2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 24!

[tminus t=”20-01-2012 19:00:00″ style=”carbonite”/] **Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**

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.Β  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.

 

 

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  1. 51
    Audrey says:

    Audrey, Ohio

    John 6:67-68 TNIV
    “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
    Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to BELIEVE and to KNOW that You are the Holy One of God.”
    {emphasis mine πŸ™‚ }

    Father, thank You for another year to grow in You…not just the same as every other year, but fresh and new. Thank you for planting Your Word in our hearts…thank You for a time to celebrate…thank You for coming to live among us so many years ago and giving us a reason to do this thing. You are so worth it~I love You.

    Thanks for the challenge~the first time around (2009) was a blast and I learned so much, then I kept with our Scripture memory on my own (with a few friends) for 2010, still with much enthusiasm. God knew I would have struggles of sticking with it this year, so He planted my feet here once again, and He has been faithful~here we are…at the end, facing a new beginning! Thank you for serving Him alongside us πŸ™‚
    love,
    Audrey
    PS See you in 5 weeks!

  2. 52
    Ruth Cherry says:

    Ruth Cherry, Royse City, Texas:

    Psalms 119:133

    Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin rule over me.”

  3. 53
    Lise Ode says:

    Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
    Luke 6:38
    NIV

  4. 54
    Cheryl, Austin says:

    Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
    I Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

    I am thankful to God for joining the SSMT 2 years ago. Focusing on and memorizing scripture has turned my world upside down. The living breathing powerful Word of God has built up a trust relationship with Jesus the One and Only. I have been set free to trust Him because I cannot be trusted to even know which circumstances in my life are good and which are bad. So in ALL circumstances, it’s so much easier to trust HIM! Thank God His thoughts are higher than mine.
    Free at last.
    Love you all.

  5. 55
    Gretchen Heilmann says:

    Gretchen, Gahanna, Ohio– Jesus looked her in the eye. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 (The Message)

    This has been an amazing journey, taken with my best friend in the whole world. Her love for Jesus is amaxing and has inspired me to grow closer to Him as we grew closer as friends. It means so much to me to have taken this journey with her and with Beth!! I am looking so forward to the Celebration with Sheryl and all the other Siestas. God has shown me over and over again how faithful He is!!

    • 55.1
      Sheryl says:

      Who would have ever thought all those years ago that you and I would be memorizing scripture together? God has been so good in giving us our friendship back – better than ever because He is the reason for our love for each other. See you soon. Love you!

  6. 56
    Tess says:

    Tess
    Cartersville, GA

    *Memorizing scripture means the world to me. I’m thankful to finally have a good routine of doing it! Accountability is huge…I hope we will continue it here in Siestaville! Nothing is more powerful and life sustaining than His Word! Love to all of you!

    Habakkuk 3:2 ESV

    For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
    it hastens to the endβ€”it will not lie.
    If it seems slow, wait for it;
    it will surely come; it will not delay.

  7. 57
    Tiffany says:

    Tiffany, Columbus, OH: “On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion: Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:16-17.

  8. 58
    Kay Whaley says:

    these 12 months of scripture have kept me going when the days got really tough. My husband passed way from a five year battle with cancer the end of July.

    • 58.1
      Lynn says:

      Kay, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer 8 years ago. God is so faithful to provide for me and show me His love in so many ways and I know He will do that for you as well.

      “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Num 6:24-26

  9. 59
    Siesta Susan says:

    Beth,
    I can’t tell you how many times I have used these verses over the last weeks and months. It has been a blessing for me to share them. God in his wisdom has brought them to life for me. I would never had this blessing if I had not made the commitment in January. Thank you for the motivation and the support. I will see you Jan. 2012 to celebrate!!!!

    Susan,Silverhill,AL: “Finally, brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

  10. 60
    Sue Springer says:

    Sue Groveport, OH
    1 John 4:15-16 NIV
    “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him.”

    I have to say that I can’t get over God’s Word! He breathes life into me through it, He arms me for warfare, reminds me of what’s true and what isn’t, steers me toward freedom and away from bondage, leads me out into a spacious place, sings over me, and infuses me with His Love. He has been so faithful to reinforce every scripture I put to memory this year, and to give me opportunities to share Him with others through each verse. Thank you, Beth, for following Him so faithfully and bringing us along with you through this amazing year of God-breathed blessing.

  11. 61

    Janet from St. Louis
    “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him, and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)

    This year I have watched the word of God literally transform lives. It certainly is “powerful and sharper than any 2-edged sword.” To God be the glory, great things He has done! Can hardly wait to see everyone in January!!

  12. 62
    Sandy says:

    Sandy, Houston – John 8:12 – NASB

    Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, β€œI am the Light of the world;he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

    I am forever grateful to a merciful God that I have that Light of life.

  13. 63
    Valerie says:

    Valerie ~ Oklahoma

    “The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:26

    (My last three verses for 2011 are from Numbers 6:24-26 – a prayer I’m praying for all of my sweet Siestas. I thought it was a great way to end the year.)

    In 2009 I memorized Psalm 139 – this time I skipped around all over the Bible and although it was a little more difficult, the treasures I have hidden in my heart have blessed me this past year more than I can express. I’m blessed beyond measure, but there is one area of my life that has been very stressful this past year and something that I haven’t been able to share with very many people. Every day I would recite my Scriptures and they were life to me. Some of the Scriptures I chose reminded me of how I should behave in certain situations when I was leaning more toward being unforgiving or hateful. I could hear God speaking to me so many times through these verses saying… “Valerie…..this is who I’ve called you to be in this situation & this is how you should react.” It was amazing how He helped me. It’s difficult to put into words just how much God’s Word means to me, but I will continue to memorize and hide His Words in my heart again in 2012. Thanks again Beth!!!

    I typed the verses out (2 verses on each page) on twelve pages and each morning while on the treadmill I would go over them.

    Thank you for this challenge & for encouraging us to do what so many of us thought was impossible. I’m even thinking about memorizing the book of James. πŸ™‚

    I will be there in January and can’t wait to see everyone!
    Merry Christmas!
    Love,
    Valerie

  14. 64
    Beth Beutler says:

    Beth, Fountain Inn, Hebrews 4:16 – Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

    Looking forward to Houston! Coming to the event alone so willing to make friends ahead of time if anyone wants to contact me at http://www.facebook.com/bethbeutler.

    Thank you for this opportunity. I have a confession. I am an achiever and am working to complete the entire challenge. Sometimes in my achieving, I forget to simply let the word of God saturate me. So for the next few weeks as I prepare for the celebration, I’m going to reframe my thinking to let these verses truly soak into my soul, not just be something I say at the event!

  15. 65
    Kristel Hines of Russellville, AR says:

    So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NLT

    The Lord had been speaking to me about memorizing scriptures. I always thought it was impossible because I had tried many times and failed. He kept after me and even showed me how I could do it (what method would enable me to be successful). Then I came across this Siesta Scripture Memory Verse challenge and I knew this was my opportunity to step out and do it! God is so faithful and brought so much healing to my mind through scripture memory. I praise His name!!!

  16. 66
    Chrissy Myal says:

    Chrissy
    San Tan Valley, Arizona

    The most wonderful thing for me in this journey has been to say, “March 15th….” and then quote my verse, and be reminded why THAT verse ministered to me so perfectly at that time. It is like having a spiritual “log” of the year deep in my heart of God’s great, abundant, tender mercy over my days. What a joy this has been.

    Lastly,

    As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me;
    your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!
    (Psalm 40:11 ESV)

  17. 67
    Tara G. says:

    Tara G.
    Kyiv, Ukraine

    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

    The verses I’ve memorized this year have been helpful to transform my heart and mind, encourage me, and most of all, I have enjoyed knowing God more through them- He is such a delight!!!

  18. 68
    fuzzytop says:

    Adrienne
    Jasper, TN

    “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

    John 1:14 NIV

    Many years ago when I was just starting to dive into scripture, I was in a workplace Bible study, and one of the men in the study just knew scripture. No matter where our discussions took us, he could bring in additional, relevant scriptures that expanded our understanding. It was obvious he had spent a LOT of time in the Word. And I wanted that! What I’ve experienced through the last three years of scripture memory, is that my desire to know Him through his Word, not just intellectually but in my heart, has increased tenfold. No, make that thousand-fold! During some tough times this year I have found myself saying scriptures that I memorized back in 2009. They are my treasures.

    Love,
    Adrienne

  19. 69
    Tammy says:

    Tammy, Monroe,Ga.

    “….it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.” This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil. Hebrews 6:18-19 (NASB)

    What pure JOY 2011 has been because of HIS WORD!!!!! He has whispered to me in prayer time and given me His word through hard times. He has caused me to see birds soaring in the sky and reminded me I am “free to soar” no more striving by flapping my wings! A quote from
    A W Tozer ” He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise.” AMEN!!!
    Thanks Beth and Siestas for riding the journey together.

  20. 70
    Jamye L. says:

    Jamye L., Greenbrier, AR
    I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore yo your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give them.
    Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NASB

  21. 71
    Sandra says:

    Sandra
    Wichita Falls, TX

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” PS 139:14 NIV

    WOW!!! It has gone by so fast. What a year it has been, especially the last 3 months. My dad passed away unexpectedly and my husband lost his job of 19 years a month later. But God is steadfast and good because God did bless him with a new job and we are having to downsize our spending. The part that makes me smile is that God had me spend the majority of my year memorizing scripture that focuses on the FIRST belonging to Him. God is good and He ALWAYS provides. This weekend God will bless me with a new daughter-in-law. I am so glad and blessed that I get to spend time in God’s Word daily and I get to store it in my heart.

    I am so looking forward to celebrating with everyone next month. Praying everyone has a safe trip.

  22. 72
    Cherry B. says:

    Cherry B., Conway, AR
    Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
    Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV

  23. 73
    Lauren says:

    Lauren, Boston, MA: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

  24. 74
    Volleyball Ginger says:

    “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”

    Ps. 37:4 NASB

    Wow! What has this journey meant to me???! I didn’t know what direction I was going to be headed in when I began as I just asked God to show me the Scriptures He wanted me to plant in my heart. I was all over the place but it seemed that for each one, there was a specific reason at that particular time in my “today”. This memorizing is HARD for me but because of this accountability with you and the other Siestas, it disciplined me to keep at it. I’m so thankful and so blessed. I can’t wait for our January celebration and the chance to meet so many returning Siestas as well as the new ones coming. And, I can’t wait to see you, Melissa, and Amanda! What a grand time we are all going to have together. Thank you, thank you, thank you for loving us!

    Blessings,
    Ginger
    Wetupka, AL

  25. 75
    Kristi says:

    Kristi, Lenoir City, TN
    5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
    My cup runs over.
    6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    All the days of my life;
    And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD
    Forever.
    Psalm 23:5-6 NKJ

    While I can’t say that I can repeat every memory verse perfectly, with reference, I know that the principal of the verses reside in my hear. This year has been both hard and wonderful for me. The verses come to me when I need them most and often when I least expect them to. I also strangely sometimes recall verses from others that I haven’t even memorized! Thank you Beth for reintroducing me to this wonderful discipline that I hadn’t practiced regularly since I was a kid. I can’t wait to start next year!

  26. 76
    Leanne says:

    Leanne
    Mississippi

    Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
    Luke 6:38 NLT

  27. 77
    Jill says:

    Jill, Bozeman MT
    I love studying and learning God’s word.In my everyday life I don’t come into contact with many like minded people.That’s why belonging to a group of like minded believers is so important. Won’t heaven be great! Where we can all praise and worship together. My Thursday night Bible study is the best part of my week ( we are about to start James, just finished Revelation).
    My heart doesn’t feel I can spend the money to go to Texas for the conference , but I will be thinking of you my friends.
    A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.
    Proverbs 15:1 KJV

  28. 78
    Barbara Fenn says:

    Barb Medina, oh

    that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
    Eph 1:8

    Every verse I memorized this year is in the book of Ephes.
    I’m 57 yrs old and I thank God that He is helping me memorize. I didn’t grow up in a christian home and these are not in my heart from childhood πŸ™ but they are now πŸ™‚

  29. 79
    doo-dah says:

    Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
    ************
    God has brought me through a difficult situation during this year and I have had the opportunity to give Him Glory!! There were some days of difficulty in which the only thing I could do was speak my scriptures out loud and cling to them and the promises of God. If it were not for repeating them and hanging on, Satan would have taken me to the pit of despair. Praise God for HIS WORD!!!

