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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sallee Bonham Belle, MO
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV
Heather Michalec, Valparaiso, IN
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Patricia, Fort Wayne, IN
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NIV
Amy Kluemke, Sherman, Illinois: “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.” Psalm 28:7, HCSB
I did mine wrong the first time – They who wait for The LORD shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31a ESV
Teressa Drenth, Palatine, IL
James 1:17-18 NLT
“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
Kathy, Danvers, MA
Colossians 3:17 NIV
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Chris Robertson from Fort Wayne, Indiana
“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 12:9 NIV
I posted twice because I didn’t write out my entire verse the first time!!
Becky Dunn, Jefferson City, Missouri. Philippians 4:8 ESV
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Lindsey Cole, Lecanto, FL
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9-10 (NIV)
Jasmine Hall from Hanceville, AL
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “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
Tammy Hughes from Massillon, Ohio: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:5 NIV
Christen – Birmingham, AL
Col 1:10 ESV
“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Isaiah 49:16 See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands your walls are ever before me (NIV)
Kirsten Shockey, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this not to ut a stumbling block or cause to fall in our brothers way. Romans 14:13 NKJV
Joanne from Bremerton, WA
Philippians 2:1-2 ESV
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Beth Schwandt
Riverside, California
Galatians 5:16 HCSB
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Kathy Pearl, Griffin, GA
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€31‬ NLT)
Hannah – Albany, GA
Romans 13:14 – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ , and make no provision for the flesh to gratify it’s desires. ” ESV
Carrie Norris, Goshen, IN
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) Amen, sisters!
Beverly Boyle, Beausejour, MB, Canada
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Freida, Chatham, LA “For if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9 NIV
Angie Vernon from Harrah, OK “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Jane Moore, West Rockport, Maine ~ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 KJV
Magan Lewis, Lakeway, Texas
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (ESV)
Goal: memorize 1 Thessalonians
For the Lord shall be your CONFIDENCE and will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:26 NAS
Joanna Vaughan, Rochester, MN
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 NIV
Jody, Huntington, WV
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:6. KJV
Linda in Bartlesville, Ok, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23, NIV. Memorizing Roman Road complete with addresses so I can actually find them.
Cathy Froehlich -Loxahatchee, Florida
2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Lauren Hoeltje, Cincinnati, OH: “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” Hebrews 10:38 (NIV)
Debra Forbes, Houston, Texas.
Whoever walks with the wise will become wise. Whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 NLT
1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Susan King, Bryan, TX
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Pam W., Kansas City, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV
Karen-Franklin, TN…”The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise
wisdom and discipline.” HCSB ~Praying for discipline~
Ashley Gutierrez, Austin TX
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1 ESV
Alayna Boyer
Psalm 139:14 KJV – I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Kim Jackson, Slidell, LA
“But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” Psalms 94:22 NIV
Deborah-Hartsville, SC “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 NASB
Susan Hatley, Spring, TX
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through him. (â€Colossians‬ â€3‬:â€17‬ ESV)
Lydia McGuire, Houston, TX
Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20 NASB
Then Jesus told him, You believe because u have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me…John 20:29
Robin Tieperman, Chalfont, PA
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
Tori Rubinson from Fort Worth, TX. And he said to all, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23, ESV
Julie- Cincinnati, OH
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God and they shall be my people. Jeremiah 31:33 ESV
Ashland, OH “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.” Deuteronomy, 30:14 NASB
This is especially appropriate as we strive to put the word in our memories.
Sarah McKay, London, ON, Canada –
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you Philipians 4:8-9 ESV
Clarette du Plooy, Zurich, Switzerland – This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. (â€Isaiah‬ â€30‬:â€15‬ NLT)
Lisa Younce, McKinney,TX, For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. (â€1 John‬ â€2‬:â€16‬ ESV)