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.
I cannot begin to tell you how these scriptures have ministered to me and my man. We have had a HARD year financially and these have brought us hope and been an anchor. Love you all at LPM and thanks so much for the accountability and encouragement!
Nicole
Keller
Kelly, West Richland
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.
2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV
Briten, Providence, RI
For the last verse, instead of cramming in one more, I am spending time reflecting on all of the verses that I have learned this year. I am asking the Lord, the Word Himself, to take these seeds planted and make them grow and flourish into something more beautiful than I could imagine. I will not be at the conference as I have 4 children (ages 2,4,6,8… who do we appreciate =) I will miss you all. Have a wonderful time and sweet fellowship to you all… on to the next… Siesta Scripture 2012!
Isaiah 59:1 (NIV)
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
Ginger, El Paso, TX: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV
Sally
Columbus, OH
“See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:24
NIV
Thank you for your ministry, Beth. You are the only person that challenged me to memorize scripture this year, and I am so glad I did! I hope to keep this going and commit to memory 24 verses every year. I did all the memory work with a curling iron in my right hand. Best way to spend those 10 minutes every day.
Midland, TX
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 (NIV)
I am so thankful for this practice this year. God’s Word is so precious to me, and it is always good to challenge myself with memory work. His Word never goes out void, so any scripture we memorize will accomplish the purposes He has for it! I especially love this verse because at this time of year, I need Jesus to hold some things together. Mainly my attitude today as I prepare a for party and holiday cooking for the family next week. Thanks Beth and the Living Proof team for how you encourage and inspire us to live for Christ!!! Merry Christmas!!!!
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
For me these verses have meant so much more than I can say, as persoanlly I have been through much and in our family, but especially watching, praying and walking with my dear friend Joanne. Even now we are planning our own mini verse gathering. We need Him so. Nothing less than His power will do. I guess you can say this year has marked me. Changed me. And my verses reflect that. Thank you LPM and Beth. With Love!!
Midge, Florence; The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Ex 14:14
Niccol, Wilmette
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
SSMT has been incredible journey for me this past year. Immersing myself in God’s Word has brought such meaning and depth to my life. It’s helped me understand many things and given me an acceptance of the things I don’t!
Holly, Boulder
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Wow! I can’t believe this is our last verse! It seems like yesterday my teenaged daughter and I were talking about starting this in January, I’m so proud of both of us for making it! God is so good!
We are so excited to be joining the party in Texas in January! Thanks for this challenge, it has been such a blessing on my life.
Jane, Gulfport – “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NASB)
Thank you, Beth! In the midst of a really hectic and stressful year, I have been reminded of the importance of staying in God’s Word and committing it to memory. What a blessing it has been!
Lisa Auten; Rogers, AR: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Romans 12:17 NIV
Tanya, Valley Center, KS
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6, Amplified
Annabel, Valley Center, KS
Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Matthew 5:10, NIrV
I read through some of the comments and can relate to so many of them. I, too, think back on my first verse and how it has “shaped” my year. The Lord has been working on me being “under” my husband this year, adapting myself to him (instead of the other way around). I also chose to use the Amplified translation to memorize and it has been so rich, even though it has been a little harder to memorize!
I have been led to look at my words, my faith, my confidence in being a child of the King (no condemnation), and my love toward others. As this year wraps up, I have been getting the sense that the Lord has more to show me on what it means to really LOVE those around me…with agape love. I have taken to remind myself (and my children) that love does not take offense easily…but that’s another story.
Most of all, I have found it amazing how I have come across “just the right verse” each time. Then, as I look back, I can see how the Lord has “grown” me over those months as a result of memorizing each verse. I laughed with a friend telling her that I was noticing a 2 to 3 month “lag time” in seeing the difference each verse was making.
I could go on, as could probably all of you, but I’m just so thankful to have been a part of memorizing Scripture with you all and with my daughter (who recently turned 8). I can’t wait to celebrate in January!
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4, Amplified
Emily, Greensburg
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
I have really enjoyed doing these memory verses. I like looking for the perfect verse for every month. then memorizing it little by little every day. this scripture memorizing has been a lot of fun for me.
Margot, Round Rock, TX
“… The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils work.” 1 John 3:8 (NIV)
 Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I have needed to use my scripture verses more times than I can count to the benefit of hurting people! They are truth,comfort,hope,assurance,promise,strength,power,
EVERYTHING! All sufficient!
I didn’t think I could memorize, but to His glory, I’m about there. I confess the chapter and verse is the hard part. From the Believing God study, I can, with joy, exclaim that “God’s Word is alive and active in me!” Praise Him!
Heather, Greensburg
2 Corinthians 1:3 (HCSB) Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Sherie
Spring, TX
When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 NIV
Danna M., Atlanta, TX.- 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
Shari, Augusta, GA
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Romans 1:16 NASB
“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
I have never felt so close to the Lord this past year.
I praise the Lord for His Word!
Thank you Beth Merry Christmas!
Alyson- Longmont, CO
So do not fear, for I am with you.
Isaiah 41:10
Jennifer, Greensburg, La
Psalm 13:5 ESV
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
My girls and I discovered this Siesta team in Jan. and have loved choosing our verses (almost always different from each other) and memorizing together. They have encouraged me. I love the consistency of Scripture memory that this has helped me build. (I am still working on many of my verses.)
Shari, Augusta, GA
(I always post my verse first and THEN read the post! LOL!! Guess I should stop doing that!!!!)
