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! 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 moderated (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, 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. 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. 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
Mitzi from Lepanto, AR
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV
Jessica from South Carolina. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Prv 31:25 NLT
Tara from Lexington, KY
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NIV
Midland, Tx
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)
Kay from Plainview, TX..”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Jill from Plano,TX
John 16:33
New International Version (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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
Tracy, From Newcastle, Maine
Come to Me, all you who labor and 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.
Matthew 11: 28-30 NKJV
Lisa Lundy, Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Amy from Pratt, Kansas
“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” Lamentations 3:32-33 NIV
Leah from Norman Park, GA – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV84
Lindsey from Iowa City, Iowa
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 ESV
Atascadero Calif, No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (phil 3:13-14, NLT)
Karen from Sugar Hill, GA
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn Your commands. Psalm 119:73 HCSB
Sarah Miller, New Palestine, IN
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Mandy from Newburgh, Indiana
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
NKJV
Lichelle Nanninga, Austin Texas
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ” I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”
John 8:12 NIV
Anne, Severance Colorado: “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” :Proverbs 3:5 (AMP)
Tammy from Greenville, Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Susan from Berryville Virginia, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV
Julie from Fort Lauderdale, fl….
“That you may love The Lord your God, that you may obey His voice and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…
Deuteronomy 30:20 NKJV
Ginger ~ Mansfield, TX
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food ~ Job 23:12 (NASB)
Wendy from Owen Sound: See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Whoops! Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Laura, Houston: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under HIs wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
BettyJo from St. Augustine, FL
“But the LORD is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV “But GOD”
Pam-Hendersonville, NC
“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV
Lisa, Andalusia, Psalm 63:1 NIV
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You;
I thirst for You , my whole being long for You,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Trina, Summerton, SC. “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. Don’t compare yourself with others.” Galations 6:4 CEV
Valerie R from Taylors, SC
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 HCSB
Beth from London, Ontario
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about.”
Luke 10:41-42 NLT
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
“Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my Savior.”
Psalm 38:22 NIV
Cheryl Adams
Hephzibah, Ga.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
Peggy Stewart, Flusing, Michigan, Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he wil rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Jamie ~ Mobile, AL ~ So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. (Romans 12:1, 2 MSG)
NIV 1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
A life verse… I love.
Lisa Wagner from Surprise, AZ
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 NKJ
Faith from Houma, LA
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.
Matthew 11:29
Stacey from Mount Pleasant, SC Psalm 59:17
You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. (NIV)
Cami, Oklahoma City, “For the word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12, NIV
Annissa from St. Catharines, Ontario, CANADA
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
Psalm 130:5 NKJV
Laura from Pottsboro, TX
You are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 GWT
Ginger G, El Paso, TX: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT
Andrea, Cartersville, GA: “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV84
Bridget from Augusta, GA
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13 NLT
Jen from Jackson,Wisconsin, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NKJV)
Alice from Fort Collins.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26, NIV
Kristy from Woodstock, Ga
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5, NAS
Jan from Minneapolis, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that his exists and the he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6, NIV.
Theresa, Tenaha, Texas
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1
Kim, Mabank TX “I waited patiently for the Lord: And He inclinedto me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 NASB