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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristen Ottens, Mount Joy, PA
1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV)
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
When your words came I ate them; they were my joy and hearts delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16
Jill Griffin, Savannah,GA, “I thank God every time I remember you. And I always pray for all of you with joy.” Phil. 1:3,4. ERV
Erin Priour, Corpus Christi, TX 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
Maureen Parsons, Orlando, FL
Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (â€1 Chronicles‬ â€28‬:â€20‬ ESV)
Haley Carter, Cedar Park, TX “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always” Psalms 105:4 NIV
Tiffany Dorsey, Cypress, Texas. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow if the almighty. Psalm 91:1 KJV
One of my favorites, Tiffany. God spoke this to me the day my father passes away. May He bless you journey!
Pauline Richardson,Cornville Az.”keep me as the apple of Your eye;hide me in the shadow of Your wings” Psalm17:8 ESV
Matt. 6:25- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Selina Elkton, MD.
“So then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6 (NIV)
Deb Hartman, Newnan, GA, ” Each One should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. ” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Tery Sarver, North Chesterfield, VA
“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
Heather Reece, Douglasville, Ga. For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14 NIV
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
Paula Roberson, Brookhaven, MS. “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
Rhonda Howard, Ashland, Kentucky
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (â€Psalms‬ â€63‬:â€7‬ KJV)
Carolyn, Lakeland, FL. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Julie Myers, Rutledge, TN
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37 (KJV)
Brenda Burroughs, Maryville TN. “if i have the gift of prophecy and i can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a fiath that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
Kristy Greene, Louisville, KY – “Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12, NIV
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have faith that can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. Matthew 5: 16 NKJV
Jennifer, Wilmington DE
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who ACTS on behalf of those who WAIT for Him.” – Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
Angie Paddock, Waukesha, WI, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”-Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Megan, Jay, Oklahoma. “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalms 25:1 NASB
Linda Babbs, Linn Creek, MO
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day.”
Genesis 1:31 NIV
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Laura- King George, VA
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Shauna Peters, Pueblo, CO “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” Proverbs 19:21
Anna Moyer, Lee’s Summit
Proverb 16:23 NIV
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth and his lips promote instruction.
Gail Nogueras, Slidell, LA
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NASB
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
Michelle W, Raytown, MO
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
Proverbs 24:27
Jeanine Meese, Benoni,South Africa
Praise the Lord,my soul; all my innermost being,praise His holy name. Psalm 103:1.NIV
Ann Hunter, Sneads, Florida
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 NIV
Patty, St. Albans, Maine. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord. 1Cor 15:58
Cheryl Tracy, Springtown, Texas
And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and belove, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Col.3:12 NAS
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who Loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37,38.
Cindy Fetty Hershey, PA ~ Matthew 4:4 – “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” ESV
Kingsley, MI
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4;4
Psalms 62:8 ESV
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”
-Joshua 1:7
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His holy arm have gained Him in victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has openly shown in the sight of nations.” Psalm 98:1 and 2 NKJ
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) : 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.
Lana Jones, Olive Branch, MS
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is 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
Kim Stewart, Anguilla, MS
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Sarah Bryant, Three Rivers, MI
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3
Lori Reichart – Cumming, GA
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
Dawn King, Chesterfield, VA
The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14, NIV