Beth,
I cannot say how much SSMT has meant to me this year. I felt SO alone in my walk with the Lord and every time I have gone over my memory verses I am soooo encouraged in the Lord! I can quickly get my mind off any circumstance by going over my verses and focusing on Him! Thank you SO much for this challenge!! I do hope that you plan on doing it again!!
His,
Shari
ditto dear Sister in Christ, may you and yours be blessed this season of our Lord- Lots of love for all you do…..
Rosalee, Oklahoma City
Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 NIV
Thank you so much for the challenge this year! I feel like I’ve grown a lot spiritually and am sure the memorization had a lot to do with that growth. I’ve loved praying the Word in many situations I’ve faced and have been blessed to share it with family and friends in their difficulties.
Leslie, Tulsa, OK, Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 (ESV) Thank you Beth this has been so encouraging to me.
Heather Ferris
McDonough, GA
“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28 (NIV 84)
Thank you Beth and all at LPM!! I have walked through this amazing, tough, fruitful and blessed year of Siesta Scripture Memory with my very best friend and accountability partner Melissa. What a wonderful thing–seeing and seeking the Lord in all things with someone who loves and prays for me daily!! See you in Houston!! Lots of love and prayers!!
*Heather*
Bridget Phoenix, AZ Ephesians 6:23-24 ESV
23 Peace be to the brothers (Siestas), and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Dearest Beth and Living Proof and Siestas – what a fantastic journey! I had been memorizing using the Navigators system during 2007, but at the beginning of 2008 hit a wall after finishing their enclosed verses. Then for the summer 2008 I signed up for a Beth Moore study over the summer, and checked out the blog to prepare since I didn’t know Beth then – what a journey of faith and joy that kicked off to join the SSMT that year! Quick version – I used the study through Galations that summer to memorize verses connected to fruits of the spirit; visited First Baptist when traveling for a client and saw Beth in person (taping for Revelation 13); met a whole bunch of Siestas at the first gathering… that year the Scripture was my very breath through some tough times. And I’ve stuck with it ever since.
This year, my pastor challenged me to memorize a whole book – so through God’s grace He gave me the time to work through Ephesians from Sept 2010 to 12/31/11!! Whoohoooo! I give Him all the glory, since I can’t often remember events or my past and even places I was recently, but He has planted the Word in my heart.! My family is always teasing me about having a poor memory, so I tell you all this to give it up to God Almighty who has blessed me this way.
The verses at the end of Ephesians 6 wrap up the year so perfectly.
Blessings to all of you this Christmas season!
Love in Christ
Bridget in Phoenix
Leah, LittleFalls/Merrifield
For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV
This seems the only way to end the year.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
This journey of scripture has been so very important to me this year and so incredibly rewarding as it drew me closer to the Lord. Amazing how my scripture choices reflected what was going on in my busy year as a mom to triplets. God is so good! Today on the day of our last scripture, my prayer of 9 months was faithfully answered!!! My 23 mo. old son who had a negative reaction to vaccines at 12 months and lost most motor skills, walked all by himself TODAY – all the way across the room! These scriptures and the Lord’s presence all year have carried me through this journey. I have smiled and wept many times today at how AMAZING THE LORD IS!!!!!!
Thank you Beth for your amazing ministry and for encouraging us throughout the year!!! Looking forward to it next year!
Marie, Albuquerque, NM But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ [fn] the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Karyn, Elberfeld, IN – Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31 (NASB)
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 9:6. NIV
Lorraine, Tyler, TX
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22
Vicky, Enders
“He has shown you, O mortal, 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.” Micah 6:8(NIV)
Jana Sund, Kalispell MT
Proverbs 18:16 NIV “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great”
Psalm 119:105
Your WORD is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.
Phyllis, Irvine “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
Walton, IN
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov. 16:9 (NIV)
Carol Cashion,OK “For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:47 NASBU
Is 9:6: NKJV And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Kathi
Lexington, OH
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land. ( II Chron. 7:14 NIV)
The accountability of this blog community made all the difference. Like other Siesta’s, I’ve known I needed to memorize scripture but never managed to stick with it until this year. Thanks to Beth and all of you for the encouragement and accountability!!! You’re the best!
Nicole///Dallas///proverbs 29:11 niv “Fools give full vent to their Rage, but the wise Bring calm in the end.”
Michele – Lubbock
Judges 5:31
“Lord, may all of your enemies be destroyed. But may those who love you be like the morning sun. May they be like the sun when it shines the brightest.” NIrV
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37, NIV (updated version)
Romans12:16 NIV
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people who are in low position. Do not be conceited.
Tara N., Stevensville MD
Proverbs 21:19 NLT “You can make many plans,
but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
Oh how my life has been built upon this scripture and this last year has taught me to lean on God’s guidance not mine. I have become a better mother, more faithful and loving wife and I have not succumbed to my own sin and self-destruction. Thank you Abba Father for your great mercy upon this sinner who desperately needed your words this year.
Carole, Imperial, CA: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:26-27 NIV
Such an amazing year! God has used you, Beth, and each of you, Siestas, to lift my head and help me press on in joy, memorizing and embracing the Word while my son was deployed in Afghanistan. The scriptures in my spiral have become a part of my walk with God and He has been so faithful. I will not be able to join everyone in Texas, but I will celebrate the power of this amazing scripture journey with my sweet daughter when she and her husband head this way from Dallas. On Christmas Eve, I will speak my verses to her as a final act of accountability. Our time will no doubt end with praise and rejoicing because we are ALL so very blessed to be loved by our risen Savior. Merry Christmas, Siestas!