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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jamie Marsh, Las Colinas, TX
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans‬ â€6‬:â€6‬ NLT
Lisa from Fleming Island, FL: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints–” Col. 1:3-4, NIV
Jesus said,”Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them,for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 for you Cole
Dana, Chicago IL “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, ESV
Jaclyn,Houston,Texas. Put on then,as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,compassionate hearts,kindness,humility,meakness and patience. Colossians 3:12 ESV
Tammy- Grand Junction, CO
“In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.
Psalm 31:1 NKJV
Serena Hood, Charlotte NC
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety”. (Psalms 18:2 NLT)
Liz Mont Belvieu, Tx You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Kathi Anglin, Sykesville, MD
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26, NIV
Donna Greene, North Wilkesboro, NC
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for i have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” – Psalm 143:8 NIV
Debbie Brown, Danville,Virginia.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Jerri Hadley, Wimberley, TX. “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12English Standard Version (ESV)
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, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joanna- Fort Mill, SC
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Jeniffer Smith, Mooreville, MS
“That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD!” Judges 5:2, ESV
Praying for our church plant’s leadership.
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, Arkansas
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but did not love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” ~1 Corinthians 13:1 NLT
Bridget Boyles, East Bend, NC
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Soozi-Lexington, KY. “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Col.1:9 ESV
Stephanie Brown, Augusta, KS. 1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV. “All things are lawful for me,but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.”
Leslie, forney Texas
John 14:27-
Peace I level with you; peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let you hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
NIV
Stefanie Almond, New London, NC. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
Erica, Plymouth, IN
-Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESV
Victoria Johnson, Middleburg, FL
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
Nadine, High Point, NC
“Do not conform any longer 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 12:2 NIV
Ginny Hyland, West Lafayette, IN “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it.” Colossians 1:22,23a NLT
Jodee Walker, Mountain View, Wyoming “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)
Sweet Springs, MO
For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are sons of God.
Romans 8:14 KJV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 niv
Joy T. Goose Creek, SC- For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace~ John 1:16 ESV
Karen Roberson. Cullman, Alabama. The Lord is my light and salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3, New Living Translation
Jami Sinclair, Monroe NC
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others
better than yourselves.
Phil. 2:3 NIV
Kelley Vail, Greensboro, North Carolina. Zephaniah 1:12 – At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, “The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.” ESV I’m starting off the year with this as I find myself with this complacent attitude – and I don’t want that!
Juanita, Boston, MA
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 (ESV)
Nancy Pierce from Latta, SC
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and EXPECT THE LORD!”
Psalm 31:24 (AMP)
Patty, Windsor Ontario
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” 2 Cor 4:1 NIV
I found you! We will do this challenge together, my friend:)
Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in His house, and his righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:1-3 NKJV
Melissa Miller, Sears, MI, “When the time came, I listened to you, and when you needed help, I came to save you. That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 CEV
Jane Alexander, Geneseo, Illinois
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon,”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20. NIV
Nicole Miller Guyton, Ga
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
From Molena,Ga
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Lisa, Flagstaff, AZ
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
tJ, Milan, Tn
“Though he fall ,he shall not be utterly cast down:for the LORD upholdeth q him with his hand.”
Psalms37:24 KJV
Terri Jennings, Shoreacres, Tx,
Philippians 1:20New Living Translation (NLT)
Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
My 2015 pledge!
DeeDee Martin.
Katy,Tx
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matt 23:12 ESV
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13:30 ESV
But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
Lamentations 3: 21-22
ESV
Kidist, The Colony, TX. “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.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
Mary Vigil, Brighton, Colorado: 27 My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one. John 10:27-30 HCSB
Tracy, Edgewood, KY
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. ~ Romans 12:2 NLT
(Thrilled to be taking this journey again in 2015!)