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 John 2:15. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (â€1 John‬ â€2‬:â€16‬ NLT)
Jen Anderson, Corning, NY. ” I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Alaina Harrington, Denton, Texas.
“My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV
Melinda O’Dell Rowlett, Tx. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” Isaiah 30:15 NIV
So we fix our eyes on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Suzanne Beville, Tampa, FL – love the header one! – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Ann Thiede, San Simeon, CA: “O LORD, set a guard on my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 God’s WORD Translation
Ashley Warren Millbrook, AL Isaiah 43: 18-19 “Stop dwelling on past events and brooding over times gone by; I am doing something new; it is springing up, cant you see it? I am making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.”
Proverbs 19:21: many are the plans in a person’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Sharon Bolton, Bowling Green, KY. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter‬ â€1‬:â€8-9‬ NLT
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NIV I’ve chosen the beatitudes to memorize.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted.
Daena C, Manchester, Maryland: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 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. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17
Red Wing, MN
Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Isaiah 43:18
Kim Hays, Dimmitt, Texas
“There is no one holy like the Lord: there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV
Isaiah 60:1 AMP
ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
Tonnye Fletcher, Whiteville, NC —
Romans 12:1-2New Living Translation (NLT)
12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 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.
Jane Teter, Wichita, Kansas
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [NASB]
Gayla Grace, Bossier City, LA
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Mechelle, Broken Arrow, OK
James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (NLT)
Christy Green, Clearfield, UT
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8, NLT
Dallena Nash McKinney, TX Romans 2:7 NIV to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
My beloved sisters, I am astounded by the response on our very first day and incredibly proud of all of you. Well over 10,000 of us already! I pray that Christ is ecstatic with all this attention to the Scriptures and that every word will be spirit and life to us. Registration will, of course, remain open but I am about to fall in the bed and then get back to moderating comments tomorrow. You are welcome to still leave your entry for Verse 1 over night or early in the morning but do not stress at all when you don’t see it posted right away. It will get posted tomorrow. After you submit your comment, you’ll get an “awaiting moderation” message and you can know that your verse is stored and will be moderated the moment we can get to it. I have prayed so much today that God will make this a fabulous journey for you with more benefits than you could have dreamed. He is so faithful, Sisters! May Christ reveal Himself profoundly and powerfully to each of you. So much love to you!
Brandie Moore, Rockwell NC
Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20 KJV
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Thank you, thank you for what you are doing. I get teary eyed thinking of how amazing and life-changing this will be for so many women, myself included! (You don’t have to post this, it was just for you. 🙂 Be blessed, and thank you again.)
Nancy, Burnet, TX. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (â€John‬ â€10‬:â€28‬ NIV)
John 14:1
Don’t be troubled trust in God. Trust also in me
I have not received or seen the “awaiting moderation” notice from my comment and I looked through a number of pages for my post. Is there someway to search for out comment? Does the notice go to our e mail? I am totally new to leaving comments on blogs. Thank you for working your way through all of these.
I posted mine about 2:00. I have looked at the posts between 2:00 – 3:00 and do not see it. Does that mean there is something wrong? This is my first time at this.
I had to leave a little message to you…this is my first time involved with this wonderful way to learn the word of GOD and I am very excited about it. I was fortunate to be involved with some very dear friends and your ‘Believing GOD’ Bible study…I was so blown away and spiritually lifted by your way of sharing the LORD. Each time we met I was excited to hear what you had to say. And always looked forward to your visual teachings. The LORD has given you a gift that I am so blessed to have experienced thru this Bible study. I pray I will have the joy of experiencing more of your studies. Thank you for saying ‘YES’ to the LORD.
I’ve tried twice yesterday and never found mine. I never saw the awaiting moderation message. Not mad, just mentioning it in case there may be a problem.
Stephanie Wilkerson, Cordova, TN.
“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
Lindy Myers, Scott, LA
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With Justice he judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11 NIV)
be renewed in the spirit of your mind
Ephesians 4:23
Deanna, Portland Oregon
Ephesians 2:4 “But because of his great love for us. God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.” NIV
Deb Teague, Sevierville TN
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLV
Brenda Woolley Moorpark, Ca
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” ESV Matt. 19:14
Mallory Fanara-Independence, Missouri
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” Lamentations 3:22 ESV
Jenny T. – Midland, TX
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3‬ ESV)
Lindsey McDowell, Lakeland, FL
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.
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.” Isaiah 43-18-19, MSG
Heather Campbell, Dunlap, TN. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (â€1 John‬ â€2‬:â€16‬ NLT)
Bobbie Gustafson, Story City, IA
“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
Anna, Harlan, KY
Jeremiah 29:11
“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. (NLT)
Mica Cooper, Bridgeport, WV
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” Proverbs 30:8 NIV
Kelli M., Moss Point, MS
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 ESV
Diana Motlong
Columbia, SC
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Colossians 1:9 NIV
Jill Gandy, Waynesboro, Mississippi Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 HCSB
Sheridan Langford, Louisville, KY Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 (ESV)
Independence, MO. Psalm 121:1-2 (IV)I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (2)My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Patrice Turban – Colorado Springs, CO
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Mary Anne Tillman, Lexington, SC
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Heather Cox, Easley, SC: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (â€Romans‬ â€8‬:â€28‬ NLT)
Kara Klemo-Dallas
“But you,O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 ESV
Molly Goodrich, Joseph, OR
Psalms 18:30 (NIV) As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Valerie Gothard, Katy, TX
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Kathleen Stone from Douglasville GA: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Phillippians 4:4. NIV
Dena, Grand Rapids MI:
Isaiah 43:18-19
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 a stream in the wasteland.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (â€Hebrews‬ â€13‬:â€5-6‬ NIV)