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.
Rosalye
Vicksburg, MS
Rev.5:6,12
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne…Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
NIV
Runia, Silsbee TX, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice”, Phillipians 4:4, NIV
Pat, Birmingham, Al
Luke 2:11 NIV
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.
Wendy, Vero Beach
Pslam 16:6 (NIV)
The boundry lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
What a great journey this has been! Probably the most encouraging thing I have ever done! Thank You!!
Katie (Firestone, CO)
“Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.” Prov 31:25 NKJV
This journey with Christ has CONSTANTLY reminded me how much I need Him and how His words truly are life and breath to me. When I was not faithful with it, I was so discouraged and overwhelmed and when I clung to His word in the face of trials, I found Him faithful every time. The accountability here is great and has deepened my walk with Christ. Thank you!
Lacey, Leonard Tx. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2.11 NIV
Jolie, Cottage Grove, MN
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
God’s word has been my spiritual bone marrow this year in every sense of the word. His words have brought promise, encouragement and strength for each day. The precious God-breathed words of Scripture have thorougly equipped me for His kingdom work and it has been my honor and joy to share the journey this year with my fellow “siestas.”
Kendra, Sturgis MI
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)
Debra, Many, La
“Be strong and courageous, don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 HCSB
This was my first year to join in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team. Loved it! God is always so faithful and He is Word speaks truth to my life. Thank you Jesus!
PHILEMON 7 NIV
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,
because you,sister, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Dear Beth,
Your committment to this project has changed my life:-)
Thank you so much for all the 24 scriptures that I have
written on my heart!
Michele, Edmond, Ok.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes.5:16-18 NKJV
This was my first year to experience the scripture memory challenge. In November of 2010, while attending a prayer praise and worship service for a 17 year old high school student, I realized how few scriptures I had committed to memory. Another student challenged all in attendance to surround this one young lady who had cancer and pray God’s word over her. I couldn’t voice one verse that I felt was fitting for the situation. In January, I found your blog and knew I needed to join this group. God has been so gracious and faithful to me this year, as I worked to hide His word in my heart. My young friend lost her battle to cancer and is now in Her Savior’s arms. At her celebration service, her youth pastor shared, “God chose to change the masses instead of the one”. I thought he was referring to the people who accepted Christ for the first time during her battle with cancer. I soon realized however, that I was one in the masses changed, as I can’t imagine living without memorizing God’s word now in my life.
Leslie G. – Warner Robins, GA
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” Philemon 1:7 NIV
I truly believe the Lord led me to this group. He hasn’t ceased to amaze me with how He has used verses that I have memorized in other circumstances this year. These verses have “shown” up at the most unexpected times in unexpected places that could only have been the Lord. I have also been reminded the importance of hiding His Word in my heart so that when situations arise, I have His truth! So thankful for each of you and your commitment to “finish the race”!!!!! Merriest of Christmases to you!
Priscilla Mesa, AZ
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.
Psalm 37:8 NIV
This year has been an amazing journey and a great milestone for a mind that has never been able to memorize. God has placed people and their situations in my path and then brought my memory verses to mind so that I could quote His word to them and feel His power behind the words. I have memorized quite easily but seem to have a problem remembering them long term, and also have difficulty remembering the address for the verses, but the truth is in my heart and mind. Looking forward to memorizing more and starting a group that would like to memorize together. May God bless you Beth and all my Siestas.
Melissa, Walla Walla, WA John 1:14 “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.” (NASB)
Even though I can’t come to the conference, I have to say that this has been my most amazing scripture memory experience ever. God has spoken to me so deeply this year though His Word. I am forever changed.
Thank you for doing this. I hope this won’t be the last time we memorize scripture together.
Blessings,
Melissa
Patti, Phoenix AZ Psalm 34:1 [NLT] I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
Paula – Albertville, AL –
Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot–yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will never judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay. He will defend the poor and the exploited. He will rule against the wicked and destroy them with the breath of His mouth. He will be clothed with fairness and truth…In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world.
Isaiah 11:1-5, 10a NLT
I have truly loved working together to memorize Scripture. I started out doing really well and somewhere along the line I began to slip with my diligence. It was probably around the time that I realized I wouldn’t be able to attend Siestaville! 🙁 My son will be getting married in Jamaica in March and all monies are going toward that. However, God has used these Scriptures over and over in my life this year. I had an opportunity to share my Scriptures with a precious person in my life that is going through a very tough time. I got a cute little notebook and wrote the Scriptures down for her. She said she carries it with her and it has brought her much comfort during this time of hurt. I praise God for His Word! He never ceases to amaze me! I look forward to doing this again next year. And I plan on being there for the celebration. You are doing a great thing Beth! Thank you for your obedience!! I praise God for you!!!
Barb – ChiangMai, Thailand
Luke 1:46-47
“My sould magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Thank you for the blessing of sharing memory verses together this year. To God be the glory as He continues to work in each of our hearts. The joy of the Lord is my strength and in Him I press on.
Merry Christmas Beth and team at LPM I appreciate each one of you and your commitment to the Lord.
Barb, How wonderful to read that you are in Thailand.
Sending HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 Blessings!!!
Debbie, Hattiesburg, MS
“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
Kim Safina, Los Osos, California
For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations….
Psalm 119:89,90
May your CHRISTmas be blessed!!!!
WELCOME TO YOUR NEW DWELLING PLACE ~
Did your hubby carry you over the threshhold?
🙂
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim & Dave too
Janet, Richland, MS
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Lauren, Arlington, TX
Hebrews 4:16 ESV “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
O come, o come Immanuel! God with us. Thank God He is with us!!
I am so excited to join in the Siesta celebration! I dont know where I am supposed to register. I looked on the blog site. My sister, Kristie Garnett, and I are looking forward to it!
Thanks, and God bless you and keep you as you and yours celebrate Christs birth and salvation!
Melanie
Jean Schlosser, Rubicon,WI
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the
earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is
too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
What a privilege to journey with all of you! I may not have finished as strong as when I started, but God’s word
just came alive with the memorization of each scripture. I
clung to the Lord, this year, as I fought from victory, in
Christ, a long and hard battle. God is so faithful and
has revealed such great things through His word. He has been my strength and my shield. I have been learning to
live out the verse John 15:5. I praise God that I am seeing fruit. I am so grateful for Living Proof Ministries, all the staff, and especially Beth. I’m on my seventh study of Beth’s. My life and heart have been
forever changed by God through Beth being a faithful
servant. The scriptures come alive through her
gift of teaching. I praise God for all of you! Merry
Christmas to all!
P.S. I love it Beth that your husband is a hunter, so is
mine. I think that is why I can relate so much with
you.:) I’m sorry, I will not be there to celebrate
with the siestas, but I will be in Dallas, in
April, Lord willing I’d love to visit at your
new church, in Houston.:)
“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)
Mariposa Sivage, Albuquerque New Mexico
Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord
holds them by the hand.” ~Psalm 37:24 (NLT)
Brittany, Las Vegas,
Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.
2 Samuel 10:12, ESV
This year of intentional memorization has changed my walk with God. I could not believe that the bible held so many verses that were 100% applicable to whatever I was going through at that time. God is so, so good. Not only has it helped me to memorize God’s word, my spiral has come in handy during times of anxiety when I can take it out and be refreshed and comforted by God’s promises. I will treasure my memory verse spiral forever.
I look forward to meeting you gals next month! So stoked! 😀
Christy, Talking Rock, Georgia.
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3
This SSMT has been such a challenge but has allowed me to invest in the Word more than I ever have before. I always use the excuse I am horrible at memorizing but this year I stopped saying that and just enjoyed putting the Word in my heart. It needed it so. <3
Melisa, Roanoke, VA
And Mary said:“ My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” – Luke 1:46-47 NKJV
Leslie
Wisner, La.
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16.
So, so true! Thankful for the blessings of this community – for accountability – for God’s precious, timely Word! Can’t wait to see you in January!
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
Katera, Kentwood, LA
Debbie, New Delhi, India: Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion,
For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! Is 30:18 NIV
Thank you for this wonderful journey. It has been so encouraging and uplifting. I am grateful.
Carol, Farmers Branch, TX
Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)
He who testifies to these things says,
“Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
“Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.” Philippians 4:4 NCV
This is my first year of making a concerted effort to memorize Scripture. It has brought me so much closer on my walk with Jesus. I look forward to continuing my journey with Christ through the 2012 SSMT. Can’t attend the celebration in January 2012, but I’m believing I will be able to attend the celebration in 2013.
Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
The first six months of this year was a real challenge concerning issues with extended family. The verses that God help me choose to memorize were a DEFINITE LIFE LINE. Without them, I surely would have drowned. Really. There was one day after a certain event that I was in my car by myself crying and screaming the verses as loud as I could – I felt like I was going to die from a broken heart that day but after saying the verses over and over and over, life continued and I had peace despite my circumstances. Even though things still aren’t settled today, I see Him working in the situation and that gives me hope knowing Hope has been there all year. I love Him and His word so very much. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Direct my steps by your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Psalms 119:133 NKJV
I so agree woooohoooo! We made it. What a journey it has been, memorizing God’s word has been such a blessing for me. I wasn’t sure that I could do it and truly I couldn’t have without His help. The power of His word has impacted me daily and I praise Him every day for it. Without it I would be right back in the pit I came from. Glory to God! Can’t wait to see you all in January. Until then may God bless you all!
Courtney, Chicora.
“For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love my sister, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Dearest Beth & Siestas, Thanks for the memories, the SSMT has been a blessing to my heart; knowing I’ll have time in the Word,and to visit with you all via Siestaville!!!
Thanks for a year of sharing; “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentelness, and self control; against such things there is no law.” Galations 5:22 NIV I’m Believing God, in his grip, your sister in Christ. Fair winds and following seas in the new year; God Bless us, everyone!
Deborah, Katy, TX
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful. (Heb 10:23 NIV)
As I walked through this year, I became increasingly aware of the traps that Satan lays in my path. Time and time again, I turned to my memory verses when under attack. God’s word really is a weapon against evil. Thank you for encouraging all of us to hide His Word in our hearts.
Amanda, Katy, TX
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful. (Heb 10:23 NIV)
Margo, Burlington On “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has saii to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45 NIV
Kara, Houston, TX
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful. (Heb 10:23 NIV)
Victoria B., Fort Worth, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Wrod was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made… In Him was life and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4 He is the Light of the world! Hiding His Word in my heart this year with other sisters in the Lord has been a precious gift of His love. Unperishable Treasure. Unfailing Love. O come let us adore Him!
Bunny from Fithian, IL
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12 NIV84)
This year I have felt the spiritual fight more incredibly than any other, and this passage in Ephesians and many others like it have kept me strong and hopeful throughout. It has not been a year of loss or heartache, but one of just being who God created me to be and experiencing evil around me attacking me. So let me tell, you, my eyes have been opened! And I’ve put on the spiritual armor of God through the verses I’ve memorized this year. This last verse is out of order but so appropriate to end this year, as I’ve been memorizing the section in Ephisians 6: 10-19.
Stand firm, fellow Siestas! I won’t be able to be there in January, but I’m praying that the celebration will be the best party this side of home!
Dianne
Richland, MS
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Thank you Beth for the encouragement this year!
Jean, Carlisla PA
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (The Message)
“May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! “
Theresa, Pace Florida
2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
Can a person feel so many different things at once? Relief, accomplished, humbled, thankful, grief, amazed, elated, complete and a million others. You see I began scripture memorization in 2009 but didn’t finish and dropped out sometime in September. I loved it and was receiving so much but life took over and I didn’t have an accountability partner. My boys (18 and 21 at the time) were the closest partners I had. They would at least ask me from time to time how it was going. They knew I was planning to go to Houston to celebrate. I had told them all about it. Needless to say the trip never happened for me. I couldn’t even read the blog when the preparations and celebration was happening. It hurt. I learned so much from 2009 and in 2010 I was more prepared. I prayed, God answered. Dana and I would walk together. I loved and respected this girl before the year started and all I can say is “What a friend, what a year”. She is a task master, no doubt, but in a good way. She challenged, she poked and prodded, she listened, we laughed and cried, she encouraged, she kept me honest, she spoke truth. We did life together this year and I will never, ever be the same. I lived in community with another believer holding nothing back. We were not only speaking his word, we were living it. It went from the page, to our minds, to our hearts and into our everyday lives. The reward was God himself. Thankful to our God who is faithful and whose word is flawless – 2 Samuel 22:31. To top it all off we have our airline tickets, our hotel and are heading to Houston where there will be dancing! (Psalm 149:3) Oh and those sweet boys of mine, now 20 and 23 yrs. old, were there checking in on us to throughout the year. They told me time and time again how proud of them they were of me. I wanted to finish this for me and for the next generation. I shared scriptures and the stories of how God was weaving His word into in my life. I told them of His power, His praiseworthy deeds, His purpose. I am living proof to them. (Psalm 78:1-7). How sweeter 2010 was for me when shared with a sister and two boys – (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Thanks Beth, thanks Living Proof Ministries for putting the challenge before us. We chased after God himself this year and He is worthy!
Sorry about the late entry 🙁
This has been a wonderful and also a challenging year. I am so glad for this challenge to memorize
More scripture, not that I don’t have knowledge of the Bible but the ACTUAL place to find what I need has needed just this direction! So thank you Beth and Kristi for being Siestas!
My verse is Romans 8:6 NIV
The mind governed by flesh is death, but the mind guided by the spirit is life and peace.
Lori, Syracuse
Psalms 37:8 (NASB)
Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
Cindy
Flemingsburg, KY
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift
2 Corinthians 9:15
I am late this time because my parents are in Florida and my Dad has had a very bad heart attack. When I flew to Florida last week I wanted to take a small purse so I put my wallet glasses tissues and my SSMT spiral. I knew I would need this book of Bible verses to get me through. I want to thank you for the constant reminder to turn to God and His word! Please pray for my Dad and my Mom. Thank you!
His word never comes back void. Love that there would only be a few items that you would take, in a time such as this, and the Word was one of them. It truly speaks volumes of exactly what God intended it for us…..food and nourishment for our souls. Praying for your Dad and your family.
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This has been a year of much spiritual change – I have playfully been calling them “spiritual crises” because it seems I am having to really stretch my roots down deep and search, search, search for my anchor Christ. This journey with him of memorization has meant stability through such a tumultuous year, because the verses brought me back to reality when I felt lost. I’m so grateful.
Also, want to tell ya’ll what God did for me and my family this year:
My stepdad Greg, who had stage 4 colon cancer that had also metastasized to his liver, finished his chemo, and went in for his Petscan yesterday to see how it went. They had told him the cancer would shrink and then come back in 2-5 years with a vengeance and kill him, because this type of cancer literally cannot be destroyed by chemo. The Dr. told him “I don’t say this lightly, but this is a miracle” and “I’ve never seen this happen before” – there is NO cancer in his body. THANK YOU GOD!!
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
1 Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible