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.
Nicole, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Luke 1:38 NIV
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, “may it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Memorizing scripture has given new insight into verses like, pray conintuously, give thanks in all circumstances, rejoice in the Lord always, set your heart on things above, for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks…as much as these war against my “self”, these are peaceful passions. I desire more of this. Thanks for the accountability.
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA ” The fear of human opinion disables, trusting in God protects you from that.” Proverbs 29:25 Message
Melanie, Nampa, Idaho
I have been working on Ephesians chapter one this year and need to secure more of the verses so I won’t be choosing a new verse this go ’round, just reviewing.
Between learning who I am in God’s eyes through Eph 1 and doing Breaking Free this fall, the Enemy has been out to mess me up. But glory to my Saviors name, he has not succeeded. I am loved, blessed, accepted, chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed and free because of Jesus. Praise his holy name.
Looking forward to seeing you next month!
Rebecca, Pineville, LA
For nothing is impossible with God!
Luke 1:37
I have done this journey with my best friend since kindergarten! We live 2 hours apart, but we have been emailing our verses to each other. We hope we get to come to the celebration, but at this point, we’re not sure. I am just grateful for this opportunity! It was something the Lord had been speaking to me about for some time. I am thankful for the encouragement of my best friend so that I would go ahead and do it! Love you, Miss Beth, Lindsee, and the rest of the LPM staff!
Stephanie Jo
Corvallis Oregon
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
Job 23:12b
Deb, Windsor, CT:
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unles you remain in me.” – John 15:4, NIV
I have NEVER been good at memorizing scripture, but I have really enjoyed being a part of the Scripture Memory Team. Sometimes the verse I chose was just so pertinent to those few weeks I was memorizing and it brought me great comfort, or gave me the strength I needed. Other times I knew I was commiting something to memory that would go in my “arsenal” for later on. One of my favorite things was pulling out my verses late at night. Sometimes I wake up and can’t sleep because basically I’m thinking too much. I found that if I began running through my memory verses, one by one, they brought me a lot of peace and eventual rest. I am SO looking forward to coming down (for the first time) to Texas from up here in Connecticut to celebrate with everyone!
Trudy, NC
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. James 1:9-10
I had no idea the dividends memorizing Scripture was going pay this year.
When I’ve had restless nights,gripped by worry over something, the verses I had stored up began rolling through my mind like credits after a movie until I fell asleep. When I have been tempted by something, His Word corrects me and steers me back to His ways, when I’ve been asked my opinion on something His Word has brought wisdom way beyond anything I could offer. And my prayer life…I can’t even begin to relay how much memorizing and praying Scripture has changed it.
But I think the most amazing change has been something that happened very quietly along the way. When I was hurt, stressed, overly tired or whatever the emotion might be, it use to drive me straight to certain comfort foods – as if “Little Debbie” had some power to heal me. I hated that I would take my emotions to food instead of Christ first. I had been praying that God would change that. Somewhere along the year, I can’t even pinpoint exactly when, I noticed that instead of turning to food for comfort, reward, etc. I was turning to the Lord and the verses I had memorized instead. And they would speak to me so deeply and satisfy my need in such a way that I needed nothing or no one else to assuage whatever the emotion was. I still love little Debbie its just that I don’t run to her first anymore. That is the kind of change I could not have rendered on my own – that was purely God’s Word at work in my life and I am so thankful to Him.
Thanks for inspiring me to do what I did not think I could do. I am so hooked on memorizing now I can’t imagine putting the brakes on just because this is over. I still have too many changes that I need in my life that only the Word of God can ellicit. Instead, I am ready to take on a new challenge also inspired by you, Siesta Mama. My verses this time are the start of my goal (to take your challenge) to memorize the book of James as we gear up to lead the study you have written next semester.
I wish so much I could celebrate with all of you in January but know I will be thinking of you and looking for pictures and posts here and maybe even a vimeo recap:)! That will be the cherry on top of the immense reward I have already gained from memorizing all these verses.
Have a wonderful Christmas Beth and team and siestas!
Jackie from Platte City, MO
Luke 2:19 (NIV)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
this has been a tough year for me. i felt satan’s resistance many times, wanting to hinder my growth. praise God for He that is in me, because He is greater than he that is in the world!
Marcy Larance
Amarillo Tx
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they
run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be
faint. Isa 40:31
This scripture memorizing has been such a blessing to
me. I have tried to do this before & seemed to not be
able to do it but this time I asked the Lord to help me
memorize these verses and I have done it all the way to
this last one. It has been amazing that time after time
I have needed one of the exact verses I memorized to
comfort a friend or to bring the truth of the word to
a conversation. It has been life changing to me. Thanks
Beth for encouraging us to memorize scripture. Merry Christmas to everyone on the blog……….
