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.
Emily~ Georgia
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19
Cindy, Searcy AR
Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”
Carrie Hays, Houston, TX
“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
I have been so blessed by memorizing God’s word this year. I can not count the times that God has laid a verse on my heart and then a circumstance would come up that fit that verse exactly. This verse today is a verse I shared with a friend whose week old baby is having major life-threatening heart problems. God’s word is so powerful. I have thourougly enjoyed and been challenged by this and this will be a normal thing from here on out till I’m with Jesus! I literally crave God’s word and it is such an amazing place to be as I have prayed for this to happen. Thank you all so much for following God’s calling on your life-Beth especially to you. Through God’s help, you have helped ignite a passion for God’s word, and I will be forever greatful to you for this!
Here is my friends blog if any of you would like to life her up in prayer!
http://babyannajoy.blogspot.com/
My sentiments exactly too Carrie. Praise Him! (from Ontario Canada)
Di, Cowpens, SC
“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
Dear Beth, I am so excited that I have made it to the last verse!!! I have relied on the scriptures I memorized all year long and it is truly a treasure to me to hide His Word in my heart. God has strengthened my heart this year through these verses and I thank you for this wonderful blog that gives me accountablity to post and memorize 2 verses a month. I love my spiral notecards and so does my 2 1/2 year old grandaughter. She has put a lot of her “scribbles” on the cards also and I will treasure that as well. Praying that one day, she too, will hide God’s word in her heart. Thank you, Beth!! God has blessed my life through your bible studies, Living Proof Live, and this blog.
Hope we can do it again next year!!!! God bless you and Merry Christmas to you and all the siesta’s!!!!
Crystal, Mullica Hill, NJ-
Romans 8:13, ESV-For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Ola Mae, Cedar Park TX 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
Carrie Hunter Hindman KY
1 John 4:10 nkjv
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Amy Toney, Houston TX: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 ESV
This year was the first time in my life I have committed to memorizing scripture. It has brought such joy and comfort. So many times the verse God had me focusing on was key in keeping my mind and heart in the right place as He carried me through a particular trial. I’ve believed for many years that He is faithful and loves me; memorizing His Word brought that to life in a beautiful new way that I didn’t expect. Can’t wait to start memorizing in 2012 🙂
I want to now Christ & experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death. Philippians 3:10 (NLT)
Megan–Kansas City, KS
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Diane, Ontario, Canada
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever and ever, Amen.”
Eph. 3:20-21 NIV
I am one of the senior members of siestaville and am so blessed and encouraged to be a part of this family. My husband and I were saved 35 years ago and the Word has been the foundation of our lives, as we have lived through raising our 3 sons, their family histories (11 grandchildren for us :), and my husband`s m.s. This accountability has been a wonderful incentive to commit the Word to memory and though the going gets tough at times, now my husband has agreed to memorize verses – starting with this one – and be in accountability with me for 2012. We will be married 50 years in 2012 and God has been so faithful to sustain us, keep our faith alive, and though our bodies are weaker, our spirits become strengthened as we trust God through His Word. Thank you, Beth & LPM for this awesome ministry and for the community of women who encourage one another….especially as that Day approaches.
Merry Christmas, all….and a Blessed New Year
Oh Diane – I too am from Ontario- Leamington- I am soooo proud of you for memorizing and praise to Him for your 50 years. I have been a Christian for 55 years but saved young at 5 and remember praying with my Mom at that time. I am alone here memorizing- my friends think it is a daunting task- plus impossible. I need to hook them up with these testimonies and the changed lives and the power of memorizing and praying His Word. You and your husband are in inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing and may He bless you with a great year ahead as you memorize together.
Christy
Fayetteville, AR
Psalm 6:9
“The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;the LORD accepts my prayer.”
NIV
Carol, Santa Maria, NIV, James 3:18, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
I’m thinking about the indwelling Prince of Peace encouraging me to be filled and ministering with His Peace & Presence during this season of sowing His Love so that the gift of peace yields a great harvest of righteousness.
“From the fullness of His Grace we have all received one blessing after another!” John 1:16
” Anyone who does wong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” Colossians 3:25 NIV
When I started upon this journey I made the decision to memorize the 3rd chapter of Colossians. PTL I made it.
Amanda W., Kelowna, BC, Canada:
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!
Missy S, Winston-Salem
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:8-11, NIV84
These verses and SSMT have brought untold blessings to me this year. They were like manna to me as I walked through the wilderness, and they have given me the courage I needed to finally leave Gilgal and to go in and take my Promised Land. To quote one of my memory verses, “they [were] not just idle words for [me]” this year, “they [have been] my life! By them,” I pray, I “will live long in the land [I] am crossing the Jordan to possess!” ~ Deut. 32:47
Barb, Des Moines
Psalm 139:23-24(NIV
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.
Words can’t express how thankful I am for the past 3 years of scripture memory. This year God’s words have seen me through the extended illness and death of my dear father. There were so many days that I prayed my way through my verses, and God blessed in countless ways. Thank you, Beth, and the rest of the LPM staff!
p.s. My husband thanks you, too. He can’t believe the calm and peace that has come as a direct result of me hiding God’s Word in my heart and being obedient to Him!
