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
Charlotte Skadal, Houston
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6 (NASB)
Jacqui Maudslay, Chester, UK
‘From whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name’
Ephesians 3:15, TNIV
Susan Clements, Seale, AL
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8 (NLT)
Carol Kirby, Amarillo,TX
Galatians 5:22 NIV.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Patty Lincoln, Columbia SC: “Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.” Col. 3:13 MSG
(I am going for the run of verses 12 – 15.)
Marsha, Angleton TX “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV84)
Vicki Freels, Rutherfordton, NC
“Your statements are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.” Psalm 119:144 NIV
Meredith, Virginia Beach, VA
Philippians 3:13-14 New International Version (NIV)
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Barbara from WI
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
far to lofty for me to reach.
psalm139:6. NAB)
Sue Big Rapids, MI
Ps.72:18 NASB Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders.
Terri Lundskow, Hughesville, Maryland – I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ESV
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Soni from Gulfpirt,MS. 1John 3:18 NIV (3/15/15)
Dear children, let us not love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Kristin Funston, Memphis, TN
“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)
For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Sherri Hartman. Maumee, Ohio
Proverbs 6:3 NASB
Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.
Sue Hills, Elkhart, IN. Psalms 43:3
Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
ESV
Amy Andrews, Edmond, OK.
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may
Remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11. NKJV
Marita, Maricopa,AZ
Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 (NASB)
Roxanne from Sheridan, Arkansas
Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7. NIV
Sherri Medford, Abilene, Tx — Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. NIV
Pam Webber Mesa,AZ
Elmwood, Tennessee
“My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health–as I know you are well in spirit.” 3 John 2 (GNT)
Finally, be strong in The Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph 6:10-11, NIV
In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:1, 2 ESV
Abbey Le Roy, Bluefield, West Virginia. “Thus says your Lord, the Lord, your God who pleads the cause of his people: ‘Behold, I have taken from your hand the cup of staggering; the bowl of my wrath you shall drink no more.’” Isaiah 51:22 (ESV)
Allison Brown, Hickory, NC
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
Sylvie Nicol, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada ♡
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Kelli Hall ~ Sherwood, Oregon
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Kim from Euless, Tx
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (Psalm 1:5 NIV)
Kelly, Spanish Fort, AL
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds, in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7, NIV
Tilley Hawkins, Franklin, TN
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 8:1 NIV
A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes it’s hard appearance.
From Winnipeg Manitoba Canada!
Jeanette Dahm Lake Oswego, OR. 1Thess 5:11. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Nina, Waukesha, WI
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45 ESV
Sarah Moon, St. Louis, MO
“I will remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.”
Psalm 77:11-12 NKJV
Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
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.
I say to myself “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him”
Lynette, Nashville, TN
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 ESV)
Nikki L, Littleton, CO
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:8-9 ESV
“For You delivered me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life.” Psalm 56:13 HCSB
Jan Cleburne, TX “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 (NKJV)
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
I lie awake thinking of You,
meditating on You through the night.
I think how much You have helped me;
I sing for joy in the shadow of Your protecting wings.
I follow close behind You;
Your strong right hand holds me securely.
Psalm 63:6-8 NLT
Ps 1:3 NLV
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither and in all they do, they prosper.
Sulphur, Louisiana
Eph. 3: 14-17 NCV. So I bow in prayer before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth grits it’s name. I ask the Father in His great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through His Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love.
Kim Hower, Gaithersburg MD
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 ESV)
Holly Barrett, Crossnore NC
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of God. May the Lord grant all your requests.”
Psalm 20:4-5 NIV
Rhonda H Wade
Buchanan GA
James 1:19-20 NKJV
19 So then, my beloved Brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Wendy Tunison Caldwell, Idaho
Ephesians 3:15 ESV
15. from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Jean Abilene, TX
Psalms 84:2 NIV
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.