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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I took my troubles to the Lord: I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1
Olivia Warner, Batesville, AR. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 HCSB
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Rita, Birmingham, AL
Every part of scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16,17 The Message.
Joy Billson, Bryant, AR
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NLT)
Lisa C. Youngsville,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 you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13(NIV)
Friedens,PA
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” Proverbs 4:24 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Karen Howard, Cedar Key, FL
I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For you will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps. 16:8-11 NKJV
Jaime Freemyer, Greeley, CO
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 7:33 NIV
2 Thessalonians 1:11
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.”
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.
January 1,2015 @ 6:38 PM
Midlothian, Texas
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
Create in me a clean heart, o God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Hayley Henderson College Station, TX
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
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 the perfect will of God.
Lucia
Port Lions, AK
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Galatians 5:22
Karan G Zionsville, IN. “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” Psalm 119:105 NIV
Psalm 86:15 New International Version
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Prov 31:25 She is clothed in faith and dignity and can laugh at the days ahead. NIV
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (â€Ephesians‬ â€3‬:â€20‬ NLT)
Isaiah 43:19 NLT
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you seeit? I will make apathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in a dry wasteland.”
Praise the Lord!
Jefferson City MO;
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalms 119:28. NIV.
Lydia, Gadsden, Alabama. Jeremiah 31:31-33 NIV. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Ellen Yopp, Moneta VA
“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, 1984)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1 NIV
Lauren, Melbourne, FL
Habbukuk 3:18 NIV “yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my savior.”
Ashley Springer, Whitehall, TX “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV
Patti from Modesto, CA
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Logan Beasley, Milan TN.
“Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Kim Tate Corydon,IN Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thes. 5:16-18
Cherie-Normal, IL
“He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them to the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.” Acts 3:8
Pam Ricklefsen from Friendswood, Tx.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV
Tangila, Pearland TX
“Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” (â€Hosea‬ â€6‬:â€3‬ NLT)
Sally Gideon Grundy Center, iA
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths.
Mansfield, OH
“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.” Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)
Proverbs 18:21- “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Laura Berg, Carlsbad, CA
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV
Amanda Thibodeaux, Hartsel, Colorado. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Lisa Lyall Lady Lake Florida
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Phillipians 5:8 NIV
Psalm 51:12 (NLT)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Montgomery, Alabama
Robbie W Broken Arrow Ok. 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 43:19 King James
Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath. Psalm 116:2 NLT
Beverly Powell Birmingham, Al “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Jill Knight Germantown, TN
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Raina Greene, Akron OH
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. 2 Timothy 1:7 MSG
Psalm 119:11 NASB
Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.