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.
Nita, Corinth, TX
Isaiah 9:6
New King James Version (NKJV)
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.
Cassie; Fulshear, TX:
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!” Psalm 31:24 (Amplified)
Shirleen, Greenville,SC…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NASB)
Cynthia, Massanutten, VA
“But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:24-25 NIV
Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Psalm 105:1 NKJV
Ringgold GA/ Round Rock TX
1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Chris Jesus.
Can hardly wait for January.
Deanna, Frisco – Dec 15 – 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
This verse is fitting for me as this year of scripture memory comes to an end, although, I have decided to continue this very impactful practice. Not only has He begun to transform my thought process but is doing things in me that I’ve not even asked Him but am elated that He saw fit to do. He HAS given us everything we need for life and godliness. I’m so grateful that I had this community of believers who have held me accountable this year to implement this life changing practice into my daily walk. I’m grateful to you, Beth, that you have allowed Him to so fill your spaces with Grace that you could not keep it to yourself. You will probably never know how He has used your testimony and ministry in my life. I am blessed beyond measure.
James 1: 2-4 Condisder it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith developes perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
This has been an amazing journey. I have never memorized so much scripture. For someone beyond 50, I didn’t think it was possible. I have loved that we could chose any verse instead of being told one to memorized. It brough such freedom and joy. These verses have been on my mind and heart and have helped me through many a difficulty this year. I have prayed them back to the Lord and over my family. I am so greatful to have been a part of this and will continue in my memorizing. I look forward to the event in January, can’t wait to be there with all my sista’s. Thank you for encouraging us to do this. Thank you heavenly Father for the ability to do so.
Cheri, Savage, MN Phillipians 2:9-11 NIV
As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow-in heaven and on earth and under the earth- and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
I started memorizing scripture in 2009 with, as you Texans would say, all y’all. At the time my husbands business had taken a financial hit and it was struggling. I memorized verses that year about honoring my husband, trusting in God, God’s power and care for me. It was such a blessing. People in our lives, including our church family, commented on the calm and peace we had through it all. I KNOW that for me it was the scripture memory.
I continued on my own in 2010 and now in 2011 with my Siestas again. This year God has been calling me to contentment. Many of the verses I have hidden in my heart reference that. He is so good. I love Him so.
I am coming to Houston in just a little over a month! The friend that was going with me cannot attend. By divine appointment God connected me with a college friend (It’s been over 30 years!!!) on the SSMT event page on Facebook! So we are meeting up and sharing a hotel. He is amazing. I will see many of you soon!
Christy, Summit, MS; “However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him-” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Rene, Abilene “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Jerri, Cookeville, TN
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Naomi – Colorado Springs
This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17
Así dice el Señor, tu Redentor, el Santo de Israel: «Yo soy el Señor tu Dios, que te enseña lo que te conviene, que te guía por el camino en que debes andar. Isaias 48:17
Thank you for encouraging me to have this goal this year. It has been life changing to me. Around November of last year I opened a blog for hispanic women. A ministry that God had called me to but insecurities were a big issue for me. In this blog I intended to share what the Lord was doing in me through your ministry, and through other godly people. Little did I know that this journey would cause me to know God like I’ve never known Him before! I have been a christian for quite a long time. I have been a pastor’s wife, a leader in the church, and very involved in ministry. Yet the journey I’ve been on with God this year is more than I could ever have imagined. It has been an accelerated “Know Me” in your heart education. I can say that what Isaiah 50:4-5 says is true in my life. He literally wakes me up every morning to study His word and I am amazed of what He is teaching me. I get to experience what He has been teaching me. Praise be to our God! It has been a constant encounter with Him daily that I would not change for anything. My blog has had a tremendous impact and people from all over the world are coming to it. I praise the Lord for your obedience to Him because you were used by God in my life to open the way for hispanic women to also benefit from God’s Word. I am waiting in His awsome power to continue to work in my life and lead the way. So I have chosen Isaiah 48:17 to conclude this year because this is the journey I am on with God. Serving Him Together, Naomi
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”. Philippians 4:7
NASB
Jayne- Frisco, TX
Donna, Albuquerque, Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Lora, Florissant,CO: “Cast your bread upon the waters for after many days you will find it again.” Ecc 11:9,NIV.
Thanks, Beth, for the inspiration to take the scriptures from the page and place them in my mind. It has been so comforting and encouraging to have these verses at my recall throughout the day, wherever I may be, and whatever I may be going through. Even if someone just knows a few scriptures and fills their mind with those, it keeps out the prodding of the evil one.
