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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace Psalms 37:37
Mary James, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
2 Cor 5:17 NIV
Isaiah 43:19~ ESV
Behold I am doing a new thing; now it will spring forth, do you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Alison Lindsey, San Jose, CA ‘Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Christy Venable, Tullahoma, TN. “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him.'” Lamentations 3:24(NLT)
Terri Franz, Wichita, Ks
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Andi from Rockwall, TX
“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” Psalm‬ â€71‬:â€14‬ NIV
Rosemari Kroll, Edgerton, MN. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Charlotte Chung, Hamilton City, Bermuda, ” Love It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor 13:5 NIV
Beth from Prague, OK
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Anita Rawls, Nashville, TN. “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Michelle Robinson. Clarkston, Michigan.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 ESV.
Brooke Koehl, Montgomery, TX “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 ESV
Keri Pickle.. Amory, MS “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” Ephesians 5:22-24 ESV
God can do anything, you know–far more than you could ever imagine or guess or
request in your wildest dreams.
Ephesians 3:20 MSG
Hi Friends,
My January 1st verse is Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)- Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…
Amanda McFadden–Catlett, VA
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 1:33 NIV
“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
Dawn W., Round Rock, TX: “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
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And by thankful”. Colossians 3:15
Andrea Orr, Coweta,OK “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Sarah Whitt, Fort Worth, TX
“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” Isaiah‬ â€26‬:â€9‬ NIV
Michelle Barshinger, Red Lion, PA, “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MSG)
Angie, Bentonville, AR
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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. (â€Romans‬ â€12‬:â€1-2‬ NIV)
Lisa Tucker, Fort Worth, TX, ‘Aram had gone on raids and brought back from the land of Israel a young girl who served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his skin disease.”
2 Kings 5:2-3 HCSB
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. (â€Ephesians‬ â€2‬:â€8-9‬ HCSB) Gainesville, FL
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:19-20
Kathy Lessig, Golden, CO “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.”
Isaiah 43:11 NIV
Angela White,Moreland,GA, “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength;they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired,they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 NASB
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV Torrance, CA
ariette van der Feen, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (europe)”een tevreden geest geeft een goede gezondheid, jaloezie knaagt aan je botten” spreuken 14:30, NBV
200 Oak CWF, KS
For everyone who ask, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10
Above all, love each other deeply, Because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (niv)
Sam Hyle, Katy, TX: Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” HEBREWS 13:5
Carolyn Lish, Brownsburg, Indiana
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Sally Helgeson, Ocala, FL
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Amy Storms
Joplin, MO
Then the Lord God formed a man from the DUST of the ground and BREATHED into his nostrils the BREATH OF LIFE, and the man became a LIVING being. Genesis 2:7
Diannen Garcia, Belton, MO Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Sandy, Young Harris, Georgia, Proverbs 19:21
“You can make many plans, but the Lords purpose will prevail”, NTL
Romans 8:2 nkjv “For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Celeste Bargeron
Dalton, GA
Titus 2:3 & 4 – Likewise, teach older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanders or addicted to much wine, but teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
Jenny, Phoenix, Arizona.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Rosalye
Vicksburg, MS
You guide me with Your counsel and afterward You will take me to glory.
Psalm 73:24
NIV
If you make the most high your dwelling place
Even the Lord who is my refuge,
Then no harm will befall you,o disaster will come near your tent.
.He will command his angels concerning You
To guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91 ESV
Kathy Ziegler, Rifle, Colorado: My goal this year is to memorize Romans 8 ESV
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Julie Ausbrook, Plano, Texas “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Kristi, Walla Walla, WA
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Col. 3:13-14 NLT
Colossians 3:12-14
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all the virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Susan Green Sydney Australia .”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 43:19 BNIV
Sandy Hammock
Durant, OK
Grace and peace to you from God, our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2 NIV