Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2013 Instructions!

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.

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Comments:

  1. 1
    Jennifer Craven says:

    I am so excited to be a part of this for the first time with my mom! I’m planning on flying her with me to the celebration when we’re done whether she wants me to or not!! 🙂 God bless you, Beth, for encouraging all of us to cling to our lifeline of God’s word!!

  2. 2
    Michele says:

    Wooohooo!! I need this as I am such a slacker without the structure. Thank you Beth and LPM for leading!

  3. 3

    We love you, too, Beth! So glad we are an encouragement to you. Merry Christmas!!

  4. 4

    Ahhhh … I’m so excited! I memorized scripture this year, but the SSMT is always a ‘step up’ as the accountability keeps me disciplined. Let’s do this!!!!

  5. 5
    Tomesia M says:

    Thanks, Blog Mama. You have a way of encouraging us girls like no other! I can’t wait to start choosing some new scriptures.

  6. 6
    Nancy says:

    Oh how we love you back!! And can’t wait to get started!

  7. 7
    Delaney says:

    I am so excited for the SSMT this year. My spiral arrived on Friday. While I’ve done it every year since we started it, it is amazingly powerful when we all do it together. The siestas are wonderful and so supportive. 2013 will be a Jesus year! Thank you blog mama and LPM staff. 🙂

    Walk with the King,
    Delaney

  8. 8
    Michele Bone says:

    Let’s DO this!!! Can’t wait! So glad it is here again…..Would love to have 2 of my daughters participate with me…..I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in my life this year through scripture memory! Been in the desert lately, need a filling and satisfaction deep in my soul that only the rich word of God can fill!

  9. 9
    brie. says:

    so excited to do this! i did it on my own this last year and that was fantastic – just started my 24th verse for the year! for me the biggest impact is my prayer life – to have verses in mind to pray over others and situations is just absolutely phenomenal. i also make scripture cards for my iphone background which are great for my on-the-go (no car) lifestyle!

  10. 10
    Denise says:

    I am blessed and ready! Thank you blog mama Beth!

  11. 11
    Sharilyn Beasley says:

    Hi thx so much for this blog. I am new here but I follow you on twitter! I think this SSMT is awesome & I want in! How do I get a spiral? I really don’t want to miss out and would really like to have an advance ticket 🙂 Putting Gods word in my heart is most important but not having to hoof it alone? Priceless 🙂

  12. 12

    Love the idea. I’ve even said my purpose on earth is to stress the importance of being in and knowing God’s word. It is my mission in life.

  13. 13
    Kelley aday says:

    I want to join!

  14. 14
    Pauline Richardson says:

    Can’t wait to get started! Thanks for caring about your siestas and giving
    Us encouragement and a push to be what God wants us to be! Thank you
    for mentoring this sister! Lord bless you in your service to Him 🙂
    Because of Jesus
    Pauline

  15. 15
    fuzzytop says:

    I am looking forward to another year os SSMT! Thanks!

    Love and hugs,
    Adrienne

  16. 16
    Marie says:

    I’m so excited about the SSMT!!!!!!!

    Last time was my first year to participate, and it truly was a banner year in the spiritual life of my entire family. I followed your instructions to avoid memorizing & posting verses for my HUSBAND to see, and yet God miraculously transformed HIM as well as me! Turns out the Holy Spirit does just fine on His own:-)
    Can’t wait to see what the Lord wants to do this time. Thanks for the accountability and for the incentive; the celebration was a blast! My mom & I hope to be there for the next one:-)

  17. 17
    flip flops says:

    Lyn from NH
    I am so excited!

  18. 18
    Jodi Howell says:

    Is it too late to get a siesta spiral? I am assuming you can’t sign up yet right? I just recently joined and think this is just what I need to help me. Please let me know. Thanks

  19. 19
    Jennifer says:

    I’m am so excited. I received my spiral on Saturday. Is there going to be an updated app for this year? Thanks 🙂

  20. 20
    Michelle Baylerian says:

    You bet I’m in!!! Being a part of SSMT has transformed my mind & life in ways I could not have every imagined!! Looking forward to being changed at end of 2013. Bless you Beth & LPM for encouraging us in the discipline of Scripture memory 🙂

  21. 21
    Sandra Moore says:

    Is it too late to sign up to be a member of SSMT and if not, how do I go about registering? Thanks

  22. 22
    Abby Lee says:

    I’m in! What a wonderful way to finish out my pregnancy and begin my Piper Kate’s life learning scripture to pray over her!

  23. 23
    Oceanmommy says:

    Can not wait!!! I have got to order spirals today!!!!!

    Anticipating an incredible year!
    Steph.

  24. 24
    Kay says:

    Yay, Beth! I am so excited to be part of the SSMT again in 2013. I was praying God would send me an accountability partner and He did! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next year! Kay

  25. 25
    Patti says:

    I’m geared up and ready to go!!!

  26. 26
    Ashley says:

    …and we LOVE our Blog Momma! So excited!

  27. 27
    Margie by the Sea says:

    Yes! I am so ready.
    My Google calendar has been set to remind me about Scripture memory on the 1st and the 15th for several years.
    Love that we’re all committing to doing this in front of God AND man.
    I’m sending up Christmas prayers for blessings on all the Siestas, everywhere.
    Margie

  28. 28
    Linda says:

    Thank you…

  29. 29
    Kim B. in az says:

    I can’t wait. I was given a siesta spiral for Christmas. Yipee. I would have done it anyway with just a regular one. We, as me and Deanna ( the women who I co lead the breaking free bible study with), challenged the ladies in our Wed night and thurs morning groups to do this as well. We bought them each a spiral from the store and let them decide on their own if they are going to take on the task of memorizing 24 verses next year. Also told them about the blog and how it work on here. We are going to meet early the next time we get together for our study so the ladies can decorate their spirals. Exciting stuff. Oh yes everyone to a spiral on Wed night, I am not sure about the morning one being that someone else leads that study. I think that this is perfect timing for all of us ladies at FBC who will be finishing up Breaking Free in January.

  30. 30
    Dawn Kaser says:

    I’m a newbie on this, but my spiral is ordered and I am excited for this!

  31. 31
    Brenda McCord says:

    I am looking forward to joining.

  32. 32
    Ashley Moshell says:

    Thank you for encouraging us in the Word and challenging us to imprint it on our hearts. I have always shied away from scripture memory, because I’m a terrible at memory work, but am so excited to see the Lord work through my weakness.

  33. 33
    TraciG says:

    Just wondering if the iphone/ipod app that was available last go ’round is still available… I really did enjoy using that on the go.

  34. 34
    Tatia Cook says:

    Can’t wait!! The verses God gave me to memorize in 2011 greatly impacted my 2012!! He (of course) knew what I would need 🙂

    The first several months of 2013 will probably be verses from James as I’m still working through it…my brain just ain’t what it used to be! I really think it’s just because God’s emphasizing some things until I GET IT 🙂

  35. 35
    Dana says:

    I am so excited! I have attempted this but never made it through the whole year…I really really want to. I am praying for God to give me the ‘umph’ I need to do this. Please pray for me and I’ll pray for y’all.

    Blessings,

  36. 36
    Jeannine Hale says:

    I am very excited to join in for the first time. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for us! God bless you.

  37. 37

    I’m also a newbie ..I’m excited to part of this !

  38. 38
    Carol Bruntlett says:

    Whooooo whooooo so excited to get the word of God back in my heart
    Thank you LPM for all you do for all of us ladies and thank you Mama Beth for walking along side us.
    Carol

  39. 39
    Alison says:

    So excited about this!! Patiently waiting for my spiral to arrive! 🙂

  40. 40
    Amber Moon says:

    So excited about this again! It was a blast and blessing last time and I know God will show up in a mighty way this time around as well!

  41. 41
    Jenn says:

    WOOT!!!!!!! I am jazzed to start this! Lord, help me to finish! I am miserable at follow through, but always start with a fire in my pants! Hold me accountable ladies! 😉

  42. 42
    Megan D. says:

    I am SO ready for this! I know God is doing a new thing in my life and in the lives of all the beautiful women here. Can’t wait to get started!!!

  43. 43
    Molly says:

    I can’t really put into words all that has happened in the scripture area of my life…lets just say, GOD brought me to start memorizing James. First 12 verses down.

    I realized that this is what our brain was meant for, to have His law on it, and when we use our brain for why it was created…it is HAPPY.

    It is also empowering, when you recite memorized scriptures, you are swinging your sword and it feels so physical and wonderful. Fully excercising your body, mind and soul. I am excited…and I am going to try to make it to the SSMT this year.

  44. 44
    Peggy says:

    Cannot wait to do this again next year. It really did change my life two years ago. I was one who thought I couldn’t do it, I started small with two verses a month and this year had the confidence to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. Having this discipline is a life changer!

  45. 45
    Betty M says:

    Oh! Bethy! (sort of the same meaning as Abba Father)!!!!
    You do not know how that stirs my heart to know we are used by God to encourage you.
    So often I don’t think anything I write here makes any difference and to hear you say that– well, I just thank God I can do it for you as you have done it for me!!!
    Love ya!!!
    Betty
    The Heartland Hugger!!!

  46. 46
    Lu says:

    sittin’ on go!

  47. 47
    Stephanie Charles says:

    This will be my first time and I’m so excited to start! Thank you for providing this for everyone.

  48. 48

    I have experienced the value of memorizing Scripture because when you’re driving your car while crying, or changing another diaper exhausted while crying, or really doing anything while crying 😉 , you can’t necessarily (or even have the mental wherewithal to) pull out a Bible or spiral. You’ve gotta have it in your head.

    So I’m hoping to finish the next SSMT strong this time around! Last time I got pregnant with our second child a few weeks in and was sick the whole pregnancy while caring for our firstborn and moving and blah blah blah excuse excuse excuse…it just didn’t happen.

    But the spiral thing never worked for me. It seemed like I always left it in the last place that I used it and couldn’t always remember where that was! And I’m frankly too busy with the kids to spend a lot of time figuring it out. But I ALWAYS have my phone with me. So to simplify my own life, I created a Scripture card organizer app (for iPhone/iPad) called Lamplight. It has been the best solution for me. I think a weekly planner (for people that use them) could work, too. It’s not as portable as a spiral, but if you use one it has your life in it so you always know where it is. I may keep track of my verses both in my app and in my planner.

  49. 49
    keena swafford says:

    I was just praying this morning for the LOrd to show me how i can learn and retain His word, then i searched for your blog and there was an answer to my prayers! How awesome is that!!! I forewarded it to my family, hopefully they will have the same desire as I, and we can all do it together!

  50. 50
    Colleen Duebber says:

    I am so excited to start SSMT for the first time ever!! I really do believe this is going to change my life. God is soooo good and thank you all for providing the loving structure and accountablilty to encourage this discipline!

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