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.
Shiffra, Vicksburg MI.
“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
This has been amazing for me. A few friends and I have been holding each other accountable and sharing how each verse has impacted us and helped us. It has helped me to draw closer to G-d and rely on His word when I’m struggling or when others are struggling. Unfortunately, I can’t come in Jan. but my friends and I are going to get together for our own celebration!
Patti, Tampa. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NIV)
Tears are welling as I type and the words to one of my memory verses come quickly to mind, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” That a Scripture verse comes to mind so readily is a testimony worth shouting from the rooftops because I don’t think the same way anymore. It would take a book, and yes I’m writing one, to testify of this healing journey that started when we memorized Scripture together in 2009. I have also treasured this sweet time of connecting with Siestaville on the 1st and 15th of each month and have sometimes scrolled down the pages and been encouraged by reading the Scriptures posted. I’ve so enjoyed this year’s Scripture memory journey and I thank each of you for taking it with me. You’re the best traveling companions ever! Much love to all of you,
Patti Hayes
Becky, Temecula, CA, Philippians 4:5, NIV
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
I am so thankful for this year of hiding the Lord’s Word in my heart. He has ministered to me in ways that only He can do! He was (and is) always faithful to bring it to my mind at the exact moments I needed it. Thank you my Lord and Savior for loving me and speaking to me through your precious Word! May I listen and obey.
Karie, Glen Allen, VA “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I Peter 4:10 ESV
Elaine – Brea, CA
I was not successful all year… but I filled out my little SSMT booklet. :o) This last verse is fitting for me…
Philippians 3:12 (ESV)
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Deanne, Laguna Hills, CA
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1 NIV
Anne, Minneapolis
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:17-18, NIV
Lisa
Van Buren, AR
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
NIV
Tami, Palm Coast, FL: “I will be found by you,” declares the Lords, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:14a (NIV)
This experience has meant the world to me. I have struggled in memory work my whole life, but this experience has given me the discipline and structure in order to succeed. I have a new habit now that is critical in my spiritual walk. This last year has brought very challenging and heartbreaking times. I have lost two close family members, had my own health issues, and many work challenges. Memorizing scripture has given me His words to hold onto and to pray when I was so desparately clinging to Him. Thank you for this wonderful learning and growing experience. I truly don’t know what I would have done without it. Bless you all!!
Lori Beaube, Hazlehurst, Ms
1)I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2)And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 NKJ
Eva, Knoxville- What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 53:3 (NIV)
Wow, wow,wow,wow and wow!! All I can say for SMV the past THREE years in my life ALL because of YOU! Words cannot express my gratitude both to you and Christ. My faith is tons greater, my walk is tons stronger, my witness is miles wider, my marriage is drastically more unevenly yoked (my heavenly groom is worth it though!) my confidence is bursting in heart for Him, my desire is GREATER everyday to bask in Him and talk to Him and be jealous for Him in everyone I know!
I began a blog in August 2010 and plan to end it at year end. It is reedersreads.blogspot.com and God has blessed me in so many ways through it. I didn’t even know I could write til I obeyed His nudges to get on with His plan for me,ha! I have incorporated SMV challenge on it and have ONE faithful follower who has made it all worthwhile even when sometimes I felt no one was clicking on!
So thankful for His Word, His Love, and one of His faithful servants, BETH MOORE!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Cheryl, Coffeyville, KS
“O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” Psalm 59:9 NIV
Beth, I’ve done both Scripture Memory Team years now and also the year in between on my own (though sometimes I may have just memorized one scripture a month during the off year). I’m so thankful that you’ve offered this approach. It has given me a manageable way to get back to memorizing scripture — something I did for years and then let it go. Thanks!!
DeAnne, Talmage
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
What a joy it has been to plant my Heavenly Father’s word into my heart. I have always said I couldn’t memorize His word, but He was so gracious to show me differently.
Merry Christmas to everyone and may we all remember the reason for the season.
Elaine, New Orleans, LA 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
Hey, Elaine!
Brittney Lexington, KY
But don’t just listen to Gods word. You MUST do what it says! Otherwise you are only fooling yourself!
James 1:22 (NLT)
This journey of memorizing gods word has been a life saver! It’s basically transformed my mind and that has been a life saver for this former pit dweller!!! Glory to God that you save us even from our selves!
Deb, Pelzer, SC
Psalm 119:135 (NIV) “Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your decrees.”
During this difficult, painful year I’ve appreciated knowing I’m walking with so many others as we honor and place God’s Word more firmly in our hearts. I’m grateful that He promises to never let His Word return void. Here’s to the many evidences of fruit that have blossomed and are yet to blossom! It’s all for You, Jesus!
Tami in DS, LA
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)
This year has been very difficult for me in ways I could have never anticipated when I committed to scripture memory a year ago. At first I thought I was going to memorize verses about loving others because of a strained relationship with a close relative. I soon found out it was going to be much deeper than that. I was to learn to love my enemies, people I don’t even know who insult and hate without reason. The Scriptures I memorized/meditated on were life to me and gave me the strength to forgive and not lash out. I am learning to speak the truth without repaying one insult with another. And I have learned that He is trustworthy and faithful at a deeper level than ever before.
Kayla
Cleveland
For nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 NLT
“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
In honor of my pastor’s wife, Tiffany
Kim
Orange City
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NIV
Sarah, Christina and Esther May; Wenatchee
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”
James 1:2 NIV
Peggy Yorktown, VA
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorties against the cosmic powers of this present darkness and against the spiritual forces of evil. Eph 6:12 NRSV
Never, never, never thought I could/would follow this all the way through (after attempting many times before) but I have been so rewarded by the experience. It has been a blessing to recite each verse and remember what was going on and why I chose some of the verses I did. I am very excited for January!
Delores O.
Shoreline, WA
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:21 NIV 1984
I have really enjoyed participating in this discipline this year. I had decided to memorize more scripture in 2011 and it was a God-thing to find your siesta group. A FB friend had posted what her memory verse on 1/1 was and that’s how i found you! I’m looking forward to continuing in 2012 and seeing you in January. I wonder if there’s something similar that our brothers are doing??
God bless you Beth and LPM team!
Deut 2:3 (NASB)
“You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.”
Lacie, this just about wrecked me!
How many times do I circle something? Making a hard decision, some stupid sin I’m still falling back to?? I love this verse. Thanks for that.
Wow. Lacie – this verse just LEAPED off the screen. Thanks so much for posting it.
Karen, Russellville, AR
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT
Kristie
Queen City, TX
Chris, Kokomo, IN
John 15:7
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
This journey has done two significant things for me this year: 1) It was sustained me through a scary recurring illness and 2) It has comforted me as my mom & I go through the pain of no longer attending church together. After 20 years of worshiping and serving together, we are struggling with accepting hard decisions and bad behavior of other people. We’ve been doing this Scripture Memorization together, and it has frequently reassured me that, no matter what, our hope is still in God. We will always have that in common, even when the people holding the umbrella don’t do what we want them to. (Thanks Beth, also, for your Paul study. It’s just what I’ve needed in this season.)
I’m going to take the same verse as you (in the New Living) because I have derived much joy and comfort through this past year from this blog, your sharing and the scripture memorizing! This verse can remind me of the love I have been seeing modeled and have been learning to emulate. I can’t make it for the celebration but I’m so grateful for this past year! I have a lot more room in my Siesta 3×5 notebook, so I hope to keep going. I am thankful for your teaching and loving encouragement. I pray for you and your husband’s blessing in your new home. There’s a picture you posted of your backyard which I put up where I can see it because it reminds me of sitting alone on the porch seeking God, praying, reading His word. I used to sit on the porch too and now I can’t (for lack of a porch) and that picture really blessed me by helping me focus my heart right back to sitting with God. Thanks.
Jo Ann, Philadelphia. “Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my [sister], for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.” Philemon 1:7 New Living Translation
Harriett, St. Albert Alberta HE has told you, O man what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 KJV
Sherri thats perfect! I’m gonna use that one too!Hannah, Tx
“And she shall bring forth a son, an thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 KJV
Vicki, Colleyville, TX, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” ~Luke 2:11 KJV
Ooo! Vicki, that’s really good too!
Judy – Cottageville WV, KJV Isaiah 33:2A “Oh LORD, be gracious unto us, we have waited for thee:”
Jane, Houston, TX
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28 (NIV)
Melanie from Amherst, MA
(and now on sabbatical in Austin, TX!)
“For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?”
Psalm 71: 19
Can’t wait to join you all in January! Started my memorization journey this year with Hebrews 11 (thru Hebrews 12:3 and then a few verses from Psalm 71), because I had been struck by the verse “Considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he (Moses) was looking to the reward.” I was struck by it, I think, because I had become weary in ministry, weary in life, and began to crave a life of comfort and ease more than I had ever allowed myself to before. (Ha! I know…no such thing, really!) Anyway, that Moses, PRIOR to Jesus, considered the reproach of Jesus a treasure OVER the comforts of Egypt was such an encouragement and motivation to me and enabled me to surrender more to the current calling on our life. I am truly learning that “I am most satisfied when HE is most glorified.” (John Piper, right?) Thank you, Beth, for providing this avenue for dependency and intimacy with Christ.
I know what you mean. I was challenged to memorize Hebrews 11 when a lady quoted it at a conference. And I also added Heb. 12:1-3 – how could you leave that out? It has spoken to me in so many ways as I review it in my head all the time. It is an amazing “Hall of Faith” that continues to increase my faith, along with everything in the living, amazing Word of God.
April Lopez, BonneyLake,Wa
1st Corinthians 1:9 NIV
God, who has called you into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for an amazing year of your faithfulness. A year ago, I never thought I would be able to memorize 24 verses. Here we are and WE did it!!!! Praise you Lord!!!! I thank you for how you have brought to my mind on numberous occasions a scripture to bring comfort to a hurting sister. I just love that about you 🙂 Also, how during a uncertain health issue with my husband how you continually brought to my mind Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. This journey has definately deepened my faith and trust in you!!!! I LOVE YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!
Lisa Curtis, Jackson, Missouri
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. Psalm 119:109, 111-112 NIV
I anticipated emotion this morning as our memory work comes to an end but never did I expect to be drinking my cup of coffee weeping with joy while I read your post for today. This has been a true spiritual experience and I am so thankful and about to burst open with excitement for our celebration in Houston. I truly feel as if we have gathered together on a regular basis as if we were best friends. Merry Christmas Friends, see you in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!! Much love, Lisa
Brigid – Johannesburg (SA)
“I will be found by you”, declares the lord, “I will bring you back from captivity.”
Jeremiah 29:14 (NIV)
Jennifer from Chantilly
I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8, NIV
Tanya, Warren, PA
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NIV)
He wants us to have life to the full Sisters! Not a mere getting through each day exsistance but life to the full!!!
Can I get an Amen?????
I have a little girl who is 9 years old named Sadie. She has a hunger for the things of God, more than I have seen in a child her age. She has been doing devotions and memorizing scripture with me. We play a game where I memorize the first part and she memorizes the second part, then we can say it together. Once we have it really good that way, we switch parts so we can say the whole thing together. This has been a really fun way to memorize the verses.
She told me yesterday that she loves me a lot but if she loves me more than God then I would be her idol. She said she didn’t want to have any idols so she is going to love me just a smigen less than God.
Memorizing scripture with my daughter and not being her idol….that my dear friends is living life to the full!!!!
That is such a sweet thing to read Tanya!!
What a blessing! Thanks so much for sharing!
What a precious testimony! Love it!!
Thanks Tanya…..pretty name!
Connie, Tyler
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJ
This experience has been life changing for me. I have seen God use these scriptures in many ways. He has brought them to my mind when I pray for myself and others. He has used them to encourage me, discipline me, and remind me of just who He is! I will try hard never to let a year go by, that I dont memorise His word! It has been a privilege!
Blaine, Magnolia TX:
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!
Luke 1: 45 NIV
Linda Bend, OR
Matthew 6:14 NIV
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Karen, Vancleave, MS
“For to us a child is born, to 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 rededicated my life to Christ 2 years and 10 months ago. Eventhough my pastor is important to me and my spiritual growth, I have come to love and appreciate how special it is when women minister to women. Thanks to all of my Siestas!! Merry Christmas!!
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. NIV
Lisa. Wylie,TX. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV
My scripture memory verses have been a life line for me in many ways, and became an important part of a fabulous testimony for me this summer. God used one of the scriptures as a way to show me how much bigger He is than my “big” imagination in Eph 3:20 Message version. He gave our family the most amazing gift thru fellow believers who blessed us with a Large amount of money and bought our house that hadn’t sold so we could move to be with my husband at his new job. We then were blessed to give our house and old van to others who God directed us to bless! It has been a very amazing time of obedience and giving God all the glory!!
Donna
Loganville, PA
Psalm 119:130 NIV
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
I am so thankful for the opportunity to memorize scripture this year and for the encouragement along the way. When I look back over the verses I’ve learned this year, its like looking at a scrapbook. The verses remind me of God’s faithfulness, provision and blessing through this past year.
Susan, Tucson,AZ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Joelle, Abilene, TX
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”
Luke 1:46b-47 (ESV)
I have felt the Lord teaching and guiding me through this year of memorizing his Word. He has unveiled some things and encouraged me! He showed me some weaknesses that needed to be strengthened between Him and I. I am so so thankful!
Natalie, Olive Branch, “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 (ESV)
“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