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.
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
Phil 4:11b (NASB)
For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
God’s message to me this year was “YOU…ARE…FREE!!!” I had memorized Gal 5:1 earlier this year and EVERY TIME, and I do mean EVERY TIME, I speak it or say it to myself in my head…it comes out like God is yelling at me: DO…NOT…SUBMIT…AGAIN TO A YOKE OF SLAVERY. When I realized this, I started looking at the other verses I memorized….they were about freedom, too. God wants me to know I’m free…from other’s expectations that I can never seem to meet, my own, so many things….since I have my whole life been “imprisoned by the rules I lived by”…..Amazing. He amazes me…..constantly. 😀
My dear sister Karen, you took the words right off my keyboard! Gal 5:1 was also one of my memory verses…last week actually…my joy in my freedom was just doubled because of yours! He is truly amazing…always:)
Trish L. West Linn,Oregon
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,kindness, goodness,faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22 (NIV)
“And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” Luke 1:47 NIV
Sabrina, Redding. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)
Katherine, Houston. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Kristin, Jacksonville, AL
Psalm 119:11(NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Jill H. – Aurora, IL – ) Matthew 6:25-27 – 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 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? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? NIV
This has been the greatest adventure for me! I have fibromyalgia and struggle daily with memory issues. What has been glorious to behold is how the Holy Spirit is my “blessed reminder” with all my verses. I may not remember what I did a moment ago, but I am remembering my scriptures!! Woohooo!!! God chose to use these specific scriptures to comfort me, encourage me, speak to my heart in trial and tribulation, to help me attack the lies of satan, to glorify my precious Savior and Lord, and to really internalize that His Word in my heart is ALIVE AND ACTIVE IN ME!!! It truly is alive and active! So, I am almost there and I celebrate with all of you!
I will not be able to attend the gathering with you all, but I will be there in spirit. I don’t know what I would have done without my accountability partner here and my accountability siestas twice a month. Thank you all!!
I believe these scriptures were used of God to save my marriage, renew my hope, and are a blessed reminder of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
I love you siesta mama. Someday I hope to meet up with you at one of the after conference encounters. If not, I meet up with you every session as we study the Word of God through your studies at our church. They have been a blessing to us, and I thank you for your ministry!
Terri from Mechanicsville, VA
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
The scripture memorizing has been such a blessing to me. Whenever I needed a verse God would help me recall one of the verses I worked on through out the year or a new one that I needed to memorize: always meeting my needs at the right time in the right way! Looking forward to learning more in 2012!
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
Heb 10:23 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.
Exod 14:14 NIV
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
While looking for a verse today I wanted one with the word “fight” because that is what I will being doing for my brother all next year as he was wrongfully conficted Tues night. He may face a long sentence. Sentencing will be in Feb. We are desperatedly looking for reasons for a mistrial or appeal. BUT I looked in my spiral and found I had already chosen Heb 10:23 for my last verse. I reread it and decided to stick with it since I am also holding tightly to any hope and know that HE is faithful.
I also included a verse with “fight” that one of the siestas had posted. It will be my first verse for 2012.
I am hoping to get with my scripture partner in Jan and celebrate our verses as neither of us will be able to make it to Texas. Can’t wait to read the blogs after the celebration.
Linda
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
II Corinthians 9:15 NIV
“Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out.” Romans 11:33 NIV
Oh, my! I can’t even express how having these verses in my Siesta Spiral and especially in my heart has helped me this year! Everytime I am having difficulty or need to get refocused on Him, I grab them and pray them to the Lord. I can’t wait to start my next group of verses and get some girlfriends to do this with me! Thank you so much, Beth, for encouraging us to hide His Word in our hearts!
Kristi Rogersville, TN
Isaiah 25:1 NIV
O LORD, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago.
I had no idea when I started memorizing these scriptures where I would be in life right now.
I quote my verses every day or my little mind will forget them.You wouldn’t believe how many times this months my verses I picked out so many months ago would actually bring me to tears. It is like they are the answer to my prayers. God is so good in how He works everything out.
These verses have kept me going some days. Thank you so much for doing this.
I absolutely cannot wait until Houston.
Deuteronomy 2:7 NIV
The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness.
Heather J.
Macclenny, Fl
Deuteronomy 32:4
(NLT)
He is the rock, His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“To them God has chosen to make known among the gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col 1:27 (NIV)
Burying scripture in my heart has given me stength in the tough times! What a glorious God we have that he comes to us at all times.
