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.
Kristen, Denver: “Those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light. And it shines upon everyone who lives in the land of darkest shadows.” Isaiah 9:2, CEV
Beth – if not for memorizing the Scriptures I did this year, I’m not sure I would have made it. This year has been hard but His outrageous goodness has made it doable.
My first verse of the year was from Psalm 27 – “I would have despaired unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living…”
and I HAVE. I have.
Siestas,
I have admired you from afar this year, followed your blog, but didn’t think I could memorize scripture. Deep in my spirit I know that the Lord desires for me to hide his word in my heart so I am prepared for battle & ministry & resisting the enemy’s traps & attacks!
I am happy to say that because of the testimonies I have read here tonight about how this has impacted your year I am ready to start 2012 in Siestaville!
Your newest Siesta,
Shannon
Emily, Topeka, Kansas
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
The scriptures I have memorized this year have marked my life beyond what I can describe in words. Every time I go through them in my mind or say them aloud, I’m reminded of where I have been this past year and how God is working a change in me from the inside out. I can truly say that I am not who I was when I started in January.
Praise be to God! He never leaves us where He finds us, and He is faithful to finish the good work that He starts in us.
Linda, Longview: “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
Brandie, Longmont CO:
“Cease from nger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.” Ps 37:8, NASB
Dear Beth, and each of you precious ladies: I wish that I could come to the gathering to share together what God is doing in and through us! This is the first time that I have followed through with scripture memory for a long stretch of time. It has been life to me. This year has been painful and difficult as my marriage has died a slow death (far too much to share here) but I could (and do!) go on and on about all that God has done and shown me.
The one thing that has been most tender and meaningful to my heart is to learn and experience just HOW He gives me the verses. Some came as a sort of “theme” over several days (you know: you hear a song, your daily verse, the sermon on Sunday all say the same thing). Some came in an instant. Some came early (as was the case with my current verse). Some seemed not to come at all; rather, I felt Him say “just go ahead and continue with this last one for now. you don’t *have* to have all 22! you need to hang out on that one a while longer and hear from Me…” Whatever the method, I quickly began to look forward to how and what He would show me next! This has been a wonderful way to follow His leading and practice obedience.
Ok, I know that was already 2 paragraphs, but I need to implore (again) that WE CONTINUE FOR 2012. Please?!?! Love to you 😉
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers; you have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Daniel 2:23 NIV
Carolyn
Oceanside, Ca
Natalie Christopher Olympia, WA
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Luke 1:45
I am so grateful for this opportunity to press forward in my relationship with the Lord. Memorizing these scriptures has helped me tremendously while going through big life changes of graduating high school and moving 2,000 miles away to college in Texas. I love that there are so many sweet truths that have been planted in my heart! It has been a joy to memorize God’s Word and know that it is with and in me where ever I go.
Lisa Christopher Olympia, WA
The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Betty, Wendell, NC
1 Thessalonians 5:21-24 NIV 1984
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-24
Beth, this has again been such a blessing for me this year. I was on the 2009 team and attended the celebration alone. This time I have 3 friends who will be with me! And my church will begin our own Scripture Memory Team in February. Very exciting and we are going to be greatly blessed. Thanks for leading the way.
Darl, Bakersfield, CA “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippeans 4:9 NIV
Kathy in Dayton, Nevada
“…from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” ~Psalm 33:14,15 [NIV]
Thank you dear Beth for encouraging us to memorize scripture. Now when that anxious obsessive voice wakes me to worry in the dark night, I recite Romans 12, the 23rd Psalm, Zephaniah 3:17, and Psalm 33. As I wait for news – good or bad — I chew on His word instead of my nails. When I look at the countless blessings He has bestowed on me, I praise Him with His own words. I pray that you invite us to join you on another Siestas’ journey next year as I have convinced a daughter-in-love and 2 friends to join us in 2012. Thank you and may He shower blessings upon the Siestas gathering in January.
jackie from platte city, MO Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
after this tough tough year of memorizations…at which time i did fine and other times i’ve had to catch up, i know that God has been fighting for me and my family against the evil one. i am encouraged! and for a while i know i will treasure up all these things that God has shown me and ponder them in my heart. God is SO good, even in the midst of heartache beyoong beief. he is there with his arms outstretched, saying,;come to me child. i am so blessed i am
Rhonda
Gilmer
Matthew 1:21
(NKJV)
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.
AMP Psalm 126:5
They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.
*thanks to Colette in Mesa, AZ for sharing that verse-it is a perfect way to end this year. It has been a very tear filled year with much stretching, learning and pruning in my/our life, and spoken promises yet to be filled. The Lord has given me several verses that were just perfect for the timing of my circumstances and through it all He has upheld and kept me moving forward. Thanks for this wonderful accountability with the Scripture Memory Team program! YOU ROCK Beth and your team too!
Christy H. Sherman, TX;
“the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:8 NIV
Lisa, Little Elm, TX:
But He was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
and by His wounds WE ARE HEALED!
It’s been a blessing, comfort, and joy to memorize scripture with all of you dear Siestas this year. Hope to see you in Houston!
Oops! In my excitement about next month’s celebration, I forgot my reference:
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Stacey- new Orleans –
Luke 1:37niv
Nothing is impossible with God.
Madeleine,Corrales: Praise the Lord,o my soul and forget not all his benifits,who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from thepit and crowns you with love and compassion. Ps. 103-3-4 NIV
Madeleine Corrales This year of being accoutable for memorizing has been such an encouragement and blessing to me in my walk with the Lord. I have tried for 36 years to memorize and learn the addresses of verses and have never been able to until this year. Thank you so much Beth for this opportunity, I wish I could be in Houston but I have a work commitment that weekend but my daughters will be there and I will be there in spirit and prayer for everyone.
Pat, Littlefield, Tx……”If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:5-6 NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13 (NIV)
I praise God for your gift Beth Moore! (2 years ago I spent 10 hours on the weekends driving from old home + work to new home + husband, you kept me company! Hallelujah for you + cd players, “11 studies” 7 I had completed at my church in the past). I have enjoyed this year of memorizing. I know we’re to hide God’s word in our hearts but I have never structurely done that and this was manageable and so rewarding! Thank you, Siesta Sister for the opportunity to participate! LB
Jeanne
Honolulu,HI
Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
I must say as I started on this journey I had no idea where God was going to take me since I really did not have a plan. All I knew was I wanted to do this. It has been quite a year as every few weeks God would place a verse in my path over and over again and I would know this was the verse I should work on. As I look back over the year, I discovered that every verse in some way or another focused on peace…whether it be giving, living, receiving or acknowledging. I was unaware that I was struggling with the concept of peace until this past year. Thanks, everyone for holding me accountable so I could finish this journey. As I started the year, the verse God chose for me was from Isaiah 43:18-19 about forgetting the past for he has started a new thing. I now realize that if we are constantly looking backward we cant see where we are going forward. Thank you GOD for helping me come to peace with my past…not that it doesn’t hurt some still but I am no longer letting it keep me from God’s perfect peace. Sad I won’t be there in January but HAWAII is a little too far!;)
Just know that this siesta loves each of you!
Stacy, Indianapolis ESV 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. II Timothy 2:15
Susan, Jonesboro, Arkansas
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 HCSB
This has been a wonderful part of my life this year. Thank you Houston people and beyond.
Kim, anchorage, alaska. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
Kim, Richmond, Tx, “By them is your servant warned: in keeping them there is great reward.” (NIV) Ps 19:11
Brittney, Olympia
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 13:1 NLT
I have learned and received Hope. Something I never had as well as didn’t think I ever would. So excited for January! Xo
Mary, Pierre SD
Matthew 21:22
New International Version (NIV)
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
This was my verse that I chose to finish with and I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to be with a wonderful group of siesta’s. Blessings to everyone for a Merry Christmas!!
April, Greensboro, NC “For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.” Psalm 117:2 NIV
Kathy, Cochran, GA
“The Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NCV)
Dear Beth,
This was my 1st (and certainly NOT my last!!!) journey being a part of SSMT. I’ve accomplished something new this year…I memorized 24 Bible verses!!! My best friend, Kelli Swisher, introduced me to this, and I’m so very grateful. Sadly, I won’t be (physically) there, in January, to celebrate. God bless you, Beth!
