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
Kari from Fort McMurray Alberta, John 1:14 NIV , The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
“but 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
i forgot to add my request above!!
Sharon from Fairview, NC
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes:fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV
Kristel Hines from Russellville, AR
For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Psalm 117:2 NLT
Lisa, Fredericktown
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare.
Psalm 25:15, NIV
Julie from Cincinnati, OH
“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”
Proverbs 14:29, NLT
Mary, Sterling Heights, MI, It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. II Corinthians 3:5 NLT
Meagan from Valleyview Alberta
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Tim. 4:12 NASB
Hannah Hernandez, La Grange, TX “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
“If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” I Cor. 13:1
‘Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine’ Proverbs 3:9-10
Olivia, Jackson, MS
Beth, Dyersburg, Tn
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Mary Ann from Woodbury, MN
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourself up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the undending life, the realy life!
Jude 1:20-21 Msg
Carrie Gill, Tyler, TX, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive our your enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy him!'” Deuteronomy 33:27, NIV
julie, Warner Robins, GA, And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life.He who comes to Me shall never hunger,and he who believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35 NKJV
Lezlie from Prince George – If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV84)
Patricia fromCroton-on-Hudson, NY-“Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” RSV-2nd Catholic Edition
Hannah, Cincinnati Ohio
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
Breanna from Belle Vernon, PA
“Are you tired? Worn Out? Burned on Religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitted on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Christa from Memphis, TN
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
(Galatians 2:20 NIV84)
Marilyn, Mission Viejo, CA Genesis 1:1 ESV
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Brenda from Torrance, Ca. “Trust in the Lord with all your (my) heart and do not lean on your (my) own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Susan ~ Kearney, NE ~ Psalm 65:11(NIV) ~ You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Kim, Dickinson, ND
“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:25-26. ESV
Tess
Cartersville, GA
JOHN 3:30 NIV84
“He must become greater; I must become less”
Marybeth in Oxford, PA: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Joanne from Bremerton, Washington
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Philippians 1:20 NIV
Tara G.
Sherwood, AR
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5: 1-6 (ESV)
{Our pastor has challenged our church body to memorize Matthew 5-8 this year as he preaches through it.}
Kira from Ray, MI
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it’s own trouble.
Matthew 6:34 ESV
Love this!!
Kim Wilson from Huntington, WV
Who has done this and carried forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord – with the first of them and with the last – I am He.
Isaiah 41:5 NIV
Paula Dahlke-Springdale, AR—- Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Kirsten, San Francisco
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8, NIV
Carter from Charlotte – “If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:2 NLT
Stacey Gaines, Corpus Christi, TX:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17, NIV)
“Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12 NIV
Stephanie – Easton,Maine
Tammy, Ingleside, TX
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, YOU ARE MINE! (capitals are mine)
Amber Bowers, Houston, TX. “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
Ashley, from Allen, TX “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Donna Pineau from Bartlett, TN
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Hebrews 10:23 NLT
Susan Puckett from Washington DC
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Kim from Corona, CA
The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalm 19:7 NASB
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.
Matthew 6:25
Stephanie – Springfield, MO – Lamentations 3:22-23
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” NKJV
Natalie from Lynchburg, Virginia
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry them in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
Isaiah 40:11 NLT
Deb, Pierre. SD
You crown the year with your bounty and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NIV
Nedrea Haley from Hoover, Alabama
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7. NIV
Meredith from Columbus, Ohio: “Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” -Isaiah 43:19 (HCSB)
Lindsey from Nashville, TN
Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” Daniel 10:12 NIV84
Donna D, Sarnia, Ontario
“But the Lord is the true God;
He is the living God, the eternal King.
When He is angry, the earth trembles;
the nations cannot endure His wrath.
Tell them this: These gods who did not make
the heavens and the earth, will perish from
the earth and from under the heavens.”
Jerm 10: 10-11 NIV