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.
Deanna, Willmar, MN
“This is love;not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I John 4:10 (NIV)
Linda Gammon, Blue Springs, MO
Psalm 139:11-12 ESV
11. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12. even the darkness is not dark to You;
the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with You.
Sorry I’m so late posting this.
Angie G
Albertville, AL
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46b-47 ESV
I have decided to memorize Romans chapter 8 next year. I will divided it into 24 segments. Just thought I would go ahead and put it in black and white. It is such a wonderful idea to have scriptures verses on the 1st and 15th. Thank you, Ms. Beth. It is such a blessing to do life with you.
Linda Westport
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
ROMANS 12;21
Patty from Northern Virginia: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NIV
**So sorry I’m late. Long weekend get away with hubby. No kids, no internet!!**
Crystal, Livonia, MI
Sorry…here is the verse.
“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
I Corinthians 9:26-27 KJV
Thank you for encouraging us to renew our mind. No time to go into the depths this has helped me this past year. Thank you!
I started my memory verses focusing on our inheritance because of a very personal six year long journey that is yet to be resolved. Little did I know I would be leading The Inheritance study this past fall and have the year come full circle with it all! He is always about the bigger picture. God’s word has been power and life to me for over 30 years, and truer than anything I may feel. I have loved having the verses in my memory bank to growly faith as well as others as I watched the Lord provide opportunities to apply them specifically! That is why my final verse of the year speaks to all of us who have journeyed together and will indeed be blessed because we have believed His word is truth:
Rene, Overland Park, KS.
“Blessed woman, who believed what God said, believed every word would come true!” Luke 1:45 The Message
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my sister, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. ESV
Philemon 7
Katie, Houston. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV1984
Lisa, Bethany, OK
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
I picked out Ephesians 4:1 for my first verse and had several others ready for the coming months. God led me to stay camped in Ephesians 4 so when I get this verse memorized I will know the entire chapter. Looking forward to the celebration in January, just surprised I stepped out of my comfort zone and booked a trip just for me….
Lisa, Rainbow City, Alabama. “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”
Luke 2:14 NIV
Geri, Deer Park, TX
Ps.118:6,7 NASB
The LORD is for me; I will not fear;
What can man do to me?
The LORD is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall look with satisfaction on those who hate me.
I love doing this Bible memory together because it helps me to stay with it and not give up. God has used the verses I’ve memorized in my own life to encourage me and He has allowed me to encourage others with them as well. It’s all good!
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “Blessed is she who has believed what that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”-Luke 1:45 NIV
Rita – Alva, Florida
This year my journey with Christ has been cemented with learning scriptures with Siesta. My son suffered a catastrophic car accident on July 17th and is now quadriplegic. Through 12 weeks of hospitalization a dear friend posted my scriptures for me on the website as I posted them on his hospital room wall. They were not only burned in my memory, but prayed over his head. Without the love of God and prayers of friends who have stood in the gap, we would not have survived. Thank you Jesus for the multitude of miracles that have surrounded us.
Seoul,Korea
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 NLT
Skylar, Collinston, La. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 NASB
Tina, Chesapeake, VA – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11(NIV)
One of the most precious things to me this year is that a friend did this with me. We are heading to Houston together and excited to connect with all of you!! Memorizing scripture has made the Word alive in me!
South Bend
“The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent”
John 6:29 NIV
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3 NKJV
“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Thank you for challenging me to memorize and trust at His Word. The enemy can’t take away His Word that is hidden in my heart. In Sept as a ploy on my name I chose James 5:11 because I always wondered where “the patience of Job” came from. It’s perseverance in the NIV. All through this year, the Lord has given me verses before I needed to apply them. I don’t exactly like the things I’m having to persevere through, but I welcome the chance to let Him show me His faithfulness as I draw closer to Him, and can’t wait as James said to see “what the Lord finally brought about”! I would love to come in January but have to settle for August when you come to Knoxville. Blessings!
Jana, Quitaque, TX
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Thank you so much for encouraging each of us to memorize scripture. This has to be God’s greatest weapon for us to use when we are stressed, hurt, angry, lonely, scared, to be able to repeat God’s words and promises in our minds. Thank you, Jesus.
John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
liz gladstone or
I feel like memorizing scripture has been life changing. I’ve always had problems with obsessive thinking and imagining awful things (evil thoughts) That I knew wasn’t keeping from me. If I start thinking something awful I replace it with scripture. Praise the Lord he is faithful : )
Stephanie, Houston.
a special possession to his servant Israel.
His faithful love endures forever. Ps 136:22 NLT
Colossians 1:23 (ESV)
. . . if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Grace, Circleville OH: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 (NIV)
Kimberly, Circleville OH: And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 (NIV)
Beverly, Ironton OH: 1 John 2:5 But whoever keeps his word truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. (NKJ)
“And compassion is on its way to us. You’ll stamp out our wrongdoing. You’ll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean. You’ll stay true to your word to Father Jacob and continue the compassion you showed Grandfather Abraham—
Everything you promised our ancestors from a long time ago.”
Micah 7:19-20 MSG
I couldn’t resist…Maureen, St. Clair Shores, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6
HCSB).
I am so pleased to have gone through this year with each of you…Siesta Sisters and Beth our Siesta Momma!! And though I haven’t read every response to each post (often, time did not permit), I knew this was about so much more than scripture memory. I realized a “kindred spirit” among you and felt His presence and joy at your willingness to take on the challenge and receive spiritual smiles from the King of Kings in the process.
I never thought I could do it…but God surprised the socks off me and I can’t wait to dig into more.
