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.
I want to be part of this!
So excited! Our pastor challenged us to give something to Jesus for His birthday, and this is my gift to Him…learning His word and hiding it in my heart. Let the journey begin! Love all you siestas!!
I got excited and ordered a BUNCH of the spirals for my Bible Study friends! Bible memorization is something I badly want and need to do, and this sounds like the perfect program! Can’t wait until January first to see how this really works….11 days and counting!
I’ve participated in 2009 and 2011, pulling together a Scripture Memory Team via email. I’m so much looking forward to doing this again in 2013 — so far I’ve got 10 people signed up to join me. The more God’s Word is read and KNOWN, the more He is glorified. Yeah God!
I am ready!!!!
Count me in.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Lichelle
This has been THE hardest season of my life and I am SO excited to begin memorizing God’s Word with you …
I am also new to this but looking forward to it SO much!
I have made so many commitments over the years and ended up not fulfilling them so I am really on a mission to making this one stick.
And I am looking forward to the accountability…
I ordered my spiral today (also ordered 3 extras for my 2 daughters and my daughter-in-law in case they would like to join in).
Now, on to verse selection for January 1st!
Thank you!!
This is my first year too! I am so excited.
Wow, I just “happened” to stumble upon this and it’s what I’ve been struggling with. I know it’s a God send. Looking forward to uniting with all of you!
Hi there.
I would love to also join. I can’t find the link though to sign up. Can anybody help me with that? I’m from Holland, so I hope people from outside of America can also join in.
Thank you!
Many blessings!
Yes! I posted about the spirals on my facebook page to put the word out for people who wanted to get involved. My sweet mother-in-law (other :))saw it and ordered one for me and a friend and her and a friend. I can’t wait to get it!!
I would love to be a part of this! How do I sign up?
I’m so doing this! How do I sign up?
Already have my spiral! Happy SSMT is back very soon. Thanks for all the work that goes into hosting this supportive community. Blessed Christmas!
My sweet friend invited me to do this with her and even gave me the spiral. I am so excited to try this even though my old brain is fried after all the years of raising little sprouts. God will have His hands full with me.
I have been praying about joining and believe I will, although, I know I won’t make it to the big party in 2014.
Good Evening! Do I need to make up a BLOG page in order to participate?
No ma’am! Just comment on the blog when we post and you’ll be good to go!
I’m in!
I am so excited about this! Praying that a close friend will join me in it. My goal is to complete it this year. I failed miserably last time! God will lead me this time 🙂
Hi!! I have admired this community of God-lovin’ women for about a year and half or so now and have always wanted to feel a part of it, like I could belong to it. All this time- is this all that would require – just leaving a comment ?? Hahahaha! I always wondered how you all got to be in it. Am I “in” now?! Yay! I’m so happy to be here! Well I am also writing to say I am going to actually join you on the SSMT!! Looking forward to it!
I want to be a part of this. How exciting!
I’m in! This will be my 3rd time as part of the SSMT. Hoping to bring other Siestas along with me!
I am looking forward to participating in the scripture memoory team.
Question: Will there be a smartphone “spiral” app again?
So very excited!!! Thank you for the encouragement and accountability!!
Much love,
Leigh
Il.
I’m in! Can’t wait to see what He will do this year!
Just realized I hadn’t ordered my spiral yet, so I was just able to do it on my phone from deer stand! Love God, love technology that simplifies our lives! So excited for this memory challenge in 2013! Thank you!
So excited to participate this year!
So excited…looking forward to chewing on some food for my soul!
In His Grace~Tammy
Hey Beth! So excited about Siesta Scripture Memory time!:) I also wanted to wish you all at LPM and the Siestas a very Merry Christmas!!!:)
I am so doing this? How do I sign up?
I am looking forward to joining all of you — first time for me. Part of my focus will be learning the references to the verses that I think about and occasionally mention to others. I realize some people are fine with, “The Bible says …” but I want to be able to include the book and chapter at least.
The 80 page mini spiral notebook from the dollar store is waiting on my nightstand! “See” you all on 1/1/13.
I want to do this
I’m so excited that you’re doing the Siesta Scripture Memorization again this year! I bought my girlfriend and me a spiral and can’t wait to fill it with God’s great Word!!
Sooo looking forward to memorizing together!! It’s the coolest idea I’ve heard of!
My girlfriend got me a spiral so we can do this together. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me and my girlfriend this year and how these verses will be used.
My precious daughter blessed me with the LPM Siesta 2013 Spiral for Christmas! What a blessing! Let’s get this ball rolling!
Do we have to order a spiral or can we just use our own? I really can’t afford to buy one but I really want to participate.
Oh, by all means, Cassie! Use your own! Complete freedom!
I’m ready to go! I’ve had trouble with the memorization is the past, but recently found something that really helps and may help others with “menopausal memory” issues. I use dry erase markers and write my verses on my bathroom mirror as well as on the glass of a large empty poster-size frame that I have in my kitchen (I inserted a large piece of white poster board inside). Seeing the verse several times every day, helps my brain absorb the words more easily. I change out the writing on my mirror (it’s not very large), but keep a running list of the verses on the much larger poster frame. That way I get regular review to keep my memory from taking a nosedive into the oblivion of the middle-age fog. Hope this helps someone else take on the challenge.
A friend from church is getting a group together for this. It’s right along with my goals for next year and I’m looking forward to it!
Del from Clarksboro, NJ: So glad to be joining the SSMT again. I did before but stopped midway through the year. Grateful for another opportunity. Our women’s Bible study group does Beth Moore’s studies every year – currently being blessed by the Fruit of the Spirit study.
I’ve wanted to do this for a few years now. I believe now is the time. Looking forward to it.
I have started this SSMT 3 times in the past and failed….I WILL do it this time. I am 38 and just diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m ready for a fight, a fight with scripture!! Game ON devil!
May God show Himself mighty through your complete healing and restoration, Heather. I am so glad you’re participating in this. Listen, if any of His Word found residence deep within you through those three former attempts, it was no failure! Every word of God is a win. I pray that He uses this as one means of keeping your mind preoccupied with His Word and His power over all things that concern you. Our God is ABLE.
Thank you Siesta Mama!! I also picked up a copy of Praying God’s Word…..ready to fight!!!
I’m in! My sister Suzy did this last time and was so blessed. She challenged me so we memorized scripture together in 2012 to get in training.
I am going to do this…i memorize with my kids in their school but this will really challenge me….thanks
This is my first time participating in SSM. I received my spiral in the mail and am so anxious to get started! I know I will be blessed and I pray that ALL of the siestas will be blessed, too!
My husband got me the spiral notebook for Christmas! Can’t wait to get started!
Looking forward to getting started!
My amazing, Godly mother invited me (along with the rest of my female cousins, aunts, sister, etc.) to join in this challenge. I would love nothing more than to be alongside her and other members of my family this coming December 2013 sharing God’s goodness and celebrating the power of His word together, as a community of believers. I am anticipating a great year with this challenge, as I’m newly married, living in a new city, and starting my career as a clinical social worker. Plenty of “newness” and plenty of opportunities for discouragement, but also plenty of moments to see God’s hand of provision, strength and faithfulness. God’s word is greatly needed in this new season, and it’s so beautiful to me that my mother is encouraging this in me, and leading by example — as she and my aunt have attended this event previously. Excited for this new challenge.
Kaitlyn, 26
Fort Walton Beach, FL
I am looking forward to what God has in store for 2013!
What an inspiration y’all are & so thankful for this opportunity. Several of us in our women’s ministry had our own team for 2012 & we are looking forward to being a part of the SSMT 2013! sk 🙂
Sign me up! My favorite thing to do each year!