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!Ā 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 moderatedĀ (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,Ā 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.Ā 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.Ā 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
Rene
Acworth, GA
āBut blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7, 8 NLT)
Brandi
Fort Worth, TX
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB
(Oops forgot my location)
Anne – Johnson City (TN)
Proverbs 2:6-8
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Sorry, that was from the ESV.
Cathy from Jackman, Maine: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17 NLT
Cindy in York, PA
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
To help me commit my journey with a special needs child to God.
Janelle from Edmond, OK
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11 ESV
Leigh from Montgomery, Alabama: Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Shelly, Tampa, FL
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 5:15, NIV
Taylor from Temple, TX
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8 NIV
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA, – “Donāt 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 Godās will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Kelley from Houston, TX.
“Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”
Isaiah 35:4 (ESV)
Kristi from Lee’s Summit, MO
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 ESV
Milledgeville, GA
“But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” -ESV
*1 Peter 3:4
Jessica Reed, San Diego
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Brenda from Alpharetta, GA
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10 NIV
Carmen,Knoxville TN
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NIV
Laurin from Harrisburg, NC. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Mary, Virginia Beach “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. “(Deuteronomy 5:29 NLT)
Emily – Houston, Tx: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Alice, Chesapeake Va
“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide and shield me],I shall not lack.” Psalm 23:1 Amplified
Kristie, Monticello, IN
2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.
Karina in Independence, MO. “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Sarah from Woodsboro, MD
Jeremiah 29:11 MSG version, I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Matthew 5:16 – NKJV
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and gllorify your Father in heaven.
Stacia in Wichita, KS
“But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine’.” Isaiah 43:1 (NLT)
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, (Hebrews 12:28 ESV)
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Betty Marschner Voltaire ND
Psalms 139:1 NKJV
“Oh Lord you have searched me and known me.”
“Your crown the year with a bountiful harvest, and even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
Melissa Terry
Austin, TX
Leighanne, Athens, GA
” 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
Caitlin from Cincinnati, Ohio
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship”
Romans 12:1 (NIV 1984)
Taya from Farmington, MN
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
Hayley from Rogers, AR: “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut. 31:6 (HCSB)
Jan. Athens, Ga. But you Lord, are a shield around me, and the One who lifts my head. Ps 3:3, HCSB
Carolyn from Rocksprings, TX
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Michele Powell, Nampa, ID. Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40 NIV
Tanya, Whitewater, KS
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 10:10, Amplified
Melanie Love, Mineola, TX Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NKJV
Round Rock, TX
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
Olivia, Tennessee
“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 a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29.11-13 NIV
Melissa from Goshen, KY… “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
Sarah Wilkesboro NC For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 KNJV
Heather–Corpus Christi, TX. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)
Crystal Scoggin from Blue Ridge, Texas
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
ESV
Linda, Olympia WA, “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:16 NKJV
Colleen Duebber from Cincinnati, Ohio. LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8,NIV.
Janie
Warner Robins, GA
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; Proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
Psalm 96:1-2, NKJV
Angela A., Shelbyville, IN
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Charlotte – Mesquite, TX
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalms 139:14 NIV