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.
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow t speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Ann, Prior Lake, MN
“But those who obey God’s Word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:5-6 NLT
In 2010 I took a class at church on Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian life. One area I definitely needed to be more “disciplined” in was Scripture memorization. Memorizing two verses a month with all of you in 2011 has provided the opportunity, motivation, and accountability that I needed. The LORD has been faithful to match just the right verses with my current need/situation/etc. each month. It has been a life-changing experience (I sit on my heated back-massage chair pad first thing every morning and recite all my memory verses :D). I was a little teary (grateful tears) today as I wrote out the 24th verse. I won’t be able to make it to Houston, but my Bible Study girls and I will be starting the JAMES study in January!! Thank you, W. Beth Moore, for loving HIM and us so well.
Marsha, Lexington Park MD
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:3 NIV
In my 30 plus years as a believer, I thought I had memorized scripture. After this year with the Siesta Scripture Memory Team, I realize I was only familiar with verses, being able to say them along while others quoted them. Praise God for this new adventure and having a big block of scripture memorized…(almost there).
“The LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way you went until you came to this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31 NIV
Even to you old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.
Isaiah 46:4
Beth, this experience has been absolutely one of the more powerful of my life!! I have an arsenal of Scripture stored in my very heart that I can whip out and overcome anything that comes at me! To the glory of God and with the most humble and grateful heart I praise Him and thank Him for you, Beth, and for all of my Siestas!
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.
Isaiah 44:5 NIV
Richelle, Kingston, TN
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Celeste Hill, Laguna Niguel, CA
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV.
So blessed to have seen this through. It has made such a difference in my life to go to the scriptures and pray them through our life. He is so Faithful to bring the word that heals. I am so looking forward to being in Houston this January. Thanking in advance all who’s hands are active in this gathering, and asking for a special blessing on your lives.
Until HE shouts,
Celeste
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
Beth, tears are falling on my keyboard as I log this final verse of 2011. I began memorizing His Word Jan. 1, 2009 w/ other Siestas but did not log them on this blog. I con’t. thru 2010 and this year logged every verse on the blog. For the past 36 months, I have memorized verses faithfully twice monthly. Life changing. He. is. so. faithful. Thank you, precious lady. See you at the Scripture Celebration!
For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do so.
–Prov. 3:26-27 NASB
linde, dallas
Hebrews 12:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
this experience has taught me that i can memorize scripture. sometimes i get so caught up in how to grow spiritually, that i do nothing. this “slow” paced goal allowed me to see the fruit of pressing in with consistency, over the long-haul. i pray that my life is marked by this…consistently pursuing the Lord, through the highs, lows, fun and boring seasons:) thank you for the accountability!
Heather, Hot Springs, AR, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Amplified,
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Awesome year memorizing God’s Word- I didn’t think I could, but praise God, I have! Would love to be there in January, but will probably have to pass this year. Hoping to find a local friend to join in the memorizing next year and to make it to the next celebration, unless the Lord returns for us before then and we have our celebration in Heaven!
Judy, Spokane, WA
“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 (NIV)
Suzanne, Tucson, AZ
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
-Jeremiah 31:25
Lord, thank you for walking with me through the valleys and the joys of this past year. You have allowed my heart to be broken and comforted before You. I am grateful for Your unfailing love. Each verse was so lovingly chosen to equip or encourage me over the past year. It has been a difficult time, thank you for giving me Your precious Scriptures! How I love You Father!
WOOHOO!!!
Andrea, Saskatchewan Canada
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4, NLT
This has been a craaaazy year – an unexpected pregnancy, learning our unborn baby has a serious birth defect, and living with the uncertainty that brings. But it also brought learning to trust God and have joy in all that uncertainty. I love looking back at my verses from this past year and remembering how each one has helped me through this season. Thank you for encouraging us in this discipline!
Sarah, Marion, KS, “The LORD you God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you wiht his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
I concure with so many statements: about the encouragement I receive from reading the Sisters’ and Mama’s comments. It has greatly enhanced my prayer life and study life, it is amazing how many times the scriptures I’ve memorized have show up at unexpected times as if God is reminding me of His Word and how much He means it. It has started the rebooting of my mind and taught me how to bring every thought into obedience to Christ. But I think it has impacted me the most in . . .
My husband and I are seeking to expand our family, we greatly desire to be obedient to God. We were diagnosed with infertility ~8 yrs ago. We have a son from IVF and he is such a blessing, yet still my heart longs for another child. This year has been the year of the WAIT. Isaiah 40:31 has been the theme for this year and just when I think we are on a path, up pops Isaiah 40:31 . . . . God has taught me with this verse, has increased my faith and I am fully persuaded that God has power to do what He has promised. His WILL will be accomplished and I am so excited to see it . . . I trust Him more now than every before!!! So as this year closes, I continue to wait and know that even if 2012 becomes “Year of the Wait 2” my God will be faithful because “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” I am honored to walk this journey of faith with you all. God bless you and have a blessed Christmas. See you in January!!!
Melissa, Glasgow, KY. – “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3, KJV
Tricia, Tucson, AZ. “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)
Nicola, Calgary, AB Canada
But He said to me, My grace (my favour and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully) for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled, completed) in your weakness.
Therefore I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ, the Messiah may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell upon me!
My brain has heretofore rejected memorising scripture. I couldn’t remember two words together two minutes apart. And addresses?! Never.
God be praised, He made it happen. Walking in the forest with every step a memorised word, and writing the words in the steam on the shower door have been delights. Ever stood naked with the WORD all around you? He is soooooooooo PERSONAL!
Every scripture He chose, and He chose with loving accuracy, was about His knowing me and my knowing Him. My notebook reads like a thesis on His wooing. I feel so loved.
Allyson
League City TX
Psalm 34:10-11 ESV
The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
In July my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Clinging to the promise and hope of His Word through Scripture memory, continues to give me peace and comfort. Jeremiah 17:14, Psalm 127:2, and Psalm 34 were especially poignant. “I will bless the LORD at all times!” Our God is faithful.
Can’t wait to see everyone in January!
Love,
allyson
Barb L. Job 13:15 NIV
” Though He slay me, yet will I hope in HIM.”
This is also my 1st time on SSMT. From the beginning I knew I could never afford to got to the celebration in Texas. From the very beginning I knew the Lord was calling me to do this, that He would pick each verse for me and each verse came @ the perfect moment in my life and each verse has brought celebrate and confirmation of His LOVE and Presence in my life. He has made reciting my verses every night before bed a delightful game that I am sure we have both enjoyed. I had heard from someone much more familiar with your blog that you don’t do this every year. I have been trying to work with our Women’s Ministry to sponsor a team for 2012. Even open it to the whole church. Imagine having having even 10,20,30% OF membership hiding God’s Word in their hearts together.
Haven’t heard back from them so thinking of learning how to do my own blog with my pastor’s permission under the church’s name. If that is a no go, I have 1 other woman in our church who has done this, I’ll ask her to join me. If not I will put it on my calendar and post on my own document on the 1st & 15th of the month. I am determined, the Lord has blessed me beyond my imagination this year in the pursuit of Him. All PRAISE, HONOR & GLORY TO HIS NAME: JESUS, JESUS, JESUS.
Thank you Beth this has started a fire in my heart and spirit that I pray will NEVER be extinguished.
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father’.” Galatians 4:6 NLT
Katharine Lee, Jonesboro AR
Obviously learning these verses come in handy when the enemy is here….but it is good to have them in my heart–to know HOW God loves us….
I’ve learned that no matter when or how many times I fall, God is always going to be reaching down to pull me out. He loves us….and tells us constantly in His Word. God is my Father and it is a good thing to have sink in…. a good thing to know.