Although I did not chime in on every blog post as I cannot attend the celebration, I did memorize! The Book of 2 Thessalonians. Three incredible chapters. The Lord used it to focus my mind on Christ’s return and His soon coming kingdom, to encourage me like the Thessalonians to have a faith in God that sounds forth everywhere to the effect that Jesus is made conspicuous in my life! 1 Thessalonians (2010)& 2 Thessalonians (2011)are hidden in my heart and the Lord Jesus has certainly used them to sanctify and beautify His servant! LOVE God’s Word and your willingness to encourage others to do the same Beth. Have a wonderful day in the Lord ladies. You can memorize far more than you think according to His grace & power! Keep on!
Charleen, Nashville
24. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
Terry, Indianapolis.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
God has changed my heart, soul and mind with His Word this year. I am so thankful for His mercy, grace and forgiveness. By hiding His word in my heart and mind, He has given me strength and wisdom to do things I thought were so out of reach for me. Thank you, Beth, for being my accountability partner. May you be blessed abundantly. May God be glorified!
Sue R, Magalia, CA
Jeremiah 31:33b HCSB
I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts, I will be their God and they will be my people
That is how I feel about this year of memory verse. With His teaching within me, I can live a bit closer to being the womam He put me here to be. Praise you Sweet Jesus…
Courtney, Fort Collins, CO:
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:17-18 NLT
Olathe, KS
“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises.”
Psalm 119:147-148
2011 has been an absolutely horrible year, but GOD is GOOD! On January 16th, before a terrible week (perhaps the most terrible, but it’s difficult to choose among the various types of pain) a woman sitting behind us in church who didn’t know my daughter or I, gave us Psalm 84:5-7 and Isaiah 41:10 and said to us “Scripture never runs out”. So this year, I have run to the Scripture time after time and it’s true, Scripture NEVER runs out. My wonderful godly father is celebrating in heaven, my mama is trapped in Alzheimer’s, my husband of over 20 years has a severe, debilitating mental illness, two of my precious children are also struggling with mental illness and another son has cerebral palsy. All my props have been knocked out from under me, but God is good!!He is enough.
Denise, Ocean Springs,MS – And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 KJV
So many times I have said “I just can’t memorize scripture, it just won’t stay with me” and it wasn’t until this year when I asked myself how much time did you spend trying? So when I started I thought- I will not quit- no matter what. I will spend however much time it takes to learn these verses. I want to be able to call upon God’s word to give me strenghth and encouragement and overcome fear and be able to share his words and promises to others. I prayed over and over that God would help me retain his words. Just last week I was sharing my verses with my husband and he said he wanted me to “fix him a notecard book” so he could do it next year with me. I spent so much more time in prayer and praying God’s verses back to him. So meaningful, GOD is SO GOOD! I can’t help thinking he is smiling down at me saying all you had to do was ask.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27 (NIV)
THANK YOU, THANK YOU Beth for all you have done to help us on our journey planting God’s Word in our heart and learning more about our Jesus. This is my third year (a friend and I did it together last year and said our verses to each other at the end of the year)to take this challenge and there are no words to say what it has meant to me and the blessings that have come from hiding God’s Word in my heart and using them every day. I have been working on James 1 these last few weeks and while I do admit, they have been tough, God knew that I would need them to “Consider it all joy” and to “not merely listen to the Word, but to do what it says” through some situations that we would face these last few weeks.
As Lisa above posted, “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.”
THANK YOU JESUS for helping us to “plant the Word in our hearts that can save us.”
THANK YOU BETH for challenging us to seek Him and hide His Word in our hearts. Can’t wait until our celebration in Houston in January!!
Merry Christmas to you and all of the precious ladies at LPM. We Love You all!
Carol
Jena, Louisiana
Beverly, Pearland, TX
Jeremiah 32:39 TNIV
“I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will go well for them and for their children after them.”
That is my prayer for all of you! May God richly bless you and your loved ones.
Kelley, Round Rock, Tx
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Terry
Washington, IL
Psalm 59:17 (NLT)
“O my Strength, to you I sing praises,for you, O God, are my refuge,the God who shows me unfailing love.”
