WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE 2015 SIESTA SCRIPTURE MEMORY TEAM!
WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Allow me to introduce myself to you as your fellow sojourner for the next 12 months and your official cheerleader. It will be my pleasure to remind you often that, in Christ Jesus, you most certainly CAN be victorious in this adventure of the faith, this challenge of the mind and this discipline of the Spirit.
Nothing we’ve done on this blog since its inception has seemed to attract more outrageous favor from God. We are convinced that He loves it. God never misses a single individual going to the work of memorizing His Word but imagine His delight when a huge community of tremendously diverse women in age, background, and worship tradition band together in a pilgrimage of faith. You don’t have to stop and wonder if it’s God’s will for His words to abide in you. The Word of God alive, active, and abiding in us speaks to us, shields us, warns us, strengthens us, sanctifies us, equips us in our callings, and directs us in our decision making. It sharpens our insight and improves our discernment. It makes us wiser and, let’s be bold enough to say, even smarter. Our brains were hardwired to flourish across the board when nourished by the Scriptures. Above all else, Scripture abiding and thriving in us builds up our faith, for “faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Â And, Girlfriend, we want to be women of faith. That faith erupts into works that were planned for each of us before the creation of the world. (Ephesians 2:10)
OK. I want to get right to it before I lose some of you so that no one will be unclear about the protocol.
The entry of your first verse is your official registration for SSMT (Siesta Scripture Memory Team). Everybody who joins us needs to start right here in a designated comment to this exact post. Even those who may jump in with us a couple of months late who are willing to work double-time to get it all done will start right here.
For a quick recap of our objective: Remember, we are committing to the memorization of 24 verses in 12 months. Two a month. We each get to select our own verses to align with our personal needs and challenges. Choosing a Scripture that resonates with you is immensely helpful in the memorization process. If you have trouble coming up with one of your own, you can always share mine or look through the other entries for ideas. You’ll find your SSMT posts right here on the blog at 8:00 AM on the 1st and 15th of every month in 2015. [Under the LINKS section listed on the right hand side of our blog home page, you will find all SSMT posts will store together for easy access. See “Scripture Memory Team 2015”.] If you haven’t had a chance to read all the instructions and hear about our end-of-year celebration, please go back and read the informational post then return to this spot. Questions unanswered here are answered there.
One of the most important things for you to know from the top is how to arrange your comment with the verse you’ve selected. We limit each comment to this information:Â
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.Â
SO, here goes mine! I’m obsessed with the Book of Ephesians right now so much of my memory work will probably come from those pages.
Beth Moore, Houston, Texas. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19 ESV
We’re fellow citizens with the likes of Peter and John and James and Stephen and Paul and Timothy and Barnabas and Joanna and Susanna and Lydia and Tabitha and just try counting all the Marys. We’re fellow citizens and members of the household of Middle Eastern believers confessing Christ in hostile climates, of Chinese believers meeting in house churches, of Eastern European believers finding hope in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have brothers and sisters in Thessaloniki, in Paris, in Belfast, in Riyadh, in Copenhagen, in Calgary, and Rome. We – right here in this community – are sisters to a household of God that stretches across this globe, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ alone. By grace through faith. “It is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) That’s what makes us family. We, beloved sister, are in gorgeous company. Let’s give our time on this planet as part of this household all we’ve got. Christ is so altogether worthy.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! One last thing before I say Go! Don’t panic or jump the gun and post a second time if you don’t see your verse published soon. I will be moderating all these launch comments by myself because I don’t want my staff to have to work on the holiday so I beg your patience. I’ll be hard at work on it but it will take me a while to get them all posted. As a rule over the next 12 months, only post a second time if it’s been 48 hours since you left the comment and you still don’t see it.
****I noticed that some of you posted verses earlier than this post was published and they came up on the SSMT informational comments.  I should have doubly emphasized what time the posts will go up each round: 8:00 AM, each 1st and 15th. So sorry if I did not make that clear enough! If you submit your verse earlier than that, it unfortunately appears under the wrong post and, the way blog moderating works, there’s no way for us to transfer the comments over. If you left your 1st verse under any other post than this one, please add it here as well. This is the official registration post.  I know it’s a bit complicated at first! Hang with it! So sorry for your extra trouble!
Hey, I am so glad you’re doing this with us. So much love to you.
OK, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“12 You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13
Jessica, West Columbia, SC- Revelation 22:21 (NIV)The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Caroline, Birmingham, AL. “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 English Standard Version.
Martha Stephenson- Olive Branch, MS
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3. NIV
Jeanne Gammon, Renton, WA
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. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€8‬ NASB)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 KJV
Pamela Haley – Nederland TX “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
Tessa Pierce
Nacogdoches TX
Exodus 15:11 ESV
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in
glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
Elizabeth Olsen, Greeley,CO “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (â€Matthew‬ â€11‬:â€29-30‬ MSG)
Lori King Keller, Texas Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ESV
Jeanne Caison, Cumming, Georgia: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send In my name, He will bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV
Harlem,Ga.
Psalms 46:10
Meg. League City Texas.
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and keeps me secure. Psalm 18:31-32 NIV
Judy; Tyler, TX; “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1–NASB
Klondy Nelson, Wichita, Kansas. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places Ephesians 1:3 English Standard Version
Jill OBrien
Goodlettsville TN
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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
Malissa, Powder Springs, GA “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”. John 13:35 KJV
In honor of my pastor who went home to be with the Lord this past year.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 43:18,19 NKJV
“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€18-19‬ NKJV)
A great way to start a new year!
Cheryl Dulaney, Lafayette,LA, Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalms 51:12 NLT
Cassie Swan, Hereford, TX “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalms 59:16 (NLT)
Romans 5:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Becky
Ormond Beach, FL
Anita Myers, Miami, OK “And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all that He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” Rom 12:1 NLT
Rachel – Dakar, Senegal
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
Kim , Greenville NC: My scripture is “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account” Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)
Elaine, Asheville, NC. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Becky Denny Lake Stevens, WA
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19). (NIV)
Julie, Deer Park, Texas 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
Lisa Meadows, Avon, Indiana. “Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God.” John 11:40 AMP
“12 You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13
Clinton, MS
Shoreline, WA
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter. We are all the work of your hand.
Tara Freeman Woodstock,GA. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. NIV
Jessica, Nederland, TX
“Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 NASB
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. Jer29-11 NIV
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7 NIV
Andrea in Independence, KY
Psalm 145:17-20 (NIV)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
Michelle Bordelon-Prairieville, LA
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)
Fran from Elkhart,IN
Forget about what’s happened. Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert! Be present! I’m about to do something brand new! Isaiah 43:18,19 MSG
Romans 14:23 MSG
 If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.
Kari Coleman, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Zechariah 8:16 “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;”
Cheridy, McKinney tx,
Hebrews 6:12 Nirv
We don’t want you to slow down, be like those who have faith and patience. They will receive what God promised.
Teresa Hatcher Lee, Fl Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 HCSB
Jennifer, Acworth, GA, “Do all things without grumbling or dispute;” Philippians 2:14 (NASB)
Meagan Smith, Longview TX “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Deloris Slade, Hattiesburg, MS. “Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Ephesians 43:19, ESV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 NIV
Julia Eisiminger, Michigan “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 NIV.
Rae Ritchie, Lafayette, Indiana. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Rev 3:7, NKJV)
Corpus Christi, Texas:
“The Lord’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; they are renewed each morning-great is your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23. NAB.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give rest>”
Jaye H. Decatur, Alabama