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.
Mei, Easley SC:
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:3 NIV
Charlotte, Easley SC:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Rev. 22:13 NIV
Susan, Bradenton, FL
Rom. 15:13 NIV 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.
Yea! I’m so happy we all made it a Jesus year by memorizing scripture. Have a great celebration in Houston. I won’t be able to come unless something changes with my job and other things, but I will be with you in spirit. This year of scripture memory was a huge blessing to me, thank you for your support and prayers. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
Becky, St. Augustine,
“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
Kelly, Colorado Springs
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4&5 NIV
Beth, your encouragement twice a month has been a blessing! Thank you. My friend who encouraged me to do this with her and I have enjoyed renewed fellowship across the miles. I do not feel like all that many verses are sticking in my mind but I will keep meditating on these and the meditation on them has done me a world of good! Kelly
Blessed is she who believes that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplised. Luke 1:45 NIV
Linda Peel Lexington, KY
I am ending 2011 with the first verse I memorized for the 2009 SSMT. I have had a harder time memorizing this time so I decided to “bookend” my 46 verses with Luke 1:45. I am BELIEVING GOD. Merry Christmas dear Siestas !
Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Psalm 22:11 NIV
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
“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12, NIV
Amy Storms
Santa Clarita, CA
Amanda, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! (Matthew 6:8 NLT)
Allie, South Pasadena CA
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew thier strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Jana, Port Byron, IL
John 1:11
He came to what was His own, and His own people did not accept Him.
John 16:33 NIV
In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 NIV 1984
Doris, Whiteville, NC
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”
What a blessing this process has been! I’m ready for 2012!
Merry Christmas all!
Cheryl, Chadbourn.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20
I have seen God’s promises this past year. I have believed Him, and am still believing Him. And the promises He has made – they have all been “YES” in Christ. Amazing healing. Restoration of a relationship. Renewed hope. Unbelievable joy.
Amazing to have walked alongside all of you this year!
God bless and Merry Christmas to all of you!
Let’s celebrate Christ this season, and celebrate His work in our lives when we are together in January!!!!
Heather
Mosinee, WI
Teresa, Orange City
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 (NIV)
Romans 15:13 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.
Memorized by me and my son.
“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
Merry Christmas to all Siestas! I wish so much I could come and meet you all, but I will not be able to come down unless someone gives the trip to me as a Christmas gift.
This year I chose verses to meet particular needs each time, so memorizing them has been powerful.
Thanks Beth and your team, this has been a blessing.
Carla, Pierre, SD
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
This year has meant the world to me and I made it!!! Only one month I memorized one verse instead of two. I cannot count the days when I didn’t know what to pray or how to pray and I just started reciting my verses, one after the other. God is faithful, praise Him, His word is so powerful! I won’t be able to make the party in Houston but will be wishing I were there as I’m watching my kiddos play hockey instead!
Jocelyn(Greer/Greenville, SC)
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world, Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” ESV John 8:12
‘Your hands made me, and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.’ Psalm 119:73 NIV
Paula, Houston, TX (I’m late! The holidays have made me crazy, but, this has been the most awesome experience ever. This is the first time ever in my life I have memorized scripture….and it has empowered me beyond belief. I actually have found opportunities to use those verses I have memorized! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I will be at the Siesta celebration in January – hoping to see someone I know or meet some new siestas!)
“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)
Denise, Hernando Beach
I could not decide on a 24th scripture!
I wanted to end this year with a positive, uplifting scripture– some sort of blessing. The verse that the Holy Spirit keeps giving me is,
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7.
Not what I would, at first, call a blessing, although God continually amazes me, and I am sure He will let me know why He wants me to end this year with this scripture.
—Am excited to meet my loving siestas is January! It has been quite an amazing experience memorizing all these scriptures. As I recall each scripture, God brings to mind what He was teaching me at that point in this past year. He is such an awesome God. Thank you all at LPM for what you all do each and every day. You are all being used by our Lord in amazing ways– we are all so privileged to be able to stay close to the Almighty God of the universe!
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good
understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise undureth for ever”. Psalm 111:10
Delores, Columbia, TN
I will hear what God the Lord will speak. For He will speak peace. To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him. That glory may dwell in our land.
