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
Brenda Lewis
Fort Ashby, WV
Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
Psalm 100:2
NLT
Mary Witt from Murfreesboro, TN.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Ephesians 1:18-20
New International Version (NIV)
Jenn
Houston
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
Tammy, Merryville, La
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
Teach us to realize the brevity in life,so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NLT)
Natasha
Kitchener, ON, Canada
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Debbie Gentry;Poplarville, MS
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 3:14 (NIV)
Lesley from Westminster, Colorado, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Joanne from Callahan, FL “Delight yourself also in the Lord,And he shall give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4 NKJV
Mary Ann, Lynchburg, VA
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJV)
Amy from Minneapolis, MN
“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV
Kenslea Ray from Birmingham, “You crown the year with a bountiful harvest, even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 NLT
Christi from Newnan, GA
So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. (James 1:21 NLT)
Linda From Winston-Salem, NC
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
Megan from Fairmont, West Virginia
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT)
Brenda from Keyser, WV
Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14
Jennifer B. in Cincinnati
Colossians 3:2-3 CEB
2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Deborah, Pinewood, Tennessee
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, 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. Phil 4:6-7 NIV
Elaine Kiley, Marietta Ga NLT 1Peter 5:10b “…After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.”
You crown the year with Your bounty, And You paths drip with fatness. Psalm 65:11 NAS (New American Standard)
Shugie from Newnan, GA
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6 NAS
Sarah Bradfield, Euharlee, Georgia.
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
Jennifer from Atlanta, GA
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18, NIV84
Melissa from Elizabethton, TN
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:19 NLT
Kim, Crawfordsville, Indiana. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. NIV
Jennifer from Prairie Village, KS
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
Jeremiah 31:25 ESV
Judy, Dallas, 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
Teresah, Redmond, Oregon
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” NIV84
Bridget Blair,
Buttonwillow, California
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV
Lauren from Frisco, Texas
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:4-5
NIV
Jenny R. from Corona, Ca
“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
Angie Norquest; Louisville OH.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassionate never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Angela (mom), Kaitlyn (11), Hannah (9) from Chattanooga, TN
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1, NIV
Family affair… LOVE IT!!!
Jennifer from Dry Ridge, KY
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”
Philippians 4:6. NLT
Christina Frailey from Modesto, Ca
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 NKJV
Kathryn from Sarasota, FL
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV84
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 1:14-16
New
Tracy S. from Wheeling, WV
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 ESV
Heather C. from Florence, SC: “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness on you.” -Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
Brenda Hudsonville, MI
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Shelley from Savannah, GA “So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34 NIV
Danielle Douthit – Charleston, SC
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.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
Proverbs 21:30
Stacie
Livonia, Michigan
Psalm 139:1
O LORD , You have searched me and known me.
NASB
Mary
Concord Township, Ohio
“The Lord 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
Warrenton, Virginia
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1: 1-2 NIV
Mandy, Watkinsville, GA
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.
Hi Mandy!
It is great seeing another sister in the Lord
who lives in the same city as I do.
Blessings
Deanna in Akron OH, Psalm 3:3 (nkjv) But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my Glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Shelby Egan from San Antonio, TX, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10, NLT