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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Walker, LA
I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ GW)
Hi Missi! I’m Missie too. I have to tell you –
God gave me this same verse 3 1/2 years ago at one of the hardest, most desperate time of my life. He has sooooo been faithful to that – He has done amazing new things in that next 3 1/2 years… I can’t even begin to tell you! I know He will for you too!! Praying for you Sister!!
We picked the same verse!!
Good New Year Y’all! My name is Teresa Wilson. I am from Starkville, Mississippi. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”. Proverbs 3: 5&6. The Jeremiah Study Bible.
Challenged by my friend Suzy….gonna challenge a few others to SOJOURN with us ….Mama Nickoley says Sojourn with purpose!!!
Deanna Roe, Maytown AL
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. NKJV
Marita – Maricopa, AZ
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (KJV)
Valerie Harned, Louisville, KY
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future (in 2015) and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NASB
Ellainn White, Titusville, FL. “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as (something done) for the Lord, and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 AMP
Esther Bouchillon, Front Royal, Va, “in the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch.” Psalm 5:3 NASB
Peggy Davis, Corpus Christi, TX
I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NLT
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Vanessa Texarkana,TX.
Awake, Awake, put on your strength,
O Zion; put on your beautiful garments,
O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no
More come into you the uncircumcised and the
Unclean. Isaiah 52:1 ESV
Katherine Emmett, Michigan “Oh LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. Psalm 16:5 NKJ
“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 25:4-5 NIV
Sheila, Williston, North Dakota. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Mandy Cooley, Westfield, IN: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
Kellie, Bargersville, IN, “But I Tell You this- Though He Won’t Do It For friendship’s Sake, If You Keep Knocking Long Enough, He Will Get Up And Give You Whatever You Need Because Of Your Shameless Persistence.” Luke 11:8 NLT
Lyn Fountain, Forest, Mississippi. “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you…then you will understand the fear of The Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1&5 NIV
Sharon Krall, Lititz, PA Isaiah 43:16,18-19 ESV
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters….”Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old, 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.
Michelle, West Des Moines, IA
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Michelle
Great to see another Iowa girl!!! Praying His peace is unmistakable as you trust Him!!!
Sue
Jetta Morse, Owensboro, KY. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Jessica, Raymore, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:9 NIV
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke 2:1-2 ESV
I have ALWAYS wanted to memorize the Christmas account, so this year I am going to do it!!!
(Forgot the translation sorry!)
“that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life…” Deut. 30:20a
Tammy Miller Estelline South Dakota. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 15:13 NIV
Melanie Tindale, Columbia, MD “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11, NASB
Karen Todd Beech Island, SC
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NKJV
Theda in Front Royal, VA. Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Rebecca Marcum, Morristown, TN
I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. Psalm 119:10 HCSB
Dawn, Mt. Olive, NC “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”- Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Diana Scott, Romulus, Michigan. “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:13 NLT
Gretchen, Eau Claire, WI – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Robyn…Alexander City, AL
Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Jackie Illes, Coatesville, Pa. He replied, “because you have so little faith. Truely I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NIV
Barbara, Glen Saint Mary, FL – “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” Psalms 119:165 KJV
Susie Suther, Madill, OK The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, (â€Isaiah‬ â€61‬:â€1‬ NIV)
Lisa Hanna, Garland, Texas. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and fine grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
“Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.”
Psalm 86:11 NASB
Michelle Strite, Goshen, Indiana “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 25:4-5 NIV
Nicole Carpenter, Delaware, Ohio. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Pam Rose, Mentor on the Lake, OH “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 ESV
Gloria Hunsberger, Brandon, Mississippi. “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.” Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
Amy S , Dublin Ohio
Joshua 1:9 niv
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Becky Johnson, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Jody Bowhay, Huntsville, AL
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,”
Ephesians 3:16 NIV
Ps. 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
NASB
Missy, Morton IL
“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I will wait all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
Lissa Bennett and Alex Bennett
Mauldin, SC
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my hearts delight. For I bear your name, O Lord God of heaven’s armies” Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
(my 8 year old son is going to join me in this, we are really excited to do this together!)
Laura McDowell, Imperial Missouri, “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
Mary Bettie, Medina, Tennessee , “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. NIV
Hi, this is Kim from North East, PA. My scripture is Romans 12:11 & 12. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)