Thanks again, Beth, for all you do!
Julie Hodges San Angelo Tx
Psalm 73:26
New Life Version (NLV)
26 My body and my heart may grow weak,
but God is the strength of my heart
and all I need forever.
AmyLu, Evansville
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
– Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Diane, Cary NC and Naperville IL
FINISHING with Hebrews 4:9-10
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God,
for the one who has entered His rest,
has himself also rested from his works,
as God did from His.
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and work with your hands.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11, NIV
Wow ladies, what a year and journey this has been! God has done some amazing things in this Siesta’s life and to say I’m just simply blown away by His goodness is an understatement. I absolutely cannot wait to hear those wheels touch down in Houston next month and celebrate with each one of you! I love this community to pieces.
Mama Beth – thank you for serving God and serving us so passionately. We love you more than you know! *hug*
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” 2 Peter 1:2-3 (NASB)
It’s been a completely mad year for me ‘spiritually’ speaking – but also one of the best years ‘spiritually’ too. Various people/conversations/books have broken the chains off me – chains I didn’t want, but couldn’t figure out how to break free from, or even know if I should break free of them – but now I’m out of that wretched ‘legalistic’ prison, I’m never going back! 😀
Doing the verses this year has been so helpful to me as I renew my mind about what God says and live from that.
Thank you for providing this place of encouragement – it always points me to Jesus.
Susan,
England, U.K.
Sarah Birmingham, Lambertville, MI
This hope will not lead to disappointment.For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5 NLT
I have learned this year that these verses are my ” spiritual markers”. While doing the ” Experiencing God ” study by Henry Blackby I was suspicious of myself . What are my markers? All of these verses and bible study work books are my markers:) It is an awesome honor to study God through his word. This was my third year committing to this challenge and it is such a blessing to do. Thank you for helping me to realize that I ” should” be doing this. Merry Christmas 🙂
Susan Canton MI “I will continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemies net.” Psalm 25:15 The NET bible
I have always wanted to memeorize scripture but wasn’t able to be consistent. I am so thankful for this group, it was exactly what I needed to be consistent through out the entire year. Thank you Beth for leading me in this process. God has worked good in my life through the scriptures he has layed on my heart. He is so good and faithful!
Edna
O’Fallon, MO
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”
Psalm 125:2
ESV
Julie, Chesterland, OH
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker!”
Psalm 95:6(ESV)
As I write we are at the Cleveland Clinic. My daughter Hannah who has taken the challenge of memorizing God’s word with her mama was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July and is awaiting surgery this Wednesday. Recovery will be six days in the hospital and an estimated six week recovery. This committment of storing up hold God’s word in my heart has not only been like a journal, remembering where we were for each verse that I was memorizing at the time as well a lifeline to cling to. We have done a small paper route and been putting money aside for our celebration for this past year. Plane tickets have been purchased & reservations have been made and Lord willing we will be there with you all to celebrate in God’s amazing goodness! How grateful I am that God has equipped me to be able to retain His Word and the blessings of it have been beyond words. Lord willing, we will see you all soon! Blessings
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.
I’m so sad this is over! I am going to continue with scripture memory (my sister and I holding each other accountability) in 2012 but perhaps only 1 per month 🙂
I so wish I could be there in Jan but I have to travel to LA instead because my best girlfriend is scheduled to give birth to her first baby, a little girl!
Thanks Beth for this awesome experience.
Barb, Kentwood MI:
The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness” Jer 31:3 NIV (84)
Fresno, CA
“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” Colossians 1:23 NIV
Julie dk in Casper, WY
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:4 NIV
Lorie, Columbia sc
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
Joy, Pella, IA. “Fear not, for I have called you by name; You are mine.” Is. 43:1b
This has been a year for me. I had a dear friend pass away in March. It was the third death in the past twenty months of someone important to me. My husband lost his job in November after working for a company for 21 years. My foundation has been pretty well shaken. If I had not had the pursuit here to choose a verse and be reminded of it whether I carried it in my pocket, purse or car, I think I would have given up in many ways. So, when I re-read my verse from last time in my Bible, I saw this verse at the beginning. As I heard this song yesterday on the radio saying, “Tell me once again who I am to you. I belong to you. Lest I forget, who I am to You” (sorry–I don’t know all the words or who sings it!), I knew what my last verse would be. I know who He is that knows my name and who I am. Thank you for providing a place to feel connected to others who are pursuing God. Blessings on you as you celebrate in January.
