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.
Sharon Meekins
Charlotte, NC
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
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:8 NIV)
Amberley, Pasco, WA
“I delight greatly in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God.”
~Isaiah 61:10a NIV
Terri, Papua New Guinea. “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10, NIV.
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Philippians 1:6 NIV
“Being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
I began the year wondering if I could ever really do this. I have tried many times to memorize scripture with little success. So, my first verse was Luke 1:37 – “Nothing is impossible with God.” It has proven true! And now I end with the promise that He who began the work will continue working in me.
The verses throughout the year were verses that I believe GOD laid on my heart. Perhaps that is why I was able to do it. Also I found that throughout the year, they really were verses that were needed at the time. It got me through the death of my dad, encouraging my grown kids, getting through difficult days and ending the year loving Him even more.
Thanks for the challenge to do this thing. I can’t wait to come to TX for our celebration! See you in January!
Psalm 19:14, NIV “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Memorizing God’s Word this year has been a rich time to see how my thoughts can change when I have the Word in me. it saves me from my critical, off-track, stinkin thinking that I can easily get caught up in. I remember when you spoke in Salt Lake in August, when you said you literally put your Bible on your sweet, little head. In the car once, I took my Scripture verses on my spiral and put them in my shirt at a red light (wonder if anyone saw, I don’t care if they did), cause I wanted so much for those words to go deep into my heart. Bless you, Beth. God’s Word is like Him breathing on me…I need it every hour, every minute to keep going. love you, Pam in San Diego
Angela, Mansfield TX
“I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the
truth.”
3 John 1:4 (NLT)
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)
Pam in Texas uisng the NIV Bible
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
Commitment to sharing time with God, including memorizing scripture and reading and studying the Bible has kept me grounded this year. And, though I have difficulty elaborate or testimony for others, I have found it very easy to send and share my scripture memory verses twice a month. Electronic sharing of these led to others inquiring about my studies and joining in with scripture memory. This so, we now have the leader’s guide for the book of James are are preparing for a new year of learning.
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17b – 19 (NIV)
My thanks and gratitude to Beth and my great friend Terry for inspiring and encouraging me to do something I’ve always found difficult – memorize anything! But I’ve been discovering that with the Lord’s help, weaknesses can become strengths, especially when armed with His Word. This year brought with it some challenges, from a mother undergoing cancer surgery, to a father with failing health, to – of all things! – an earthquake starting almost directly under my house, but because of this year’s scripture memory project, I’ve had hope and truth and confidence written in my brain and in my heart. Now aftershocks are met with “GOD is our refuge and strength… we will not fear!” and visits to oncologists with my mother include the reminder that the God of hope will fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him. Thank you, Beth, for this gift; thank you, Terry, for being an inspiration; and thank You, Lord, for being the living, breathing, written Word! May you all, Siestas, be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”!
The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 Lisha, Texas
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, IN
“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1 NAS
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
Lynn, Argyle, TX: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…
Psalm 91:11 NIV
Jan, Denton, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25
What an experience this has been for me! I am amazed every two weeks at how the Lord leads me to the exact verse(s) I needed to memorize! I have used them time and time again. Coming out of all the treatments for breast cancer and beginning to feel my physical strength return, this is exactly what I needed to exercise my mind as well! I am beyond excited for the conference! I have been quoting my scriptures to all my family who will listen as well as my husband who doesn’t worship with me. God’s word went out and will not return void! Praise Him!
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV
Earlene, Wisconsin. “For unto to us a child is born, a Son is given. And the government will rest unpon his shoulders. These will be His royal titles, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
I was very excited to do this, but midway, I was thinking what had I gotten myself into, but I hung in there and I’m so happy I did. Thanks, Beth!!
Romona, East Alton
And, Behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
I first read about the SSMT at the end of 2009. I’ve been a Christian for 30 yrs and never memorized scriptures. Memorization is simply not easy for me, so I never bothered to put forth the effort. However, God has been calling me so close to Him for the past few years & He has given me such a love & hunger for His Word. Even though there was no SSMT in 2010 – I chose to follow the outline alone. It was awesome!! God showed me which verses to choose & the yearly topic. What a blessing. I was so excited when Beth announced SSMT for 2011. Memorization has been soveasy – why did I ever think it was hard! There is power & encouragement in the Word !
Laurel from Lubbock, Texas
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 New International Version
Lynda, Ocala, FL: Psalm 23:5 “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” NIV
This experience has brought Jesus into the intimacies of my life in a way that I have never known. I am so grateful for this journey and how the Word has changed me and filled me with a peace that passes all understanding. I love Jesus more and can’t wait to love Him more tomorrow. May it be so each and every day. I love you guys too.
Proverbs 15:3 NLT
The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
Karen, Battle Creek, MI
Psalm 138:3 When I called, you answered me; You greatly emboldened me.
