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 Paine, Hillsboro,KS “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.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
Tiffany Dewett, Orlando, FL “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”Joshua 1:8 ESV
Judy Schultz, New Orleans, LA
Exodus 15:11 (NIV)
Who among the gods is like you, Lord?
Who is like you Majestic in holiness, Awesome in glory, Working wonders?
Heather – Camden,SC
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Cherie Dekle, Savannah,GA–“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Gal 2:20 NASB
Karen, Powell, Ohio
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,”this is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Felicia Waren, Keatchie, LA,
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Arkansas City, KS
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (â€Philippians‬ â€1‬:â€20‬ NASB)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NKJV
Hannah, Niantic, CT. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, ESV
Stephanie Stringer,Foxworth, MS “You crown the year with your bounty and your carts overflow with abundance.” Psalms 65:11 NIV
Nancy Dal Pian, Port Charlotte, FL
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 springs in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Such things were written in the Scriptures lomg ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises. Romans 15:4 (NLT)
The more I learn about God’s Word, the more I will see it alive and active in myself and my family!
Kayla Bollman, Fargo, ND
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you with my victorious right hand. ”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Terri Lundskow, Hughesville, Maryland – Psalm 141:3 ESV – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Mary Dixon, Clawson, MI. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV
Michele Broeg Lawrenceville, GA
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (NIV)
Renee Kohagen, Kodak TN, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
Vicki in Howell, MI fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (â€Isaiah‬ â€41‬:â€10‬ ESV)
Savanna Green, St. Charles, MO.
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 5:5, NLT
Jessica, Atlanta, Ga.
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (â€Luke‬ â€6‬:â€28 NIV)
Lisa, Valdosta, Ga.
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (â€Ephesians‬ â€1‬:â€13-14‬ NIV)
Donna from Edmond, OK “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rms. 15:5,6 NASB Love the voice of the Siestas glorifying God by planting his Word in our hearts!
Cindy, Montgomery, AL “Then I heard The Lord say, “Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?” I answered, “I will go! Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GNB
Tammy Corcoran, Bellevue, NE. “With my whole heart I will seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11 ESV.
MB, Cypress, TX: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19 NIV
Deb Brown, Becker, MN I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.Romans 12:1 (AMP)
Charity from Littleton, New Hampshire, introduced by my sister Codie.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
Kelly McDaniel, Katy, TX – “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you by my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Mary Stiver, Indiana, “your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: who being in very nature God, didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant, humbled himself, & was obedient untill death;-death on a cross. – Phil.2:5-8
Beth Nation; Monett, MO Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Jesus Christ to live. I Thess 5:16-18 MSG
Jenn DeVille, Knox City, Texas
“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
Elisabeth Reese, Macungie PA,
Hebrews 13:5 ESV –Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Candace, Wahpeton, ND
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
Matthew 28:19 NIV
Kristy Sanders, Madison, Ms “Let me hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Teach me the way in which I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NASB
Allison Morrison, Belton, SC
Galatians 5:13 NIV
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Jen Irish- Westland, MI- for answers and healing for mysterious health problems:
“As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7 NLT
Heidi, Arligton, TX
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov 15:1 (TNIV)
Wendy Bond. Oklahoma City OK
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10 NIV
Charlene, Hurley, MS – “I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8 NLT He is . . . from the beginning and still to come. Hope.Breath.Life.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:26, 27 ESV
Erin Hudgins, Maiden, NC
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares The Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Tori Cruce Hollar, Tallahassee , Fl. “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.” Isaiah 43:18 (AMP).
Lisa Jones, Andalusia, Alabama
Psalm 84:5 NIV
“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
Madelaine Priest, Conway, AR
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
-Psalm 30:2 ESV
Cheri Bunch, Louisville, Kentucky, “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 message of Christ dwell among you richly. Colossians 3:16a NIV
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Ps. 37:4. NIV
Cindy in Michigan,
Philippians 4:8. AMP.
“For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome 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).