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.
Peggy, Indianapolis
II Corinthians 5:7 NIV
We live by faith, not by sight.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor of our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Hebrews 6:19 NLT
Karen, Christy, Cheryl “A Cord of Three Strands”
Jay, OK
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 NIV
Winding up our third year of doing something we were sure we were too old to accomplish! Praise God for a task completed! See you in January!
Karen, Phoenix,
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” I Cor. 2:9 NKJV
Olda, Huntsville
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
Thank you, Beth, for this Siesta community to encourage, exhort and challenge us in our journey.
Blessings this beautiful season to you, your family and LPM! Merry Christmas!!!!
Suzanne, Harrisville
Job 37:10 NIV
The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.
Thank you SSMT and LPM! This held me accountable. I needed to know these verses deep in my heart. I can remember each event that triggered the decision to learn a particular verse. God’s Word sustained me.
Mildred, Fayetteville, AR
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” Luke 2:45 NLT
Nancy- Yonges Island, SC
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 NIV
Cheryl, Midlothian Va
I love you Lord, O my strength Psalm 18:1
Beth this was such a wonderful journey . God used the scripture to guide and strengthen me in every season this year ( good, bad , sickness, challenges and victories .) The scripture would come and I would cling to it like a raft.
Thanks you for the experience. I got fed , encouraged and also got to become part of the community. How cool is that ? Lots of Love Cheryl
Lynn, Louisville,
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:19-21 (NASB)
Sierra, Vandalia, MO
Isaiah 53:11 NLT
When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish,
He will be satisfied. And because of His experience, My Righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous,
for He will bear all their sins.
Faithful, graceful & good. That’s what I’ve been learning God is this year.
I’ve also felt the power multiple verses hold. It sometimes took me a while, but I would eventually get them.
Thank you for doing this, Beth. It kept me accountable just thinking about the drawing for a paid ticket to the event. Now I know what I’ve imprinted on my mind is more valuable 🙂 Thanks!
Bethany from Waco, TX
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Beth, Thank you so much for issuing this challenge and for leading us through it!!! I have long been needing to start memorizing scripture again and this was just the kick in the pants that I needed! I am really looking forward to seeing everyone in January!!!!
Dana, Blue Ridge, TX
Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Isaiah 12:5 NIV
I am overwhelmed by the Lord’s love and mercy and provision and protection. His Word is life to me. These scriptures have become my “standing stones.” I am greatly humbled and am in awe that He speaks to me through His Word…..to me! He has reminded me of His sovereignty in the way He has repeatedly woven these verses into my life this past year. As other Siestas have said, these verses keep presenting themselves over and over. Memorizing scripture this year has strengthened my faith, my prayer life and my relationship with Him. I am so looking forward to meeting other Siestas at our long awaited celebration!
Martha, Florida
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Peace to all!
Marsha, Lee’s Summit, MO
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matt 6:21 NKJ
Memorizing the Word this way has been amazing. I can’t really put into words how it has impacted my life. Always whatever I was committing to memory would come to life in my everyday. Plus the benefit of being able to pray His Word back to Him… it does something unexplainable. I have loved this discipline and I don’t want to stop. Knowing many other sisters were doing this with me was a real motivator too. I am hoping there is a 2012 Siesta booklet?!!!
I joined up in January and only stayed with it for one verse — with good reason. My verse was Psalm 27:13: “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” I was close to despair after years of childlessness ending in several frustrating years of trying to navigate the foster/adopt system… I chose that verse to hold onto the hope that I would indeed see the goodness of the Lord, and ladies, I did. I celebrate this Christmas with a four-year-old little girl and an almost two-year-old little boy that I am in the process of adopting, who came to me as foster children right after memorizing that verse (making me so blessedly busy that Scripture memory fell by the wayside) and I was so happy and satisfied with them, but God saw fit to bless me with a surprise newborn baby last month that I hope will become free for adoption, as well. I have seen the goodness of the Lord this year as after 37 childless Christmases, I celebrate this year with my three sweet babies. God is good. :o)
I Samuel 14:6.”Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
Laurie New Hope, VA
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.
Each verse this year was tailor picked just for me for this season of life. I prayed for each verse and each and every time, the Lord gave me the one I needed or that He knew in advance I would need to stand firm raising the shilled of faith and wielding the Sword of the Spirit. This has allowed me to develop an arsenal against the evil one and to be transformed by the renewing of my mind as I meditated on and said aloud these verses. To God be the Glory!
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
Woo Hoo! Loved every minute of spending thoughtful time in the word of God! You know…for every verse that I picked, bi-monthly there are 5-7 others written on post-its that I considered each time. Love, love, love how in tune this experience has facilitated my conversation with our Lord!
Ruth Sanger To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25 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. (Psalm 19:14 NIV)
Kristy
Psalm 19:2 ESV
Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
Houston, TX
Amanda
Guernsey, WY
“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 NIV
This year, holding tight to these 24 scriptures, I have gone through what has been THE BIGGEST transition of my life. Praise you, Jesus!
Marti, Loganville, Ga
“For no word from God will ever fail” Luke 1:37 NIV
This has been a fun experience and I feel has jump started more scripture memory in the future. The plan last Christmas was for me and my mother in law to be at the conference, but God had other plans and now I am 7 months pregnant and can not fly to the conference. So maybe next time the scripture memory comes around we can attend. I also am grateful for this because it has brought me closer to my friend who also started the memory process and we have kept each other accountable through it all. Thank you Beth for being a wonderful christian leader and to all your staff. This has been a fun year!
Louisville: For to us a child is born, to us a son is give, 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
Sarah, Colorado springs
Psalm 25:1. Unto you O Lord, do i bring my life (amp)
This journey has brought light to many areas of my life that needed to be shown that light! Light that had been missing for far too long. How I thank you Lord for showing me and growing me. Lots more work to do but to be on this road is exciting. Can’t wait to see what is next Lord!