NIV
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, ESV
Romans 14: NLT
Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. NIV
I have been challenging myself to memorize verses for years. But had not done it, always falling back on the “I can look it up if I need it” attitude. But that was not what I needed. I needed God’s word written on my heart and mind. And your invitation to memorize 2 verses a month seemed doable to me. AND it was. Also your AP for the iPhone for Siestas was a big help with the memorization. I could look it up anytime. I thank you for helping me be able to know and share God’s word this year. I am hoping you do it again in 2012. I know I am more confident in my faith, better able to express it and back up my statements with scripture. Thank you, Beth, for this. 😉
For God so loved the world He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlastins life. John 3:16 NIV
Michele, 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
“Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” I Chron. 29:12
Psalm 73:25-26 KJV
Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
Missouri City, TX
Michelle, Waukesha, WI
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, “says the Lord Almighty,” and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10 NIV
This is the first time in my walk with the Lord that I have taken the Word of God seriously and the need to memorize it!! It has not only transformed my mind but my walk with Him. I am so grateful for the accountability each month. Looking forward to taking on the challenge in 2012 🙂
BTW, are we going to be able to order spirals for next year?
Soorin
Eugene, OR
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37 (NIV)
I wish I was able to go. We went as a group of 4 from Eugene, Oregon the first year but only one of us will be going this year. She’s attending with her husband so I don’t think she minds. Thank you for this! What a tremendous blessing it is to have this place to come to and share with sisters in Christ. Praying that the celebration will be a wonderful weekend full of love and joy for all of you who are going. Merry Christmas!
emi, white house: “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 NIV
I am a person who chooses many times to stay in my comfort zone, but the SSMT verses reminded me Who to focus my thoughts on. In my heart right now, I am at peace. Thank you for this accountability. Love to you all!
Betsy Roberts – Antwerp, OH
What a wonderful experience this has been! I’ve even started a blog for the women at my church so they can do it themselves! Thanks so much LPM ladies for making this something I could do!!!!!
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”. Luke 2:46-47 NLT
Vickie, Baytown, TX
Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 AMP
Dear sweet Beth & fellow Siestas,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to grow so much in the Lord in 2011. Your encouragement & accountability have helped me memorize more Scripture this year than I have ever tried before! I have attempted to memorize Scripture in the past & was somewhat successful, but never memorized this many verses in this amount of time! Praise the Lord for your love for Him & for your ministry to your fellow Siestas! 🙂 I am forever grateful & can’t wait to grow with you again next year. May our God continue to bless you & your beautiful family as you seek & follow after Him. It’s almost party time, isn’t it?
Freida, Chatham, LA “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 KJV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3 NIV
Three Rivers, MI “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” 2 Cor. 9:8 The Message
Ann H, Murrells Inlet, SC
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.”
Psalm 95:6-6
Beth, Thank you for this time of fellowship together memorizinig His very words to us. I kneel before Him with thanksgiving for my precious daughter who has been a memory partner with me. We will both see you in January!
Beth, Toronto: For you are a holy people to the Lord your God and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. ~ Deuteronomy 14:2 (NKJV)
Thank you so much for orchestrating our scripture memory team and for all the work involved. It has been so valuable to me. I loved my special “Siesta Spiral” and so often a verse you posted became much needed encouragement and a new favourite. I used the scripture memory verses in prayer and experienced the power of prayer and the power of the Word. His WORD is LIFE! “I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand” …( Is. 51:16a) “As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Ps. 18:30) Glory!
Joy to you!
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Memory #24
“I have set the LORD always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8 NIV
Michelle, West Des Moines, Iowa
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
Diane, Littleton, CO
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;
and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
This year has been a blessing! I have had a theme word for this year, and it is JOY. Almost every verse I memorized has dealt with joy, or perseverance. The LORD has been teaching me how to control my thoughts and focus on HIM, and recognize that all joy comes from Him, not my circumstances. My son, Asher, is about to be one year old on Dec. 19th. I have spent many sleepless nights and miles pacing the floor while reviewing and quoting my verses. I feel it was time well spent, precious time with both my LORD and my son.
As an added bonus, I convinced my college roommate, Sarah, to participate in the challenge. We have kept each other accountable the entire year, and we are SO excited to come to Texas together for the celebration weekend. We have been saving money for years now, planning at some point to have a “getaway” together. I am SO looking forward to sharing this weekend with her and with you, Beth! It will be a tremendous ending to a tremendous year!
Thank you so much for SSMT. Sarah and I are planning to continue memorizing Scripture together next year!!
Tatia, Elkridge, MD –
“Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand — when I awake, I am still with you.” Psalm 139:18 (NIV)
I started the year with verses that reminded me of how BIG and POWERFUL and MIND-BLOWING God really is. These verses led me to a deeper appreciation of the fact that, even though He totally knows how wretched I am, that Great Big God still loves me!! So, Psalm 139 was the next scripture I wanted to know fully – I knew many of them but wanted the whole picture. That psalm is so precious!! I think I’ll be going through my spiral again!! Thanks for the encouragement to do it, Beth. I so need the accountability 🙂
Joy, Salina
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”
Luke 12:35-36 (NIV)
Amy, Snellville, GA
Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” The Message
Deborah, Marshall. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8. ( NIV)
Thank you Lord for walking with me through this life on earth. Please help me to treasure your word in my heart…..for that is where my peace comes from.
Deneen, Pittsburgh,PA
To Beth and all of the Siestas on this journey…Thank You
“May Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.” Psalm 122:7 NASB
Linda Delray Beach, FL
“If anyone desires to come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross
and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Phil 2:3-4
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
This year of Scripture memory has been revolutionary. Too many things to name, but I can testify that God’s word is true. It is real and it is alive. It does exactly what God says it will. He is beginning to transform me, as He promised, and I will never stop praising His Name for it. Thank you, Beth, and all of you at LPM, for facilitating this adventure. I so look forward to being together next month and celebrating our God’s faithfulness.