Finally!!!!!!!!
Are you ready, Sisters? Do you hear me cheering?? I have never been more excited about doing this.
I am on the verge of doing about 10 backward flips on my hardwoods. I said on the verge. Not quite doing it. Well, I’m doing it in my heart. That counts for a lot around here.
SO LET’S DO THIS THING! Now, promise me this! Promise me you will read this entire post before you leave a single comment. I know you’re about to burst and I am, too, and, for that reason, I’ll keep it as short as possible. It’s so important that we get our ground rules firmly established so that we’ll have a fabulous experience. Remember, hundreds of our participants this time around are brand new so let’s make sure everybody’s on the same page.
A few things you absolutely MUST KNOW:
*Your comment to this post is your official registration onto the team. Everybody starts at Verse 1 no matter when they begin the process. (Word gets around and we often still have people joining in with us even in March and April. We don’t mind how late they begin as long as they can catch up, memorize their verses, and document each one of them on the proper post as an official participant.) This launch post will remain right here in this January 1st 2013 slot all year long and each new person will need to make her first entry here. This is how we track who signed up when we get to the end of the year and it’s party time.
*Your comment must be strictly limited to the following 5 pieces of information: name, city, verse, reference, translation. I’ll say it slower now for those brand new to the process:
Your name (or first name if you prefer), city. Your verse for that two-week period written all the way out, the reference for it (where it is found in the Bible: Book, chapter, verse) AND the *translation you’ve taken it from.
(*For instance, is the Bible you’ve pulled the passage from a KJV, an NAS, HCSB, NIV or NLT? Or is it The NET Bible, The Message or another similar version? The translation almost always appears on the outside spine of a Bible. If not, you will find it on the first few pages. If you’re looking on line, you’ll get an option to choose a translation. Do so as it speaks most clearly to you. We aren’t fussing over translations here in our memory work. You also do not need to stick with one version throughout.)
Just those 5 pieces of information!Ā They will comprise every comment to this post. And the moment you start scrolling through all of them, you’ll see why. Page after page after page after page of Scripture and each one telling a reader exactly where to find it. It is the most powerful sight to behold. This invites people who are not participating in the memory work to reap tremendous benefits by just reading the comments and taking strength from verses they may not have known existed. This way it has the potential to bless our whole community or any weary visitor to our blog. I’ve been in crises before and gotten on the comment pages and scrolled from Scripture to Scripture and practically wept with relief and fresh courage or revelation. That’s why it’s best to keep the SSMT comments as succinct as possible. If you’ve got an exclamation in you that you just can’t hold back, you can occasionally make the briefest comment like, “I really need this one!” or “I’m sharing so-and-so’s verse” but, please, no more than that.
Comments other than the verse-entries on the 1st and 15th of each month can’t be approved. I’m so sorry and I hope you’ll understand. Thousands of us will be doing this together so the moderation process is monumental from the administrative side. The verses will be all Lindsee and I can handle in the comments for our two SSMT days per month. Keep in mind: NONE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS PERTAIN TO THE OTHER BLOG POSTS HERE AT LPM. We will be completely free to do our regular thing on all other posts! The really stringent rules are only for the 1st and 15th of each month in 2013 and in reference to Siesta Scripture Memory Team. I hope that makes sense!
*Your comment may take 24 hours to get moderatedĀ (or posted if you’re new to the blog process) and sometimes a bit longer if it falls over a weekend. We try our hardest to stay up with it but on those days when 500+ come in at once, it’s quite a task! But we love it! It just requires a little patience on all sides! Before you assume that your entry somehow vanished and you’re tempted to write it again,Ā give it one full day and see if it shows up. Keep track of what time you posted it and double check the comments around that same time.Ā The accidental repeats make it much harder to track participation through the course of the year so always double check. If you don’t find it a day later, by all means, post it again!
*Remember that you get to choose your own verse! That’s really important! The ease with which you can memorize a verse is greatly impacted by how much it means to you. The more you need it or want it, the more you’ll absorb it. If you come up dry at times, no problem! You can either share my verse or another in the comment line that really speaks to you.
*PRAY that God will bless you in this endeavor and will enable you to memorize His Word! Ask continually throughout the entire year! When I get stuck and frustrated that I can’t get my words in order, if I’ll stop what I’m doing and ask God to supernaturally infuse me and help me to concentrate, you would not believe how quickly a breakthrough will come.
Are you about to stuff a sock in my mouth?? I’m about 2 seconds from stuffing one in my own mouth. Melissa gave me two new pair of boot socks for Christmas so at least I have fresh choices.
All right, already! Here goes mine! In honor of our process ahead and how willing the Holy Spirit is to help us…
Beth from Houston Texas, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV84
Here’s one more alternative if you’ve never memorized it for a new year! I just love it for January 1st:
You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance.Ā Psalm 65:11 NIV
May God’s grace abound to you, Sweet Thing. WELCOME! We have such a fabulous challenge ahead of us. GOD, GRANT US YOUR GOOD FAVOR!
So…what are you waiting for??? SIGN IN WITH VERSE ONE!
PS. I thought you guys might find it a bit amusing that I brought in the first 300 comments in the CAR on the way to the airport to catch my Atlanta flight for Passion 2013. Laughing. You keep your blog mama busy. I love you so!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Karen, Clarksville, “Now the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. The dominion belongs to Him forever.” 1 Peter 5:10-11 HCSB
Calgary, AB
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22,23 ESV
Emily from West Palm Beach, FL
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.ā Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Isaiah 43:18-19.
Forget about what’s happened;don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brad new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. The Message
I think this is a great verse to start off the new year!
Hannah from Memphis, TN
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.ā Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Lisa from Cypress, TX
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
5Ā Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Ā Ā Ā Ā and lean not on your own understanding;
6Ā in all your ways submit to him,
Ā Ā Ā Ā and he will make your paths straight.
Connie: Potlatch Idaho
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 NKJV
Lezli, Columbus, GA; “I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.” Psalm 119:102, NIV
Kalen – Memphis, TN
…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also or the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7, 8 NASB)
Patsy E, Cypress, Tx
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Veronica Rodriguez, San Antonio TX
This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT)
MaryClare in Frisco, Texas: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Lori Broker from Lee’s Summit, MO:
Colossians 4:6 MSG
Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Cindy L., Madison, Alabama
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30 (NIV)
Debbie from Auckland āThe Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4 NKJV)
Janell from Katy, TX
Isaiah 40:31
King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 28:7 AMP ‘The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him.’
********
Kim, Springfield MO
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalms 143:8, NIV
Tina from Alabama
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1 NIV
Ella; Raetihi, New Zealand
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not but die but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (GNT)
Joy-Paso Robles,CA
“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
Cathy Robertson;Houston, Texas
Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. Hebrews 11:1 The Voice
Debbie Miller from Muskogee Oklahoma
My heart has heard you say, āCome and talk with me.ā And my heart responds, āL ord , I am coming.ā (Psalms 27:8 NLT)
Rebecca Stewart
Julian, NC
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compasssion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Carolyn from St. Catharines,ON, Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. Proverbs 4:25,27 MSG
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for The Lord has been good to you.
Psalm 116:7
NIV
Amy Scarborough
Lufkin, Texas
Psalm 116:7
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for The Lord has been good to you.
NIV
Danielle N. from Knoxville, Iowa
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'” Matthew 5:1-4 ESV
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 NASB
Anna Williams, Grapevine Texas, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Tolu, Boston MA
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Mary Lain says: January 1,2013
Hebrews 4:12(NIV)
“The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to deviding soul, spirit,joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Becky, Johnson City, TN Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV84)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.ā
Colleen – Frisco, TX
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10, NIV
Shannon
Tampa
“Isaac sowed seed in that land, and in the same year reaped a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him.”
Genesis 26:12
KJV
Brenda, Houston,Tx
Because of the Lord ‘s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Dana-Amarillo, TX
Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again. God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!” (Exodus 14:13, 14 MSG)
Shannon from Tyler,TX
Therfore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 Holman CSB
Michele, Raleigh NC “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.’ NIV
Brittany Mote, Burlington, NC
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, with my song I praise him.” Psalm 38:7
Josie from Raleigh, NC
Isaiah 61:1, NIV: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Erin, Raleigh NC “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.’ NIV
Holly from Albuquerque, NM: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt. 6:33 NIV
Sarah; Raetihi, New Zealand
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He won’t leave you or forsake you.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Wendy Solomon, Anchorage AK
Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the dawn or the coming of the rains in early spring.
Hosea 6:3 NLT
Mary from Three Rivers, MI
Romans 15:13
“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.”
Debbie Fairbanks, Alaska
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.
Isaiah 7:9 NIV
Nora – Huntington, WV: 1 Corinthians 1:27 “Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.”
Ericka F – Tampa, Fl – Verse #1: “Do not be deceived: āEvil company corrupts good habits.ā (1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV)
Kyla from Tomball, Texas. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV.
Jessica from Washington, IN
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all of you who wait for the Lord!
Psalms 31:24 (ESV)