Sweet Christmas blessings & love to each of you even now as you/we prepare for the arrival of the Savior with new hope in His perfect Peace!!
Kathy, Danvers
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Thank you for doing this again!
Lauren, Kentucky, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6
I’ve not “memorized” all of my verses… but I have thoughtfully picked them out all year long. I’ve written them in my planner and my notecard bundle and thought on them when I needed God’s Word. This is such a great idea… I think I’ll do it in 2012, too. Thanks, Siesta Mama for all you do!
Kelei. Iowa Park. James 4:3 “When you ask, you do not rceive, because you ak with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Chesney, Chicago. “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
What a joy it has been to walk through this thing with so many beautiful sisters! My prayer is that as we continue to let these scriptures penetrate deep into our minds and hearts that we would be women that believe the truths they proclaim with more and more conviction. May we find ourselves “blessed” because we, like Mary, have believed the words and promises spoken to us. Lord, please seal these scriptures in our hearts. We love You. You are so, so worthy of our attention and affection.
“But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
This has been an amazingly tough year: lots of attack. I volunteer in the local jail and I don’t think satan is happy that God is pushing back the darkness there as women put their trust in Him. Never have I experienced such personal struggle. But I am so thankful for God’s word and the opportunity to memorize it. I don’t have much time with each inmate, so I am thankful to have these verses memorized so I can refer to them quickly. Many times the verses I have memorized are the same ones the inmates need to hear that week. It touches my heart when they copy the chapter and verse for themselves. I have been really intensely praying through these scriptures over and over and I feel God is bringing me victory. Thank you for the accountablity this format offers. My daughter and I look forward to seeing you all again next month!
Michelle, Seattle, WA: “…to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 25 NIV
This year memorizing scripture has been amazing! I used to have a hard time falling asleep and would wake up in the middle of the night thinking about work and re-living conversations and thinking of what all I needed to do the next day. Starting in January I would fall asleep practicing my memory verses starting with verse 1–John 15:5. I seldom made it through the first 5 verses. I haven’t been as self-absorbed. I’ve been practicing abiding with Christ. He’s made all the difference in the world!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 NIV
I have learned this year how to pray and to claim God word and how powerful his words are….
Deborah, Waco, TX
“But the angel said to them,’ Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord'” Luke 2:10, 11 NIV
What a blessing memorizing verses has been to me this past year. It turned out to be a very difficult year and the Lord gave me just the right verses to sustain me and give me joy through all the trials. I have never been successful at memorization, but this year was different. I actually remembered the verses with prompts! Praise to the Lord! He is able and I give Him all the glory! Merry Christmas!
Deborah – Nashville, TN
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)
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
~ Luke 2:11 (ESV)
April, Clovis
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
What a great journey this has been to memorize scripture this year! I have loved the fruit God has grown in my heart and life through the memorization of His Word. My word of the year has been ‘hope’ 2010 was a pretty rough year in my life as I lost my sweet baby girl (at 10 1/2 mo). This year the Lord has restored my hope in Him. He is faithful, I was so happy to wrap up this year with this verse; joy, peace, trust and hope it’s all in there! Praise be to our King. Thank you for facilitating this, what a privilege to be a part of this group of ladies.
Melissa Stauffer, Centreville, Michigan
For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift. John 1:16 (AMP)
Scripture memory is sanity in this crazy, whirlwind, taxi-drivin’ four kids, family crisis, merry-go-round, still caught in it world. I didn’t think it was THAT medicating and supportive, even as a diligent student of His Word…but, when rehearsed, contemplated, and utilized yep, there it is…or should I say there He is. Thank you for the challenge and encouragement. As usual. Proof.
Christina, Egenhausen, Germany: I am the LORDS servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left. Luke 1:38 NIV
Be still. Stop trying so hard to be good. Enter into the Rest I have prepared for you.Tearing down of the idol of EXPECTATIONS. Embracing the freedom from fear of what peeps think. Living in victory over that fear instead of just visiting. A TRANSFORMED life in mind,emotions, spirit with a noticeable physical difference as well. Praise God and thank you, My Jesus!
I have found that the verses I memorized for 2011 have NOT only ministered to me in timely ways but have also been an immense encouragement to hurting friends when I’d include some of them in emails to spur them on in their walk with the Lord.
Luke 1:49-50 (NKJV)
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
Pierre, SD
Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope patient in affliction , faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:11-13 NIV
Linda/Augusta
Heb 10:23 NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.
Atlanta, GA
‘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
What a blessing and encouragement! WOW!!
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I life up my soul.
Psalm 143:8
HEB 11:1 Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.
Thank you for leading this! I jumped on board in August (I discovered your blog only recently) and have really enjoyed learning scripture and being somewhat accountable in it. This was a really hard year for me and my family. We moved here from Ft Worth back in Jan away from an amazing church family and support system to basically the dessert. I feel more for Abaraham and Sarah leaving their comforts of Ur to follow God in the dessert living in tents. But oh how He is so faithful! I’ve discovered the Lord in so many new ways, which would it have happened had we stayed there. I gripped too many things too tightl….., friends, places, familiarity, belief on how things should be done…..that God had to pry them from my hands. He is the true God, wanting what is best for His children. May I continue to live forever in the awe of His great name!
Btw, He is blessing us with a 3rd baby that we tried very hard to prevent. As is said, beliefs on the way things should be done, how foolish is was. Oh what an exciting God! He’s got great plans to continue to burn the fake out of me.
He alone is my Faith!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Melissa, Scarborough, ME: “For unto 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
Diane,
Lumpkin, GA
“So then, just as you received Christ as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” – Colossians 2:6-7