WE MADE IT!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!! To the glory of God, we made it, Siestas! If I could hug your neck, I’d purely squeeze you in two! Please picture me (in a long skirt) doing copious cheerleader jumps! I cannot wait to celebrate with as many of you as possible in January. I wish with all my heart that every single one of you were coming. This girl right here is ready to party. Even one of you missing is too many but I know that it’s hard to manage the time away and the travel expenses are also just too high for many. I’d pay every one of your ways if I could.
Okay, you darling things. I didn’t even have to think twice about the verse I wanted to memorize this last time around in 2011 because it’s about you. With your understanding, I’ll use “sister” instead of “brother.” Here goes:
Beth, Houston. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my [sister], because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 7 ESV
Oh, gracious. That is the truth.
Now, since this is a very special occasion, we’re going to break protocol. This time I’m not going to limit you to your usual 1st and 15th Scripture-only entries. As we wrap up our year, you are welcome to also write a brief paragraph about what this journey with Christ has meant to you and why. No pressure. The invitation is simply there is you want to testify.
You are so incredibly dear to me, Siestas. I am at a loss for words. What a ride.
Lord Jesus, thank You, thank You, thank You, thank You! We cannot do anything to Your good pleasure that You do not first initiate and then enable. To You be all credit, honor, and praise. Please cause us to retain “the implanted word, which is able to save [our] souls.” (James 1:21) Make us wiser and make our hearts larger. You are our delight. We want so much to be Yours, too. You are our everything.
Ephesians 6:19 (NIV ’84)
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 ESV
(yes, it is standard, but I NEED this verse right now!!)
***just saw the permission for the paragraph!!! and I am NEVER one to miss a chance to speak 🙂
This is HUGE to me because this is the first time I have ever made it through something like this. TWELVE months … and knowing that His word – in 24 different ways – is set permanently in my heart is a Blessing I have no words to describe!
Thank you Beth for challenging us. For challenging me.
More than words can say. This is my third year as a participant on the SSMT (last year it was with a group here in my home town). Thank you for introducing me to the power of God’s Word in me. I will do it as long as the Lord allows.
Christmas blessings
Margie
Linda, Lincoln NE: Hebrews 3:7-8 NIV “So as the Holy Spirit says; “Today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert”
Angie, Kansas City, MO: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV
I was thinking about reviewing my verses as devotionals – each day, take one verse and think about what was going on at that time, what that verse meant to me, and how God was speaking. Write it all down in an SSMT 2011 review journal.
Beth, thank you so much for leading us in this. I, for one, would not have kept at it without your encouragement.
I.love.this.idea!
Liz, Logansport: “Now may the God of peace sanctify you in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, NLT
Molly Gainesville, GA
“that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:10-11 NASB
And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Kerry, Nederland, Texas
He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
Psalm 91:3, NLT
I have always been able to “almost” quote a lot of Bible verses and sort of know where they came from, but to actually know the references from the ones I learned this year has made me feel “powerful” to claim God’s promises and stand up to satan. It has also been special to actually seek out verses that spoke to needs I had at the time, instead of just randomly remembering verses that are commonly used for devotional plaques, cards, etc. Thanks, Beth!
“….humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save, rescue, deliver and heal you.” James 1:21 (taken from the Key Word NIV study Bible)
Lisa, Marion, IN
This morning I’m joining with the angels in saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
With all my heart I have sought Thee. Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.
Psalm 119:10 NASB
This year of Scripture memorization has blessed “my socks off” as it drew me closer to our Lord Christ Jesus – it kept His Word fresh in my heart and mind.
Elaine ~ Powder Springs ~ Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now – life for many people. Genesis 50:20 Msg.
I can’t even find words to tell you what this has meant to me. Thank you for pushing me and challenging me to something that only the sweet Lord Jesus could have done. I’m so blessed to be one that will be there to celebrate in January ~ I can’t wait! God is so good to let me enjoy this 🙂
Georganne, Piedmont, Ok. Isaiah 29:24 NIV
Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.
Please pray for my family member who is wayward in spirit. Thank you. Isaiah 29:23 reninds me that my children are the work of God’s hands, and that is an enormous comfort to me. HIS hands, not mine. He reigns.
Laura from Canton MI
2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV (84)
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal
procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere
the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
Oh to be that fragrant everyday! Please Lord, please.
I love you Siestas.
North Palm Beach, FL
James 3:17 NCV
“But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest.”
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
“Those who sow in tears
Will reap with songs of JOY!”
Psalm 126:5 NIV
Thank You Jesus! 🙂
Lisa, West Des Moines, IA “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
Dee, Zeeland, MI
From NIV Revelation 3:11&12
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.” YEA & AMEN!!!
Thank you for prompting this journey, Mama. It’s been incredible. I have most of the 30 verses God called me to memorized. I mostly forget the chapter & verse. God has used all these verses all year long in all sorts of ways. I am so blessed. I so wish I could be there with all of you in January (I’m not allowed to take time off in January due to W-2s & all kinds of fun year end tax stuff). While I won’t be in the flesh, I will be in spirit. God has been so good to me all year long. I believe my faithfulness in continuing to memorize even when I thought I couldn’t keep up, God rewarded anyway. It’s been one of the craziest & best years of my life. Praise Jesus for His hope & joy!!! I am living proof of His Isaiah 61 ministry. Mama, God has used your studies, books & blog to facilitate deliverance & do a good work in me. I’m grateful to my Papa God and to you for your obedience. Love you all so much!!!! Have an awesomely blessed day. Merry Christmas!!!!
This has been such an incredible journey! My heart is overflowing with the love of my Heavenly Father. I have been continually amazed at how there is a scripture for literally everything we could encounter in this earthly life. The encouragement that I get from that is immeasurable!
Beth, I so loved the one you did last time but I already had one picked out so I am doing it now.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8, NIV
Kosciusko, MS
Lamentations 3:25-26, MSG
“God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.”
“This God-his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
Psalm 18:30 (ESV)
Katie g
Knoxville, tn
The journey of Scripture memorization this year has taken me to places I didn’t expect to go with the Lord. I believe and want to always be well-assured of the fact that He does all things well-blamelessly and perfectly. Because He is the LORD, and He is Good. I praise and thank Him for…what can I say? He has done everything! He saves, He heals, He sanctifies, He refines, He renews minds, He is Counselor, He does it all! All thanks and praise and honor and reverence be to our God who incredibly loves us! Because He loves us, we can truly, purely love Him and others. I am so grateful. Do that in me Lord! Amen. So be it!
Carrie, Wentzville, Mo;
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phillipians 2:3 NIV
This memorization has been such a huge blessing to me. Too many ways to list, but the biggest is just in feeling God speaking to me through these verses. There have been several of them that I know He used to show me that He’s with me, He’s supporting me, He loves me. This has been my first time memorizing scripture as an adult, and I didn’t memorize much as a child, so I wasn’t sure how I’d do. By His grace, with His help, it has been so easy. I am astonished at how I can recall all 24 of them. What a blessing! It also has been fun to recite them to my oldest son who memorizes scripture for AWANA. To show him that it is not only for children, but for the benefit of me as well. Thank you for this opportunity to share with you all. I plan to come in January, God willing. Blessings!
Martha, Clearwater, Fl
” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 911;1 NIV
I confess that I have not memorized all 24 verses. I have though read and reread them many times. Each time I think about why I wrote that particular verse and what the Lord had to say to me then. This last verse tells me to dwell in His shelter and rest. ( My hardest thing to do is just rest in Him.)Why is that so hard?????
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7 (KJV)
Missi- Walker, LA: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV84)
Laura, Englewood. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle,encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
This last verse is a blessing for all of you siestas. Each verse I memorized is a reminder of where I was and what I needed to hear from the Lord at that point during the year. I have appreciated the virtual fellowship of this group since I am located far far away from my family and home church.
Toni, Morgans Point, TX
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Roxanne, Frankfort- “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:5-7, NIV)
This discipline has given me so much to cling to in my walk with God! It started by changing my heart toward orphans and widows. I began volunteering with a ministry to single mothers and my husband and I finished foster parent classes. Then, it provided me with a reminder of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness as we struggled financially and personally. God is so faithful, He loves us all more than we can comprehend.
Beth- Thank you, for following His call! May He continue to bless your ministry!
I was late in my posts so many times this year, but not today! I’ve been at the computer since 5:30am waiting for Beth to start!
Kathy, Houston
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the IMPLANTED word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21 NKJV
(Thanks for the help with this verse, Beth!)
I’ll tell you Siestas, it’s been wonderful to have ridden this joyous ride with all of you this year! You’ve made me laugh, cry, rejoice with you, love, but most of all share in the HOPE we all have in Jesus! I can’t tell you how grateful I am that every single time I get on this blog, I close the page a much better woman. Thank you! I may not have been able to pull up each scripture in my head all year, but there was one I memorized that I could recite in my head that kept me going throughout the year during each conversation Jesus and I had. And I am so glad that He IMPLANTED it! It’s James 6-8. We must ask without any doubt, but with pure faith! I love it! See you in January. I’ll be 8 1/2 months pregnant, so watch out!
Vickie, Poplar Bluff, MO:
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 NIV
I do not have words to articulate what this has meant to me. I have not been completely faithful in this task but by the grace of God I will complete it. He has written many of these verses on my heart, they are life to me. I am so thankful for God’s faithfulness. And girlfriend, this works!!! 🙂
Happy Holidays. I love you all.
Martha, Clearwater, FL
OOPS– should be Psalm 91:1 NIV
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville, TN
James 1.22 NLT
But dont just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourself.
Thank you so much Mama Beth. This process of memorizing Scripture has changed my life! This year was so special because my daughter, Olivia, joined me. She has also completed the year. Praise God! We plan to continue on next year!
I was blessed to attend the celebration in 2010, but as of right now, I wont make it this time. Thank you for doing that for us.
I love you!
Merry Christmas
Kim, Missouri
I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You.
Job 42:2
This has been a difficult year, but what has made it beautiful are these 24 candles shiining in the darkness. I would never have thought to do this on my own. Thank you, Beth!
