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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley Spruill, Virginia Beach, VA. “He has saved us and called us to a holy ife – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. The grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
Monica Mudde, Hamilton, ON.
“Work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray to the Lord for that city where you are held captive, for if Babylon has peace, so will you.” Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)
Grrenville SC. Phil 4:13 i can do all things through JC
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” Jer 29:11
Ashley, Round Rock, Texas
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
Kristel from Russellvile
My Son do not forget my teachings, but keep my commandments in your heart. Proverbs 3:1 NLT
Teylor Knight, San Jose, California
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature with reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
Kezia Pigford, Shreveport, LA.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NKJV
Emily, Indianapolis, IN,
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€31‬ NLT)
Judy Dreeszen, Clay Center, Kansas, For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV)
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Heather J.
Macclenny, FL
Alisi, Wildwood, FL., “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 KJV
Tammy,Staunton,Virginia
Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Philippians 4:6, Amplified Bible)
Tracie H., Falling Waters, WV “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;it is a gift from God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph.2:8-9 (nkjv)
Sally Perkins from Helena, Alabama:”Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion. I will praise you with all my heart. I will proclaim your greatness forever.” Psalm 86:11-12 (GNT)
Tamara Blatny, Springfield, Oregon. “May the words of my mouth & the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Lord, my Rock & my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NASB.
I am He who blots our your transgressions for my own sake; I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25 ESV
Tammy, Andover, Kansas ~ “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
Lillian Richardson, Howey in the Hills, FL
Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 NASB
Sheryl Sanders from Aurora, CO, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4 ESV
Dawn Vaughn
Highlands Ranch, CO
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (â€1 Corinthians‬ â€14‬:â€33a‬ ESV)
Janet McConathy, Cleburne, Texas
John 15:5 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Jenny Fridge, Richmond, TX
And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 ESV
Marti, Tucson, AZ “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2 KJV
Ashley, Paris, Texas– O give thanks into The Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever Psalms 136:1 KJV
Careese in Amarillo, TX
“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.”
Hebrews 13:21 NLT
Leslie Faulkenbery, Eupora, Mississippi
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV
Lori Justice, Ostrander, Ohio. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 (AMP)
Faydra Loven, McKinney, TX 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 springs in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Cassie P, Idaho Falls, ID
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
– Colossians 1:11 (ESV)
Brenda Greathouse from Hays, KS
“How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.” Ecc 8:1 NLT (God’s “word” for me this year is soften!)
Diana, Peyton, CO – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
John 15:7 NIV
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!
Phillipians 4:4 NLT
Megan McCormick, Calhoun City, MS
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NLT
Debbie Pannell, Mantachie, MS. “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Aysha, Stafford, Virginia
Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Sandra Larranaga Bowe, San Jon, NM
Phil 2:14-16 TNIV
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Kaylee Higginbotham from North Little Rock, Arkansas: “But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Kimber Bates Vista CA”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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set out before him endured the cross, storming it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. “. Hebrews 12:1-2
Kathy Emeigh from Bethlehem PA
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 NASB
Misty, Glenallen, Missouri. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phillipians 4:13 KJV
Jamie Kenny, Aberdeen, SD
2 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 12:2New International Version (NIV)
Lauren; Jackson, Ky.; “For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14, HCSB
She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John15:5 (NIV)
Elane Parker, Seal Beach, CA.
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Joyce, Georgetown, SC.
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.
Philippians 3:12 – New Living Translation
Michele, Pickerington, Ohio
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverb 31:30 (NIV)
NASB Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Shannon Pelham
Des Moines, IA
Lisa, Greenville, SC
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Proverbs 8:17 NIV