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.
Sue
St. Louis
Psalm 91:6
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
will abide in the shadow of the almighty.
Sheila, Beckley, WV We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, as we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
My Jesus has proven Himself over and over to me through the memorization of His Word. I love Him so much! And, I thank you, Beth, for the challenge you gave us to do it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless!!
Tina, Cincinnati, OH – Deuteronomy 30:20 – …love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life… NIV
Pamela, Missouri
“…Come let us walk in the light of the Lord.” ~ Isa 2:5 (NIV)
It’s been a beautiful year of memorizing scripture!!
Becky, Roswell, GA
“But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7, AMP
I am so grateful to be a part of this community. Though I rarely contribute a comment, except for the SSMT, I read every word, and sometimes even write down or print out things that I want to re-read. This year, my family of 6 moved from NC to GA after 18 years of calling Charlotte our home. Through all the tumult, these Scripture memory verses have been my lifeline!
Beverly Parrish
Jackson, MS
that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2 Corinthians 2:5 (ESV)
Tracy Carden – Whitesburg, TN
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 NIV
Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b
Larissa Simpson, Benbrook, Tx
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
This year has been another year of leaning heavily on the Lord to provide for every paycheck to come into our home. To provide the money to keep the lights on and food on the table. He has come each and every time. To provide our NEEDS;no more no less. Humbled by His faithfulness. Its been a refining process to say the least and I’m anxious to see what all the Lord has in-store in the new year for our family. Thank you LPM for your ministry and may this New Year be a blessed one for you all as well.
Letha Mahan. Mountain Home, Arkansas. “Search me, 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.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Asking for wisdom began my year; asking God to fill me with His wisdom so I could make the decisions required of me in the way He would have me do. A balm and salve has been applied to my grieving soul for my precious mom as I have meditated and memorized Psalm 139 (again) since October.
See you in January!!
Staci, Bismarck, ND
Dec. 1st. . . “My Salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” “Trust in him at all times O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:7-8 (NIV)
Dec. 15th . . . “Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if we weighted on a balance, they are noghint; togethere they are only a breath.” Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches in crease do not set your heart on them.” Psalm 62:9-10 (NIV)
Sheila, Sevierville, TN
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Psalm 119:133 (NIV)
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Luke 2:11 NIV
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
I picked my verse on the 15th but have been super sick in our house with a bad GI bug. SO.. not gonna let tardiness keep me from finishing this year up!
Beth & sisters, I have to say this year of scripture memory has been profound. It has saved my mind. I don’t think it would be going too far to say it has saved my marriage. HE has saved my marriage! I began this year very hopeless (thus my first verse, Rom. 15:13) and God ACCOMPLISHED His Word in me this year. He, the God of HOPE, has filled me to overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I wish I could go into all the details so you could trace with me His grace the whole year through.. but for many of you, I know you have experienced the same. You know the God of wonders we serve. I have never treasured Him more, never treasured His Word more. I will miss the fellowship with you sisters next year in scripture memorization but I hope to keep up the discipline on my own. 🙂 I’m hooked.
And thus.. my verse to tie up a year of HOPE:
“Let us hold UNSWERVINGLY to the hope we profess, for He who promised IS faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 {NIV}
Martha
Asheville, NC
First I would to thank God for you,Beth and all the Siesta Memory team. I have been through a lot of changes and grief this past year and memorizing all these scriptures has meant everything to me. So many times when I am discouraged and don’t even want to pick up my Bible it seems like it is that time of the month to memorize our scripture. When I go to your site and put my verse on I always read many scriptures that you and all my other Siesta sisters have memorized. I always get uplifted and I know God is renewing my mind through his word. Merry Christmas to you and all you precious Siesta sisters. My God pour out his blessings on all of you. I love you all dearly.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that lays waste at noonday.Psalm91:5-6(KJSB) Twyla McAmis,Cleveland,Tennessee.
Erin
Chippewa Falls, WI
“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
I am so thankful for the accountability of the SSMT. Having these 24 verses rolling around in my mind has changed my thinking and my heart countless times, and I pray they continue to do so! The hope of the party kept me so motivated, and even though I’m not able to come I am glad that it could be my carrot :). Have a fabulous time celebrating his work in all of you!
“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.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV.
What a blessing this scripture memory has been in so many ways. Thank you to all my siestas for the constant encouragement to stick with it.
Debra – Dahlgren, IL
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
Dedra, Madison, AL
“For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you agreement with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glory the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.” Romans 15:4-6
Incredibly blessed by the community, encouragement and accountability to remain rooted in His Word!! Can not wait to hug y’all and go back to my hometown for the weekend!!
Merry Christmas!!!
James 1:6-8 (NIV)
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:6-8 (NIV)
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
NIV
WendyB, Germany
I didn’t keep the commitment this year, but I am so proud of you siestas who went the distance! What an encouragement and enrichment you are to this community of willing learners, to your families, and to all who are blessed by the words you’ve hidden in your sweet, beautiful hearts. You rock, girls!
