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

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Comments:

  1. 1301
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    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

  2. 1302
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    [Jesus Comforts His Disciples] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

    John 14:1
    NIV

  3. 1303
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

    John 20:31
    NIV

  4. 1304
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.

    Matthew 13:20
    NIV

  5. 1305
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

    Mark 4:16
    NIV

  6. 1306
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

    Luke 2:10
    NIV

  7. 1307
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

    Luke 8:13
    NIV

  8. 1308
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    [Stand Firm] But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

    2 Thessalonians
    NIV

  9. 1309
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    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

  10. 1310
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    [Jesus Comforts His Disciples] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

    John 14:1
    NIV

  11. 1311
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

    John 20:31
    NIV

  12. 1312
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.

    Matthew 13:20
    NIV

  13. 1313
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.

    Mark 4:16
    NIV

  14. 1314
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

    Luke 2:10
    NIV

  15. 1315
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

    Luke 8:13
    NIV

  16. 1316
    Lulu says:

    Lulu

    Federal Way, WA

    [Stand Firm] But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

    2 Thessalonians
    NIV

  17. 1317
    Diane says:

    Diane from Houston, TX
    Psalm 139:7 NIV
    Where can I go from your spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?

  18. 1318
    Rachel Roy says:

    Rachel from Woodstock, GA

    And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will become like midday.

    Isaiah 58:10 NAS

  19. 1319
    Natalie Bennighof says:

    Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
    Proverbs 16:20, ESV

  20. 1320
    Patti Cocchi says:

    Patti Cocchi San Rafael, Ca.

    NIV

    Prov 3:3 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around you neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

  21. 1321
    Elizabeth says:

    He is their shield; protecting those who walk in integrity.
    He guards the path of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:8 NLT

  22. 1322
    Sarah Scott says:

    Sarah Scott, Lufkin, TX
    For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, (Colossians 1:9-11 NIV)

  23. 1323
    Jennifer Ruttan says:

    Jennifer Fishers, IN

    Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV

  24. 1324
    Denise from Germantown, WI says:

    But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. (Psalm 3:3 NIV)

  25. 1325
    Karen Polasek says:

    “For I AM the Lord,your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,Do not fear;I will help you.”
    Isaiah 41:13
    NIV

  26. 1326
    Misti says:

    Misti
    Lubbock,Tx
    Philippians 2:3 NIV
    Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.

  27. 1327
    barb kouba says:

    Barb from Carlsbad, NM “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Col: 3:23 NKJV

  28. 1328
    Donna says:

    Be still and know I am God. Psalm 46:10

  29. 1329
    Teresa Gutshall says:

    Teresa from Platte City, MO

    “Finally, brethen, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”
    Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

  30. 1330
    Teresa Gutshall says:

    Teresa from Platte City, MO

    “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.”
    Philippians 4:9 (NASB)

  31. 1331
    Rita says:

    Rita Bristol, TN 2 Peter 1:10 NIV Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

  32. 1332
    Lori says:

    The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galations 5:6b NIV

  33. 1333
    Opal McDannald says:

    Opal from Odon, IN

    I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

    “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens,always be thankful,for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

  34. 1334
    Kathleen Martin says:

    Kathleen from Knoxville, TN

    “We know that our body – the tent we live in here on earth – will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a house for us. It will not be a house made by human hands; instead, it will be a home in heaven that will last forever.”

    2 Cor. 5:1 NCV

  35. 1335
    Cindi Martin says:

    Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength , an ever present help in trouble.”

  36. 1336
    Ann says:

    Psalm 141:3(NIV)
    Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

    Ann
    Mandeville, La

  37. 1337
    Ann says:

    “so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” Isaiah 55:11. Holman Christian Standard Bible. This is why I include Scripture in cards and letters.

  38. 1338
    Mary schneck says:

    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-3-4

  39. 1339
    Maria Dinverno says:

    Maria from Detroit

    All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

    2 Cor 1:3 (NLT)

  40. 1340
    Dee Ann says:

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Phil. 4:6 NIV

  41. 1341
    Sue Nutter says:

    Sue, Standish, ME

    People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices.

    Proverbs 21:2-3 (NLT)

  42. 1342
    Dianne says:

    Ephesians 6 1-2. Children obey your parents in The Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise.

  43. 1343
    Marva says:

    Marva, Littleton, CO

    “I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b NIV

  44. 1344
    Cathy Lee says:

    Cathy Lee
    Gig Harbor, WA

    But I trust in you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”

    Psalm 31:14 NIV

  45. 1345
    rosa says:

    Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Ps. 84:10a

    Rosa

  46. 1346
    Ruth says:

    Ruth from
    Hamilton, Ohio

    “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NIV

  47. 1347
    Cindy says:

    To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
    Ecclesiastes 3:1

  48. 1348
    Lorraine says:

    Lorraine,Ontario,Canada,Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

  49. 1349
    Amber Skidmore says:

    Washington, WV
    In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV)

  50. 1350
    Mary Beth says:

    Philippians 4:4-5
    Rejoice in The Lord always. Again I will say rejoice in The Lord. Let your gentle spirits be known to all men. The Lord is near.

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