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
Michelle Smith, Wichita, Kansas “Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12. RSV 2nd Cath V
He says be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations and I will be exalted in the earth Psalms 46:10 NIV
Lea from Athens, Georgia
” Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Lisa Glenn, Little Elm, TX
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
Wheeling West Virginia
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”
Romans 6:16 (ESV) English Standard Version
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Angie Keel, Anniston, Alabama
“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5, NIV
Sharon Krall, Lititz, PA
Psalms 130:5 CEV
With all my heart,
I am waiting, Lord, for you!
I trust your promises.
Melody Powell
Clinton, NC
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESV
Cindy
Bellingham, Wa
Do Not Be Afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
Exodus 14:13 NIV
Tereasa Jones, Kilgore TX
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:51-52 NIV
Maryann, Cold Lake AB Canada
Then those who revered the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the LORD and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them.
Malachi 3:16-17 (NRSV)
Susan Blackman Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his stength,seek his presence continually
Cheryl M, Saginaw – TX
Eph 2:8-9 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Angie Edwards
Severance, CO
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Shari Vail, AZ
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2 NIV
Sarah Farish
Libertyville, Illinois
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:30-31 (ESV)
Brooke from Wilsonville, NE: Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.'” Luke 4:8 NAB
Sharon, Barrington
“Blessed are those who are poor in spirit for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
Chrissy Sharp, Guyton, GA
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor 5:17(NIV)
Alyssa from Dallas, TX: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 ESV
Brittany from Cottondale, AL: “I trust in your love. My heart is happy because you saved me.” Psalm 13:5 NCV
Connie Willis
Knoxville, TN
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1 ESV
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,(Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV)
Show me your ways, oh Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25: 4-5
Kendi from Midland, Texas
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:30 NIV
Lorri SeGraves, Fort Worth, TX
The New International Version
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to every one who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I Peter 3:15
Danyelle from Dayton, Ohio
“You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NIV
Leigh-Anne from Kamloops, B.C. Canada
“For the word of God is living and active. 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.”
Hewbrews 4:12 NIV
Katie, Amarillo, Texas. “To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” Psalm 30:12 AMP
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Krista from Richmond, Virginia
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. Isaiah 41:10 Amplified Bible
Danielle, Paetz, Calgary, AB Canada
Proverbs 19:21, NIV
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Christy from Waco, TX
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Psalm 34:5 NIV
Sherrie, San Antonio, TX
Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV)
Meg from Abbeville,SC
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in The Lord their God.”
Psalm 146:5 NIV
Jane, St. Louis
“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)
Annie Downs, Nashville, TN
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
1 Corinthians 12:18 (NIV84)
Nancy Standiford from Vancouver, Washington
“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 the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and EVER. Amen”. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
Julie from Elk Grove, IL
Annette Hutcherson, Richmond, Va
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23 NIV
lynn Miller, Louisville, KY
and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, II Peter 1:6 (NASB)
Previously posted late on January 1, cannot find the entry! Thank you for this ministry!
Barbara, Dayton, Ohio
I Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always;
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Lee, West Michigan
Isaiah 26:8 NIV84
“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of you laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”
Libby Haynes, Dallas TX
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalm 3:3 NASB
Lacey from Hayden, CO
And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 ESV
Christina from Waukee, Iowa: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 ESV
Christy, Whiteland, In.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world…”
Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV
The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life. Psalm 121:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7, NIV