Susan – Maynard, MA
Psalm 106:1 – ESV
Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.
Angie, Toronto
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~Matt.6:34
Thanks for challenging me to hide God’s word in my heart. I know without the accountability of the siesta mama, I would not have been able to do this. I am struggling with such a stronghold of fear right now and keep clinging to the Word…but it is so tough! Started a new job and each day I feel terrified as I go to work…so afraid I will fail. I know God does not want me to live like this and I am determined to be free. Sometimes it does feel like I am drowning in fear and worry, though 🙁
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Words really fall short. Memorizing scripture like this all year has enveloped me in Him and sustained me and enlightened my path, Allelujah! Thank you for this opportunity! God initiated it and has brought it to fruition. This is a habit I am resolved to maintain… with God’s help.
Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” NIV
I have loved memorizing God’s word with all of you this year! I used to be in Bible quiz as a junior higher and memorized all of Matthew and parts of Isaiah and I’m convinced His word hidden within, saved me from myself as a teenager when my family moved several times. I’m also convinced his word saved me from panic and fear several years ago when I was in bondage. Now it saves me still; from myself mostly and old thought patterns that continue to war with truth.
It’s been a growing year with lots of ups and downs, but walking in His word guides me and gives me hope. I have often used Beth’s saying, “Lord, I need a word today!” when I pray and I can’t tell you how many times He gave me one for just that day. Thanks for walking in truth and faith, Beth. Your walk has strengthened mine! Although I’m not joining you all in TX this year, I’m hoping to someday cause I’ll keep memorizing with you all this next year!!!
Merry Christmas to all! I have been blessed by so many of you! Your honesty through your struggles and your continued faithfulness to God has been a huge blessing this year. I’ll get to meet you all in heaven someday!! (I’ll be the one with the perfect body and eating a plateful of delights!)
Denise – Meredith NH “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (AMP)
Beth – this is my first year of memory verses and the start of a renewed hunger for God’s Word. This last word has me end up where one of my siestas started. There were many patterns that emerged also as others commented on, such as “joy”, “waiting”, “path”. I’m just blessed by His Voice through His Word. We’re planning a mini northern reunion since we will not be able to join y’all in Houston. Love, love.
Psalm 119:114, 120
You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for you to renew me. I shiver in awe before you; your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
Stacy b.
Detroit, mi
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30 NIV84)
Let the beloved of the LORD [me!] rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.”
~Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Lyn Steriti
Littleton NH
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whome He is pleased.
Luke 2:14 NASB
Thank you for letting us share….This is my second time around doing this and it has changed my life…I am not the same person who started doing this two years ago….I give Him all the Honor, Glory and Praise….His Word is alive and active! Can’t wait for the conference! Bringing a friend with me this time….
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6,7 NIV, Atlanta
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
Ephesians 4:20,21 NIV
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
I never realized how the Lord was going to go “beyond, beyond” like Priscilla says in Deeper Still, this time around doing the scripture memorization. He blessed me last time in ways it is still hard for me to understand. Last time he helped me lose over 60lbs, just by revealing to me how uniquely created I was and loved! He then went beyond that and blessed me and my husband with getting pregnant with a biological child after 8 years of marriage and infertility! So when my bestie and I signed up again this year, we were ready for whatever God had in store. Unfortunately that meant a move that took her and her precious family 3 hours away for a ministry that God had opened the door for them to be used. What a very hard time! But shortly after that God went “beyond, beyond” again and I found out that I am pregnant with miracle morsel #2 after 9 years of marriage and what we thought was infertility! But we are truly seeing, it was all a part of God’s perfect plan. His word is alive, transforming, and all powerful! Can’t wait to bring baby #2 to the SSMC!!!!
Lots of Love and Merry Christmas Living Proof Ministries.
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
Ephesians 4:20,21 NIV
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
I never realized how the Lord was going to go “beyond, beyond” like Priscilla says in Deeper Still, this time around doing the scripture memorization. He blessed me last time in ways it is still hard for me to understand. Last time he helped me lose over 60lbs, just by revealing to me how uniquely created I was and loved! He then went beyond that and blessed me and my husband with getting pregnant with a biological child after 8 years of marriage and infertility! So when my bestie and I signed up again this year, we were ready for whatever God had in store. Unfortunately that meant a move that took her and her precious family 3 hours away for a ministry that God had opened the door for them to be used. What a very hard time! But shortly after that God went “beyond, beyond” again and I found out that I am pregnant with miracle morsel #2 after 9 years of marriage and what we thought was infertility! But we are truly seeing, it was all a part of God’s perfect plan. His word is alive, transforming, and all powerful! Can’t wait to bring baby #2(in my womb)to the SSMC!!!!
Lots of Love and Merry Christmas Living Proof Ministries.
Marily, Amarillo, TX ” My ears have heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” Job 42:5 NIV
Memorizing and meditating these verses has been the BEST thing I have ever done! Looking forward to 2012 🙂
Jenifer B.
Frisco, TX
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7
As I type those words, the Lord is about to call the 6 year old grandson of a dear friend home after a year long battle with leukemia. Liam’s race has been extraordinary! In that year he called so many back to the Lord through prayer, raised money to build two clean water wells in Kenya and continued to memorize Scripture daily! One of the last things he memorized was “blessed are the peacemakers”.
This discipline has meant so much to me, but I want to be like Liam. I want these words to make it to my heart and to my hands and feet. I don’t want them to just stay in my head where I can recite them, I want to “do” them.
God bless you Beth for helping us with this first step!! Now it’s up to us!
As you would say, “let’s do the thang!”
Love you!
Bridget, Portland, TX
“He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 1 Peter 1:15 NKJV
Diana, North Attleboro, MA
Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 HCSB
Beckie, Florence, SC
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Take delight in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
At the beginning of the year I invited my two sisters and my two best friends to commit with me to memorizing scripture with all of you. They agreed. I was the only one to log on to this blog each time, but we emailed each other and kept each other going. Along the way we added my niece and my sister-in-law. So my little group turned into seven. So every time I put my memory verse on here, there were six more women putting memory verses down, too.
Like everyone else, this has been an amazing year. The words have changed my thought life, my prayer life, my speech, just every part of my life.
Yesterday I was out marketing and had some long drives between offices. I decided to review my verses starting at the back of my little spiral. It amazed me how I could connect every verse. Of course since I was by myself I was not just reviewing silently in my head, but I was talking out loud with God.
One of our threads of conversation went like this, So Lord, in Psalm 34:5 I learned that those who look to You are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame. And they are radiant because as they look to you, From Heaven You, the LORD, are looking down and seeing all mankind. (Psalm 33:13) As I look to You, Your radiance is reflected. And I am not ashamed because I know who I have believed and I am persuaded that You are able to keep what I have entrusted to You until that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
I could go on and on. Thank you, Beth, for all the encouragement all year long.
Evanston, IL
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:12 (NIV-1984)
Katherine, Lilburn, GA
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Matthew 26:41 NIV
I am grateful for the challenge to memorize scripture. This year was harder than two years ago but I love looking through the journey to see where we’ve come. I started the year with a scripture that stays be on the alert and I will end that way too. Thank you Jesus, Your love is amazing and I am overwhelmed by your goodness.
Allison ~ Huntsville ~ 1 Chronicles 28:9-10(NIV) “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”
But I would like to note that as I memeorize I change this one a bit and it reads more like this…..
“And you, my daughter Allison, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to (insert whatever I feel He is calling me to do in my life right now). Be strong and do the work!” Amen!
I am so thankful God called me to hide more of His word in my heart this year. There were many many many days/nights spent in the hospital for my young family during this year (one daugher had tonsils out, new-born niece got meningitis and died at 4 months old, husband had brain surgery, and personally had to have major surgery for broken pelvis) and having God’s word written on my heart made the recall and saying of the comforting verses right there!
You girls I wonderful!
(www.gettysburgmoldenhauers.blogspot.com)
Cheryl, Leesburg, IN
Joshua 22:5
But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” (NIV1984)