Luke 2:8-11 KJV
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Elise–Newark
Deborah, Kennewick. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Nell, Chattanooga, Tn., Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 23-11 NIV
Hebrews 13:9 (NASB)
Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
I cannot begin to describe how awesomely the LORD has used this commitment and these scriptures to guard my mind in the midst of great spiritual warfare during the last part of this year. HE KNOWS! Nothing is a surprise to Him and He will prepare us if we will just listen and obey! PRAISE HIS NAME!
Carla
LaFayette, Al
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am the Lord your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Jan,Loveland,CO
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Cor. 5:18 NIV
Laura, Littleton CO
“Once again I’ll go over what God has done, lay out on the table of wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.”
Psalm 77:11-12 (MSG)
Tesa
Perry, GA
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
Jonah 2:8
Gizmo, Spring Branch, TX
“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 23:6 (NIV)
Valerie, Scott City
Great peace have they which love thy law:(KJV) and nothing causes them to stumble. (NASB) Psalm 119:165
Prov 20:27. (niv)
The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man. It searches out its inmost being.
Melanie – Lebanon, ks
Ephesians 4:15 (AMP)
15Rather, let our lives lovingly [a]express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
I have the victory in the Holy Spirit! I seriously doubted I could finish this challenge as I have tried in years past and failed, but My God has been beyond faithful and here I humbly kneel before my Lord in meditation of the last scripture of 2011!
Marilyn ~ Seattle
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (NIV)
Terrific year of memorizing his word. Looking forward to our gathering in Houston!
Nancy, Oxford, Fl,
Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1 NIV
Numbers 6:26
“The Lord lift up His countenance upon you;
And give you peace.”
This has been an incredible year memorizing God’s Word. The most amazing thing was as I was praying with people the verses I had memorized would start coming up out of my spirit. Nothing better than praying God’s Word!
Thank you, Beth, for challenging me this past year. I know I will continue to reap many, many blessings from putting in my heart God’s Word.
Jana, Brenham, TX
2 Timothy 2:15, NIV
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
I have been the only one in my mom Bible study who did the SSMT this year, and while it has been challenging, it has been amazing too! It has been good to have a group online to walk through with me, and I can’t wait to meet some of you! This was something I felt God calling me to, to strengthen my walk with Him. Thanks for providing this! I will probably continue next year!
1 Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots will bear fruit
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him —
a Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Isa 11:1 – 2/
Tammy/Siloam NC—-But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
Michelle Parma, Ohio
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, Yes, I am coming soon! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Rev. 22:20 NLB
Beth, this has been awesome! Sad I can’t make it in January, but getting a hug from you in Columbus makes up for it.
God’s blessings Merry Christmas!
Sarah, Montrose, CO
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV)
Hello Sister Beth, I’m not one of your siestas but happened to read your blog&invitation.I have a scripture to share:Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord ,the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me.” I challenge any believer out there to increase their faith this coming year & reach out to our God for something impossible you know only God can do. Is your faith level up to it? I have & his response was incredible. Miracles, healings , and breakthroughs are still very much alive & well because HE lives now & forever more. Blessed always,Mary.
Kate from Cheney, WA
“We live by faith, not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7, NIV
This time of intentionally memorizing two verses a month has been a tremendous blessing to me. I asked 3 other friends to join me and we have all made it through to the end together! We will not be coming to Texas in January, but we will be getting together for a special time together to share our verses, what they meant to us and what we learned throughout the year.
I pray God’s blessings on your gathering.
Love in Jesus,
Kate 🙂
Kathleen, St Joseph Mi
Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscious, and a sincere faith.
1Timothy1:5
HCSB
Sherry-Indianapolis
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
Galatians 4:4-5 NIV
This has meant honesty, purity, hope, security…Hiding His word in my heart has mad my life this year…
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God Will hear me
Micah 7:7
New American Standard
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
I have learned so much from your Bible Studies, from your encouragement through the blog and what a blessing the scripture memory has been. Merry Christmas Beth and Living Proof Ministries Team!
Jeri, Stillwater, Ok
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
Psalm 91:8 (NIV)
Lisa, Plano: I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Psalm 118:21 (NIV)