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
Autumn from Pullman, WA
Listen, dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?
James 2:5 NASB
Michelle from Bakersfield, CA.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Kerry Cotten, Jackson, TN
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ”
Luke 9:23, NIV
Jennifer from Price, Texas. “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:51-52 NKJV
Danielle from Cedar Park, TX
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
Isaiah 30:18 ESV
Tonya
Searcy, AR
“Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.”
I Peter 3: 4 (CEV)
Meredith
Cleveland OH
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 NRSV
Lacey from Hayden, CO
And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10 ESV
Grace Weise from Port St. Lucie, FL
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thes. 5:16-18 NIV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Sandy E. from Kansas City, Missouri
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Pam, Tallahassee,Fl He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly,and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Julie from Ozone, AR
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26. NASB
Amy Pitre in Greenwell Springs,La
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:19
AMP Bible
Sarah Younker, Atlanta, GA
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 ESV
MiChal – College Station, TX
“You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance.”
Psalm 65:11 NIV
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV1984
Allison from Mankato MN Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph. 6:10-13 KJV
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Mit from Long Beach, That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, Eph 1:17, NAS
Sharron Kay Fires, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
“O Lord, You have searched me and You know me.”
Psalm 139:1 NIV (I’m learning all 24 verses)
Caroline from Rio, WI, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3, NIV
Jane from Langley, BC, Canada…”Stop being angry. Turn from your rage. Do not lose your temper. It only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:8 NLT
Carla LaFayette,Al
“Be very careful,then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16
Heather from Mckinney TX, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIV
Kelley, DesMoines WA
1 Peter 5:10 – 11 (NIV)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Marla from St. Petersburg- 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Dorothy from San Diego, CA
“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”
Isaiah 43:10 NKJV
Lynette Alton, IL
You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 NIV
Linda, Johnstown, PA
The heart is more deceitful than anything else,
and incurable—who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9(HCSB)
Bobbie from Washougal, WA
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:5 ESV
Vicki Vanilla, Bergheim, TX
“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26, ESV).
Phyllis from Amarillo, TX
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV1984
Catherine P., Clarkston, MI
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your GOD.” Micah 6:8 (NIV 84)
Amanda from Brookville Ohio “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)
Rebekah from Fairfield, TX
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
Deena , Corona CA
The fear of The LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. Ps 19:9 NIV
Diana, East Peoria, Illinois
We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Romans 3:22 NLT ’96
“Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” Psalm 51:10 The Living Bible
Sandy from Portland, TN
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Heidi
Chicago, IL
“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
Sherri from Abilene, TX
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Paulette
Nogalus Prairie, TX
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” Colossians 3:12
The NET Bible
Beth Petro. Stillwater, OK. Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Valerie from Evart, Michigan
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Holly, Phoenix, AZ:
“He is your constant source of stability; He abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.” Isaiah 33:6 NET
Lisa from New York
“and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 1:14 ESV
Jan from Lubbock, Texas, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:19. NIV
Phoebe from Birmingham, AL: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV