Greetings, sweet Siestas. It is with the largest lump in my throat imaginable that I introduce myself and share my heart with you, a most tender and humble heart as I type these words. I’m Melanie Toups, and my husband, Jerry, and I live in Bridge City, Texas. Our son and daughter-in-law, Jerrad and Cody Toups, live in Houston and are the parents of our darling grandbaby, Cally. Our daughter and her husband, Jacqueline and Josh Elliff, live in Arlington. Besides my salvation, my sweet Father has loved me most well in the lives of my children. Most well. Jerry and I worship at First Baptist Orange; I serve as principal of Kountze Elementary School and also teach at Lamar University’s junior college, LIT, in the evenings. Facilitating ladies’ Bible studies, primarily Beth’s studies, for the past 10 years is one of my greatest joys.
In 2009, I began memorizing Scripture through this very blog and have continued for six years. I’ll never be able to fully express the profound, life-changing impact this has over me every single day. I love His Word like no other love in my life. Last fall I began asking Him with much anticipation, “Father, what do You have for us in year seven?!”
Our Connection Group recently began “Time of Your Life” by Andy Stanley, and during the first session, I whispered to a friend that Psalm 90:12 would be my first memory verse in 2015:
So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
This verse challenges me greatly in how I redeem the time He gives me. Andy discusses the cumulative value of investing small amounts of time in things of worth over a long period of time. (My first thought was the immeasurable worth of Scripture memorization.) I’d been asking for His guidance in laying aside a current commitment to better serve Him, and this verse took my breath away. When I dug deeper into ‘wisdom’ (Hebrew ‘chokmah’) in my Bible’s lexical aids, I found it specifically refers to ‘prudence’ in this passage. Prudence – wise in handling matters; skill and good judgment in the use of resources. Yes. Psalm 90:12 is for me.
This verse also speaks to me in seasons of wait. While we believe Him to be faithful as we await answered prayers for loved ones, relationships, jobs, etc., let’s serve Him and intentionally seek daily glimpses of His glory in the wait. A favorite set of commentaries by Charles Spurgeon, “Treasury of David”, contains this statement regarding my verse, ‘When the heart seeketh, it findeth, as though it were brought unto her, like Abraham’s ram.’ Ahh. Breathtaking. This is for me.
I’m in such need of His loving-kindness. Each morning, my knees hit the bedroom carpet for my Manna time (‘quiet time’ – necessary, daily nourishment from Him) and then again knees on the floor behind my office desk, desperate to live under His authority to have His anointing over whatever the day holds. (Warning: you may look like a bobble-head doll popping up if someone opens your office door without knocking. Smile!) But what carries me throughout each day is His Word, verses memorized to fill my thoughts and speak aloud while walking the halls of my campus or the hallway of my home. And on stressful days when my thoughts seem to continually cycle ‘grumble/confess/repeat’, I beg Him to please ‘work in me to will and to ACT according to His good purpose’ (from Philippians 2:13, emphasis mine).
So, let’s do this! Your heart will soar at His faithfulness! He will use you to encourage coworkers and family with verses penned to notepads and text messages. Learn verses with friends (in 2014 I invited Facebook friends to join a group and was overwhelmed at the response); recite them during your morning commute. My work commute is 90 miles roundtrip, and my spiral is my copilot. Recently I spoke at a local ladies’ retreat and discussed Scripture memorization. Today I saw the pastor of one of the participating churches, and he was excited to share the difference Scripture memory is already making in his congregation. Applause for Him alone! He. is. most. worthy.
Thank you, precious Beth, for your incredible generosity in allowing me to honor Him through your ministry. I love Him more because of your obedience to His calling. I love you.
So excited to read YOUR verses, my friends!
P.S. In case you missed it, we have a new SSMT app!! Check it out here: SSMT App Launch
Deonne Collins-Hallsville Texas- One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV
Andrea, Havelock, NC. Galatians 6:9- So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. NET
Robbie C., Bay Minette, AL
“I am the good Shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NASB
Lisa, Forsyth,IL “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” 2 Cor 1:20 NLT
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9. NKJV
Diane Briley – Conway, SC
“The Lord will fight for you and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 6! March 15, 2015
Cathy R. Bishop, Pace, FL
“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:8-9 NIV JESUS!
Kim, Nashville, TN:
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Jeremiah 31:3b (ESV)
Abby, Bowling Green, OH
“from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
Ephesians 3:15-16 NIV
Carla Fix, Greenbrier, Arkansas If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
Tiffany Wooldridge, Bolivar, MO
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 NKJV
Stacy Mc….Southaven, MS
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 ESV
Dana, Rogers AR – “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” psalm 90:12
Brianna Powers, Overland Park KS, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6, NIV).
” I have told you these things, so that in me you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. NIV.
Nancy Yarbrough, McKinney, Texas
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
cara from Houston Texas
Isaiah 58:8 NCV
Then your light will shine like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your God will walk before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
Ariel, Dallas TX, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
-Romans 8:3-4 ASV
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:35
Jackie C…Southaven, MS
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
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Fort Wayne, IN
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Candice Kindrick
Rogers,AR
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Susan, Overland Park, KS
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1Cor. 13:6 NIV
Lenora Grsyson, Nixa, Missouri
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Tammy, McKinney, Texas
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 ESV
Ronda from Marion, IN
O Israel, pur your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
Ps 130:7
Brenda, Midlothian, VA “Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face.” Psalm 89:15 ESV
Devi, Singapore
“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no ROCK like our God” 1 Samuel 2:2, NIV
Emily G., Houston, TX
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 ESV
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Psalm 42:1
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
Heather, Cullman, AL
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. (Isaiah 61:1 NLT)
“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.” 1 John 2:24 (ESV)
Diane
Cypress, TX
Psalm 18:32 NIV
“it is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure”
Carla, Pierre, SD
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV
Kelly H.- Burns, TN – Numbers 6:24 NIV
The LORD bless you and keep you
Kira Chaloupka
Auburn, Alabama
James 1:2-4 NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Dana Camp- Newnan, GA
The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. (Psalm 69:33 NIV)
Jennifer Chatman
Jonesborough, TN
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
Johannah, Alexandria, LA
“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. ” Psalms 119:165 NLT
Savannah Beard
Cullman, Alabama
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
E… Westlake, OH
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26, NIV
Sally H. – Ocala, FL. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
-Psalm 130:5 (NIV)
Ashley Lewis, Marshalltown, Iowa
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:2 NIV
Irene, White Pigeon MI
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2 ESV
Jolene Jenkins, Suwanee, GA
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords; His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
Kim S., Ridgeland, MS —
“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 14:27 (ESV)
Kelly, Cut-n-Shoot, Tx
From whom every family in heaven and on earth derives it’s name. Eph.3:15 NIV