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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cherie Hodges,Redmond,Oregon
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!Do not tremble or be dismayed,for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NAS
Jenny Peters, Claremore, OK. “In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9 ESV
Melinda Makowsky, Montgomery, AL “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Jenn, Frederick CO
Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 LA
Rebecca S., Bay City, TX
Paul , an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; Colossians 1:1-4 New American Standard
Nicole Ross, Chattanooga TN
Isaiah 43:19 MSG
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.
Laura Beckom, Gilbert, AZ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NET
Lisa Kotlar, Chardon, Ohio.
Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.
Isaiah 40:26 NLT
Susan, El Paso TX
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT
SnoopyMcC, Oakdale, La…
Psalm 43:18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.KJV
Happy New Year!
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NIV
Erin Rhoades, Maryville, TN
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:23 NIV
Diana Robbins, Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 43:19 NIV
Susan Becker, Maui Hawaii, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34 NKJV
Jennifer A., Gulfport, MS — 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, Holman Christian Standard Bible
‘Lena Ehlert,
Edmonds, WA
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15 ESV
Vicki, Tomball, Texas. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19b NIV
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Stephani Brooks, Wichita, Kansas
“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.” Isa 43:19 ESV
Kathy, Los Gatos, CA. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV) Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
 and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
 for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
 Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
 you are exalted as head over all.
Mary Sandifer from Indian Head, MD
James 1:19-20
This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20 NASB
Melissa Guilford, IN. “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
Thank you love being part of this psalms 91 :4 he will cover you with his wings you will be safe in his care his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
Debbie- Westerville, Ohio. Psalm 34:18 NIV The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Sherri Wiseman, Port Republic, Virginia. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Psalms 90:17 NIV
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
Establish the work of our hands for us —
Yes, etablish the work of our hands.
Joanna, Los Angeles, CA.
“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 lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV/ESV)
Norma Thomason from Kansas City, MO “I look up toward the hills, From where does my help come? My help comes from The Lord, the creator of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1,2
Melissa Bryant; Columbus,Ohio
Hebrews 12:1-3The Message (MSG)
12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes onJesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through.That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
(Jan 1 & 15 verses…felt strange to break them up)
Adriana Hamilton tx
Matthew 6-14-15 niv
For if you forgive other people when they sin agaist you,your heavenly father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive other their sin,your Heavenly father will not forgive your sin
Julie Ballard, Jefferson City, MO – 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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NIV)
Melanie, Farmington, MO-“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Sandy Portis, Woodstock,GA
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23 ESV
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Nancy English, Laramie, Wyoming
My help comes form the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2 NAS
Karen, Clarksville, “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.” John 15:4 HCSB
“So now, faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13 ESV.
Kim S., Lubbock, Texas: Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV)
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Barbara W., Baltimore, MD. “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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Brittney Beckham, Jackson, TN
Romans 12:2 MSG
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Heather from St. Louis, MO
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV
Peace 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 â€14‬:â€27‬ NIV)
Leisa Renauro, Springdale, Arkansas- “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 â€43‬:â€19‬ HCSB
Joan, Maitland, Florida
I Thessalonians 4:11-12
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (NIV)
Greenenevillle, TN John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NIV
Megan Passarella Waupaca, Wisconsin
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who has promised is faithful” ~ Hebrews 10:22 NIV
Diana, Lees Summit, MO – Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Molly, Haley & Abby Hotchkiss, Cypress, TX
“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, NIV
Dorelle Hogan, Hot Springs, AR, “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV