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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kim Davison Long Beach, Ms Philippians 4:6 ESV
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Lauralee Courtney, Austin, TX
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Tiffany Boles – wheeling, West Virginia
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ”
Psalm 139:14
Malinda Robertson, Mineola, Tx, “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” Romans 8:37 Everyday Life Bible, amplified
Brooke Taylor, Mansfield Ohio “A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; a shameful wife saps his strength.” Probes 12:4 NLT
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. (â€Hebrews‬ â€11‬:â€1 MSG)
Kelly, Auburn, Al – 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
Stephanie Johnson, Pickerington, OH “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€3‬ NIV)
“Rejoice in The Lord always, I will say it again ; Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Jennifer, Mobile, AL
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (â€Matthew‬ â€6‬:â€33‬ NIV)
Rebekah Brinkman, Port Henry, NY – “Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in You. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 57:1 HCSB
Michele Hinchcliff, Brentwood,California. Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. Philippians 4:6 ICB
Tammy Adams, Murfreesboro, TN. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Katelyn Lee, Mitchell, IN. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” â€James‬ â€1‬:â€19-20,‬ NLT
Jennifer Roudebush – Holland, MI
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
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. Jer. 29:11. NIV
Yolie de LEON, San Antonio ,Tx
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers
Emily Plaggemeyer, MI. John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst”. NIV
Melynda Powell Mesa, AZ For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation. Romans 10:10 TLB
Krista, Mt. Juliet Tn “I urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love” Ephesians 4:1-2
Kristen, Binger, Ok. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. NIV
Liz Peterson, Port au Prince, Haiti
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 NIV
Annie Johnson, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillippians 4:13 NKJV
Linzi from Slidell, LA
‘See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers…’ Isaiah 43:19 New American Bible
Sarah Dyson, Anchorage, AK
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying,’ Abba! Father!'” Galatians 4:6 NASB
Marcia from Highlands Ranch, CO: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.” Psalm 25:4-5
Taylor Augustine, Daviston AL, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
(Psalm 116:2. NIV)
Robin from Colorado Springs, Colorado
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
Exodus 33:15 NIV
“Make me 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.” Psalm 25:4-5 NASB
“When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and Loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up.” Psalm 94:8 Amplified Bible
Mansfield, TX…Isaiah 49:15-16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,And not have compassion on the son of her womb?Surely they may forget,Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;Your walls are continually before Me. (NKJV)
Julie Brierley, Carlsbad, CA. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
Belen Gaeta, San Juan Capistrano, CA
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Be joyful always;
17 Pray continually;
18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Jesus loves me!
A personal relationship with Him continually – Wow!
A grateful heart knows Jesus is active – Romans 8:28! Joy!
Sabrina. Bowling Green, KY. “Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” Psalm 103:4 ESV (this is the theme verse for the church we are planting, Redeemer Church!)
Emily Gaskill, Monroe,IN. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,the new creation has come, the old has gone, the new is here” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Kristen, North Carolina.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18 NIV
Ashley Honea, San Angelo, TX — “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 43:19 NASB
jackie Whittier , California
Examine and see how good the Lord is. Happy is the person who trusts him. You who belong to the Lord,fear him! Those who fear him will have everything they need.
Psalm 34:8-9 NCV
Galatians 4:6 “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out Abba Father.”
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……. N.I.V.
Staci Schroeder, Cypress,Tx
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
Hebrews 10:22New International Version (NIV)
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Carin Sease Lexington,SC. ” The Lord will fight for you;you only have to stand still.” Exodus 14:14
NIV
Mary Beth Ferrara
Fenton, MO
“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.”
Phil. 4:8 ESV
PO BOX 263
18506 Hwy 51B
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 ESV
” Do not conform any longer 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 Gods will is- his good, pleasing, perfect will”. Romans 12:2 NIV
Jennifer Miller, Needmore, PA: For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV