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
“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philippians 4:13 NLT
Vicki from Lubbock, Texas–So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Col.3:1 HCSB
From Knoxville, Iowa
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, ESV
Dawn, Rosharon, Tx
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
1 Peter 1:24-25 (ESV)
Alisha (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
Amy from Seattle, WA, “My soul wait only upon God and silently submit to him; for my hope and expectation are from him.” Psalm 62:5 AMP
Jenna,PA
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”-James 1:12 (NIV)
Michele Oakdale, CA, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Ps 37:3 NASB
Debra Hamson – Dahlgren, IL
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2 NLT
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 3:13 NLT
Sue from Greenfield Indiana “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Abbey
Warsaw, IN
Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money and be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for He Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down! Assuredly not!
Hebrews 13:5 AMP
Michelle, Gurnee “I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” NLT
Jennifer, Knoxville, TN
For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.
Psalm 37:28 NIV
Eugenia from Toronto, Ontario – “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Eygptians you see today you will never see again.” (Exodus 14:13 NIV)
Susan Bymaster, from Ames, OK. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 NKJV
Katie from Harrisonburg, VA. “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there to trade and make a profit”–yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15, ESV)
Jeanette from Fair Oaks Ranch, TX- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. 2 Corintians 5:17 NLT
Alicia from Riverton, UT: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. (Proverbs 31:25, ESV)
Melissa F. from Blairsville, GA
“But it is good for me to draw near to God;I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works.”
Psalm 73:28, NKJV
amy, thousand oaks: You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 16:11, NIV
Rebecca from Bath, MI, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NASB
Christina McClain, Nampa, Idaho “For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond servant of Christ.” NASB
Jean – Franklinton, NC
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
Elisabeth from McAllen Texas.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
Jessica, Granite Bay, California
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keeps his commandments, to a thousand generations”
Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV
FINALLY!
Sandy from Bryan, Ohio
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Erin in Euless, TX
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Carolyn from Kearney, Nebraska–Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7
Decatur, Alabama: “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 1:13 ESV
Lilongwe, Malawi- “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” – James 1:19:20 (NIV)
Alyson
Marietta, GA
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11, NIV
Christine, Wichita, KS
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Psalm 103:2 (NLT)
Janet from Lenoir, NC: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Ruth, Austin, Texas
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1 NIV
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7, NIV (84)
Dana Nance from Blue Ridge, TX
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 desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Daphne from Ocean City, NJ; “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NASB
Holly, Morton, Illinois – “The Lord your God is with you,he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV84
Erin from Athens, Ohio: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV
Natalie Jones, Clemmons, NC
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29, NIV(84)
Linda W. from Tomball,TX, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Missy Kennedy from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV, 1984)
Melody in Independence, MO. “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 NIV
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Dee, Zeeland, MI NIV84 Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Kate from Abilene, TX
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Kristine from Birmingham, AL
“Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
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.” – Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV 84)