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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan C. from Altamonte Springs, Florida
In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare a prayer for You and watch and wait for You to speak to my heart. Psalm 5:3 Amplified
“There is none like You, O Lord, You are great, and great is Your name in might.” (Jeremiah 10:6 NASB)
“…that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians2:10,11 NASB)
Britt Felix from Tucson, AZ
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Julie Stewart, Little Rock, Arkansas. “The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” Lamentations 3:22, ESV.
Isabella Fenton, Wichita, KS. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11 ESV
Lacey Steih, Nashville, TN, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16 (NIV)
Allison Howell
Wilmington, NC
“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 (NKJV)
Beth Kilgore, Moorpark, CA
“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.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Sheila Richards, Trussville, Alabama, “But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven’t been writing this to tell you something you don’t know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn’t breed lies.” 1 John 2:20-21 (MSG)
Jaclyn, Fircrest WA
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NLT)
Marva Morris from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” NIV
Kelly Greenwood, Bargersville, IN. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Kathy from Claremore, Ok.
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Sara B., Lubbock, TX
“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. For the Lord comforts Zion; He comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.”
Isaiah 51:1-3
Kelei.Iowa Park,Tx.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians4:13
Miriam, Nottingham UK,
And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:14 (The Message)
Janie from Flowery Branch, Ga: Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do Not fear; I will help you.”
Janae Krum,Riverside, PA, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 NIV
Debbie Teague, Salisbury, NC. “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Susan Atlanta, GA
Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 The Message
Martha Leone
Plano,TX
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding.
Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.
I’m saving this one for later!
Makenna Watt from Riverview, Michigan- “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Laura R.
Muncie,IN
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”
Proverbs 15:17 ESV
Gale Fox, Houston TX
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Renee Kappauff, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Linda Johnson, High Point, N.C. Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, For the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. NIV
Jeremiah 29:11 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 hope and a future.
Laura Dvorkin Los Angeles, California
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and
seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsom and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things–fix your minds on them. Philippians 4:8 AMP
Shari Finkler, Hope Mills, NC
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV
London, ON
Psalm 119:169-176 Message
Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.
Whitney Fearing- Mesa, AZ “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past.’Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.'” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Liz Lynn, Knoxville, TN
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Shelly Ragland from Fort Worth, Texas
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. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Kristy Wendler, Port Arthur, TX, John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Joyce Kortze, Rockford, Illinois
“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 wait all the day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
Julia Posel, Munich, Germany. “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT
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.
Martha Leone
Plano,TX
Proverbs 3:5 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding.
Lauren Robertson, Foxworth, MS. “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)
Tara Duhon-Grand Lake, LA.-
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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€43‬:â€19‬ NKJV)
Patty Royal, Orlando, Florida. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. NASB.
Amy Reinicke, Oceanside, CA. “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Isaiah 7:9b (NIV)
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. NASB
Stephanie Broaddus Texas The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Exodus 14:14 (KJV)
Janice in Abbeville, AL
“Sow for yourself righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12 NKJV
Shari from Rancho Viejo, TX.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
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
Amy L, New Iberia, LA