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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLV
Linda Kamoji, Bloomington, IN. “Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:1-2 NIV
“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Psalm 59:17(ESV)
Madison Willoughby, Rome, Ga Ephesians 3:16-179 NIV
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Lavon Adams from Aztec, New Mexico
He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”
I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward. Isaiah 49:4. NLT
Susan Dyson, Birmingham, Alabama 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. Isaiah 43:19
Mary Pontbriand, Hampton Falls, NH
“Then Jesus said to his disciples; “therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”” Luke 12:22-23 NIV
Dollie Carey , Benton Arkansas
“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
Patricia Egbert, Brush Prairie, WA “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 (NIV)
Donna Hildebrand, Chesapeake, VA “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV
Kathleen Black, Brandon, MS – After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1: 14-15 NIV
Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds
Susan Kreider, Bird in Hand PA
“Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NIV
Janet Dixon, Benton, AR. Psalm 28:7 HCSB “the LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I praise Him with my song.”
803 A Tiffany Ct. Marthasville, MO 63357
Rom. 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your body as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 12:2 Do not conform and longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then your will be able to rest and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will.” I struggle with eating issues and believe I am in a stronghold with food. I have MS and my body needs to glorify God so that his great and awesome power is lived out and through my life. My desire is to glorify God in all I say and do. Others who struggle with the same issue can experience victory when our minds are renewed through the power of God’s word! God needs to be glorified in every area of our lives.
Michele Dickerson, Florida Keys “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
Andrea Roberts, Kingsville, MO, “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 HCSB
Mandy Nabors, Providence Village, TX. ” 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.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV)
Pam T. Lookout Mt, GA- Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love for you will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says your compassionate God. Is 54:10 NIV
McCall Norton
Atlanta, TX
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” (â€Luke‬ â€1‬:â€45‬ NIV)
Cathy Jimenez, Seneca, SC, “When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:13. MSG
Jeanne Johnson, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” Matt 11:28 MSG
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action: be self controlled; set your hope fully on the
grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Kristina, Pinckney, Michigan. – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1. NIV
My name is Gail, I’m from Bloomington, IN. Sorry I’m late with my first post. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint KJV
Janda, Virginia
Not dealing well with recent death of my mom (my best friend).
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NIV
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3:14-17 NIV
Hilary, Benld, IL Genesis 2:4 NLT “And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.”
Melissa, Vicksburg, Ms. “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” Ps 138:8a ESV
Connie Johnson of Pittsboro, North Carolina;
“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.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Beth Barron
Rome, GA
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples — when they see the love you have for each other.”
John 13:34-35 MSG
Nicole-Naperville, IL. “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am.” (â€Isaiah‬ â€58‬:â€9‬ AMP)
Syneva, Topeka, Kansas – “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall be continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 NASB
Beth Coker Medford, OR ‘Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others.’ Phil 2:3-4. NASB
Carol, Nashville, TN – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV
Nancy, Rocky Mount, NC
“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.” Isaiah 43:19 NLT
God gave me this as my verse for this year, because He is leading me in a new direction.
Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24
Joelle, Brandon, MB, Canada
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26
Ashlie Black, MIssouri city, Tx- “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
Amy, Schwenksville, PA “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which
we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life” 1 John 1:1
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Matthew 11:28 NIV
“come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
Kym, Castle Rock, CO – Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€18-19‬ NIV)
Luke 1:37King James Version (KJV)
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Stacey Harrell, San Diego, CA. “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
1ST Corinthians 1:9 God is Faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Chasity Scanlon Haysi Virginia
Mindi – Ramona, Ok “For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know and what he teaches is true- it is not a lie. So, just as He taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. ” 1 john 2:27b NLT
Candi Dickerson, Springfield, VA
(With our church’s women’s ministry!)
“I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.”
This is what the LORD says–
who makes a way in the sea,
and a path through surging waters…
“Do not remember the past events,
pay no attention to things of old.
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…
The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.”
Isaiah 43:15-16, 18-19, 21 (HCSB)
But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift Ephesians 4:7