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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Libby, Eutawville, SC
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Matthew 7:14 KJV
Valoree McLean, Miami, Fl
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 HCSB
“About brotherly love: You don’t need me to write you because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. In fact, you are doing this toward all the brothers in the entire region of Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers, to do so even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.”
Habakkuk 3:4
His splendor was like the sunrise;rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
Joel 2: 12 ESV
“Yet even now, declares the Lord, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Monica Strung, Hamilton, Ontario, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 NIV
Terri Edgar, Billings, Missouri: 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
Kathy Riley, Ashland, KY 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 for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV
Mia, Rogersville, AL , Collossians 3:3 NIV
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Rita, Lexington, SC
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (â€Philippians‬ â€4‬:â€6‬ ESV)
Audury Hollingsworth, Brunswick, Georgia. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 ESV
Holly Cram- La Mirada CA
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Sarah Woodard, Kansas City, MO
“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NASB
2 Cor 1:3-5
Kacey Bolin- San Pedro Sula, Honduras
“He answered them and said, “the kindom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”” Luke 17 20(b)-21 NKJV
kristen, Bakersfield, CA
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13 ESV
Melissa Mason, Grayson Ga, “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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Sarah C., Lee’s Summit, MO:
“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)
Sara, that was one I was considering myself!
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Janine, Selden NY: Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (â€I Corinthians‬ â€13‬:â€1‬ NKJV)
my first time…tried printing out the cardstock covers and they come out huge not fitting for 3X5 or 4X6
Lora, Lee’s Summit, MO
It is in Christ we find out who we are and what we are living for.
Ephesians 1:11
Cherish Dunnigan, Dublin,VA.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:10
Kathy, Farmington, NM, Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalms 71:18 NIV
Kim Crumrine – Royse City, 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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€41‬:â€10‬ NIV)
Leanette, Atlanta GA “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” Proverbs 17:27 NIV
Denise, Corrales, New Mexico:
Moreover, the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
Deuteronomy 30:6 NASB
Tane Mcgehee, Uvalde, Texas.
KJV Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed
By the renewing of your mind,that ye may prove what
Is good, and acceptable and perfect and perfect will of God.
Pat Jones, Springfield, MO: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 NASB
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
so let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Nidia Wheeler, Dayton, Oregon:
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”I Peter 5:6 NKJV
Kelly Rutherford, Chesapeake, VA, He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30, NLT
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” –2 Timothy 1:7 NASB
Amy Frazee, Cincinnati, Ohio, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Carol McQueen, Locust Grove, GA – God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in time of troubles. Psalm 46:1 NCV
Anna, Grapevine, TX
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
Isaiah 55:2, NIV
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.Terri Edgar, Billings, MO: Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Deborah Jensen, Clearwater, FL
God is moving us to Pittsburgh to start a church plant in 2015, so…”Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 HCSB)
Kristin, Clearwater, FL
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
Melanie Smith – Greensburg, PA
“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 NKJV
Gail Castles, Selmer, Tennessee: They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7 NIV
John 15:16 NIV You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Sharon from Lincoln Park, Mi.
Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. Psalm 90:16 NLT
Melinda, Virginia, “I the Lord have called you in righteousness, And will hold your hand:I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,” Isaiah 42:6 NKJV
YIPPEE!!!! I’m doing this too 🙂 How exciting to find you here!
Romans 8:26-27 NIV
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 paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trisha Russell, Charleston, SC. “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” â€Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€8‬ NIV
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. I Corinthians 2:5
Nicole Rethmeier, Derby, KS
Philippians 2:4-5 HCSB
Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus.
Amy – Harrodsburg, KY. “Finally, brothers & 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. Phillipians 4:8 NIV