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
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)
Amy from Orangeville, ON, Canada
Debbie from Holly Springs, NC Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! II Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Kelly from Kimberly, AL.I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV
Debbie, Sevierville TN
I am still confident of this, I will see the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living. Wait on The Lord, be strong and take heart and wait on The Lord.
Psalms 27:13-14
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”
Luke 1:45 NIV
Heidi from Moore, OK
“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
Exodus 33:1, NIV
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying “I will give it your descedants.”
Traci Hamilton, Acworth GA
“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
Susan S. in Lynchburg, VA
Exodus 33:1
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, āDepart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, āTo your [a]descendants I will give it.ā
I’m going for the chapter. Lord, show me your glory!!
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. (Philippians 4:6, MSG)
Stephanie from Springfield, OH
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Beth, Dallas, Hebrews 12:1, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Sandy Brooks, Austin, Texas
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
Gloria from Jesup, Ga
“Turn my eyes from worthless things:preserve my life according to your word.” Psalms 118:37 NIV
Terry Taylor, from Indianapolis, IN. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 ESV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NAS)
Peggy Durante, Cheyenne. WY
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
Sarah, Blairsville, GA. NIV “To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power in Christ Jesus. ” Eph 3:20
Kathleen, Richmond:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV
Sherry
Meeker, Oklahoma
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV84
Be joyful always; Ā
pray continually;Ā
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
Sandy, Macon, MS; Ephesians 1:1-2 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,To Godās holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV84)
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “be holy, because I am holy” 1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV
Jill Kennedy, Lewisville, TX. Psalm 65:11 ESV You crown the year with your bounty, your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NIV
Carrie Hunter, Truckee, CA: Psalm 38:9 (NLT) ” you know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh”
In the multitude of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19
Rachel, Fort Smith, AR
“O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful.” Psalm 89:8 (NLT)
You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off;
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 41:9b-10 ESV
Raines, Albany, GA: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Brooke from Ladson, SC – I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind & heart. The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. Do not be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT
The Lord is good: A stronghold in the day of trouble: And He knows those who trust in Him.
“for we speak as messengers from God, trusted to tell the truth; we change his message not one bit to suit the taste of those who hear it; for we serve God alone, who examines our hearts’ and deepest thoughts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Andrea K. Madison, FL
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV84
Robin from Lettsworth, LA, Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10, 11 NIV)
Elizabeth from Smyrna, GA
Therefore, we may boldy say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:6
Megan from Sioux Falls, SD
Referring to the Sermon on the Mount:
“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 5:19, NKJV
Tiffany, from Gulfport, Ms, Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. Hebrews 12:15, NKJV
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.
~Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly,far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]ā
21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Ephesians 3: 20-21 Amplified
The Lord is my light and my Salvation- whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? NIV Psalm 27:1
Jessica from Williamsburg, IN
“Though an army deploys against me my heart is not afraid, though a war breaks out against me still I am confident.” Psalm 27:3 HCSB
Tami,Fort Worth, TX: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5 NIV
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” – Ps 65:11 NLV
Woops … Claire, Saigon, Vietnam
Janie from Marietta, GA
All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:160 NIV
Cindy, Broadway NC Colossians 3:15 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Taylor from Birmingham, AL
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in Your wake. Psalm 65:11 NET
Dana J Boerne, TX
Brittany, Newmarket Ontario,” You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. ” Psalm 65:11, NIV
White Hall, Arkanss
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of timeāto show us his grace through Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT)