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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LaBelle, FL. – Psalm 46: 1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”. NIV
Andrea S, Aurora, CO
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 NIV
Brenda Payne, Midlothian, VA. “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy,and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4 ESV
(I’m putting the words of scripture to the melody of hymns to help me memorize 🙂
Kim Mason, Broken Arrow, OK
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude. (â€Colossians‬ â€2‬:â€6-7‬ HCSB)
Anne from Hot Springs, AR:
“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (â€Hebrews‬ â€10‬:â€25‬ ESV)
Carol Meinecke, Masoon City, IA
In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:1-2 NIV
Becky Vassar ~ Woodbury, TN. But SEEK ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall added unto you. Matthew 6:33. KJV
Anita, Northport, Alabama, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NIV
Barbara, Loudon, TN
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24 NIV
Just the other day I was trying to remember where this verse was, and here I read it this morning! Thank you!
Sandy Medina, San Diego, CA. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Christy Jones, Summit, MS; “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” NIV
Kem Green, Des Moines, IA “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14 NLT
Shannon Davidson, San Juan Capistrano, CA- “The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.” Zephaniah 3:17 NET
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)
Fran Thomas, Jackson, TN
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV
Stephane Bolton, Florence, Alabama. “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLT (New Living Translation)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Jennifer I found your entry!!!
Fort Worth, Texas Regina Anderson – Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (â€Isaiah‬ â€41‬:â€10‬ NIV)
Karen, Las Vegas Nevada. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of The Lord; and his law doth meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
Tracy Sorrells, Greenville, SC “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 NIV
Kelly H., Burns, TN. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 NIV
Amanda Keith, Lynchburg VA “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth: Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” NASB
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matt 6:34 MSG
Elizabeth – Lakeland, Florida-“We also pray that you will be strengthened with His glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.” Colossians 1:11 NLT
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
Katie Widener
Kingsport, TN
You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. (â€John‬ â€15‬:â€16‬ NLT)
I found you! Thanks for inviting mom and I to do this with you! I was on the wrong link earlier and ended up having to repost, so if you couldn’t find mine earlier that is why.
I love you little sister!
Jennifer
Jeannie Wagner, Holgate, Ohio
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
Aimee Taylor, Hemet, CA “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NKJV)
Julia, Whidbey Island, WA: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. –
John 1:1-2, ESV
Dianne Piermattei from Fitzwilliam, NH: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty. I will say to the Lord “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
Tona Walker, Tomball, TX. “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
Hailey Boone, Wilmington, NC. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 NASB
Colette, Mesa, AZ
“O Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.”
Isaiah 33:2 NIV
Maria Snell, Louisville, Ky.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Ps 19:8, NKJV
(I am so thrilled to be doing this!)
Kelly Morency, Sevierville, TN
“The law of The Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of The Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
Psalm 19:7 ESV
Brandie Taylor, Greensboro, NC,
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, (â€Ephesians‬ â€1‬:â€16-17‬ ESV)
Carrie K
Renton, WA
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NKJV
Rebekah Gardner, Harrisburg, NC
“physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
New living translation
Faythe Aguirre, Silver City, New Mexico
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 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.
“I believe through my trials in 2014, God has plans for me to use those trials as my testimony to help others for his mission.
Don’t worry about anything. Instead tell God about everything. Ask pray and give Thanks to him. NIRV I am From: Williamsport PA
Sandy Lawrence, Salem, VA
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
Angel Buff – Chattanooga, TN
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” -Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
Michelle, New Baltimore, Michigan-“The way of the lazy is overgrown with thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.” Proverbs 15:19, NRSV
Tiffany Pace, Albuquerque NM.
Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” NIV
Kinsey McMillan, Tulsa, Oklahoma “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”(â€Proverbs‬ â€16‬:â€9‬ AMP)
Ginger Resta, Mansfield, TX
“In faithfulness you have afflicted me”
Ps 119:75 (NIV)
Rachel Resta, Mansfield, TX
“Keep your life free from love of money, and
be content with what you have, for he has said,
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (â€Psalm‬ â€16‬:â€8‬ ESV)
Mindi Gillet- Johns Island, SC
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (â€Psalms‬ â€19‬:â€14‬ NLT)
Doris, Brown County, IN – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and if self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV