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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phillipians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4
Connie Conway, Paso Robles, 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
Calista Patterson Gulf Shores, AL
“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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€18-19‬ NIV)
Sally Hibbard, Magnolia, TX. ” 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 (NKJV)
Jenny Tanner, San Augustine, TX, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs‬ â€4‬:â€23‬ (NIV)
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Katie, Jakarta, Indonesia. “if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (ESV).
Melanie Vogelpohl, Portland OR “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
Julie Renee, Prescott Valley, Arizona
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (â€Psalms‬ â€91‬:â€4‬ NKJV)
Barb Garner, Daegu, South Korea
“O my Strength, I sing praise to you;
you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” NIV
Amanda Robinson, Cortez, CO
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (â€Ephesians‬ â€1‬:â€17‬ NIV)
Vicki, Albany, OR – For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Grace Wens Simi Valley, CA
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.
Wilsonville, Oregon. Psalm 115:1: Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness (NIV)
Kylie McNeely, Midland, Tx. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)
Your name, city, verse (written all the way out), reference, and translation.
Julie, Plano Texas
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Winchester, KY.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
“Behold,I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 Haven’t seen mine posted, so really doing this from memory.
Deborah Oakes, Alliance, Nebraska. Psalm 37:34 NKJ “Wait on the Lord and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off you shall see it.”
Heather G. Fredericksburg,VA
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Arlington Texas…..Second post….my first one is not on blog comments….I might have goofed
Gen 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household and to all that there were there with him, put away strange gods that are among you, and be clean,and change your garments
Chosen because I feel like I need a realignment
Anne Murphy, Grand Rapids, MI “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Krista H, Parker, CO
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matt. 11:28-30, NIV
Sandra Jinks, Burnaby, British Columbia
Gal 5:22-23 ESV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
10-11 This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (â€1 Peter‬ â€1‬:â€13‬ NLT)
Casey Levine, Sebastopol, CA
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 NIV
Deborah, Nashville,TN
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
ROSE FLORES, Houston Tx Isaiah 43:19 message “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.
A new year, New season for our ministry and new way too learn scripture, THANKS Mrs. Beth!!
Christy Ojai, CA
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Barbs Taylor, Harare, Zimbabwe. On hearing this Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matt 9: 12-13 NIV
Eunyce Menelaou Pretoria South Africa
Though the mountains be shaken
And the hills be removed,
Yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken
Nor My covenant of peace be removed,
Says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isa 54:10
Kyli Hoskins, Sarasota, Florida.”So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NCV
Cindy
Golden Valley, Az.
Nothing can stop God ‘s plan for your life.
Isaiah 14:27
NLT
Kristi, Chattanooga, TN
16 “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.” Colossians 3:16 ESV
Joan Anderson, Dousman,WI
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 HCSB
Courtney Wolff, Fort Worth, TX, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12, NIV
Jenna,
Ft Worth “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 ” Galations 5:1 NIV
Greeley, Colorado
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Praise The Lord!
Ruth, Baton Rouge, LA Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NASB
Michell Jurski, Cypress, Texas. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3-4‬ NIV)
Christa Boschen: San Diego, California
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. (â€Psalms‬ â€34‬:â€1-4, 7-9‬ KJV)
Angie Laubach in Oklahoma “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. (â€Psalm‬ â€71‬:â€14‬ NIV)
Valerie, Louisville, Kentucky
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Christine Richardson Vienna, Va
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 7:33 NLT
Ruth, Odin, IL
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
– Romans 8:9 (NIV84)
(I am really wanting to get all of Romans 8 down–didn’t get too far last time…)
Judy Madison, Beaumont, California
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
BREE allen, tx “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 15:13 NIV