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
Leslie from Greenville, Kentucky But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Romans 6:22. NIV
Holly Watson; Ramona, California; “For we are His workmanship, created in Chris Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NASB
Lynn from Horseheads, NY – “Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name” (Psalm 86:11, NIV)
Leslie Morgan, Spartanburg, SC, “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, NIV
Kimberly from Elkhorn WI,
1Timothy 4:8 – For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (NIV)
Ann Marie, Riverbank
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NKJV
Yessssssssss!!!
Riverbank, Ca
Katherine, Edmonton, AB
11 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
“Create in me a pure heart, o God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Susan from Houston, TX
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
“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.”
Nicole from Littleton, CO
Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV1984)
“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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Susan F from Nashville, IN
Luke 6:45 (NIV)
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”
Tina from Orrville, OH
“Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.”
Proverbs 3: 1-2 The Message
Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Gina Kosciusko, MS
Amy, Colonial Heights, VA. “My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13, NIV
Mary Beth; Richmond, KY
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.” Hebrews 4:15-16 HCSB
Brenda Morales
Lancaster, PA
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Joanna from Norman, Oklahoma
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. I Samuel 12:23 NIV
Peggy, Mt Olive, AL
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. NIV
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. -Psalm 115:1 NASB
Sherry Powder Springs, GA
Kimberly Libman from Ventura, CA
“Do not conform 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)
Vickie Henderson
Russellville, Ar
Hebrews 12:12-13
Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakend knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but healed instead.
HCSB
Darcy, Edwards Air Force Base
Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth the to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. Isaiah 48:17 KJV
Erica G, Denver, CO
For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 3:32-33, NIV
Martha Eskridge Millbrook, AL
Isaiah 25:1 ” Oh Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” NIV
Cherilyn from High Point, NC
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45, NIV
Jaime from Wilson, NC
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Corley in Conway, Arkansas:
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15.13, NASB
Fullerton, Ca.
“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me.” -Psalm 116:12 (NIV)
Shannon Lackey, Columbia, SC, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Barb S from Crown Point, IN
Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things pondering them in her heart. (NIV)
Amy Jo from Waldoboro, ME.
The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Michelle Pritchard
Okeechobee, FLorida
the LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.
Exodus 14.14
NIV 84
Susan, Sykesville, MD
Psalm 33:13-15 (NIV)
“From Heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.”
Dianna, from Tracy, CA “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship You.” Nehemiah 9:6
Yolanda from Lumberton New Jersey- Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Erin from Dumas Texas, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.
Jennifer Tadlock
Charlotte, NC
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 HCSB
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Betty
Vicksburg, MS
The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3: 22-23
“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 NIV
Phyllis, Gilmer, Tx, Psalm 40:3a NIV
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
from Memphis, TN “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
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 NIV
Dawn; South Bend, Indiana
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23 NIV
Christe, Mt Olive, AL
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mark 12:34 NIV
Woodbury, MN
Pslam 119:133 ESV
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Tracy from Irvine, California…
The Lord God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ~ ESV
Dianna from Tracy, CA “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship You.” Nehemiah 9:6 NIV84
Lombard, IL
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. Psalm 28:7 ESV
Lynne; Fishers, IN
Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJ)
Ah, Sovereign Lord! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.