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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crystal alexandria la
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (â€Colossians‬ â€1‬:â€15-17‬ ESV)
Rochelle Powers from Overland Park, Kansas. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 NLT
Sara Stephens, Columbia, TN: “Now the end of all things is near; tgerefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer. Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7&8, HCSB
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm51:7
Beth McKenzie from Garner, N.C.: “You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying,’This is the correct way, walk in it,’whether you are heading to the right or the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (NET)
Amanda, Silver City, NM ” I love you, oh Lord, my strength. ” Psalm 18; 1 ESV
Tara Hicks, Fort Sam Houston, TX
Isa 42:19
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. NLT
James 1:19 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this.; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Edelle Simmons, Long Beach, CA
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.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Laura Beth Harpe
Milledgeville, Georgia
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€16‬ NASB
Xenia, OH “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
Proverbs 3:5,6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Salem,VA
Susan Knowles Bradenton, FL
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 ESV
Jennifer Riddle, Augusta, GA
Psalm 27:14 NIV “I am 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 and wait for the LORD.”
Karlys, La Place, LA
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3: 1 ESV
Elizabeth Noble – Helena, Alabama
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.” (â€Lamentations‬ â€3‬:â€22-24‬ ESV)
Paula from Appleton WI, my verse today is: Romans 15:13 “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.” NIV
Mandy Parker, Powder Springs, Ga
You lead me in the path of life;
I experience absolute joy in your presence;
you always give me sheer delight.
Psalm 16:11 (NET Bible)
Anna Cate Brown, Murray,KY
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV
Lori – Harrisburg, PA
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
“Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Joshua 1:9 NASB
Linda Peel, Lexington, KY
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 NIV
The Lord is my rock, my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 NIV
For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Becky Cornwell, Florissant, MO
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
Elizabeth Shipps, from Spring Hill, TN
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
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 a hope and a future. Jer.29:11(
Sandy Hammock
Durant, OK
Grace and Peace to you from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2 NIV
Shelley Mijares, Rogers, Arkansas. “Do not conform 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)
Yayyy, Shelley!
(Beth,
Shelley & I are doing this together — even though 431 miles separate us!)
Vicky Miti, Cardiff
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
Phillipians 4:11 ESV
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
Holly Smith Monument, Colorado
“Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 HCSB
Melanie Beaudin Winchester, VA “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Phillipeans 4:5 NIV
Tammy from Austin, TX
Hebrews 4:16 NIV “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Holly Hoss, Ivins, UT: Isaiah 40:31 – But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. NKJV
Carol from Mason, OH
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 ESV
Jennie Spearin Granite Bay Ca
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our Faith. Because of the Joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarded its shame. Now he is seated at the place of honor beside Gods Throne”
Paula Ashton, Cocoa, FL
Romans 4:8 NIV…”Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him..”
April Cobb, Mobile, Alabama
“But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (â€Job‬ â€23‬:â€10‬ NASB)
Cara Ferrell, Stillwater, OK
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. -Romans 10:17, NASB
Sherry Pearcy
Meeker, OK
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” Psalm 103:1 ESV
Janette Smith from Ridgecrest CA
Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
Matthew 15:32 KJV
Laurissa Wooten, Fruita, CO
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, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 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.” Isaiah 43:19
Psalm 30:11-12 NIV
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
Patti Reda, Colleyville, TX
“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
“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV
Kelly Wilkin, Houston, TX “But from eternity to eternity the Lords faithful love is towards those who fear him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18 HCSB
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Tammy from Cumming, GA (just north of ATL)
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ ESV)