH “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us & forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” Psalm 79:9 ASV
Vanessa Szanto
Rio Rancho, NM
… Surely this is our God, we trusted in him and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.
Isaiah 25:9
All my verses in 2011 are about GRACE!
Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give GRACE and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.
Leah
Blairsville, GA
Danna M.,Atlanta,TX.”Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:4-7
Diana, Bellefontaine, Ohio
“And in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you walked, until you came to this place.”
Deut. 1:31 New American Standard Bible
Janice, Bakersfield
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 trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Durant, OK
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16NIV
Erin, Albion, IL “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7(NIV)
Stacy, Birmingham. For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. Isaiah 53:2 NASB
Danielle Corpus Christi, TX
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Julie, Chico, CA: The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. (MSG Isaiah 32: 17,18)
Holly R., Plainville, KS: Therefore, if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold the fresh and new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17, Amplified
Keeley, Tucson, Arizona
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29, NIV
My husband and I are jumping on in week 2 and doing this together! So excited!
Kristin, Covington, KY.
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Jana, Houston Tx. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 NKJV
Melissa, Round Rock, A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10, NIV
Brooke, Peoria AZ “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.” Proverbs 16:16 (NASB)