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
Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentation 3:22,23 NIV
Sheryl from PA
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isa. 41:13 NIV
Susan, Canton, Mi
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamantations 3:24-25 (NIV)
Kayla from Clinton, MN
“In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”
John 14:20 NASB
Stacy McDonough, GA
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
DaWanna
Orange
“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you”.
Psalm 32:8 NLT
Roni from Demopolis, Alabama –
“But He knows the way I take, When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 28:10 NASB
Natalie, Leawood, KS.
“Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Matthew 11:6 NKJ
I will praise the Lord Who counsels me, Even at night my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7 NIV
Lauren from Demopolis: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. But with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Kelley, Oak Ridge, NC “Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Ruth from Oran “Be still and know tht I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”
NIV
Gay Beck from Plain City, OH
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2:14 (NIV)
Jamie B. – Niles,MI
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified,for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 NIV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and or marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12, ESV
Jami from Valley Grande,AL
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NIV
Amanda, Leawood, KS.
“My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.” Psalm 71:7 NLT
My prayer for 2013:
Search me,O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)
Fort Worth, Texas. “Because of the LORD’S unfailing love, we do not perish; for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23
Tollya from Bethany, OK
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Sacha from Nashville, TN
“Blessed are you when others revile you and utter all kinds of evil against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward i great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 ESV
niv
Tamberly from Flower Mound, Tx
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him. ”
1 Cor 2:9 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Rachel C. from Greer, SC
Let no foul or polluting language; nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it.
Ephesians 4:29 Amplified
Heather from Atlanta, GA
An angry person stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Proverbs 29:22-23 (TNIV)
Cayce Ballard, Piedmont SC
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b-14 HCSB
Jane from Port Orchard Washington “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” Psalm 91:16, ESV
Amy from Midlothian VA
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Martha, Springfield, TN
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
II Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV
Rachel Bryant, Pineville, “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
Tammy Elrod
Mechanicsville, VA
For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword; piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
KJV
Annette from Houston, TX
Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 (NAS)
Kelli, Rochester MN, Acts 20:24 KJV *But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Cheryl, Austin, TX, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV
From Stafford, Texas
Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” NKJV
Katie, Keller Texas
The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NASB
Talia from Houma, Louisiana.
The name of The Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10, NIV
Anita from Gardner, Ks
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Cor. 1:18 (NASB)
Lindsey from Dubach, LA is memorizing Luke 4:10 (NIV). “For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;…”
Kristy from Rome, Georgia
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37 ESV.
Jina, Leawood, KS.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;he is my Rock and there is no wickedness in him.” Psalm 92:12-15 NIV
Heather, McDonough, GA – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Cindy from Gulbertsville, KY
Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Kiana ~ Fairfield, TX
“That if you confess with your mouth,”Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 NIV84
Christa from Lenexa, KS: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
Ephesians 1:18 NLT
Anna, Little Elm, TX
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
Psalms 62:5 (NIV84)
Lezli from Oklahoma City, OK
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12 NIV
Missy Speir, Winston-Salem, NC
“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.” ~Psalm 27:4-5 (ESV)
Helen, Dearborn, MI
“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.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)