Anita, Lawrenceville, “My son (daughter), do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV
Connie, Chariton Psalm 103:15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.Doing this has kept me memorizing. I always start the year with goals to do it, but this has kept me on track, the first and the fifteenth.God always shows me something new from His Word PTL
“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me.” Isaiah 65:1a
Jeanene, League City, TX
“They will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in Your wonderful reputation.”
Psalm 89:15
Peggy, Berwyn,AB
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Well I am praising Jesus for bringing me through this year! It has been a challenging one to say the least. I am grateful for this group and for Beth and for her love for our Lord and faithfulness to him. I will end this year at 6 weeks post -op of hip replacement surgery at age 40. It is only through Jesus that I can say thank you for all you have taught me through these trials and even though life is uncertain YOU never change. Thankyou Jesus!!
Still hopeful to join you in January depending upon the advice from my surgeon regarding recovery and travel.
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS
Psalm 65:11 NET
You crown the year with your good blessings. You leave abundance in your wake.
Lynn, Lubbock. 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
Sharon Modesto,Ca.
NIV II Tim 3:17
So that the man of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.( memorized 16 last time)
I have been reminded over and over of the faithfulness of the Lord and His Word… to give thanks regardless of what circumstances look like on the outside.. We have been through some tough times this year and looking back @ the scriptures I’ve learned…a thread is woven through all of them of the goodness of the Lord, His love and my need to praise Him… HE IS SO GOOD! I LOVE HIM!
Leanne, Billings, MT
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
O how my spiral has been a blessing to me and the journey has been incredible. Praise HIM!
Debbie
Olathe, KS
Psalm 118:29- “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
I am so thankful to have this opportunity to post memory verses, to have accountability and a plan to get God’s Word in our hearts. Without it, I know I would not have been as encouraged to work on memorizing all of Psalm 118 this year. Today I am posting the final verse of Psalm 118. Thank you, Beth, and all of you siestas for the inspiring verses you share. I love the LPM Blog, it is so encouraging and fun! Thanking God for his goodness and his love that endures forever!
Melissa, Granbury Texas
Psalm 119:11(NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Sr. Rebecca, Clyde
Matt 16:24 If anyone wishes to come after me he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. NAB
Psalm 118:14 NIV
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Robyn, Viola, KS: “Return to me with all your heart. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Joel 2:12-13 NIV
Lisa~ Mesa, AZ
Luke 2:14 NIV
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Karina, Victoria/Vancouver, BC, CANADA!
“Let us hold unswerving to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23 NIV
When I took up the Scripture memory challenge for this year last December, I would have never dreamed what kind of year I was going to live through. It has been a whirlwind of a year to say the least! Through it all, though, the memory work has grown me and sustained me. Now I know by experience that He is my constant and that His Word is alive and active in me! (Yes, I’ve been doing the Believing God study, too, and has really really helped me!) Having opportunities to share the verses with people at His perfect timing has also been phenomenal. Thank you Beth for leading us in this journey!
Laurie Chester
“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
Shaminder
Toronto,ON
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.
The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.
Deut 7:6
Diane – Roswell, GA
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIV
Leah, Houston,TX
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.
Hebrews 4:14, NIV
Sue, Clemmons, NC:
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
John 16:22 (NIV) So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Kathy – Aurora, CO
Matthew 1:21 NASB
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus,for He will save His people from their sins.”
This year has been amazing!
My sweet husband of 39 years was out of work at the beginning of the year and the whole year before that – 676 number of days to be exact. God has provided a job for us but during the whole time of unemployment provided for us beyond anything we could have hoped. I was able to continue to daily watch our four grandchildren. Then after becoming employed we sold our home for more than we were asking and have just moved four weeks ago into the most wonderful new patio home! The verses I chose each time applied to something going on at the time and this has been a blessing I would not change for anything. Praise and thank you Father!
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Rom.8:37 ESV
I got a late start memorizing Bible verses this year, but I need to say it has totally changed my thinking. It has truly blessed me in so many ways and kept me focused on the LORD. Thank you so much, Beth, for your amazing love and transparency. May God abundantly bless you and your family this Christmas!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”. Psalm 136:1
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for YOU alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NIV
Suzann Benson
Kingwood, WV
Stacia T. Keizer, OR
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free”.
John 8:36 NLT
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful,
because he must be true to who he is.
2Timothy 2:13 NCV
Kathy, Akron, Ohio
“The LORD is my light and salvation-who shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of who shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
Have a Blessed Christmas and thank you for inspiring us to hide God’s word in our hearts!!!
Suzanne: Pasadena, Texas
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 NKJV
Crystal Parrott – Everett, Ontario “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exod 14:14 NIV
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah40:8 NIV
Ouida in Trenton,TX
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I have hope in Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NASV)
This year has been so much richer and more possible because of the verses now in my heart. Thank you LORD and you ladies!