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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ASV
It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade. Mark 4:31-32 NLT
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” Isaiah 40:29 TNIV
January 1, 2015
Granbury, Texas
Jeremiah 29:11
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.
NIV
Casey Woods, Beebe, Arkansas. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25, NIV
Dionne Crawford, Chicago, IL.
But now this is what the LORD says- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear NOT, for I have redeemed you; I have summond you by name; you are mine”
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
II Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away. Behold all things have become new. ESV
Marilyn Wichahrt. Pella, Iowa. “God is within her, she will not fail”. Psalm 46:10. nLT
Morgan Wicke – Mckinney, TX
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12
I am Gods daughter!
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV)
Traci Bennett, Amarillo, Texas. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Austin, Texas
Billie, Tonasket, WA. “The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130, NKJV
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” NKJ
Diana Rockwell, Ramona, Ca “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJV. Blessings.
April, Knoxville
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: nforgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward pcall of God in Christ Jesus.
Debi Brisker, Oak Hill, OH, “So every heathy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8. ESV
Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29 NIV
Kelly Wallen, Newark Ohio “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (â€John‬ â€15‬:â€11‬ NKJV)
Brenda Heiselt, Bullhead City, AZ “and God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work that he had done.” Genesis 2:3 NIV
Allyson Snowden, Alvarado, Tx
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NIV)
Donna Kelly. Knoxville, TN. Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Lori, Mount Vernon, MO Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Isaiah 43:18 NASB
Cheryl Gray, Spade, TX “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
Amanda Steed, Rockwood, TN. “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” â€II Timothy‬ â€3‬:â€15‬ NKJV
April Mitchell, Pasco, WA “Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” Psalm 17:7 NIV
Kristen Amensen, Liberty, MO
Finally, be strong the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 NIV
Jean Seibert, Hummelstown, PA “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
Lori Lookadoo, Mill Spring, NC. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 niv
Tracy Stipp from Tracy, CA
“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Tammy Burgoon Wilson, North Carolina – Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. (â€Proverbs‬ â€16‬:â€32‬ NLT)
Debbie Moon, Boone , NC. “Don’t be afraid I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
Isaiah 41:10 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.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Psalm 119:65Living Bible (TLB)
65 Lord, I am overflowing with your blessings, just as you promised.
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV
Becky, TN
(SO EXCITED about this for another year!)
Vicky McPhail, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. “Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16, NIV.
Amy Smelser, Banquo, IN. “The Lord is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1, NIV
Tracey Boynton, Kingsburg, California, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
Psalm 147: 3 “”He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” NIV
Tammy miller from gillette wy ,Psalm 33:1(esv)
Shout for joy in the LORD,o you righteous! Praise befits the upright.
Carly Fauntleroy from Covington,LA
Psalms 61:2 NKJV
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Rebecca Benston, Springfield, OH – Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”~Luke 21:36(NKJV)
Sydney W.. Kearney, NE, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NLT
Sara Sanders, Garden City, KS:
Doing Beth’s Breaking Free study so…
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. (â€Isaiah‬ â€61‬:â€1‬a NIV)
Rachelle Grant, Winston Salem, NC
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:1 NKJV
This is my first post; “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
Pam Marshall from Columbia, IL
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.