Karen, Ocean Springs “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Troy, Ohio
Psalm 40:5-8 NIV
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.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.
Sharon, Montgomery. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:26-27 NIV)
A “brief paragraph”? How about two words? “Awe struck!” You pinned it perfectly when you said that He is first the Initiator!… and then the Enabler! Indeed, I’m proof of that fact over and over again. His word (and the memorizing of it) invigorates to the very depths of the soul like no other! I feel as if I’m soaring!!!!!
Ashley Sullens
Kings Mountain, NC
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Thanking God for the privilege to hide His Word in my heart. Thank you Beth & Living Proof Ministries for holding me accountable over the last year. Once again, I’m overwhelmed how the Lord has used each verse to encourage, minister, discipline & correct me. His Word truly is a lamp unto my feet & a light unto my path. Praising God for His grace, mercy & unfailing love.
Colleen, Lyndonville NY: “Not by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. Zech 4:6
I spent 9 days in the hospital over Thanksgiving. I couldn’t eat or drink, or do much of anything, but I COULD recite the promises of God over and over!
Thanks for getting The Word into this ‘ol brain! 🙂
Beth – I started this journey with you and all of the other siestas in January, not so confident that I could see it through to December. I have never left a comment on this blog, I never shared my verses here…..I just didn’t think I would be able to see it all the way through. But Praise God! I did it! I have stayed the course, and I just want to thank you so very much for your encouraging words that have kept me going! To God be the GLORY!! Merry Christmas, and I will be with you in spirit in January for the SSMT celebration!
Valerie, Louisville KY
Ps 139:4-5 NIV
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
My husband looked through my spiral book of verses and his comment was “I can see the thread of circumstances”. The LORD has taken me on such a ride this year, I was not prepared. But he has sustained me through losses and is sustaining me through losses that break my heart still. I have prayed that He would fill me with His love so I don’t depend on others for it. I want to memorize more of Ps 139, but I think it appropriate that the year ends with v.5…You hem me in behind and before – You have laid Your hand upon me. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you gals next month.
I memorized Psalm 139 (NIV) in 2009 & it was such a blessing.
Boni, Manassas, VA; Proverbs 14:21 (NIV) “He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.”
Nancy, Denver
……”and they shall call His name IMMANUEL”, which translated means, “GOD WITH US”!!
Matthew 1: 23b NAS
These wonderful verses in my mind and heart have gotten me through an incredibly busy year. I could not have made it without His Word and my siesta bloggers. Just reading through the verses each time that siestas chose, blessed my soul!!
Praise Him for HIS living Word and for HIS faithfulnesses to us–new every single morning!
AMEN and amen. Cannot make it to Houston but will be there in spirit!
Loving you and Praising Jesus–My One and Only!!
Nancy in Mile High City
Tangila, Pearland TX
“I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 NASB)
Yvonne
Fresno, CA
O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12 NIV
As I look back over this year of taking time to soak in the Word and meditate on the Jesus, who is my life, I am in awe of the Lord’s Presence and Intimacy! Circumstances have been a vast array of tasty morsels to savor and large chunks of time waiting. My soul rejoices that I have gotten to wait on the Lord and rest in Him and His boundless love!
From our kitchen being unusable for many months, to our daughter graduating from high school and being baptized, jumping into the summer and hiking throughout Israel, to depths of pain walking with friends through broken marriage covenant, our youngest breaking her leg, our son honestly sharing he wants to be selfish in this season and not follow Jesus, watching the Lord work mightily through His Word via Facebook, as well as face to face, sitting in a season with our youngest (almost 16) as she walks through some medical things, some without answers, concluding our year, being married to the most amazing man who is completely opposite of me, for the last 19years and having precious friends live with us for a couple of months.
What blows my mind as I look back is the peace of God that has been palatable each and every step of the way! He is my joy, my hope, my constant! He is present and my heart soars as I reflect on Jesus, the Lamb of God who so intimately ministers to me. Blessed be the name of Jesus Christ.
I haven’t been faithful to post my verses on here the last few months, but I have a pack of cards with verses that I’m working on. I struggle with anxiety and depression and having these verses written on purple (my favorite and God’s best color) cards has helped me more times than I can count this past year. When the anxiety hits, I can recall the truth of Scripture to remind myself of His truth. I read my cards right before I go to bed as a relaxation exercise. My therapist has even recognized how powerful these cards with the Word of God are to me and has reminded me when necessary to use them.
How I wish I could come to the celebration, but I can’t take the time off work. Maybe someday. I will say that this blog, and you, Siesta Mama, encourage my heart so much. Thank you for loving us and for telling us you do. I hope the Moores and Jones and Fitzpatricks have a wonderful Christmas!
Sarah, Dallas
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I wlll rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Kay
Tupelo, MS
“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
WOW GOD!!! is all I can say…what a privilege, joy and honor to do this together….having my own ‘great cloud of witnesses’ now and forever increased! This has been an amazing journey and challenge…and one that will be continued in 2012, along with my gratitude journal. May His Word continue to be an all-consuming fire, a pounding-relentless hammer…our lamp, our light, our comfort….Blessed Christmas and 2012 dear girlfriends!!!…sandyT/kc