Dana, Houston, Tx
“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18
From Temecula, CA
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. EAch of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in it’s various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:8-10 (NIV)
This year has been interesting. I can’t lie, I haven’t memorized all of my scriptures. I have posted 23 times (missed one the week we moved) and always wrote one in my spiral but often would forget about it throughout the week or get caught up in something else (like my homework for the study of David or something far less spiritual like life or business). In fact I have been following this site for a long time and taken multiple of Beth’s studies and have scriptures cards all over that I don’t seem to remember or read. I have a bunch on a ring that I carry in my purse, but sadly don’t take out that often. I am a girl who likes to plan things and organize and get things set up, but struggles to actually follow through with those plans and make first things first. So, as this year turns to the next, I am dedicated to putting plans into action. I am dedicated to actually makes these words put of my heart. To memorize these scriptures and take time to make my priorities straight. THank you for your wisdom and encouragement, hopefully I will have more time to enjoy and learn from it.
Lindsey ~ thank you for your honesty. We are all there! It is a DAILY struggle to make it a priority. God is faithful and it is HIS desire as well for His word to be in your heart…so don’t give up..He will equip you!
Selena- Albany, GA
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Luke 1:37, HCSB
Robyn, San Antonio
“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 people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:8-14 King James
Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast the God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower drops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
James 1:9-11 NLT
Gail, McDonough, Ga
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born.
Luke 2:11 (NIV)
I am so thankful to the Lord for his word and this community of women. It has been such a blessing to me. I hope to continue memorizing in 2012. I wish I could come to the celebration, I know it will be wonderful! I love you Beth, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Emmy Rome, GA
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27
Pat; Kansas
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of My hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:13 (NLT).
Lisa, Granville, Ohio 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
Barbara, North Olmsted
‘I love You, O LORD, my strength.’
Ps 18:1 NASB
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Cor.9:15 NIV
I would so love to be there, but cannot make it. I have struggled with memorizing this year, but I am going to get them all. I bookmarked them all on my Bible App on my phone. Everywhere I go, I have my verses – I love it!
HIS JOY to you all!
Marian
Blackshear, GA
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever–do not abandon the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:8 NIV
Sandy
Cedar Rapids,Iowa
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”
The best part of this year’s memorization has been the 13 friends that joined me in the challenge and that all were encouraged whether or not they “finished”. For one especially this was a new experience and to see and hear her enthusiasm is beyond gratifying. Thank you Siestas for the encouragement and accountability. Lord willing, I plan to be in Houston in January with my two daughters!
God’s richest blessings to you all!
Sara Springfield Mo
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Melissa Vevay, IN For the vision is for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it;for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
Just want to thank you Beth for being an accountabilty partner (sort of) for this challenge. I realize the importance of memorizing and have done some but not on a purposefull plan. It is amzing how many times God will bring somehting I have learned to my mind. My friend and I started together at the begining of the year and our prize has been if we make it we are flying to Texas for the event. And YEAH we will be there!! Can’t wait!!!!! Thank you.
Dixie in Trophy Club says:
So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
Romans 14:19
New American Standard
Karen, Dover, NH “In his heart a man plans his course but the LORD determines his steps.” Prov. 16:9 (NIV)
These verses have been a diary of sorts for me through the year. As I go back and look through them all, I can see how far I’ve come with God this year. It has been such a blessing and I’m grateful that I stuck with it every month. I will continue to work on memorizing these verses over the next year. I won’t be able to make it to the celebration in January, but I hope you all have a wonderful time!
ginger, Trussville: “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 (NAS)
I have completed every verse on time until this – the last one. But I wanted to add it even if it is a little late. This challenge turned into a sustaining project for me. I did not know last Dec. when I committed to this memory work that January 2012 was going to begin the most difficult year of my life. (There is no hurt like watching darkness oppress your child.) The Holy Scripture has walked me through each step. I do not know whether 2013 will see things change, but I do know that God is faithful and true, full of lovingkindness and compassion, and able to do all He says He will do.
I guess I am looking too much to the future, that should have read “January 2011/ and ahead to 2012” Oh well “a thousand years is as a day”
Peggy, Tucson, “But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 ESV
I am on the women’s ministry team of our church and our women’s ministry leader challenged us as a team to participate in the “siesta”hood this year. As first I was a little perturbed thinking “are you kidding – memorize 2 verses every month for 12 months”. I have to tell you this has been such a blessed experience. I plan on participating again next year. Love to all the siestas!