My son(daughter), pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them. Proverbs 4:20-22a NIV
Thank you dear Beth and Siesta sisters. As one who struggles with discipline, this SSMT has been an answer to prayer … to stay accountable in studying and memorizing God’s Word. Praising Him for His goodness in opening my heart to RECEIVE (my one-word prayer for this year)His truth through these 24 verses and the many you have all shared here. Even when I wasn’t successful in memorizing, I never felt like I had failed (self condemnation has been a huge area of stuggle in my life). The discipline of staying in His Word and studying and taking a few quiet moments with Jesus throughout the day has brought me a peace and joy I’ve never experienced before. Thank you Jesus! And thank you Siestas! Praising God!
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
(This verse goes along with a passage I learned in March…comes right after “holding unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful!”)
I saw that someone else (Sabrina) had the theme of HOPE for her verses. Me too! Because I am so prone to “worry,” HOPE is where I started as well. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started to stress about things (usually in the middle of the night about things I have no control over) then I’d get up, grab by spiral and go over my memory verses and just let God’s word seep in. I would realize, again (anew), “God, You are my hope; You are faithful and good; I can trust You” and hope, peace, and blessed sleep would come. Because I have witnessed and experienced how His word is “alive and active” this year, my verse “theme” had His WORD sprinkled among the HOPE verses.
This Christmas, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Word. John 1 tells that the Word was in the beginning, was with God, was God, nothing was made without Him (God spoke [words] and it was.) It goes on to tell us that the Word was made flesh to dwell among us and we beheld His glory. The Old Testement is full of history when “the word of the Lord came to” Abram, Samuel, Nathan, David, Solomon, etc… no wonder those prophets heard and listened so closely – The Word was talking to them!
It’s been amazing to see how many times God has re-emphasized His Word planted in my mind – through devotions, sermons, “random” stuff I’d see in a store or on facebook… I’m loving it and plan to make scripture memory a normal thing in my life. I need to – thank you all for helping me get started on this journey. You have been an encouragement to keep going.
Merry Christmas! (See you in January!)
Cheryl from Hattiesburg, MS
On December 21, 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As I come to my one year survivor anniversary, I cannot tell you how much this scripture memory has meant to me. Looking back at all the verses I was led to memorizing, I noticed a theme. Peace! And God was faithful with peace that surpasses all understanding. I have tried to do this scripture memory before and have stopped midway. I am so happy to have gone the whole way this time. The verses have become second breath to me. Thank you for allowing me to join you in this wonderful journey.
OK…..Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Cinday Dallas,TX
13 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 NIV
Julie Bottger, Alliance, Nebraska
Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”
I just went through my beautiful little flip-book thingy — what a joyful trip this has been. Each verse brings back a vivid memory of where life’s journey was taking me at that time. I am humbled and amazed to be loved by such an amazing Father, and to be sisters in Christ with all of you!! Have a blessed Christmas, all of you at LPM and across the web sisterhood!
Lynda, Monterey
“Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” ~Psalm 37:24 (NLT)
That sweet little spiral has become an invaluable tool! When do the new ones come out?!
I’ll be with everyone in spirit in January…God’s rich blessings on all of you. Hugs~
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS: “I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 NIV.
Praise the Lord for how memorizing these scriptures has helped me this year! In looking back over my selected verses, there is an obvious theme of God saying “DO NOT FEAR!” I’ve always struggled with fear, worry, and anxiety and I know God has really been working on me this year in breaking me free from that stronghold. There are many days I struggle with it, but now I can better recognize it, pull out my memory verses and go to battle for my thoughts! Thanks Siesta Mama! Love you!
Lewisville, TX
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Janet,Longmont,CO
…OK so this ‘chemo’brain forgot to log a verse yesterday…but what a comfort and joy His Words have been in the journey of 2011. Thanks for allowing me to be a ‘siesta’. The joint accountability for one of my daughters and I has been fun. With her wedding this summer we won’t make it to Houston but will be praising God for that opportunity for ‘ya all’.
“Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you.” John 16:22 NAS
Nancy Tucson, AZ
“The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” Isaiah 50:4 NIV
Kem, Memphis
Grace, mercy and peace, which comes from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the son of the Father, will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.
2 John 1:3 NLT
The words that I’ve learned this past year and the during the last SSMT have been life to me.
Elizabeth, Columbia, formerly Charlottesville
As the Father has loved me, jso have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9, ESV
It’s hard to believe what has happened in my life over the last year. It is thanks to all of these Scriptures that I drew closer to the Lord and His truths instead of pulling away. I applied for jobs I didn’t get, got one I love but had to move hundreds of miles from my best friends to take it. And from several states away, I had to watch one of my best friends undergo treatment for breast cancer. As the doubts and questions rose amid struggles this year, I clung tighter to my note cards and the truths of the Scriptures God has written on my heart.
I have chills. Thank you so much for sharing that with us dear sister.
Proverbs 3:3 New King James Version
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Ann from Indiana
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them. Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV
Merry Christmas to all of you. This year of memorization has been a balm to me. Thank you dear LORD for your Word!
Cynda
Newnan, GA
“But you must return to your God. Maintain love and justice, and always put your hope in God.”
Hosea 12:6 HCSB
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A SAVIOUR, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Tammy
Cincinnati, Ohio
It is such a blessing to know 2 times a month, I will commit to putting a scripture on this blog and focus on it throughtout my days. Beth, you and your whole ministry team are such a joy to be a part of and to walk through life with. God’s word is lifegiving and Beth you share the message of Christ better than anyone else I know for women. You are a gift to the world. Merry Christmas!!!
Linda D. Carolina Beach, NC
“I reveal myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.” Isaiah 65:1a
Watching my Mom lose her memory has been frightening to me and I started the year focusing on verses about the mind. I have been amazed at how much I have memorized. God directed me to verses about what I think about and how it’s affecting my actions. He wants me to stop worrying and keep in step with His Spirit. The final verse is one I will pray for my husband who is not saved. I have really enjoyed this challenge! God’s word is FLAWLESS!!!
Patty, Ada, OK
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
I Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Patty, Ada, OK
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.[a] 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
I Corinthians 2:13-14 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Tanya, Sheffield, AL: 46 And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. Luke 46-47,49 NKJV
My life has changed dramatically from the beginning of the year. I found out I was expecting my first child in June. My 49-year-old Mother passed away while on family vacation in Florida in August, one day before my 30th birthday. I found out at the end of August that I’m having a little girl, so I am naming her after my Mother. Throughout all the changes, this scripture memory has been a constant for me and more than that; God has been a constant. I am thankful He never changes in the midst of all the other changes of life. I can still hear my Mother sing, “My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord.”
Anna, Sullivan, MO
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8b NIV
Amen to that sister!!
Suzy, Wheelersburg,OH “This is love;not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I John 4:10 NIV
Thanks for the opportunity to learn scripture together. I had wanted to start learning verses at the beginning of the year and this just made it perfect. God bless you all in all you do for the Lord.
Sue, Newnan, GA
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
Margie Allen, TX
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1 KJV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NAS)
Linda, Bartelso, IL Galatians 2:20 (HCSB) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
It seem like my scripture was grace, faith and love. Thanks Beth for the way you lead, always with God.
“If you look for me whole heartedly, you will find me.” Jermiah 29:13
Knoxville, TN
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2, ESV)
Donna, Spring, TX: “When they saw the star they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)
Houston – “Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” – Isaiah 43:19 The Message
What a ride this year has been, and that’s an understatement! I’ve endured a divorce that I did not want and this scripture memory has quite literally saved my life. In times when the enemy was “roaring & pouncing” I was able to hold to God’s word and just repeat it out loud. It REALLY does make a difference to have scripture hidden in your heart, I’m living proof! Thank you Beth for being you!
Marsha, Knoxville, TN
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord, and the Lord delights in his way.
Psalm 37:23
It is has been a real joy to be a “siesta” this year. I started out planning to be in Houston in January, but that is not going to happen. I love all of you and those who do go, I pray for safe travel and a blessed time. Beth, you are such an inspiration and you have inspired me for many years! Someday, I pray that I will have the opportunity to meet you in person. Until then, may God go with you every step of every day and always pour His blessings out on you and your family. I pray the same for all my siestas!!!!
Myra, Bakersfield, CA
Hebrews 13:8 NIV “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”.
beth and sistas how do we register to get in at your program next month… please help,,, ouida baley
Carol ~ Webb City, MO
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
I treasure the sweet verses I’ve recorded in my notebook, my iPhone & here on this blog. I too have found that the verses seem to fit a time of need…either right at that moment or a time yet to come. My first verse (Isaiah 53:18-19…”Forget the former things….”)was a powerful one for me after the May tornado swept thru Joplin. It was a comfort & a reminder to look forward, to know that God makes a way no matter where or what. And it’s a verse I was able to share as an encouragement.
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8b NIV