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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penny Gerst
Desoto, MO
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 is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
“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.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Beverly, Greene,IA
When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble. Proverbs 11:2 NRSV
Donna Hendrix, Louisburg, NC.
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Helen Gresham, Jena LA. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Denise, Jetmore, Kansas “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Renea Morte, Conroe, Tx
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thess 5:18 ESV
Jeanna, Lavaca, AR “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 NIV Instead of a NY resolution, I focus on one word that I think The Lord puts in my heart for the year. This year, He has given me the word joy, so my scripture verses will probably focus on that topic.
Beth Gaddie, Corpus Christi, TX
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:4-5
Amber Christenson, Newton, IA
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11
Erin B., Ames, IA “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NASB
Jessica Thorne {Everett, WA}
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 streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Jenn Stuck, Junction City, KS
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. (â€Proverbs‬ â€31‬:â€25-26‬ NLT)
239 Princeton Dr.9:34pm
“Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord”
Ps. 27:14
God is in charge, leave it in his hands! pray and leave it to Him!!
Brenda Shook, Brevard North Carolina
I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, I. Whom I trust.
Psalm 91:2
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm116:2
Paula Daley, Calgary AB, Canada. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Grand Rapids, MI
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Pia Garcia, Dubai, U.A.E.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (â€Galatians‬ â€6‬:â€7-9‬ NIV)
Shelly Stevenson, Plano, TX. 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
Amy in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. “Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works on behalf of those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Rosa, Sulphur Springs, TX. “He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 HCSB
Lindsay Harline; Ogden, Utah
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 ESV
Theresa Cates, Burr Oak, MI
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)
Hannah Hillis, Mobile, AL. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 ESV
M.J. in Lovington, New Mexico
Dianna Missoula, MT
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” NASB
His grace is sufficient.
Romans 12:12King James Version (KJV)
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Stephanie Rafferty, La Habra, CA “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” Psalms 73:25
Cyndi Chappel, Douglasville, GA
Matthew 10:29-31 NIV
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Emily, Puyallup, WA
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. (â€Proverbs‬ â€15‬:â€1‬ MSG)
Pamela, Mechanicsville, VA,
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. Roman 8:28 NIV
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up, the flames will not conumerous you.Isaiah 43:2 nlt
Kat, Fargo, ND
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 rivers in the desert. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ ESV)
Allison E, Lewistown Montana “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.” Psalm 143:10-11, NASB
Cheryl Dollick Wasilla Alaska
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned,
And the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2 ESV
Jenks,OK
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7, New American Standard
Tammy Richards, Beaumont, AB, CANADA. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20, KJV.
Lauren Chance, Shawnee, KS.
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19. ESV
Misty Leland, West End, NC. “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV
Sherry Oradat, Houston Texas
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV
Paula Baker, Lompoc, CA.”And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Huntsville, AL
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 ESV
Houston, Texas
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Lara B, Salt Lake City, UT. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:5.