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 NIV
Casi
Woodway, TX
Becky
Owasso OK
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 2: 23 NIV
This has been one tough year. From scary health issues earlier in the year to this season now, where my family is walking away from ministry (for a time) due to, well, the Enemy just hurling everything he’s got at us through other flesh and blood people.(Ever heard of the book “The Devil in Pew Number 7”? Yeah..hits close to home right now) It’s time for us to move past this “mountain country” we’ve been circling for years now, and to “meddle not with them” anymore (Deuteronomy 2)The decision has been tough, the fight has gotten dirty….but the Word hidden in my heart has been the ONLY THING that has kept me from making a stinkin’ fool of myself. (Hence, my Scripture choice…)
I so wish I could join you in January. Health issues won’t allow me to be there….but I will certainly be with you in Spirit! I love you, Siestaville and Beth.
God is so good.
Vicksburg, MS
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11
KJV
How thankful I am for this incentive to learn scripture. What a blessing to know that I can call on His Word when I need it, just as my scripture for today says.
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” Acts 13:47, NIV
Kathy
St.Louis, MO
Gayle, Salinas CA
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.His love endures forever. psalm118:1 NIV
When I was a girl, I memorized lots of Scripture in Sunday school so that I could earn these little pins. I wanted the most! At the time, the verses were just words but through the years they have always come to me at just the right time. This is the first time I participated in the Siestas and invited my bestie and three daughters all in different states to join in and we would be accountable to one another. It’s been a tough year and even Mom went to be with Jesus last month but these verses have been such a blessing to me. I am ready to keep going!
I actually have 2 more verses to go. I’m going through the alphabet, picking verses that start with the letters of the alphabet. It makes it so easy to review my verses and it’s so neat how God always leads me to the perfect verse that starts with the right letter! I did the same thing back in ’09. I was surprised you didn’t have to pick me up off the floor at the celebration when you began teaching on Psalm 119– a most elaborate acrostic! To this day I still can’t believe how God orchestrated that!
Anyway I am on X which I had to stretch a little on…
EXodus 14:14 (amp)
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope!”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 NIV
Corinne in Chehalis, Washington
Thank you, Beth.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
A friend and I have memorized scripture together this year and He has surely dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, his grace and his truth! I’m going to buy a new spiral notebook and keep going through 2012!
Shelly E, Portland, OR
Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
I am so thankful for this blog community and for each woman who reads it. I’m blessed to be a part of this amazing group and I’m so looking forward to attending the SSMT celebration in January. Memorizing these scriptures this past year with my sister has been special and has knit our hearts that much closer together. May this New Year bring blessings to each one of us, dear Siestas!
MiChal in College Station, TX
“…”Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not ____________? The LORD anointed you _____________…Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD?”
1 Samuel 15: 17-19 (ESV)
On the back of each card in my spiral, I’ve been writing down things that were going on during that 2-week period. Struggles, happy times, and everything in-between.
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC Psalm 37:39 (NIV) The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.
This has been an awesome experience for me. It is something with God’s help I will continue to do. I picked the theme of “strength” at the beginning of the year because I was really needing His strength and wisdom with some issues in my life. These verses have so encouraged me to rely on His strength. My year, with all its challenges, I know has been better because of memorizing these verses. Thank you for all the encouragement you and your staff have given this “siesta.”
April, Vermilion
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteous and praise spring up before all nations.”
~Isaiah 61:11 (NIV)
There were many challenges and transitions that faced my family this past year and I could not see how they were going to work out. I truly sensed Jesus speaking to me in my heart “I am the way…” So without taking the verse out of context, I wrote in the inside cover of my spiral John 14:6. He is the way for my salvation and became the way for everything I entrusted to Him this past year. BY FAR He provided above and beyond anything I could have asked for. His Word kept my mind together. I love and praise Him with all my sisters here on this blog. Have a blessed Christmas and joyous New Year!
Kathy
Shattuck, OK
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
I have been encouraged as I memorized Scripture this year that verses I memorized for one reason God knew I would need later in the year for another reason.
Tanya, Killen, “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 (ESV)
After many years of heavy conviction over weight issues I began this year picking versus in self-control, discipline, guidance, etc.. At the end of this year God has given me a different view on the issue. By focusing on him and not my weight I find I am not discouraged by the slow process. Living proof of Proverbs 16:3 “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” May God receive all Glory as by the Spirit given to me I live out power, love and self-control.
I thank God for you and your ministry.
Planning to see you in January.
Laura, Southaven, MS
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
It amazes me to look back at the verses I have memorized this year and see how it looks like a road map. God definitely gave me the verses that I needed at that particular time but I didn’t realize how much they kept pushing me in one unique direction. So thankful that the Word of God is still so much alive!!! I plan to incorporate this method of memorizing with my Sunday school class of college girls for 2012. Excited about how God will use this in their lives individually and our class collectively! To God be ALL the glory!
Vicki, Surprise, AZ
I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8 NIV
Laura, Greenville: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 (ESV)
Megan from San Diego
James 4:17 NIV “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
I have loved being a part of SSMT this year. It’s been such a blessing. I love looking at my spiral filled with Scripture, knowing that those words are also written on my heart! I’m hoping to get a local group together to do this next year. When we first started in January, I was definitely planning on coming to the celebration in Houston, but God had other plans. I’m due in two weeks with baby number 3! I’ll miss seeing everyone though!
Tami, Michigan:
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
Romans 6:11-12 NIV
Karessa, Peoria, IL: 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 NIV
God’s Word has been my lifeline as this year has brought the toughest medical battle of my life to date. Have now been referred to a University research hospital in January and this will likely prevent me from attending the celebration. Jesus is life!
Berni, Albuquerque
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” Psalm 103:15-18 NIV
It’s been a challenging year friend, Beth. I adopted your verse for Jan 1st (Rom 15:13) because it spoke right to my heart. My mom was in her very last season of pancreatic cancer. Romans 15:13 became a lifeline to me that became preparation for Jan 15th (the day my mom went home to the Lord). My scripture entry the Lord gave me that day was Prov 3:5-6 NLT. “Trust” was His theme. Throughout the year the Lord has led me to and ministered to me through every memory verse submitted. I have truly felt His healing through His word. Thank you for offering me this journey to take with you and all of our Siestas.
P.S. It seems right to finish this year praising Him, so I will enter and memorize the final verses of Psalm 103 on the 31st of December.
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV)
1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.
2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
Beth & Living Proof Ministries Staff,
You are all so awesome in your genuine testimony of the Word of God. This (SSMT) experience has be the true handiwork of God in my life this year. My selection for my 24th scripture is from Jonah. Our fall Bible study at church was Priscilla Shirer’s “Jonah – Navigating a Life Interrupted.”
Priscilla emphasized this scripture in Chapter 3 because our God always gives us 2nd chances. Beth, you often say our God is “An Again God.” He loves us again & again. He forgives us again & again. All of this is summed up in God’s gift of Jesus to us from “A Caring, Loving, Again God!!!”
The memorized verses of this year have kept me and my heart focused on God’s Word. They have sustained me in the challenging parts of my life. Thank you, Beth !!!!! 🙂
Kim-Hickory NC
Psalms 145:18-19 NIV
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him, he also hears their cry and saves them.
This has been great. Sad that this is our last entry. This has been a definite accountabilty check. Doing the 1st and 15 of the month submit. I have had my mind renewed with scripture constantly. I will continue this into the future. I see what a big impact it has had on my life. Wish I could come celebrate!!! Hope you all have a great time.
Ashley, Colorado
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9, NLT
Karie, Glen Allen, VA “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Shannon, Orange County, CA: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. ” – Psalm 23:1, NKJV
This year has been one of difficulty and tragedy and it was amazing to see how God went before me and prepared and strengthened my heart with each verse I memorized. He is now bringing beauty from ashes but I could not have made it through this year without His glorious Word. Thank you, Beth, for hosting this. It has changed my life!
Susan, Longmont, CO
Jeremiah 29:14a (NIV):
I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.
Amy, Washington D.C., “And we know that in all things god works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Beth, Thank you for all you have done to encourage and inspire me this year. It has been one crazy 12 months of my life, filled with many unexpected, unusual, joyful, hurtful, and painful moments. But one thing is certain: the love of Jesus Christ has never left me nor forsaken me. For this I am truly blessed, thankful, and humbled. I’ve started some new chapters of my life (some VERY unexpected chapters) and am now walking on a different kind of pavement. While the road ahead is going to be filled with challenges and mystery I know with all my heart my life is stable and in His hands. Because He cherishes me so I can live in His presence with no shame (Remember Baltimore? “Guilt is when you know it. Shame is when you wear it”). Thank you for bringing the right challenge to me at the right time in my life. I can’t wait to start 2012’s verses and do more for His kingdom than ever before. I love you Mama Beth! One day very soon I’ll be able to tell you in person – that’s my prayer.
Tuscaloosa, AL
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna which niether you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Deut. 8:3
I have loved my struggles along with my success at trying to memorize 24 bible verses. I might not have them all memorized perfectly word for word, but God’s word has grown so much more precious to me than it was before I started this last year. I am so thankful for that!