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
Beth, Roswell, GA
Psalm 51:10-12 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your free spirit” American KJV
Jaclyn Walker, Tacoma WA
“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. “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”
Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV
Ohio, Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord and who hope the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Shannon 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 life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91: 14-16 NIV 2012
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift….not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Stephanie from Danville Ky. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness ,17. So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. NIV
Morgan from Hattiesburg, MS
“Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there your hand will lead me; Your hand will hold on to me.” Psalm 139:7-10 (HCSB)
Julie from Prescott, AZ New International Version (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Natalie from Lynchburg, Virginia
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
Isaiah 40:11
Janette from Grand Junction, CO, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2Timothy 4:5 NIV
Susan, Lady Lake, FL, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for The Lord, your God is with you wherever you go”, Joshua 1:9, NIV.
Lisa in Hurst, TX
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
Melanie, Nampa, Idaho 1 Peter Ch1 vs 17 NLT
And remember that the Heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverant fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.”
Nadine from Morton, UK
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 NIV
Nicole from Newton, Iowa
We know that all things work together for the good of those that love God, those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
HCSB
Tilley Hawkins from Franklin, TN
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.” -Eph. 4:2 (NIV)
Kelly Watson
Greer, SC
Kris, Fargo, “For I know the plans I have for you, ” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV.
Laura Harriman, TN
“And pray in the Spirit on all ocassions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Myra, Columbia, SC
Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT
Krista from St Paul MN
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT
Jennifer, Menomonee Falls, WI
“But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”
Matthew 5:22 NLT
Evin from Fort Worth, Texas
You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Barbara from Tomball, Tx
“This is the day The Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalm 118:24 NIV
Sandy from Baltimore, MD, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” I Cor 1:3, KJV
Dawn, Mt. Olive, NC
“Look to the Lord & His strength & seek His face always”
1 Chron 16:11 NIV
Nancy from Champaign,IL
Next, learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly, gladly letting God have his way with you.
2 Peter 1:6 TLB
Michelle from Boynton Bch, FL
Who is like Your children, O God, a people saved by the Lord? You are my shield, helper and glorious sword. Cause my enemy to cower, Lord! Trample down his high places. Deut 33:29 NIV in prayer form
Kim from Lawrenceburg, KY.
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NLT
Vasthie Alcidor Orlando, FL.
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.
2 Corinthians 11:2 NIV
Kaye from Franklin, TN: “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 NIV)
Leah from Ramona, CA – For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Romans 4:3 (NLT)
Irene from Clarksville, TN
“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.”
Galatians 5: 1 (NIV)
Diane – Fresno, CA (no longer Gig Harbor, WA)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I am trying to please man I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galations 1:10, ESV
Kathy from Hudsonville, Michigan
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart: I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12
Melody from Georgia…Colossians 3:12 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col.3:12 NIV
Cindy Grand Prairie Texas May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV
“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.’ ” Deut. 31:8 NIV
Janeal, Abilene KS
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Show me your ways, O 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.
Leticia from Malibu California, Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Kimberly Orr~
Zionsville, Indiana
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21 ESV
Rachael, Jersey Shore, PA.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Gal 2:20 NIV
Sarah in Eagle River, AK: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Teresa Brown, 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
Lindy, Scott, LA
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what will you eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV84)
Nancy, Versailles, Ky
(I’ve decided to memorize Pslam 71)
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Psalm 71:1; NIV84
Barb from Sheridan Indiana, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of The Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 NIV
Melissa, Conway, Arkansas
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 NIV
Heidi from Nampa, Idaho
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (The Message)
12 We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13Â But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Joyce, St. Louis, MO “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 NIV