Sharon
South Charleston, Ohio
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. ~ Revelation 19:7 (NIV)
As for me adn my house, we will serve the Lord ]
Joshua 24:15
Cathie – Jacksonville Florida
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Let’s do it again!!! Even though I will not be able to make it to the conference I treasure the little spiral with all my verses and where I was at each time I needed one of those! Hope everyone has a very BLESSED Christmas!!!! (I love that it is on Sunday this year!!)
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 KJV
Thanks for loving us, Beth, and providing inspiration and motivation to keep on keeping on. Love your passion and transparency!
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35 (NIV).
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
This has been a great spiritual discipline for me…I may not have each verse memorized word for word but as I go through and review them I meditate and remember how God was working through each verse–God gives grace as we need it.
I am going to lead Beth’s Daniel study beginning Jan. 14 so I will not be able to attend the celebration. God has brought this particular verse from Joshua to mind several times lately. I believe God is using it to personalize the study for me and as an encouragment to be like Daniel in my witness for Him in the world.
Johnnie
Wake Forest, NC
Bambi, Houston, TX
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Psalm 23
The Message
Deuteronomy 2:3
‘You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.
I found “Siesetaville” in June when I had just found out about a tricky medical diagnosis, that affects my whole family. Each verse that I have been led to remember has helped so very much. I feel Peace from God that I wouldn’t have if I had not tried to memorize these verses!
Thanks Siesta Mama, for loving us so much, it makes me smile when I see that declaration at the end of your posts.
Should read: Jennifer, Frederick, CO
Kristy from Port Angeles, WA
Romans 8:38-39(NASB)
“38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
” The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 ESV
Krista
Centennial, CO
Lindsay, Wenatchee
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8
Ooooooo!!! I thought I missed out on the last post of 2011. Well this year of memorizing started out with the purpose of overcoming a stronghold in my life or dealing with the consequences of it – my weight. I desperately want to get rid of 50 unwanted pounds, but that has not come to pass as of yet. I will continue to plead with God to empower me to do this. Could I ask some of you to pray with me towards that end?
But praise God – verses I did memorize! And my Lord has done some internal work in my spirit! The verse that caused some deep transformation was Deuteronomy 30:6 – “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” I really want to put an exclamation mark after that verse! God HAS circumcised this heart of mine. He has stirred up a love for Him in my spirit – I wake up just telling Him how much I love Him. God has also revived a love in my 22 year marriage! I’ve always loved my man – but gracious – I’m just plain crazy about the guy now! And also, two of our children left home for mission work and Bible school and, THAT, I thought was going to do me in, for the ache of missing them – but once again – our God is all sufficient! I do have joy in the midst of change – something new for this momma!
Well my next verses are from James – going to try to memorize with Mercy Triumphs. Oh, and a side note – in the 2nd session – Beth, you said this one won’t be the WOW session, but by your leading on sharing from our own timelines, Wow, we had an amazing sharing time! Alot of tears – yep, I almost did the ugly cry from some of the testimonies, but, Oh, God is so good! We have 17 women coming to the James Bible study out of a congregation of about 80! Meep!
Okay, my verses!
Joyce, Big River, Canada
James 1:9-12 NIV
” Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
” I wait for the Lord.My whole being waits, and in Your word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5
Kim ~ Niceville, Florida
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thes. 3:5 KJVersion
Jan, Littleton, CO,
“and you have been given fullness in Christ,
who is the head over every power and authority.”
– Colossians 2:10 (NIV)
Janice in Abbeville, AL
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever Amen.” II Peter 3:18 NIV
Romans 6:23 (NIV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jennifer
Charleston, SC
Angie, Aberdeen, SD
Jer. 33: 3 Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden NLT
A good reminder as we head into a new year
walking in the Light. This past year has been encouraging and challenging as I shared memory in God’s WORD with my Siesta, starting out face to face & then via skype. Precios. Powerful Beautiful I thank God for His enabling Grace that drew me closer to Him. Thanks Beth & all my siestas!!
Samantha
Menomonie WI
(NAS)
John 15:11- These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
*sorry so late, sent it to my local SSMT and forgot to post it here. 🙂 Merry Christmas 🙂 I plan to use my SSMT verses for 2011 again in 2012.
Kathy, Tempe
Psalm 145:13 NIV Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
This has truly been a blessing to me. I started out with such a bang. However, since the end of October I have really struggled. I assist in care of my mom who has alzheimers and sometimes life is a challenge. Praise God that He is faithful.
Lori, Pine Island, MN
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV
Kay from Deer Park – Isaiah 55: 12 (KJV)
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Last Christmas I gave Siesta Scripture Spirals to 4 friends and all have made scripture memory a part of their lives this year. One friend committed to the memorization but didn’t have a computer due to Hurricane Ike severely damaging her home. Once they rebuilt their home, she was diagnosed with cancer and spent over a year in treatment as the Lord healed her completely. Some months passed and about the time they began to think about replacing their computer, her husband was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer, so I have posted her scriptures for her. Sometimes she would write down her scripture and give it to me at church, other times we would check in by phone, or sometimes it was while meeting in the hospital, but low-tech or high-tech, she was faithful to the commitment she made. (I have most of the notes still in my Bible.)The scriptures have ministered mightily to hoth of us and all 5 of us this year as we have walked out an unexpected journey together. So 4 or 5 of us will see you in January for sure.
Bird – Cypress, TX
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17, NASB