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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
liz beavers, tupelo ms “Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help”. â€Hebrews‬ â€4‬:â€16‬ NET
Rhonda May, Huntington Beach, Ca
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (â€Ephesians‬ â€4‬:â€17-24‬ NKJV)
Melanie Anderson, Groesbeck, TX
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Stephanie Alphin, La Grange, NC
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. (â€Romans‬ â€8‬:â€18‬ HCSB)
Belinda-Marie Purkey; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me,’ declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 54:17 (NASB)
Heather M, South Bend, IN “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” 2Peter 1:3 ESV
Lindsay Belcher, Salt Lake Cuty, Utah, “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.” Isaiah 43:19
“But those who trust in the lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31
From Vidor,Tx
Romans 12:2…..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.
Martha “Marty” Salas
Maricopa, AZ
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)
And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]. [Isa. 35:4.] (â€1 Thessalonians‬ â€5‬:â€14‬ AMP)
Rita Eckhout, Brighton, Mi. : Colossians 4:2. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. NIV
Tracy Drake
Fort Mill, SC
“Blessed is she who had believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:45 NIV
Brigette Jones, Malvern, AR – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (â€Isaiah‬ â€41‬:â€10‬ NKJV)
Cindy, Beaumont Texas, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 ESV
Amanda Coffey Sapulpa, OK. 1 Samuel 12:24New Living Translation (NLT)
24 But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.
Heather Kellam, Fruitland, Maryland
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 NIV
Rebekah Moe, Colorado Springs, Colorado
“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
Jennifer Fowler, Warner Robins Ga.
To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.
1 Peter 5:6-7, The Message
Arlene Britt, West Hills, CA
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Amy Morgan, New Orleans, Louisiana. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1, English Standard Version.
Stephanie Bankhead, Amarillo TX “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” 2 Corinthians‬ â€4‬:â€17‬ ESV
Julia Korba. Arroyo Grande, CA.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them: he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34: 17 – 18 NIV
January 2, 2015, 12:53AM
Yikes, I’ve been sick today. Hope I’m not too late!
“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.” Joshua 1:1.9 (NIV)
College Station, Texas
“Sing to The Lord a new song; Sing to The Lord all the earth.”
Psalm 96:1
Celeste Stoneman Kirkland, WA. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'” Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. A man’s anger doesn’t produce the kind of life God wants. (â€James‬ â€1‬:â€19-20‬ NIRV)
Lauren Feise- Oviedo, FL
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. (â€Hosea‬ â€10‬:â€12‬ ESV)
Stacey Sistrunk, Ellisville, MS
“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
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 43:18-19 (NKJV)
Heather Garza, Tomball, Tx. And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ESV
Emily from Oklahoma
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 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.
Perryton, TX
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with WHATEVER hard things come up WHEN the time comes.” Matthew 6:34 (The Message)
Justine Crawford , Las Vegas, NV – But if anyone obeys his word, Gods’s love is truly made complete in him. (1John 2: 5)
Erica, Colorado Springs, The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3 NIV
Tracy Ratcliff, Edgewater, FL. “Do not be rash with your mouth. And let not your heart utter anything hastily before GOD. For GOD is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity. And a fools voice is known by his many words.” Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 NKJ
Andrea from San Diego, CA
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV
Deanna Smith, Safford, AZ. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Tracy, Walters, Ok, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Karen, Westminster, CO.
“You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.” Psalm 118:28 NIV
CJ, Housington, KS
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 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.
Vickie Montague, Hawesville, KY
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
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6‬ NIV)
Jennifer Frechette, Prior Lake, MN
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” Colossians 1:8 NKJV
“In the morning, Lord, you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” -Psalm 5:3
Jones Creek (forgot to put in city in verse above)
Psalm 3:8 (see above)
(NIV)
Oops!
Kimberly – Ogden, Utah
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10. (NIV)
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.- John 14:27
Lisa Jones, St. Louis, MO
Romans 15:13 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.