Psalm 85:8-9 NKJV
Dana Pace, FL 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. 2 Samuel 22:31
This year of scripture memory has been a lifeline and a journal of my walk. Each scripture reflected my needs and desires at that particular point in time. To go back over all the scriptures every two weeks was a POWERFUL reminder of the power of God’s word to guide, protect, sustain, inspire and empower. Thanks be to you Lord God!
Mildred, Mer Rouge,LA
In this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Sorry I’m so late but I wanted to finish.
Suzanne, East Bernard, TX
“To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who long to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Philippians 4:20-23
I have spent the year memorizing the entire book of Philippians. It has not been easy, but well worth the journey. Thanks for pushing me, Beth.
Kay, Houston, TX:
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. – Psalms 4:8 NIV
Beth, Lititz PA
ESV
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shone.
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
Thank you for glorifying God in all you do! This has gotten me into memorizing Scriptures, which is what I have been wanting to do for years!
Kathryn – Atmore, AL – Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. ~ Epehsians 3:19 (NCV)
I chose this scripture to end with because it really sums up what the entire year has been for me. I always said I couldn’t memorize scripture, but I did. I don’t know how many I actually did memorize, but I read over them and they come to me more frequently now than they ever did. Just another way God has shown me through the year that He loves me. If you’d like to read about how He showed me in a BIG way, just click on my name, go to my blog and read the blog “When He Says He Loves Me”. I have enjoyed this year and will continue to meditate on these scriptures even as I begin asking Him for new ones for 2012.
Billie, Greenville, KY “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,” Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Thank you Beth and the Siestas for this challenge of keeping Scriptures in my mind. I have lost both my Dad and my sister this year, and God’s light through His Word has penetrated my heart and mind with His very Presence. Every two weeks my little boy has asked what the new Scripture is, and he has been retaining them with me. He says to, “say a verse to make a shield around me.” I love you all so much. Thank you Lord Jesus. You are my Shelter and my Shield. In you I take refuge.
I can’t wait to see you all in Houston next month!!! Cannot wait!
Cathy, Princeton, TX
Hebrews 12:1,2 nasb
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Annie, AL
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
God has used this year in scripture memorization to strengthen me and help me grow. There’s no way I can tell you the things He has done in my life in the past year, but I praise Him for leading me to each verse. I am so glad I “came across” this blog almost exactly a year ago. 😉
Laura, Houston:
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Cameron, Richmond, VA.
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
I wanted to keep this up next year so I started a Scripture memory blog for any of my friends who wanted to join me. I spoke with KMac today to get permission to use Beth’s instructions. Thanks so much! I just wanted to share the link now that it’s up and running!
http://scripturememory2012.blogspot.com/
Karen-Leonard, TX
Lk 2:11 NIV
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Summer, Royse City, TX
James 1:4 (NIV) “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Lula from Hazlehurst: He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 KJV.
Houston, TX
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23 NIV
Johntown, CO
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
NIV
Marci, Amsterdam
Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)
God has used this process of memorizing this year to encourage, remind and strengthen me this year. I was feeling so discouraged the other day about something and God brought the January 1st verse to my mind. He reminded me that this was my verse that I had prayed over this situation in the beginning of the year (when I was feeling encouraged and excited) and that I needed to come back to that. It’s been a great experience. Thanks for helping to keep me accountable to memorizing God’s precious words to us!
Alicia, Gulfport
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. (Philemon 7 NIV)
Brenda, (Sue Sue)
Bainbridge, Ga
Titus 2:5, NIV
to be Self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of GOD.
Deborah, Markham, VA
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.”
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Deborah, Markham, VA
This Scripture memory team has been an awesome experience for me! My desire is to have God’s word deep in the marrow of my bones so that when my need for His Word arises (which seems to be minute to minute these days!), it is RIGHT THERE! I am so thankful to you and all of your team for designing this encouraging method of memory! God is GOOD!!!
Anna Elkhart IN
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJ)
Thank you Beth for putting out this challenge to memorize God’s word. I want to continue to hide His word in my heart. May God bless you!