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.
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
This has been an amazing journey for me. The Lord brought Scriptures to me to help me throughout the year; I can look back on the events of the year, the memory verses, and see the Lord’s help. Some of my Scripture memory is almost like a conversation with the Lord. I would memorize a Scripture about crying out to God and the next Scripture I memorized would be His response to me! Truly an amazing experience with our amazing God. I returned to lap swimming to help my back from an injury earlier this year. While I “soaked” up time in the pool, doing laps, I was “soaking” my mind in God’s Word, as I worked on my Scripture memorization. Thank you, Beth and team, for all you do to serve the Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for caring for us in such intimate, precise, loving detail!
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart.
One thing I am especially excited about is that we are going to begin this in our Women’s Ministry in January after I get back from the SSMT Celebration with some pictures and ideas for us. What a delightful and fulfilling ride this has been! God is so faithful! Thank you for this opportunity and I am so glad it doesn’t end now!! We have a new year to look forward to! HE is so good~ sk 🙂
De Anna
Greenville SC
SSMT#24 Psalm 18 The Message
39 You armed me well for this fight, you smashed the upstarts.
40 You made my enemies turn tail, and I wiped out the haters.
Connie, Reidville, SC
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, NKJV
Okay, I cheated and commented before I read Beth’s entry. So much to do and in such a rush today with my last BSF class before Christmas. I, too, have been blessed beyond measure with Scripture memory as I firmly believe that is what God desires we do at this time. Sorry. I will not be able to make the celebration as I will have the pleasure of traveling to take care of my precious 6-yo granddaughter during that time. However, I will be celebrating in my heart with all of you and with our Lord!!! Blessings!
Hayley – Seymour, TX
“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
Can’t wait to celebrate!! 🙂
Christa, Kansas City, MO:
If your faith does not remain firm,
then you will not remain secure.
Isaiah 7:9b NET
I love memorizing Scripture. Not exactly the work of it, but that feeling when it sinks into your soul and you recall it in real life, not just church or for your accountability partners. Several of the verses this year have really sunk in and changed me to be more like Christ, and for that I am very thankful!
Sandra, Swainsboro, GA
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, sister, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 7 NIV
Just wanted to say how much this year has meant to me.
I may not be able to recite all of the verses perfectly,
but I am amazed how many times the verses I chose have
appeared in devotionals, Sunday School lessons, Bible Studies, and other books I have read this year. As one other person mentioned, I have received blessings twice a month as I scroll down the verses sent by other Siestas.
It was such an encouragement and it uplifted me every time no matter what was happening in my life. Many of my verses are about God’s love and protection. I am copying them into a new spiral to give to my sister-in-law who has been diagnosed with a degenerative disease. I pray that it will bring her comfort and peace.
Thanks Beth for all you do for your Siestas.
Nicole, Stuttgart: “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45 NIV
Robin, Tracy CA
And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the LORD; be it unto me according to thy word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 KJV
Yes, LORD! These words you have hidden in my heart over the course of 2011, please cause them to transform me into your likeness!
Many, many thanks to you, Beth, and your team for making this Scripture memory challenge possible! It has provided encouragement, conviction, comfort and challenge to this Siesta. I’m already looking forward to 2012!
Lawan, Lawton, OK-And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7 ESV)
Thank you for encouraging me to do this. It has been great!
Andrea; Cartersville,GA: “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end- it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3
II Cor. 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Darcie, Bethel, CT: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself.”
Rev. 19:7 NLT
Beth R, London, Ontario
Once again I’ll go over what God has done,
lay out on the table your ancient wonders;
I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished,
and give a long, loving look at your acts.
Psalm 77:11-12
I can’t think of a better verse to end with than this one. The verses I’ve memorized this year have mirrored/spoken into my real life circumstances that God has given to me and going over all of them reminds me of everything God’s done in my life in just one year. I pray that they continue to become more and more embedded in me for the rest of my life. I will miss you on the 21st and 22nd…Ontario is just too far from Texas…but I plan to have my own little party here and recite all the verses to my husband….can’t wait!
Amy
Oklahoma
John 16:33
“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.”
Shelly, Lakeville says:
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 NIV
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Becky, Dayton OH
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.
Thank you Beth for staying faithful to the call! Blessings to you and your family!
Jessica from Rockvale, TN
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
It has been so fun to share in this with my mom this year and my 2 year old little girl. She has memorized quite a few of them right along with me which has been incredibly special!
Jennifer, Huntsville: But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. – Luke 2:19
Thank you Beth for inviting us to join you in this journey. God used the verses that I chose to lead me through one of the most difficult years of my life. As is the miraculous nature of God, he prodded me to choose verses that weeks or months down the road would be important for me to remember. This walk has definitely reminded me of the importance of memorizing scripture and how worthwhile it can be. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Lindsey
Fuquay-Varina, NC
“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)
Michelle, Frisco, Texas
John 16:33 NIV
“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.”
Blessed and fortified with the Word of the Lord is how I feel after this journey. I am proud of rising to the memorization challenge for the first time in my 41 years. Thank you for challenging us and expanding our hearts and minds to be filled with the Grace, Love and Peace of the Lord. I am overwhelmed with joy when I look back at the scriptures I was led to select throughout the seasons of this year – from prayers for power of the Lord in my life, to refuge in His Love, to peace in His presence. I am happy to say that I have learned that I need the Lord mightily and am grateful for the opportunity that He allows me to follow Him. Blessed too beyond measure to share this journey with my little sis who has taught me so much about the Peace of the Lord and how faith in His Love can get us through anything. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!!! Big Hugs back!!!
O God, you are my God, ernestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Ps 63:1 TLB
Cindy K, Rock Hill, SC
The second is this, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:31 (NAS)
I rarely pass up an opportunity to testify but, at this exact moment, my heart is so full that I’m nearly speechless except to say that His Word and the intentional memorizing of it this year has been water to my soul. Truly IT is living and active and powerful beyond belief! Love Him so!
See you in January!
Cindy K
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.
1st Corinthians 2:9 – 10
Kadie- Tinley Park IL
And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
Texas here I come!!! So looking forward the the weekend:)
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
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)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV
What a wonderful year this has been, Siestas. Since turning 60, I have been very forgetful: where is that book, where are those keys, my purse, that shoe, etc. I did not know if I could fully participate in the memory team.
However,here it is December 15 and I am posting my 24th verse!!! I have memorized ALL of my verses (I’m a little shakey on the citations sometimes) and I am looking forward to coming to Houston in January.
The Word of the Lord is strength, food, and light to me. It brings me joy and hope. I have used my verses in many situations and they come back to me in sermons, articles, and songs. I am ready for 2012. Beth, when will our new spiral notebook be ready? Woo Hoo!!!
May the Lord bless each of my siesta sisters.
Diane G. of Olive Branch
Oh, I forgot to say I have a memory verse for the 25th:
“Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14 NKJV
Ola, Woodbridge,
Matthew 10:32-33(NIV)
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
My Praise:
JESUS loves me this I KNOW for the bible tells me so! I am weak but HE is STRONG! I have been suffering from OCD literally traumatized everyday by anxiety but I praise GOD that He is bringing me out. I am glad that I am acceptable to him even when I don’t have enough faith! He is sufficient for all my ailments. PRAISE GOD. Mama Beth’s scripture on October 1st really encouraged me (Psalm 25:15). JESUS will FREE me from the enemy’s net. Amen.
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale:
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered” (Proverbs 17:27, NIV).
This adventure has been life changing for me and for my hubby — yep, he got inspired and started memorizing verses midway through, too. The discipline has been great for me, and it has spilled over into so many areas. I honestly don’t think I will see the fruit of this effort fully until I reach heaven. Hoping to continue on in 2012…. 🙂
Janae -Riverside,PA. Psalm 27:8. “My heart has heard you say ‘Come and talk with me. And my heart responds,’Lord, I am coming.'”
,What a marvelous journey again. Thank you!! I had planned on coming to TX but my son’s college orientation is the same weekend.So sad but I will be prayimg for the event.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
NIV
Amy
Norfolk, MA
Wow! I can’t believe this is over! It has been so good for me! I hope we can do it again! I try to keep my notecards in my purse and pull them out when I need them. It has helped me so much. Thank you for encouraging us to do this, Beth!!!
It is a blessing!
Shelly, Rochester, MN
Ephesians 3:19 NIV
…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5
These scripture verses have been some great ammunition in my fight against the devil this year! I am so looking forward to January 20 because I really feel God is going to do something huge in my life (any many other Siesta’s as well).
Jan
Bemus Point, NY
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TNIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
And in French:
1 Thessaloniciens 5:16-18 (SG21)
16 Soyez toujours joyeux. 17 Priez sans cesse, 18 exprimez votre reconnaissance en toute circonstance, car c’est la volonté de Dieu pour vous en Jésus-Christ.
Julie Reynolds, Tallassee AL
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 chose to do the same verse as our Siesta Mama for a two reasons, one because I have taken this SSMT journey with a sweet sweet sister in Christ who just happens to be our Pastor’s wife and God has given us both such a blessed friendship through this hiding His Word in our hearts process. We have laughed & cried, memorized and saved to be able to make the journey to the SSMT Celebration together and we are both so excited.
The second reason is because of each of you Siesta’s – I count this community of sisters and friends among God’s dearest blessings to me. I look forward to each morning entering the electronic community and sharing our days together toward His home for us.
Thank you Mama Beth,thank you Melissa & Amanda, thank you LPM staff, and sweet Lindsee you have been such a welcome addition. God has truly blessed me through this blog, this ministry and most especially through His Life-giving Word this year.
Julie
Janell~Frisco, TX~ “A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have a real and eternal life, more and better then they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 The Message
Yes, this journey has been more than I’d ever dreamed of !!! I’m so glad I stuck to it. It’s been such a blessing in my life and given me peace and joy and wisdom abounding. 🙂 I am so excited to keep going and going and going…I have seen that storing up these words in my heart has given me the training to listen to the spirit in me even more and responding to that voice within me. I love you Beth! Keep Preachin Sista!!!
1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Gena
Elgin, TX
“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 1:7
Diane, Cambridge-Narrows, NB, Canada
Hebrews 12:28,29
New International Version (NIV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,for our “God is a consuming fire”.
This Scripture memory time has been very good for me. It has been hard remembering all the verses, but it gave me a whole new appreciation for Scripture and the value of hiding God’s Word in our hearts. How important it is to study God’s Word. How much more God can teach us as we soak in His Word. I even lost my SSMT booklet part way through the year and couldn’t recall all the verses I had memorized so had to add a few more, but I made it. Wish I could join your party but it is just too expensive. Love you.
Kelly~Hermiston, OR
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
So blessed to have been a part of this,
Debbie from Westerville, OH
John 15:11 RSV These things I have spoken to you that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.
What an amazing year this has been! As I look back and recite each of my verses, I see where I was at different times of the year and how our Blessed Father was (and still is!) working in my life. Thank you for the opportunity and teaching the discipline of Bible memory work. I love this community of Siestas!
Dora, Houston, TX: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
–Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Dora,
Needed a verse with “fight” in it for my next verse. this is perfect. My family will be fighting a legal battle next year which started on Jan 25 of this year.
Linda
Sheryl, PA – Psalm 119:10-11 NIV
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
As I look over the scripture I have learned, I see a chronicle of this entire year. It wasn’t an easy one, but I see how God has been faithful and brought me through. The Word of God in my heart is life-changing, and I see how He led me to memorize each verse at just the proper time. Praise Him for all He has done!
Joan, Portage, MI
“You know how full of love & kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT
I am not going to be coming for the celebration in January, but I know you will have a blast! I don’t have a definitive reason, just a felling that God was saying,”Not this time.” This year was a Psalms kind of year for me. Can’t wait to start the new year memorizing all over again! It makes such a difference every year! Have a great time together, Siestas!
Luke 2:7-14 (KJV)
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 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. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” 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.”
This year has meant so much to me. What was originally just a cute idea of a group of friends memorizing scripture together became one of the most life-changing seasons of my life. This group of friends became my support and accountability when I needed it most. And looking back, I see God’s hand all over it! – He knew I was lonely. He heard my prayers for deeper friendships. And, He planted these sweet friends in my life for such a time as this. Thank you, Jesus! And now, all of us girls are SO EXCITED to leave our babies home and travel to Houston together, picking up one of our transported group members in Frisco along the way. What a sweet reunion in so many ways!
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you 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 King James Version
Thank you for the opportunity to memorize God’s word and in a way be accountable to all the Siestas, too. It has been a blessed exercise and I, too, have said my verses while walking, swimming, waiting in traffic, etc. The verses also help me remember this past year and specific moments that I will always link with the verse I was learning then. I won’t be able to join you in January, (I live in Spain), but I will be in Texas in April for my daughter’s wedding. All of you have a blessed reunion in January.
Troy, Oh
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NIV
Phyllis
Gilmer, Tx
Hebrews 6:10 NIV
God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Spending long hours on the road with the memory verses has been sweet communion with God. Taping the verses on the iphone microphone and listening and meditating on them was God’s idea to help me learn them. This year, I have had the hardest time retaining the verses. It’s as if I have misplaced them in my mind somewhere. God is good, though, to pull them out when I need them. Thank you, Beth, for doing this for all of us..spurring us on and encouraging us (Hebrews 10:24,25)
Connie Windham
Trout, LA
Psalm 138:8 NIV
The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of Your hands.
2011 will go down as one of the most difficut years for my family. God’s word has been our very life. At times I have held on to these verses for my very sanity. Through these ‘light and momentary troubles’ God used His word to comfort us, teach us, increase our faith and refine us. During some of the most difficult months whatever scripture I have been memorizing has spilled over to encourage my family. To God be the glory!