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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanne Freeman, Port Saint Joe, Florida. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ” Romans 8:26 NIV
Hi Joanne,
I just wanted to drop a quick line and say that I have walked through those moments, days, months where all I could do was groan and trust that this verse was true, and still refer to those times as groaning periods of life.
If you are going through a period of groaning, please know that it’s ok if that’s all you can seem to muster up. God knows. And He understands.
Thanks for sharing your verse 🙂
Stephanie Shaughnessy, Dunedin, Florida – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations‬ â€3‬:â€22-24‬ ESV
Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I love the idea of being brainwashed for HIM!!
Julie, Coweta, Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us,to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. -Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV Life Application
Keely Gage, Paradise, Tx “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17&18 NIV
Sandra Noble, Lynchburg, VA
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” Colossians 1:11-12, ESV
Catherine S. ~ Grants Pass, OR
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Amber Moore, Easley, SC.
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! (â€James‬ â€1‬:â€1‬ NLT)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Sarah. Troy, KS. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” (â€Philippians‬ â€2‬:â€14-16‬ NIV)
Jenee Wilcox, Ventura, CA
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
1 John 5:14-15 NAS
Karey Bourgeois
Justin, Texas
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them. Psalm 19:9-11 (HCSB)
Robin Moore Crossville, TN
The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness! Lamentations 3: 22-23 ESV
Tammi, Magnolia, Texas.
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2Chronicles 15:7.
Deborah from Metamora, MI
Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.
Psalms 46:11 NAB
Carrie, Pueblo, CO
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Anna Hall, Mobile, Alabama
“Always giving thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 NIV
Psalm 34-8
O taste and see that the Lord is good,
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Sharon Milhollin, Medford, OR
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 NKJ
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
Joy Landis from Mountain House, California
“God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NASB
Ali McD, Greenville, SC
You crown the year with your bounty; Your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 ESV
Jenny, Westminster MD “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18 ESV
Michele Cribb Ringgold, Ga.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Heather Boehlke, Thorp, Wisconsin – Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23 ESV
Ali C., Pleasanton, CA- 1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6:1-3 ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV
Kim Bengoa, Lubbock, TX Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21 NLT
Michelle, Lansing, Michigan. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another even as also ye do.” 1 Thes 11, KJV
Wendy Flash, Spring, 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians‬ â€12‬:â€9‬ NIV
Meg Williams, Southside, Alabama
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NIV
Dana Copenhaver, Burns, OR
let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for he is faithful that promised.
Hebrews 10:23 KJV
O’Fallon, IL
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26 NIV
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Praying for the USA, as a missionary called to the Dominican Republic:
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 CrĂłnicas 7:14Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960)
“si se humillare mi pueblo, sobre el cual mi nombre es invocado, y oraren, y buscaren mi rostro, y se convirtieren de sus malos caminos; entonces yo oirĂ© desde los cielos, y perdonarĂ© sus pecados, y sanarĂ© su tierra.”
Hannah from Mount Holly, NC
“Who is it that has overcome the world, except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:5 ESV
Katie from Webbers Falls, OK – “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 ESV
Sonya Ryder, Baton Rouge: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” – Proverbs 31:10-12 (ESV)
JoAnne From Longview WA
Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NASB)
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Jan Ross, Willard, OH … “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3 KJV)
Melanishock, Alexandria, Louisiana. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” KJV
May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:21 NLT
The LORD says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€18-19‬ NCV)
Jessica Clement, Birmingham, AL “They willfully put God to the test by demanding the good they craved. Psalm 78:18 NIV
Alexandra Key, Clearwater, FL
“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! Your glory is sung above the heavens. Psalm 8:1 God’s Word Translation
For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:5 ESV