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.
Linda, Austin, TX
Luke 2:13-14 KJV
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Well I began this journey with my sister a year ago. I didn’t get to finish and sadly I can’t make the celebration, but I know that any scripture memory I have done will help me to grow in my relationship with Jesus…it was so worth it!!!
I hope that the celebration is a wonderful time of connection and worship. Maybe the next time around my sister and I will make it.
Love you…
Marilyn, Bradenton, FL
Isa. 26:4 (NIV)
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”
Sophie – Birmingham, AL
“God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, The Message
Paige, Atl, I Cor. 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
My testimony for the year God Is Faithful!
Nina, Moore
John 3:17 NIV
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through
I knew this was my last verse for the year early in the month, and I can’t believe I didn’t post when I was supposed too. I didn’t find this community until the middle of February, so I couldn’t miss a verse in order to fulfill my commitment. With this post, I have made it! Still undecided about the celebration… But so thrilled to have completed a 21 verses this year. I love it! As a relatively new Christian (3.5 years) I have really enjoyed stepping up my game and memorizing with accountability. I look forward to adding 24 more verses in 2012. Bless you all for the ALL the work you do.
Oops – still didn’t finish the verse! Sorry.
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Nancy, Morehead
I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. Phil 4:12 (NAB)
I’m so behind in posting my verses! Here goes…
Marie
Byhalia, MS
December 1 & 15 verses
1 Cor. 9:24-25 NASB
24-DO you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25-Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
…and just in case I didn’t post this, here it is…
Nov. 15 verse
Matt. 4:4 NASB
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'”
Spring, TX
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)
Thank you Lord for your unfailing and unconditional love for me! My every existence is knowing that you are coming soon and my destiny has been longing to see your face when my journey on this earth is complete!
Austin, Tx
Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16
NCV
Lindsay, Albuquerque, NM
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV
Kelsie, 15, Albuquerque
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Alysa, 11, Albuquerque
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV
Donna, Norman, OK
Exodus 33:14 NIV
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Shawna – Boise Idaho
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
This year of scripture has changed my life. It has changed the way I pray and changed my thoughts. I am healthier today for having God’s word written in my heart. Praise God for this opportunity and also that I was able to make this year long journey with my daughter. We’ll see you in Houston!
Hilary, Bolivar, MO:
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,[a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
This year has not been easy. I have faced many challenges, including moving and losing a good friend. By committing myself to memorizing scripture, I have been able to better face each trial I have faced and it has been a great encouragement to myself, as well as a few of my friends. Thank you for the extra motivation and accountability in doing this journey together!
Isaiah 26:3 & 8 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Lord we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.
Memorizing scripture has radically changed my life. I began actively memorizing scripture a few years ago and found it to be transforming. So this year I set up a facebook group to encourage my circle of friends to join with me in active memorization. We had almost 70 ladies sign up and ended with about 20 checking in faithfully. It has been really neat to hear their stories of how God has used His word to transform their hearts and minds. Thank you for exhorting and encouraging us to be in the word.
Rebecca
Boise, Idaho
NIV
Isaiah 9:6
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.
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! Psalm 18:46 (NIV).
I may have shared this already but here we go. My scripture verse booklet was so cute I kept it in my purse. I kept up with my verses but something started about 5 months ago, when I was out I would find a hurting person. Maybe at Sonic, or Walmart. God just seemed to open my eyes to hurt. Everytime I ran upon this person I would ask if I could pray and then would find the exact verse in my cute holder, tear it out and give it to them. My health is bad so my memory is impaired. I needed those verses to read back over and since I was spotty at responding but faithful in the verses I have no reference of them. However,I know without a doubt they are on someone’s mirror or in someone’s purse and God’s word was used through this group!!! I may not have all mine in my mind. But someone like Beth Moore would say ” you are fine siesta…. God knows your heart”. Beth. You have shown me how to love myself as much as I do others!!! Oh how I love siesta-ville!!!
Deb
El Dorado AR
Make it your ambition to lead a simple quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
He stripped all the spiritual tyrants of the universe of their sham authority at the cross and marched them naked through the streets. Col 2:15 MSG
God has been speaking to me the last couple years about memorizing scripture. I had been focusing on it, typing up verses to tape on my mirror, etc. but it was always a challenge. When I started SSMT in 2011 something was different. I figure there must be a bunch of you praying over this thing as God has moved powerfully through it to change me. I memorized a record 29 verses this year – all to the glory of God. But what amazed me was how God used my knowledge of those verses throughout the year. They weren’t just random verses but truly ones He had for me at this season in my life. God has revealed to me this year a new plan He has had in store for my life. It will be most effective if I have His Word memorized. I see that now and will be pressing on in 2012. This has been such a blast!! Bless you all.
PS – I’m not able to make it to Houston in Jan. My mother in law is terminally ill and was only to make it to Dec. I’m not feeling comfortable planning too much at this time. I will truly miss being a part of this celebration. I was also looking forward to hearing Travis sing some of his new songs – that CD is amazing and is continuously being played in our home. May God bless your time together – I can hear the joy and laughter already! What a great time He has in store of you all!
Lucinda Bomberger, Watsontown, PA
Hebrews 11:6 ESV And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Luke 2:14 NIV
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.
Kathleen, Ashland
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hhope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
Laura Eloise – Austin, TX
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Samantha
Tupelo, MS
…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:3 NIV
Holly from Alpharetta….better late than never 🙂
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. ~Philippians 3:13(NIV)~
mitzi, Brandon, MS
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Love your neighbor as yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Rom.13:8,10NIV/msg
O my goodness how The Lord has used this.. for three years! So thankful for you & your faithfulness to encourage! Truly has kept me breathing through very difficult times … CPR for my soul! My two daughters & I are coming to celebrate with you… Can’t wait!
Cheryl, Everett, Psalm 139:5 NIV
“You hem me in-behind and before: You have laid your hand upon me” Thank you Beth for the accountabliity I needed to persevere and as you would say “Finnish The Thing”!! God has used every verse this past year in my life to help me draw close to God and to get closer to being the woman He created me to be. Thank you and God bless you.
Jaclyn, Houston. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17
Yolanda
Ulysses, Kansas
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thes 3:5 NIV
Kim, Corning, NY. Isaiah 61:2-3: “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness 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.”
I apologize for my lateness in posting this response. This has been another rough year for our family–my fifth year of suffering from daily migraine headaches. As I’ve stored away His Word in my heart this year, God has been so faithful to use these Scriptures to encourage me with His presence, His faithfulness and His unfailing love. He sustains me daily (Isaiah 46:3-4) and promises to redeem every moment of this pain (Psalm 130:5-7) and bring me a harvest of joy (Psalm 126:4-6). By His grace, I’ll see you all at the SSMT Celebration! (:
“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” Luke 1:49 (NRSV)
Cheney
The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:22
Debbie, Houston – “Because He loves me,” says the Lord,”I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name…” Psalm 91:14 NIV
Yes, I am super late in posting my last verse….
Piper, Hickory, NC
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
I CANNOT believe I am actually posting my 24th verse. The first SSMT I barely made it to May. With God’s help and conviction I have made it. I haven’t always remembered to post, and I have had some trouble remembering parts of the verses. BUT I can say that God put each of them in my life for that moment in time. I draw strength from each verse and I have been able to use them to point others to His word when they needed it the most! Praise the Lord for His Word that is ALIVE and living in me!!
Patricia, Dallas Tx
Jeremiah 33:3 {ESV}
Call to me and I will answer and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Sherry
Oklahoma
“What does the scripture say? Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:3 NIV
Lynnette in Houston
John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
I have posted my last verse but did not comment. Memorizing these verses has been a wonderful experience. I don’t want to stop. The verses have been so timely. For instance, My verse for March 1 was Psalm 94:18-19 “When I said my foot is slipping, Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.” I memorized this right before I went on a mission trip to Roatan, Honduras. Many times during that week, as I climbed up slippery mountain sides to deliver water filters, I claimed that verse. Also, anxiety was great as it is when I am under Satan’s attack. God’s word spoke to me, and brought me joy.
Amanda, Olympia WA
Ezekiel 29:16 (NIV)
“Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help.”
Kim, Center, TX:
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
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.
I am soooo late in posting but I’ve been practicing this verse! That counts, right? I have LOVED the accountability of memorizing scripture along with so many others! When we did this 2 years ago, I could only get my sister to memorize with me. This year, I had 5 of my friends commit & I think most of them made it through the year, too! I appreciate all your hard work in organizing this SSMT for us! I can NOT wait until our celebration in January. By the way, will we be able to order t-shirts again this time? I LOVE wearing my other one!
Pam, Greensboro, NC
“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 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever, AMEN!”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
But as you abound in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us-see that you abound in this grace also.
2Cor 8:7 NKJV
Although I haven’t always posted in a timely fashion, I have picked out my verses. It has been such a blessing. Earlier in the year, the verses in my little book were ones that I thought were “good” verses and I was happy to work on memorizing and reviewing them. How little did I know that I would need to depend on them and live them come summer. I thought I was choosing them, but God knew I would need them. Isn’t He wonderful?
Thank you ladies for your verses. As my Bible study group finished our study this fall, I found myself looking for a way to direct my devotional time. I started reading the verses posted. Prayed them, praised God with them, listened to them. What a wonderful way to start my day. God bless you all in 2012!
Nancy, Columbus IN
Denise
Deming, New Mexico
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.
Ephesians 3:20 HNV
Brittany in Gainesville, FL:
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
-Galatians 6:4-5
(I’m working on this for four weeks since it’s two verses! Also, it’s a good one!)
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all.
Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.
I Chronicles 29:11-12 NASB
Jean Anderson, Saskatchewan, Canada
“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 2:10b, 11
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100:4,5
Kristi
Charlotte, NC
Thank you, Beth, for encouraging this. I homeschool our five children, ages 3-15 and because of this season of life am not able to do ladies’ Bible Study. This community of encouragement is helpful to me! Some verses through the year I have memorized better than others. But, if I had not had this challenge, I know I would not have memorized what I did! May you have a blessed New Year!!
Kimmie, Olympia WA
Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)
“The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.”