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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie Morris, Norman Ok
“He has shown you, O Man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love Mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NKJ
My Goal-“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you(me)richly,teaching,and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your(my)hearts to God. ESV
Sherri Gainey, Macclenny,Fl
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as it fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Melanie, Bartlett, TN
“His delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” Psalm 1:2 HCSB
Amie Weeks, Northport, Alabama
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
Kelli McLean ~ Kalispell, MT
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV
Christy Fordham, Wadley, Alabama
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Kathy Talazac, Mandeville, La. “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 weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 ESV
Kristen Keeling from Covington, Ga.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NET)
Karen Helms, Largo, FL “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
Charmin Holland, Duncan, OK, “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
TO THOSE WHO USE WELL WHAT THEY ARE GIVEN, EVEN MORE WILL BE GIVEN, AND THEY WILL HAVE AN ABUNDANCE. MATTHEW 25:29
NLT
Amy Ingram, Austin, TX “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.”(NIV)
Jenny Bladow, Marshall, MN
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:14
Tina from San Antonio Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm1:1-2 KJV
Lisa Mayfield, Raleigh, NC
“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8, NKJV
Sarah R. Knoxville, Tn ” I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word ” Psalm 119:15-16 (ESV)
Kim from Michigan
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galations 6:9-10
Kim Chodorowski, Gunnison, CO
Do not be anxious about anything, but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, ESV
Lydia, Atlanta, GA:
Psalm 23:1-3 NIV “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Cynthia Myers, Enterprise AL
“For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.” Ephesians 1:4 NIV
Abby Horton, Chattanooga, TN
“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11ESV
Elaine – Phoenix, AZ
Col. 1:9 – 10: 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;that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Sheila, Qualicum, Canada
But the Lord says,
” Do not cling to the events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already ~ you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.” Isaiah 43:18-19 GNT
“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.”
Joy, Fort Myers, Florida
1 Peter 5:6-7, NIV
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
Amanda Hodge, New Castle, VA
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1 KJV
Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever thins are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on theses things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV
Cheri Winebrenner
Louisville, KY
Ashley Richcreek, Columbus, Ohio
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
April, Tomball, Texas. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3: 23-24 (NIV)
Nicole Bozell, Indianapolis, IN “‘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)
Ruth Bearden – Madison, GA
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Heather Plis, Charleston, SC
My goal for 2015, commit EVERYTHING!…”Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5 NLT
HELEN, BRAZIL
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Salmos 19:14
I am Kristen Nickerson from Hide-a-way Hills, OH “Kind words heal and help; harsh words wound.” Proverbs 15:4 (MSG) I don’t want to be a yelling mommy anymore.
Emily G from Houston, Texas
“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.”
Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Kristie Mallory, Goshen, KY “… I, God, will never forget you. Look here. I have made you a part of Me, written you on the palms of My hands…” – Isaiah 49:16 (The Voice)
This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing o the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth-as does everyone else who knows the truth–because the truth lives in us and will be with us forever. (2 John 1-2 NLT)
Jacque Johnson, Thornton, CO
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10 ESV
Angela Tarter, Albuquerque, NM
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” Psalm 56:3
Joan Harder from Carter Lake, IA
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9 (NIV)
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Ps 51:7
Wendy Schneider, Loxahatchee, Florida, “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 3:22-24 NIV
Diane Miller, Longmont, CO
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 NIV
Hope Spencer
McLeansville, NC
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalms 32: 8. KJV
As a prisoner of the Lord,then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV
Carla Willard, Collierville, TN
“Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9 NIV
Sharon Longo, Beavercreek, OH
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. Isaiah 43:19 ESV