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
Jan from Troy, AL
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 NIV
Lendy
Fort Worth, Texas
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me.”
Psalm 57:2 NLT
Kathy from Grants Pass Oregon. Don’t worry about anything;instead pray about Everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience Gods peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7. NLT
Amy from Frisco, Texas
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Tab Lewis from Greenville, SC
” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
Jackie Bridges, Mooresboro, NC: For from of old no one has heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides you, who works and shows himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for him. Isaiah 64:4 Amplified
Lindsey from Little Rock.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Cindy, Mount Gilead
“But seek His kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do Not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”
Luke 12:31-32 NIV
Kim B. – Orlando, Florida
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, ad pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about these things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT
Emily, Summerton, SC. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1 ESV
Teresa
Spanaway, WA
Psalm 73:25-26 NIV84
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Des Moines, IA You Crown the year with your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:12-13 NIV
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Jennifer from Tulsa, OK
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20 NIV
Fran, Fort Worth, “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
Gloria from Cordova, TN
The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV
Jada from Aurora, MO. “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.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Margie Allen,TX
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:1-2 NIV
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him.
(HCSB)
Ginger from Cedar Park, Texas, Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matt. 6:25 NIV
Shelly, Portland
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…”
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
Susan from Statesville,NC
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
Mandy from Woolwich, Maine
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness and thy paths drop fatness
Psalm 65:11 KJV
2 Peter 1:5 NIV84
For this very reason, make sure to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge.
Traverse City, Michigan
The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with Joy.
Psalm 126:3 NIV
Clinton, SC.
For with God Nothing is impossible. Luke 1 :37
Jennifer from OKC, OK~~ “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” Philippians 4:9 (ESV)
Kendra Husband from Charlotte, NC
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Erin, Lolo, MT “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
Kimberly from Amarillo, TX
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
Lauralee Courtney Austin, TX
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
Kim from Charlotte, NC:
For I am the Lord your God who take hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:12 NIV
Rachel from Parker, CO
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long live I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91: 14-16 NIV2010
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails 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
Allison Moldenhauer, Huntsville, TX: James 1:1-6 NIV84
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Victoria M. from Greenbrier AR
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 TNIV
Chelsea Bumstead, Kountze, Tx
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ Hosea 10:12 NLT
Elaine from Littleton, CO “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1,2 NIV
Jennifer, Greensburg, LA
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Psalm 40:3 NIV
Heather, Greensburg
Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
I Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Emily, Greensburg
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4: 10-11 NIV
Desiree, Plano , Tx
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying,”Behold, the taberna acle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their
God.” Revelation 21:3 Nkjv
Rachel from Richmond, VA
Isaiah 64:8 from HCSB
Yet Lord, You are our Father;
we are the clay, and You are our potter;
we all are the work of Your hands.
Isaiah 61:1 NLT
The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brorkenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Kristia
Clinton, KY
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
Jenny from Branson, Mo
That is why I am suffering here is prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the One in whom I have put my trust,and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.
2 Tim 1:12 NLT
Teri, Corpus Christi, TX
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)
Debbie
Fairbanks, AK
For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19 NIV
Mary Ludwig from Blue Springs, MO
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; BEHOLD, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Sabrina from Pikesville, MD
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 4:6 [NAS]
Soni from Gulfport, MS
Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 16:11 RSV