  30. 80
    Rachel says:

    Rachel, Surprise, AZ

    Because last night God had to remind me that I am His beloved, and that, no matter what my insecurities tell me, or how much I cry and mess up, He is never letting go of me:

    “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)

  31. 81
    dixie says:

    Yea!!
    I began the year with James 1:17, after seeing some beautiful lights in the sky one early walk. And then, as this year progressed there have been many difficulties. And the enemy is always about the darkness and keeping areas of our lives in the dark. So I am ending the year with

    Psalm 143:3 NLT
    The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead.

    John 8:12 Jesus spoke. . .”I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

    Dear Jesus, My prayer is for more and more of your LIGHT!

    Open up our hearts and our lives to Your Light this incredible Christmas Season!

  32. 82
    Joan says:

    Joan/Coppell, TX: Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, 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. Philippians 4:4-8 NIV

  33. 83
    Rosie says:

    Rosie, Tacoma Word

    And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
    You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
    Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NKJV

    Hi Beth, This was a wonderful year. I memorized scripture that truly meant something to me. I pray they stay in my heart and I do live by them. At the start I didn’t think I would finish, and look here I am. Thank you so much I would never have done this without you. I pray you will have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year. I just found out I am going to be a grandma for the first time, its going to be a very blessed new year. Thanks again for all you do and to all who work with you.
    I love you,
    Roseanne

  34. 84
    Patty Baldwin says:

    Patty from Vicksburg, MS

    “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
    I will counsel you with My eye upon you”. (Psalm 32:8 NASB)

  35. 85
    Yanna Westmoreland says:

    Yanna Bryan, Texas “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philemon 25 NIV

    Oh the love in my heart, mind and soul as I placed His Word’s forever in my spirit. It has been a blessing to dedicate His Word to my memory. Looking back I embrace the times with my sister as we met to decide which verses would be next, saying my verses to my 18 year old son and my sweet friends, looking at all the Siesta’s verses and Praising Him, knowing the verse when the address was said in a sermon, sharing SSMT with strangers and using the window to share LPM, Beth Moore, and the difference memorizing scripture can make in my life, and Him. Recalling verses when I so needed Him more as conversation than just a memory verse because He is in my heart soul and mind. Thank you Beth for the inspiration. See you and my Siesta’s in January!!

  36. 86
    Angela says:

    Angela; Covington, GA

    “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.” John 16:33 NIV

  37. 87
    Dawn says:

    Dawn, Orland Park, IL:

    “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 (NIV)

    I am so thankful that you encouraged me in scripture memory! I’ve always begun and then quit. My little spiral notebook is a big help. These verses have become a part of me. I’ve had so many opportunities to share them with others. I cannot come to the celebration, but my friend and I met for lunch yesterday and I said my verses to her. She is also learning verses, but hasn’t been able to keep up. But she is continuing to be in the word and learning scripture as she goes. I will begin January 2012 learning James, as our Beth Moore group studies James. Can’t wait!!!!!

  38. 88
    Diane says:

    Diane, Killeen, TX: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” (2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV)

    Ohmygosh. What a year 2011 was!!! I really can’t believe I memorized 24 whole verses. I rarely stick with anything.

    But if I had to stick with anything, I’m glad I chose to stick with this. Man, these verses just come at me now, and when I think about them, say them, proclaim them…they release POWER. God’s Word is so powerful, and I feel like I’ve been injected with 24+ shots of pure, unending power. And the beautiful thing is – once they’re there, nothing can take them away.

    Thank you, Beth, for constructing a plan that worked for me.

    Diane

  39. 89
    Nancy Scott says:

    Nancy, St. Petersburg FL
    Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1 NIV

    I am overwhelmed with the goodness of God! I was looking back through my scripture memory cards and the very first verse on Jan.1 seems to be the dearest to me. Isaiah 43:18-19. This time last year my husband was launching into a new business. We were begging God to not let us mess up and to open doors that were His perfect plan for our family. We just kept walking, unsure of all the details but feeling God’s hand each step. We didn’t know if it would all happen right up until the very last minute of the closing on Feb 2nd(and we didn’t have a plan B); I clung to HIs words, “Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Is 43:18) And He has! I praise God for HIs faithfulness to bring us through this first year of our business. We know without a doubt that my husband is right where God has ordained him to be. What a journey, and my verses have sustained me every single day! My sweet, precious Mom and I have been memorizing our verses and encouraging one another this year. We are excited to come to Houston in Jan. and are giving this weekend to each other for Christmas!
    I can’t wait to meet new friends!
    Blessings today and this Christmas,
    Nancy, St. Pete FL

  40. 90
    Tina, Success says:

    Ephesians 4:5-6 (NKJV)

    “One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

    Dear Beth and everyone here,
    Thank you so much for doing this memory verse every 2 weeks. I started late this year (March 1) but will be starting 2012 in January! My knowledge has bloomed this year. Big Hug, Tina
    PS – Did you notice that the NKJV above almost said “ya’ll” ! Love it!

  41. 91
    Joyce says:

    Joyce
    Sparta, NJ

    Dec 15-“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27 (ESV)

    Prior to the challenge I felt prompted to really dig in to James. I decided to memorize the first chapter for my verses here. I could hardly get past verse 2…”Consider it ALL joy…” Flash forward to mid August-my 17 year old niece was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. It has been a rough rough road and she will have a bone marrow transplant three days before Christmas from a randomly matched donor.

    Some days it has been hard to find the joy. I know God placed that verse on my heart at the beginning of the year because none of what is happening now is a surprise to Him. I can look back and see how our entire family has grown and how so much of the unimportant in life has fallen away. Some family members were on the fence about what they truly believe, about IF they believe. A suffering child with unwavering trust and rock solid faith has pointed the way to Him.

    I cannot say how this will end but I do know the One who does. I never wanted to know that verse in James. Sort of like if you read it and memorize it and you will be asked to prove you believe it. I know God doesn’t work that way but I also know that its easy to say we believe in a sovereign God when we never have our faith put to the test. I’ve been a Christian since I was a young girl but I can honestly say I know Him better now than I did one year ago. His word is living, and relevant to whatever comes our way in this imperfect world. For that I am eternally greatful.

  42. 92
    Karen says:

    Karen
    Tallahassee, FL

    6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled. Matt. 5:6 NIV

    I participated in 2009 and have been so richly blessed by scripture memorization again this year. I want to take in the whole Bible! God’s word is truly alive and active in us (me)….and powerfully giving this girl a new measure of joy in the Word. Thank you for leading us!!

  43. 93
    Judith says:

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”.

    Matthew 5:9 – NIV

    Judith
    West Columbia, TX

  44. 94
    Lisa Manns says:

    Lisa, Fredericktown

    Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord with with all of you.

    1 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV

    I have had a wild year, full of ups and downs, but the amazing thing was that EVERY single scripture God asked me to memorize fit the situation I was in or I was about to be in! I love that part of Him. Through His divinely inspired, loving, faithful word, He prepared me, as well as equipped me for whatever I was going through or about to go through. He was so intimately involved in choosing the scriptures for me, that I began to get a little worried what our next scripture was going to be, wondering what life was going to throw at me next:) But as only He can do, He brought good out of every situation. I love you, Jesus, and I hope that memorizing Your word becomes a habit and not just some random thing I did this year. Merry Christmas!!!:)

  45. 95
    Nichole C says:

    Nichole C, Nashville, TN

    “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

  46. 96
    Suzan, Beckley WV says:

    But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

    2 Corinthians 2:14 NAS

  47. 97
    Julie says:

    If your faith does not remain firm,
    then you will not remain secure.
    Isaiah 7:9b NET

    Julie Minneapolis
    Regardless of where I am living or how well things seem to be going, I need Jesus, I am reminded of that daily! He is so faithful to me,

  48. 98
    Deborah says:

    “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NASB

  49. 99

    OH, mama Beth! I have loved this year’s worth of verses. Yesterday, I was driving to visit my mom and sister (and her kids) and remarking over the events of the year and why I picked each verse. God is so very faithful and I cannot believe His goodness towards me/us. I am so very excited to see y’all in a little over a month. I pray we celebrate well to the Glory of God. His work is amazing!!!!!

    Rachel
    Fullerton, CA
    James 4:8 (ESV)

    “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Clease your hand, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

    Jesus, you are wonderful!

  50. 100
    LINDA DAVIS says:

    LINDA, NORTH FORT MYERS, FL

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    PHILIPPIANS 4: 6 – 7 (NIV)

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