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.
Nicole, Ocean Springs, MS – “And let us consider how we may spur one another one toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” ~Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Jill, Puyallup, WA
Isaiah 61:3 NIV
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
This journey of memorizing Scripture throughout 2011 has meant I have remained mentally and emotionally stable during the most difficult year of my life thus far because my mind was being renewed by the Word!
Pam;Campbellsburg In. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good. Amen….. Psalm 122;9
Merry Christmas, Love you
Carol Belleville, ON
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Is 58:12 NIV
I got discouraged and quit memorizing scripture when I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it to Houston. But, then I realized two things: 1. I’m not memorizing His Word just to go to Houston. I’m memorizing them for me, to help me grow and grow closer to Him. 2. I very much missed memorizing His Words …So, I’m back at it again. Thank you for the long distance encouragement.
Jan, Rockwall,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
Audrey, Rockwall, TX
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
I have become such a believer of Scripture memory! This discipline has helped me focus on my walk and my relationship better than any thing else I have ever done! Plus after 5 months of unemployment, God has brought me through and I am employed again, teaching 2 1/2 – 3 year olds. God is good all the time!
Jennifer, Fairfax VA;
I missed Dec 1, so this is the REST of Psalm 8 to finish out the year. Memorized this alongside my boys.(NKJV)
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels.
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
Siestas – there are such RADICAL changes going on in my family… GINORMOUS chains being busted up by Jesus…the kind teams of people have fasted and prayed for for YEARS. I’m blown away. There is no doubt in my mind the Lord took my weak and sporadic attempts to memorize 24 verses to keep me running back to Him and to ARM ME for what He was about to do. I’m homeschooling for the 1st time (if you had asked me in January I have no clue what I would have said about that but I doubt it would have been an enthusiastic ‘yes’) and my husband is doing a daily quiet time. That MAKES NO SENSE! 🙂 Jesus is my 1st love and He’s healing my 2nd one. Praise HIM. And thank you, SSMT, for all the verses and encouragement this year. LOVE to LPM and Siesta Momma! This accountability is a total gift.
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Exodus 34:6-7a
And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:21 NIV)
From the very first scripture Isaiah 43:19 I knew God was doing a new thing in my life. This year has been revolutionary in my life and scripture memorization has been a huge part of that. I am ending it Love because I believe God wants to grow me in love for others. I know I am late but have agonized over the perfect ending for a wonderful year.
I will see you in January with a heart filled with love for you and all our Seista’s.
Cindy Childers,
Newton Tony, England => soon to be Virginia Beach, VA
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
Psalm 84:11
Morristown-“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118:29 KJV
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(NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Krista, Birmingham
 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jer 17:7-8 (NIV)
Christina-Edgewood, KY
Ephesians 2:13(NIV) But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Greenacres, FL
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT
Back in June, I decided to memorize a passage for the rest of the year instead of disconnected verses. After much debate, I chose Romans 8:17-28 Take a read over that and then imagine me unexpectedly losing my 22 year old daughter in October. She was born with Cystic Fibrosis but we expected many more years with her. Her respiratory failure was sudden and devastating. Through wonderful friends, family and His word – God has sustained me through the most horrific time of my life. Can’t wait to see you in January with one of my spiritual daughters (and friend to my daughter in heaven) who did this SSMT journey with me.
Deut. 30:6 (NIV)
The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your decendants so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
Rena, Tulsa. “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and [be found in] him.” Philippians 3:7-9a NLT [and NET]
I have experienced some really difficult circumstances this year, and there were times this year when I didn’t want to open Scripture or when I did, it seemed like I was just staring at words on a page. However, I would force myself to search the Word and ask the Lord to give me something to chew on. EVERY time, whether I realized it at the moment or not, the verse God gave me became my sustenance and my hope. Looking back over my verses is like looking at scenes from the past year; each verse is so relevant to what I was going through at the time and over the year. God is so faithful!! His word–specifically these verses–have been what has kept me going… It has also shown me again that God is faithful to speak to me when I seek Him with all of my heart. Memorizing Scripture this year has also shown me that God has given me a mind that IS capable to learn and grow and be challenged… Thank you, Beth and siestas, for walking this journey with me and keeping me accountable! 🙂
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR ~ “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NIV
I participated in the 2009 SSMT as well as this one. It is so powerful to join in with other siestas as they share their bible study lives. I know it’s extra work for you, Beth, but 2010 was not the same without SSMT. I love you all, my siestas, as we love the Lord together.
Ti-Leigh
Orlando,FL
For just as the sufferings of Christ
flow over into our lives, so also
through Christ our comfort overflows.
2 Cor. 1:5
Sharon, Barrington
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galations 5:1 (NIV)
I posted my verse before I read the blog entry. I would have to say picking a verse and “memorizing” my verse has kept me in the Word and helped my faith not to fail this year. I really thought 2007 was the worst year ever, but I would have to say 2011 has been a year of great disappointment and wanting to turn my back on the Lord. Dreams have died and reality has slapped me in the face. I know He is the Lord, but I really can’t believe this is my life. I’ll be there in January with a dear friend, hoping that my heart will soften and that I can receive my Daddy.
Lanita from Lake Jackson
I am stealing Beth’s 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
One of my best friends moved 4 hours away at the first of the year. We text our bible verse each day to each other. Sometimes more than once a day. It’s a Special “thinking of you” text.
Amy G. Clovis, Ca
Jer 29:13 NLT
“If you look for me whole heartedly, you will find me.”
Pam Hendersonville, NC Revelation 1:8-“I Am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come,the Almighty.” KJV
I chose this verse because He is everything! I have loved this scripture memory challenge. God has placed each verse in my heart at the exact time I needed it. What an inspiration this has been! Thank you, Beth, for challenging and encouraging us to stick with it. I will not be able to attend the celebration because my dear mother is suffering health probelms, but I will be praying for all of you. Have a blessed, wonderful time! Can’t wait to read all about it!!
I want to thank you Beth for your Book So Long Insecurity
I cant even tell you the magnitude of peace this book gave me. I feel for the first time a freedom and enthusiasm for my life. I still struggle but i always remember to put my hearts trust in God and things will work out as they should in Gods way, which is always the right way. It takes no time at all for me to rise above the hurt and pettiness and move on to the place of security. Your book is truly a blessing given to me by a client at a time in my life where i could really sit down and read with no distractions and pure understanding. Thank you Beth for opening my heart Merry Christmas to you and your family. Wishing you a Wonderful and Peaceful New Year
Shara, Somerset, CA Psalm 63:3, 4a NASB
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live.
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Ps. 34:1 (Amplified)
Amanda, White Rock BC, Canada. “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13
June, Coarsegold, CA: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Robbie, Southaven, MS: “They are blessed who grieve, for God will comfort them.” Matthew 5:4 (NCV)
Janet, West Linn, OR
“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.”‘ Isaiah 30:20-21 NIV.
Judi, Orillia, Canada
1 Tim 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
AND AMEN!!!
Merrie – Katy, TX
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work
I John 3:8b NIV
In the midst of a very difficult year with the loss of my baby brother in October to suicide and battling a chronic illness, I am clinging to God’s promises and his Word that was sent to heal me. I am grateful for a group of women where the connection goes deep even without the face to face meetings. Thankful for all of you and the Love we share.
James 2:3-4 NLT
For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow,for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Mary Alice
Dallas, Tx
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Hebrews 11:39
bernadette, mtn home, ar And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid for i bring you good news of great joy. Today in the city of David a savior has been born, he is Christ the LORD. this will be a sign for you: you will find the child wrapped in cloths lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12
thanks Beth for inviting all of us on this journey. we have hidden HIS word in our heart and no one can take those words away.
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Heb. 13:16 NLT
“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NIV
AMEN and AMEN to a wonderful year FULL of the WORD of GOD!
Brenda, Collinston, La. I love scripture. The Word is what keeps me grounded. The challenge for me is being able to quote verses accurately from memory. This year has been about me making the commitment to do just that! “Don’t be afraid” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
Mary from Columbia, PA
So grateful to be learning this scripture. I wish my memorizing would be better, but I am hoping for a better year in January. Memorizing this scripture has helped me in times my heart needed to be reminded of God’s word. He is amazing and doing wonderful things in my life! Having the scripture in my head I am able to quickly change my thought pattern!
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV
Susan, Statesville
…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Col. 1:12 (NAS)
Rebecca, Durham: I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Rev.1:8 (ESV)
Truth trumps the screaming lies of my everywhere. I’d rather have it no place other than heart-close, life-shaping close. Thanks for the accountability, All!
Donita – Tucson,AZ
Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
I like this version because it has an exclamation point!
This year’s theme for me has been sowing, reaping, harvest!
Kristin, Carlsbad, CA “We wait in hoope for the Lord; he is our help and shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:20-21 (NIV)
Participating this past year has been one of the best things I have ever done. I am turning 40 in two days, and I wanted to grow my relationship with the Lord as I embarked on this BIG turning point for me. Boy, I was not disappointed!!! Every two weeks the Lord would lead me right where I needed to be with Him. So many times I turned to my memory verse and smiled, knowing that the Lord had laid a perfect plan for that verse. These verses have taken my through some high’s and low’s, but through it all the Lord has been my strength, and I have not faltered. Thank you for challenging me in this very worthwhile trek….I couldn’t recommended doing anything better for a significant change in a walk with the Lord!
Courtney, LaPlata, MD
Philippians 2:12-24 (ESV)
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13 for hit is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine pas lights in the world,
16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
The Lord challenged me to memorize Colossians this year and he has taught me so much through that tiny book! He has been so gracious to allow my puny mind to withhold His living Word! The simple prayer I say after I do my memory work: “Lord Jesus, thank you for your Word. Thank you a MIND that can memorize it–and thank you for a HEART that wants to.”
I am undone by Him.
Can’t wait for January’s SSMT!!!
Christa, Denver, CO
“Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37 (The Message)
Kimberly Orr–Zionsville, Indiana
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Kris – Maine
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
Sorry this is late. This has been a wonderful experience memorizing God’s word. Best resolution I’ve ever made and probably the only one I’ve kept!
Kathleen, Tallahassee,FL:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering,
for He who promised is faithful”
Hebrews 10:23 (NASB)
I count it all joy to be on the Siesta scripture memory team again this year. I have carried my 2011 spiral with me every where. I accidently left it at my Precept class and when my leader found it, it inspired her to memorizing scripture, too. I carry it with me when I walk in the mornings.. praising the LORD for the day, for His awesome WORD, even praying as I go. (My sweet (rescued) collie gets to hear the WORD, too!) I hope everyone has a blast in Houston. I wish I could be there with you all as Houston is my home town. Today is my husband and my 40th wedding anniversary!! Thank you Beth for all you do to teach, inspire, and love us. I loved seeing you in Pensacola and being with the Siestas there! Merry Christmas to everyone!