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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Celeste Koscik, Austin, Texas
“Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 The Voice
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!
Romans 12:2 NLT
Colorado Springs, CO
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2 NIV
Angela Pisel, Hickory, NC
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
NLT Philippians 3:14
Jackie Adington, Waynesburg, KY “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
Romans 8:26 ESV
Amanda, Van Buren, AR
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (â€1 John‬ â€4‬:â€1‬ NASB)
Jana Dawn Bott, Wardsville, MO ~ “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship , created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared us in advance to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
Sarnia, Ontaio, Canada
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. ”
Jeremiah 17:7
Lyndsay, New Castle, IN. “But forget all that–it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 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.”–Isaiah 43:18-19–New Living Translation
Jeri, forney Texas
Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed
because the love of God is
shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit which is given unto us.
KJV
Jamie Stuber, Statesville, NC
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Genia from Jacksonville, AL: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 NLT
Kristina Hiltunen, Clay, MI. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
Tami from Lexington, SC – Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Teresa from Long Beach, MS
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 6:22-23 (Holman CSB)
Michelle Dunmire, Garner, NC
Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion for the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will jot forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah49:15-16a NASB
Shannan Cloud, Elk City, Oklahoma
Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act,. Psalm 37:4-5 HCSB
Stephanie Harrisonburg, LA
I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
Tina Laubscher, Chattanooga, TN
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3 NASB
Tina Belfield, LaPlata, MO
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 2:19 NIV
Missy Reel, Florence S.C., 2 Samuel 22:23 KJV
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
Tessie Mayo, Brownwood, TX
” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Sandie Powell
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139: 1
“O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me”. KJV
Gina Garcia, Pueblo, CO
For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5, NKJV
Alice’ Harper, Pineville, Louisiana – Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 ESV
Jennifer Finkner, Lubbock, TX. 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. Isaiah 43:19 NLT
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV
Isaiah 43:19 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. Esv
Heidi Sonoda. Boise, Idaho. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
Cindy Western, Minneapolis, MN “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16 ESV
Pam Carrigan, Greensboro, NC – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 (NIV)
Sheryl(58) & Bella(7), Parker, KS
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Cor 5:17 NKJ
Jackie, Deltona, FL.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalms 91:16 KJV
Jennifer McLean Abilene, Texas
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. Ps 119:175 The Message.
Barbara Cech, Fulton, Texas
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Twyla, Cortez, CO
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:8 NASB
Terri Switzer, Luray, va. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” New king james version
Tracey Bennett, Harrisburg, NC
“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)
Chris Yutzy, Harrisonburg, VA
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4,5 NIV
Tammy Price from Myrtle Beach, SC. “God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.” Eccl. 2:26 NLT
Lori Moritz, Cedar Park, Texas. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Because it is what we are trying to do…
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You Psalm 119:11 NKJV
Emily B., Augusta, GA. “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” Ephesians 3:20 ESV
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” Psalm 56:3
Deanne, Laguna Hills, CA
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
Psalm 16:5 NIV
Terri Frasure
South Lebanon, Ohio
“Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
I Corinthians 9:27 (HCSB)
Gina Webster, Houston, Texas, Not to us, O Lord, not to us. But to your name bring honor, for the sake of your loyal love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 NET
Jami Caron Sarnia, Ontaio, Canada
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. ”
Jeremiah 17:7
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” Ephesians 5:1 NASB
Elizabeth, Hawaii.
Forget the former things; do not dwell in 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.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NI