Hey Siestas! We’re two weeks out from our big launch and, based on the number of people who got Siesta spirals -not to mention those grabbing their own – we should have one titanic team! May God get much glory! (If you’re interested in a spiral and have yet to purchase one, click here for the details.) Numbers are nothing if they don’t translate into fruit displayed in our lives but if we truly decide to live out the words that are going to live in us, remarkable things are in store for the Kingdom of Christ among us.
Here is everything you need to know about how to participate in the 2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team!
First, a few things up front since many people joining us have no previous interaction here:
*For you new comers, “Siesta” is just an endearment for “Sister.” There’s no club to join and no person you need to become. If you’ve trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, you’re a sister in Christ. If you don’t know Him, we’d love for you to stick around and get to know us and see if anything around here draws you. Everyone is welcome. Here’s a bit of our back-story on the weird name: When we first began the blog, it never occurred to any of us how much we’d come to love each other. As the community grew closer and closer and the participants more and more familiar with one another, one of you asked what name we should call each another. I tried to say, “I’ll tell you what we are: We’re sistahs!” but spell-check switched it to “siestas.” It stuck and that’s been us ever since. We even liked the thought that its actual meaning is to take a nap. We’ll know we’ve been a place of divine intervention if we’re a respite from the female competition and clatter out there. Only Jesus can give us that kind of relief in this exhausting culture.
*We call this a Scripture memory “team” because that’s exactly what we are. We’re a really long line of women standing shoulder to shoulder with our swords drawn. (For you newcomers, Ephesians 6 calls the Word of God the “Sword of the Spirit.”) And we don’t draw our swords to wound people, to convict our family members (God’s job) or to cut off the ears of our hearers. We draw our swords to fight the good fight of faith. While I was saw stacks and stacks of Siesta Scripture Memory Spirals being stuffed into envelopes for shipping, it hit me with fresh impact. What if thousands of women really did memorize 24 Scriptures in 2013?? What are the implications of that? What kind of repercussions might that have in our personal lives and our homes? That’s worth getting riled up over. SO, you bet this is a team. Don’t be too cool for it. Remember, God’s Spirit is a fire. If we’re too cool, we can’t help but quench it. If cheesy works around here, we’re not ashamed. Just throw in a can of jalapenos and grab a tortilla chip.
*Very often you will see me refer to SSMT. Just so nobody’s confused from the start, that is an abbreviation for “Siesta Scripture Memory Team.” If you’re not participating in SSMT, please know that we don’t limit the entire blog to our Scripture memory participants. It has a big presence on here because it’s twice a month but we still do lots of other things. Please don’t feel left out or forgotten.
OK, NOW FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS. You can cut and paste these somewhere if necessary. Here’s how it will go:
1. On the 1st and 15th of every month of 2013, you will find a post by 8:00 in the morning where I will ask for your memory verse and give you mine. This will begin New Year’s Day 2013. You are committing to 24 Scriptures in 12 months. In previous years, I’ve found this to be a very doable pace. If you do much more, you’ll tend to fall behind and not retain. If you do much less, the impact is negligible. You really can do this. So many of you will surprise yourselves with what you’re capable of doing in the power of the Spirit. Yes, it takes work but it’s tremendously fulfilling and the results are nearly immeasurable. Look at it this way: you’re going to be meditating on something: unforgiveness, toxic memories, misery, lust, greed, dissatisfaction, jealousy, competition. Choose Scripture! Christ Himself said as a man thinks, so is he. He also said His words are spirit and life. This is work worth doing, Sweet Thing. Never – NOT ONCE – have I ever known anyone to get to the end of a Scripture memory commitment and say that it didn’t make any real difference. Not a single time.
2.You are to enter the verse you’ve chosen to memorize for that two-week period within twenty-four hours of the post going up. I’ve been asked many times if it’s okay if you’re late supplying your verse and, yes, of course it is, but try to avoid doing it often. The people who make it to the very end of the year are overwhelmingly those who stay up with it month to month. Please know up front that one of the important parts of this process is the exercise of self discipline. This culture is mass producing wimpy narcissists. Year-long commitments like these that require punctuality and focused energy push back on that degenerating trend. All that to say, please don’t drop out if you get behind. I just want you to know that this will be much more successful if you treat it as a real, live commitment you are willing to work hard to keep.
3. When you clock in with your verse those two times a month, keep your comments limited to your name, city, verse and translation. Long comments on SSMT days are no-no’s. It won’t take you long to figure out why we maintain that rule. Wait till you see the powerful sight of hundreds if not thousands of verses flowing down the comment stream. It is a gorgeous sight. When you’re having a bad day, all you have to do is scroll down a few hundred of your sisters’ Scripture selections and I promise you, you’ll get a word. It’s a very powerful thing. Here is a sample comment:
Beth from Houston, Texas: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV
Always add your translation because so many of your sisters will want to know where you found the wording for your entry. One of the great impacts of this process is how much we reap from each other’s selections. Often you’ll see a sister say, “I’m doing the one so-and-so did last time!” (Yes, you can make a comment that brief. Those can be fun. Occasionally you’ll even see someone write, “For the sake of my marriage, I’ve chosen to memorize…” That’s okay, too, but try to keep it very succinct.)
4. THIS ONE IS KEY! As often as possible, choose a verse that means something to you in your present season or circumstance. This is the reason why we don’t all memorize the same Scripture. We’re not all going through the same things. The more you let God lead you to verses that direct you or edify your soul in your present circumstances, the more He will renew your mind toward your challenges. This is a huge part of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 where we’re told to demolish strongholds and take our thoughts captive to Christ. If you don’t have a verse on your mind or you’re drawing a blank when the 1st or 15th rolls around, you are welcome to share mine. I will always include it in the post. You might also look at a few of the comments and see if one of theirs resonates with you. I say this next part with a grin: try to refrain from memorizing Scriptures that you think your spouse or your children need to learn. Memorize what you need to learn. That means do your best to avoid jotting your verse on a stick note and planting it on your bathroom mirror where your man can see it and repent of his sins. He probably won’t because he’s got your game. I bet you can guess how I know that.
5. I strongly recommend that you stick with only one verse to memorize each time. (This is just a recommendation and not a rule. You’re free to do whatever works for you.) Keep it simple and meaningful. (If I were addressing you live, I’d have you repeat that sentence back to me so just go ahead and say it out loud in order to nail it down. That sentence could be your best friend through this process.) If you do too many verses or get too complicated, you will soon be overwhelmed and want to drop out. Better to do 24 simpler verses over a 12 month period of time than a chapter over the first month then quit. We want this to be a discipline we practice for the rest of our lives. Think marathon. Not sprint.
6. Either shortly before or after making your entry each 1st and 15th in the blog comment, write the verse by hand in your own spiral. (Again, that’s a recommendation and not a rule. I’ve discovered that there’s something about writing it with your own hand and picturing it later in your own handwriting that helps it sink into your memory bank. I’m not entirely sure why.) Take that spiral with you everywhere you go. Read it and read it and read it and read it. Do mental gymnastics with it. Flip that baby over and over. Many women have told me along the way that they’re not good at memorization and I truly understand that. I also beg to offer two responses: First, that may change. Give the Holy Spirit a chance to do something brand new with you. Second, even if you don’t get your verses down word for word, you are still meditating on them as you read and reread them. You still, thereby, accomplish one of the most important goals: captivating the mind to Christ. You just can’t lose on this one. Either way, it has a powerful effect.
OK, I think that’s enough to get us prepared for January 1st. Now, let me tell you well in advance how to qualify for our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration on January 17-18, 2014 which is the biggest blast ever. I’m telling you about it now so that you can have it for a little extra incentive. Our main incentive is the will and good pleasure of God, of course, but He Himself authored great celebrations in His Name so feel free to be excited at the thought. Also, I want you to have plenty of time to start saving your money for your transportation and hotel. We do not charge for the event. Your entrance fee is your well-used spiral. By the way, we hope to have Travis back again to lead us in worship and Amanda, Melissa, my whole LPM staff and volunteer team will be there to serve you. Here’s how you qualify throughout the year:
*Clock in by first name and city at least 21 out of 24 times. (But please make your goal 24 out of 24!) Let me reiterate that you can be late with your entry on a 1st or 15th of any month but, by the end of the year, there has to be a record in the comment sections of you signing in at least 21 out of 24 times on a SSMT post. Make sense? Please give us 24 hours to post your comment before you assume it got lost. We still moderate all comments and the amount we get on SSMT days necessitates a slower pace. Thank you for your cooperation!
*Bring your spiral to the celebration. Again, that’s your ticket in.
*Be prepared to say any 12 of your 24 memory verses to another Siesta (of your choice) during the designated time at the celebration. (We get in pairs.) Some of you will be tempted to let this be a deal breaker but don’t back out! Siestas are really sweet and patient with each other and we are notorious for giving each other hints. We can even act out charades if necessary. If you’re one of those who genuinely struggles with memorization, just tell your memory buddy up front and she’ll give you all the grace you need. Tell her the gist of the verse as accurately as you possibly can. She’ll be able to tell that you are well acquainted with it and that the goal was accomplished even if you can’t say the verse word-for-word.
*Register for the event when the time comes. (December 1, 2013)
Whew! Have I exhausted you?? I’ve worn myself to a pulp. Sorry this is so wordy! We just want to answer as many of your questions up front as possible.
I want to tell you something before I sign off. I may sound like a broken record but you have to let me say it again as we embark on this wild journey together. You have impacted my walk with Christ. This community has given me encouragement when I was nearly down for the count. I am more disciplined because you are here. You make a difference in my life. You make me think, and laugh, and study. You offer me company when I am lonely. You stir me up to love and good works. You are used of God in my life to make this hard world a better place.
That’s what Siestaville is for. Women walking alongside women on our way Home, stirring up excitement toward that great day. SSMT is just one way we do that. AND IT’S A WHOPPER. Let’s do it, Sisters, starting this coming January 1st! I’ll talk to you again about other things before then but I don’t want the New Year to take you by surprise.
Your blog mama loves you.
Mimi from Alpharetta
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5 NIV
I’m in. 24 verses, 12 mo.
I’m so sorry I’m finding this late. I will be doing my best to get caught up.
For my two scriptures in January:
Amber from West Virginia, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. (James 2:1, 2 NIV)
Colbert, OK
Galatians 6:7 (ESV)
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Rebecca from Libertyville, IL
Proverbs 20:24 ESV
A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?
Beth from Ohio: For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth. Psalm 33:4 NKJV
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise him, my Father’s God and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 (NIV)
Mari from Zionsville, IN But you, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3 NKJV
Kasie from Dallas:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Leisa from Sheridan, In:
“in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
April Nelson from Xenia, Ohio
James 1:2-4 HCSB
Consider it great joy, my brothers, when ever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. but endurance must do it’s complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Debbie Hartshorn
Jonesboro, Arkansas
NIV
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
West Virginia
Philippians 4:6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
ESV
Fort Wayne, IN
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
NIV ’84
Fort Wayne, IN
James 1:25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
NIV ’84
Edmond, OK
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV):
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
This should catch me up 🙂
But God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and if a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Nashville, TN
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV
James 1:22-24
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Those who listen to the Word but do not do what it says are like people who look (intently) at their faces in a mirror and after looking at themselves, go away & immediately forget what they look like.”
Linda A. Baker from Houston, TX
Julie from Friendswood, Texas
(SSMT) Verse 1 (originally posted on Jan. 1, 2013 at 9:40 AM):
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 NIV
(SSMT) Verse 2: Philippeans 4:6-7 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts in minds in Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in The Lord with all your heart , and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. New American Standard
Stephanie from New Haven—For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Tonya Ediss
Calvary Chapel Carson City
1peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
A Holy nation, His own special people. That you
May proclaim the praises of Him who brought you
Out of darkness into His glorious light
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Krystal from Ada, OK – “This I know for sure: we often have not because we ask not.” James 4:2
Janna from St. Charles, MO: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Celeste Cade, Clinton, MS “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Psalm 145:8
Opal McDannald from Odon, IN
“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning you are still with me!” Psalm 139:17&18 NLT
For God has done what the law weakened by the flesh could not do by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh. Romans 8:3 ESV
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9 NIV)
Kristy Roberts, Newkirk, OK
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise,In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
Psalm 56:3&4 NASB
Christie Martin Liberty SC I failed to post my verses for January but I have been meditating on them and committing them to memory. I have included them below.
February 1 Phillipians 2:3 (NKJV)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
January 15
Ephesians 4:29
New King James Version (NKJV)
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying, thatit may minister grace to the hearers.
There is such power in words. My desire is to honor God with my speech but this is definitely a weak area for me. Meditating on this verse has helped me.
January 1
2 Corinthians 9:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
I have come to realize from studying and memorizing and meditating on this verse that not only does God provide the grace that I need, but he provides more than what I need that I might share it with others through good works.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5,6
Kat, Texas “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior” Judges 6:12 NASB
Rachel from Woodstock, GA
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV
“I love them that love me; and those that
seek me early shall find me”
Proverbs 8:17
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for traing in righteousness; so that the man of god may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16 & 17 NAS
Reidsville, NC
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Bethany
Petaluma, Ca
“Knowing God leads to self-control, self-control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness.”
2 Peter 1:6 NLT
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men”
Colossians 3:23
Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, NCV
Donna Patterson, Southside AL
Sarah Beth Cooper, Meridian, MS
“And let the peace of the Messiah to which you were also called in one body control your hearts. Be thankful!” – Colossians 3:15 HCSB
Sarah Beth Cooper, Meridian, MS
Catching up on verses….
“More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8 HCSB
Emily from Atlanta: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
In your unfailing love, you will lead he people you have redeemed. In your strength, you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:13 NIV
Patti San Rafael Calif.
Micah 6:8 ESV
He has told you,oh man, what is good.
What does the Lord require of you?
To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 (American King James) Annie, Colorado.
Karen Buchanan, Dover, Arkansas KJV Psalms 37:4-5 “Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way also to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.”