Decatur, Alabama: For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 ESV
Cheryl, Austin: “Let integrity and uprightness preseve me, for I wait for You.” Psalm 25:21 (NASB)
Joyce, Wahpeton ND
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV
This past year of scripture memorization has been so challenging and exciting. I carried my SSMT spiral with me everywhere and anticipated the 1st & 15th of each month. God showed me the verses each time and I was able to incorporate them into the happenings of my life. Many sleepless nights were filled with recitations of the verses. I believe that I have learned 36 verses in all – each one special. I’m looking forward to working on memorizing James in 2012 as we start that Bible study in February. Thank you Beth for the challenge and encouragement along the way. I have never been inspired to memorize this much before. I don’t think that I will be in Houston in January but I will be praying for you all that weekend.
Jane, Irvine, CA
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Beth–Thank you so very much for inspiring my mom Cheryl to invite me to travel on this memory verse journey this year! As I look over the verses I selected 24 different days, it reminds me of reminds me of God’s faithfulness, provision, and love as I traveled through this year, which, at times, was most challenging for me. He is good EVERY DAY! God bless all of you and see you in January!!! Merry Christmas!
Betsy, Lincoln Park
“And what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.” Ephesians 1:10 HCSB
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 niv
Vanessa, Rio Rancho NM
…He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17b NIV
Our sweet and tender God has been so good to me. Helping me each month do something I have never been able to do before… Memorize his Word!! I know that He equipped my mind to do this and I am so thankful. Blessings teach one of you and Merry Christmas.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:4-5 KJV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Judy from Virginia
To God be the glory for the focus on His word. Thank you Beth for this wonderful, wonderful place to memorize scripture.
Tammy, Ingleside, Tx
1 Peter 2:9 NIV
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 did not think I could memorize ONE verse, let alone 24+ verses. Thank you for challenging me to do so. Often I have been encouraged by other’s verese that you have posted. Some I had read many times, others jumped out fresh and new to me. This one I am chosing for this time is one of those. Someone else posted it, and as I read it, it just spoke to me. At times I think so little of myself, that I need to be reminded that I am special, one of God’s chosen ones. I look forward to January!
Erin, Seattle. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.'” Luke 1:38 NIV
As I look back over the verses from this year, I remember how each one jumped off the page at me. Each verse was specifically laid on my heart by God, and as I look over all of them, I see themes. How encouraging that God met me where I was at, that he honored my intention to learn his word by directing me to the lessons and words that he had for me.
Thank you, all, for being my accountability and my encouragement this year.
Merry Christmas, and happy New Year!
Mandy from Mt. Vernon
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him soloved. that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
This year is my first year to join the Siestas and God has richly encouraged me through His Words this year. As I look back through my memory verses I am amazed at the story they tell of my year. All of the ways God was encouraging me through the trials and struggles…I see His personal love letter to me and I feel deeply humbled and deeply loved.
Kyndra, Houston, TX
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full.” NIV
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 nlt
Fenton, Ashburn, VA. “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation” Ps. 62:1 NKJV
Dear Beth,
This has been a wonder-filled blessing as the Lord Jesus has given me more love for Him as He has made Himself known to me! You are a great encourager! Hugs!
Love, Fenton
Lindsey from Dubach, LA is memorizing Isaiah 9:6 (NIV). “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.”
This is the 3rd year I’ve committed to memorizing Scripture. I’ve learned so much through the entire process, but mostly I’ve been reminded over and over of how strategic God is. I had no idea how often and to what extent I would come to rely on the mystery and miraculous power of each verse God impressed upon me to commit to memory. Dang, He’s smart. This year has been especially neat because my sister and my mother took the SSMT challenge. All three of us, along with our BFFS, will join you in January. We can’t wait.
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Romans 14:7-8 NLT
linda, colorado springs.
for nothing is impossible with god. luke 1:37 (niv)
beth ~ my purpose this year was to grow closer to jesus… to immerse myself in the word and get a passion for him back into my life. i knew memorization was one way to help me with my goals even though it’s a difficult thing for me to do since an accident has impacted my memory ability. the truth though, is that jesus doesn’t care about that… he sees the intent of our hearts and even though i really can’t remember my first verse by heart anymore, i still carry it with me – on my phone and my little book. and the passion is back – to read, to dig, to study his word… to crawl into his lap every day… to share my life with him in a way i wasn’t doing before i began this journey. making a community commitment does make a difference – sharing with my other girlfriends supported my decision, too. what a blessing siestaville is – and you are and all the others, too, who make this website possible. thank you for honoring us and god… together we are seeing him work in remarkable ways – i am so delighted to be his daughter and to know there are so many sisters bonded together in this one place. due to budget restrictions because of unemployment, i won’t be able to make it in january… but i will be thinking of you all celebrating and reciting together. have loads of fun and rock the house!
Judy, Littleton, NC “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 NIV
This year of scripture memory has been oh so hard but oh so necessary as I have been called upon again and again for advice and I would have nothing if it were not for scripture to offer! It multiplies blessings to the hearers and is always the appropriate thing to answer for the hpe that is in us! See y’all in January, Praise His name!
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. Psalm 119:71 NASB
Barbara, New Orleans
Psalm 84:7(NIV)
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
The scripture memory has been a huge blessing. I have been going through a difficult few years. The scriptures keep forcing my attention to God. I could go to any month any find guidance and/or encouragement and also reprimands but all in His Amazing Love. Thank you for the opportunity to grow with you all.
Jani – Henderson, NV
Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. NASB
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.
— Psalm 23:1 [KJV]