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
Jennifer from West Palm Beach, FL
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Cindy, Gold Canyon, AZ. “Now she who is really a widow; and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.” I Tim. 5:5 NIV
Sharon, Lakeway TX
Galatians 6:9 NIV
“Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Saundra in Altus OK
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
Finally, brothers (and siestas!), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
“The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power.” Proverbs 22:7 MSG
Lindsey, Dallas, TX
“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.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Bryn, Frisco, TX
“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
Holly ~ Arab, AL. Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV (Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.)
Shawna ~ Boise Idaho
Psalm 3:3 HCSB
But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
Shannon, Warner Robins
“Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
Kadie- Tinley Park, IL
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 (NIV)
Chris from Yukon, OK. Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 TNIV
Linda; Ashville, OH
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV1984)
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsade you, Do Not be afraid; do not be discouraged Deut. 31:8 NIV
ROMANS 15:4
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.(NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23, NIV
Molly
St.Paul, MN
Romans11:33 ESV
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!
Molly Arnold, Rochester, NY
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2-3 NLT
Wendy,
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Deut 11:18 (NIV)
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
Frances Reid. Greer. Colossians 3:1 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” NASB
Danita from Raleigh nc Out of the depths, I have cried to you Oh Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive. To the voice of my supplications Psalm 130:2 NKJV
Barbara, Prospect, KY “The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV.
Carol Taylor, The Woodlands, TX
James 1:2 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Marie, Jacksonville, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble: but take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Delayn, Desloge, MO, Psalm 55:22 NIV
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the rightous be shaken.
Pamela, Wilmington, NC – “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? NIV
Pam
La Grange, KY
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your is God is with your wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
ESV
Colleen Schneider, Garfield, MN
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Arvada, CO
Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
Jennifer H, Des Moines, IA
Proverbs 31:25,26 (NLT)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Cheryl from Brisbane, Australia
“The lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army. He makes my feet like hinds feet and makes me to walk ( not to stand still in terror, but to walk), and make spiritual progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility”. Habakkuk 3:19 AMP
Michelle, Russellville, AR ~ A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10 NIV
Nicole, Tucson, AZ: “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23: 1-2 (NKJV)
Littleton, CO
May the God of all 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)
Lisa – Fairbanks, AK
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Kacie from Greenville, SC: You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NIV
Forgot to add Jeremiah 23:29 NIV – Sorry!
Bethany Strawn
Jonesboro, AR
Romans 8:31-32
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
(NLT)
Lauren, Wetumpka, AL
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” -Philippians 3:12-14, The Message
Chrissy from Carthage, MO
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8 NKJV
Shaina Brainard
Columbus, Oh
Proverbs 19:23 NIV
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
Lori, San Angelo, Texas
“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 84
Lisa from Enterprise, Alabama
~ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Kathy Hawkins, Festus MO “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NASB
Katy Motsinger, Frisco, TX
“Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust 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 faint.
Karen McEathron,Wisconsin
Psalm 91:19(NKJ)
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Heather W from Nederland, TX – “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hop in his unfailing love.” Psa 147:11 NIV
Hamburg, AR
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