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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY INDEED!
Here we go :
Ganise, Ottawa, Canada
”And you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:23, NLT.
Happy New Year to all.
Melanie Neely, Derwood, MD
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old had gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Heather Evans, Bryan, TX. “[Blessed is the one] whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.” Psalms 1:2 NIV
Wendi Coats-Lubbock, TX
Psalm 61:2 AMP From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting; lead me to the rock that is higher than I yes, a rock that is too high for me.
Ruth Moore, Winston Salem, North Carolina
“Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 ESV
Sara Blakely, Lavonia, GA. “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
Sarah Cooey, Munroe Falls, Oh
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
-Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Rebecca Stanley, Conway, SC – Luke 7:47 NIV 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.
Jennifer, Milford, OH, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” Ephesians 5:15(ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ AMP)
Denise DuBois, Myersville, MD “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ” Romans 5:5 (ESV)
Cathy Butts, Ponce de Leon, Florida
“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 desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43: 18-19 NIV 1984
Leslie Johnson, Lenoir, NC. “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7, NIV
Psalm 51:10
KJV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Kathy B., Albany, Ga. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4. New American Standard Bible
Daphne, Goodlettsville, TN. “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Diane Balagna, Palatine, IL 1Timothy 3:16 TNIV
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
MarlaMae, Kimmell, IN ~ “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
Amen!
Isaiah 49:16
See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands your walls are ever before me. (NIV)
Tina Barlett, Angola, IN
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'”
John 11:40. NIV
Jennifer Butera, Nolensville, TN: I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104: 33-34 NIV
Laurel Montealegre, White Pigeon, Michigan, “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.” Deut.30:11 NASB.
Michele Flushing, Michigan “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent”
Exodus 14:14 ESV
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this verse!!
Great statement of truth!
Amanda, Marion, Indiana
“Lord You have brought light to my life; my God, You light up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” Ps. 8:28-29 NLT
Jennie Weekley, Greensboro, NC ” Now all has been heard; hear is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
Danielle Cook, Milledgeville, TN, Psalm 73:26 (KJV) My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Debbie from Lexington, SC ~
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)
“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.” ~
Ellen Martin, Brookhaven, Mississippi. To be like Him! “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 ESV
In light of the New Year…
Isaiah 43:18-19 (MSG) “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?”
Michelle C, Chesapeake, VA
When life if heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself.
Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full face. The “worst” is never the worst.
Lamentations 3:28 MSG
Jacki Roche, Jacksonville, Florida. “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 â€29‬:â€11‬ NIV
Donna O’Brien Roscoe, IL
1 Corinthians 6:19&20 NIV
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God! You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Kim from Fishers, IN “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Mimi, Augusta, GA.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV)
Misty Brandon, San Antonio TX,
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
Heather Hart, Seymour, TX. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV 1984)
#1 January 1, 2015
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJV
Valerie Baxter ~ Shawnee, OK
Jessica, Lakeland, FL. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
Erin, Laconia, NH. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Kathi Crowder from Yorktown, Virginia: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Dionne Martin from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV
Melissa Morrow, Pike Road, AL, ” I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Lisa Shultz from Round Rock, TX. –
 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults – Psalm 19:12 NIV
Janine from Pataskala, OH
Philippians 3:10 (AMP)
For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in the same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection, and that I may so share in His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death.
misty, oklahoma “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”–but not every thing is constructive. I Corinthians 10:23 NIV
Jill, Helena AL
“Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:2 CEV
Katie Reno in Conway, Arkansas
Psalm 27:4 NIV
One thing I ask from The Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of The Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of The Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Patti Simmons, Buchanan MI
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€1‬ ESV)
Meagan st. Augustine, FL.
Exodus 14:14Expanded Bible (EXB)
14 You only need to remain ·calm [or still]; the Lord will fight for you.