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
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” I Thess. 5:23 (The Message)
Heidi, Broken Arrow,OK
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
NKJV
Tiffany Travers
Salisbury
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His Word.
Hebrews 10:23
Amplified
Allison from Midland, TX
[14]Â And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
[16]Â For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
(John 1:14, 16 ESV)
Jennifer Londeree from Huntington, WV
“This is my command–Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1
Stacy from South Bend, IN got her verse from NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1 NIV
Laura, Boone, NC
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Jillian, Orlando FL. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Prov 12:18, NIV.
Rouve, Nakusp BC,
Jesus looked at them and said: With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible
Matt 19:26 NIV
Kerri from Friendswood, Texas: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Martha from Corpus Christi, Texas
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
Kim from Trenton, TX
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.
Psalm 51:12 NKJV
Kristi
Houston, TX
1 Cor 15:58 NET
“So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
As for me, I look to the Lord for His help. I wait confidently for God to save me and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7 NLT
Roxie, Jerseyville,IL,Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Anne from Marion, Indiana: “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is the mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Chris Carver
Canton, NC
“Do not conform to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
NIV
Lisa Younce, Wylie, TX
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 NIV 1984
Verna from Berea, KY
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
Elizabeth from Gilbert, AZ
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 ESV
Tiffany Travers
Salisbury
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His Word.
Hebrews 10:23 AMP
Malloree from Trophy Club, Texas
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on The Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
NIV
Keri Lee from Las Vegas, “James, a bond servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:1-4
Oops! NKJV
DeeDee in Tallahassee, FL – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
Keely from Hermann: It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassionate fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
Gail, from Phoenix, Arizona
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
Ashley
Lawrenceville, GA
You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11 NET
Debbie, Olathe, KS- “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1 NIV 84)
Marla from Grapevine, TX. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. I Peter 3:1-2, ESV
Jess, Columbia, MO
Phil 1:27-28 NIV
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed but that you will be saved–and that by God.”
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26 NIV
Abbie from Omaha, NE
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Psalm 46:7 (NIV)
Rome, GA
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7 (ESV)
Andrea – Houston, TX
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. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
Psalm 16:5-7 NIV
Gina from Gadsden Alabama
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 chronicles 7:14 njjv
Rose, in Dallas, TX
For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace
Isaiah 55:12, ESV
Juanita Perry, Raleigh, NC
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”
Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV
Bobbi from Simpsonville SC
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Romona, Rosewood Heights, IL
No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us — perfect love! (MSG)
Luann from Grand Junction CO,
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 NIV84
Peggy Bliss from Kokomo, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV.
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3, NAS
Tamara from Milton, WV I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
Kelene of Niles, Michigan
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to HIS purpose who works all things after the counsel of HIS will.
Ephesians 1:11 NASB
Shout your praises to God, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band! – Psalm 98:4 MSG
Vanessa, Rockport, TX
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
Michelle, Maryville, You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
‎22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:22-25
ESV