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.

Share

1,641 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2013 Instructions!”

If you'd like your own pic by your comment, go to Gravatar.com. Click the first button "Get your gravatar today ->", and it will walk you through a simple process to select a picture.

Comments:

  1. 1201
    Rita says:

    Rita, Bristol TN 2 Peter 1:8 NIV For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  2. 1202
    Mary says:

    And The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of The Lord your God, which I command you today, and you are careful to observe them. Deuteronomy 28: 13 NIV

  3. 1203
    Beth M. says:

    “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
    Ephesians 4:26

  4. 1204
    Cindi Martin says:

    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

  5. 1205
    Rachel Roy says:

    Rachel from Woodstock, GA

    This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 16:3 NASB

  6. 1206
    Carolyn says:

    For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. IICorinthians 4:17 NIV

  7. 1207
    Maria Dinverno says:

    Maria from Detroit

    I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears. Ps 34:4 (NIV)

  8. 1208
    Sally Uhl says:

    Proverbs 3:5
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

  9. 1209
    Linda Ney says:

    Linda Ney from Gahanna, Ohio

    Such knowledge is too wonerful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

    Psalm 139 NIV

  10. 1210
    Teri, Leander TX says:

    John 15:5

    I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ~ NKJV

  11. 1211
    Jessica says:

    Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue…KJV

  12. 1212
    Kimberly Kortegast says:

    Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.
    Jeremiah 33:3 The Message

  13. 1213
    Courtnie Wagner says:

    Psalm 33:4
    For the word of The Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

  14. 1214
    Shayli (age 11) says:

    Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
    Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

  15. 1215
    Jada Daves says:

    Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
    Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

  16. 1216
    Denise. Germantown ,WI says:

    The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV)

  17. 1217
    Natalie Bennighof says:

    19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
    20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

    Hebrews 6:19-20, ESV

  18. 1218
    Ann says:

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
    my favorite verse…

    Ann, Mandeville, LA

  19. 1219
    Monica Jones says:

    Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all of the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19 NIV

  20. 1220
    Jennifer says:

    Jennifer Fishers, Indiana
    Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word. Psalm 119:36-37 NIV

  21. 1221
    Linda Ann says:

    Linda Ann from SC says

    Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 NAS

  22. 1222
    Skylar Robinson says:

    If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2:15-17 NASB)

  23. 1223
    Teresa says:

    Teresa, Platte City, MO

    “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    Philippians 4:7 NASB

  24. 1224
    Linda malloy says:

    Psalm 62:1 my soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from him. NIV

  25. 1225
    Elizabeth says:

    “For The Lord grants wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 NLT

  26. 1226
    Sheila Wright, SugarLand says:

    “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food”? James 2:15

  27. 1227
    rosa deloatch says:

    “I am the way and the truth and tlife. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

    Rose

  28. 1228
    Diane says:

    Diane, Houston Texas says:
    Psalm 139:4
    You hem me in–behind and before: you have laid your hand upon me. – NIV

  29. 1229
    Nancy, Wilmington, DE says:

    Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
    Galations 6:10 NIV

  30. 1230
    Opal McDannald says:

    Opal from Odon, IN
    James 1:10&20 “My dear brothers & sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” NLT

  31. 1231
    Dee Ann says:

    Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand , that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

  32. 1232
    Detta says:

    Philippians 4:13 NLT
    I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

  33. 1233
    Pam Pruijs says:

    Pam from Wassenaar, Netherlands
    Colossians 3:12 (NET)Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

  34. 1234
    Ann says:

    John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'” John 1:23 NIV

  35. 1235
    Kim Owens says:

    Kim from Denver, PA. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)

  36. 1236
    Rachel says:

    Rachel-Neenah, WI- Deuterononmy 8:17-18 Message, “If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.”

  37. 1237
    Kathleen Martin says:

    Kathleen from Knoxville, TN

    “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.” James 1:5 (NIV)

  38. 1238
    Sonya Timmons says:

    Matthew 6:21
    Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  39. 1239
    Stacey from Mandeville, LA says:

    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. Psalm 19:14

  40. 1240
    Lori says:

    Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

  41. 1241
    Dianne says:

    Therefor The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call his name Immanuel. Amen!

    • 1241.1
      Dianne says:

      Isaiah 7:14 Therefor The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. amen!

  42. 1242
    Kay says:

    My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made prefect in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9

  43. 1243
    Laurie says:

    Laurie -Marietta Ga 3/1/13
    Hebrews 10:19-20
    Therefore brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. NIV

    Laurie -Marietta,GA 3/15/13
    Colossians 3:12-13
    12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. The Net Bible

  44. 1244
    Cindy says:

    Bless the Lord who is my immovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle.
    Psalms 144:1

  45. 1245
    Marla says:

    Hebrews 12:1-2a NAS
    Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing ours eyes on Jesus, the author and perfectoer of faith…

  46. 1246
    Diane says:

    Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

  47. 1247
    Ruth says:

    Ruth from Hamilton, Ohio:

    “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

  48. 1248
    Leisa Hale says:

    Leisa from Sheridan, In:
    James 1:16 NIV
    Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.

  49. 1249
    Meryl says:

    Psalm 37:5,6
    “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noon day son.”

    March 1, 2013 forgot to log it!

  50. 1250
    Meryl says:

    Isaiah 43: 1b-3a

    “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Leave a Reply

To receive a daily digest of comments on this post, enter your email address below: