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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda Hege, Reading, PA
“Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Dawn Rheam, Chambersburg, PA
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellant or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Lacey Carpenter ~ Orlando, Florida ~ “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34, NIV
Ashlee Glasco, Plano, TX “Iâm 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, donât get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but Iâve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onwardâto Jesus. Iâm off and running, and Iâm not turning back.” (Philippians⏠â3âŹ:â12-14⏠MSG)
If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other peopleâs sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
Iâll give you a full life in the emptiest of placesâ
firm muscles, strong bones.
Youâll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
Youâll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
Youâll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again.
Isaiah 58:9-12 The Message
Tammy Godwin, Hahira, GA
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds, through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6&7 NKJ
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you not forsake you.
Nicole E. From Tampa, FL
“Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
Psalm 36:5
Darleen
East Meadow, New York
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
Whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable, â If anything is excellent or
Praiseworthy â think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Britney Warner, Batesville, AR. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Saint Petersburg, Florida
2Cr 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
(kjv)
Melinda Reid, Jackson, Ga
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8
SueG, Eldersburg, MD.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, âI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
Jodie, Dallas TX
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9 NIV
Be strong and courageous do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV Alexandria Virginia
Christi Schulman from Knoxville, TN – “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Debbie, Clearwater Fl. but he said to me, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 NRSV
Jesus replied: â âLove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.â This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: âLove your neighbor as yourself.â (âMatthew⏠â22âŹ:â37-39⏠NIV)
Kalonni, Van Meter, Iowa. Psalm 123:1 NET “I look up toward you, the one enthroned in heaven. Look, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master.”
Emily Lincoln, NE
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”” Romans 1:16-17
Website referred to me by daughter.
Aubri Rench, Fort Wayne IN
We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLV
Linda Morgan, Van Alstyne, TX Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” NIV
Diane, Front Royal, VA. I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11, GWT.
Debbie Elrod, Seymour, TN
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Mary Edwards
Royse City, TX
Psalm 62:2 (NIV) “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Angie, Farina, IL. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT
“Let your favor shine on your servant. In Your unfailing love, rescue me.” Psalm 31:16 NLT
Darlene, Windsor Canada
âMy food,â said Jesus, âis to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.â
John 4:34 (NIV)
Correna Hopkins Forney, TX
Do not remember the past events,
pay no attention to things of old.
Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
Andi, Boston, MA. “Do not be anxious about 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” Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV).
Christy, Elkhart,IN
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV
Cindy Preston, Copley, OH. “[Praise The LORD, my soul] … Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” Psalms 103:4
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 niv
Amanda from Chesapeake, VA “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, for the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Joan Colby, Richland WA
âPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.â John 14.27 NIV
Erin DiMenna, Alexandria VA. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 HCSB
Kimberly Bershadsky, Gray,GA “For the spirit God have us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV
Genelle Jones, Glasgow, KY “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
Robyn McDonald, Sale Creek, TN. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2 , HCSB
Mary C.
Hazel Green, AL
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Deb in Windsor, CT:
“Whoever sows to please their flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal life.” – Galatians 6:8, NIV
Sandy Bowers, Bryan, Ohio
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)
Stacey, San Diego, CA
1 Peter 3:4 (niv)
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Cheryl Martin, San Diego, CA
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Jill from Stephenville,TX – You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NISB
Kaitlen Stewart Little Rock, AR
Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Proverbs 2:3-4
Tonya Jones. Stigler, Oklahoma. “But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.” Psalm 59:16-17