Congratulations!! You did it!!
As we wrap a bow on our SSMT year and prepare for the upcoming Celebration, we want to send along our encouragement to you to continue in this great work. Some of you have already told us you are continuing to memorize on your own, or have even formed your own local teams. We couldn’t be happier to hear it!
Beth and LPM will plan to see you right back here next Jan 2017 to link arms together to hide God’s Word in our hearts. He is worthy!
Holly Tabor, Nixa, Missouri
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30 NIV
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…
Deut 7:9 ESV
Sarah, Lincoln, NE – “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?” (James 2:25 NIV)
Kristi from Anchorage, Alaska
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
NIV
Davina Denny Novato, CA Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5 NIV
Thank you for this journey! It was a year of hardship and struggle and it was difficult to stay on track! But I am so thankful that SSMT kept me in the word and focused on Gods abundant blessings. Looking forward to the harvest that God will produce from his word planted in my heart. Much love to all my sistas!!
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, And he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
2 Corinthians 1:10
Woodburn, IN
Ii Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
kathy white Modesto, Calif
“God of hope fill me with all joy, and peace as I trust in You,
so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Thanks so much for the opportunity, prayers and the cheering us all on
To God be the glory….His Word is tucked away and will not come back void
“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” I John 3:23
Memory verse #2 caused me to die to self and grow deeply in Him. Thank you!
Cheri Bunch, Louisville, KY
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.” Romans 12:16 ESV
Dear Beth and Siesta team,
I asked a friend of mine to do this with me. We are very close in heart, but we live states apart. It has been a sweet time of fellowship with her, and I do not know if I would have made it to the end of the challenge without her.
I was amazed at how the Lord provided opportunities for me to walk out the verses I was memorizing. I had opportunities to forgive, to show honor, to show hospitality, etc. I will feel led to do a certain thing and then I would realize that I was challenged to do what the verse for that week was saying to do. It was like a practicum. If I remember right, this happened with every verse I worked on. I love that the Lord would demonstrate His Word to me. He is such a good teacher! I learned so much! Thank you for creating this challenge. It has impacted my life forever and eternally!
Blessings,
Cheri
New Branfels, TX NASB
It is good that you grasp one thing and also that you do not let go of the other, for the one that fears the Lord will come forth with both of them.
God’s Word has definitely been implanted in me this year. I have found His Words coming forth to encourage myself and others so much. I love the scripture you shared, Beth. It is one of my favorite passages. And yes I have seen the Word of God sprout and bear much fruit. This has been a challenging year as the Lord called me to work from home and this has required my faith to be enlarged to extra large in order to fit my circumstances, but God has been faithful and many of my memory passages are what got me on faith’s treadmill to expand my thinking. Love you and appreciate the challenge and I WILL BE AT HOUSTON. Some of the verses I have learned have ended up in my latest book, WONDER AT THE WINDOW. (Now that’s fruit.) GOd Bless!
Cindy S. Walker, Clear Lake area of Houston, TX
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17
(NIV 1984)
Nicole Eckblad
Auburn, WA
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
I have truly experienced a transformation. He has started a work in me which I can hardly fathom. Each verse I chose, most at random, found a significant place in my life; the precise time I needed it. I never ceased to be amazed when I experienced a specific verse personally. Even more astounding were the times I found myself sharing both HIM and HIS word. I don’t have all of them memorized completely but I will not stop until I have tucked each into my heart. I am so excited to see what He will lead me to each day. To study scripture is wonderful but the consistent memorization has strengthened my anchor chain. HIS word is strength providing, hope enduring, love everlasting, living and breathing, all consuming and totally fascinating. I want to thank each of you for the challenge and most especially for sharing your stories. I am so proud to be your sister in Christ.
Nathalie Van Hoorebeke, Birmingham, UK
verse 24: Psalm 18:19 NLT
‘He lead me to a place of safety; he rescued me because He delights in me.’
I’m so grateful for joining the journey with you. Every verse chosen has had a specific reason. I have tried many times before to memorize Scripture but I always gave up. This year I didn’t.
A year ago we moved to England to pastor a beautiful church and memorizing specific verses has truly helped me and therefore others as well.
All I can say that God is good, faithful and I want more of His Word and deeper roots in Jesus.
Bless you all.
Nathalie
Heather, Louisville,KY
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV84)
Anne Boone, Chesterfield, MIAnd the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:10 ESV
This year of memorizing scripture has been challenging & rewarding. A small group of us ( 5 ladies ) have encouraged one another and hAve grown in our walk with the Lord.
Sallie Russ, Greenwood, SC
“He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”
Rev 19:13 NASB
My daughter and I have done this together. We have had a blast, especially on those long car rides. We have taught each other and talked to and over each other and laughed at our tongue tiedness all the way through this. But the gift of it all is that we have spent time together and this will be for eternity – our treasure! Thank you for the opportunity. And my sweet husband and her sweet daddy is sending us to Houston in January!!!
Kim D. from Bristol, TN
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Pam Hendersonville, NC
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 KJV
Jill, Clearwater ,FL
Scripture memory has helped get me thru a divorce in July. I am memorizing the book of James and I’ve gotten to James 3:12. Without doing Ssmt over the years I probably wouldn’t have had the courage for it. I am going to miss the celebration terribly . Hopefully I can attend next time. I love you all and consider you my friends even tho most of us have never met.
My brothers ,can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:12 NIV
Laurie – Atlanta, GA
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
Colossian 2:18, ESV
Pamma from Abingdon, VA
Colossians 4:6 HCSB
Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
This has been an awesome experience and I want to continue. Many of these Scriptures have seen me through rough times this year: melanoma (gone, praise Yahweh!!), caring for my 3 grandchildren while their parents were in China on a mission trip, broken family relationships, and so on. It has kept my eyes on God and given me hope and courage. I am encouraging all my Bible study buddies to join us next year. Thank you, Beth and Siesta Sisters!
Pam Hendersonville, NC
I actually posted my verse before I viewed the video by Beth, so I wanted to add a comment. First of all, I was watching this at 5:00 in the morning, and Beth, you had me cracking up with your cute hat, the confetti being thrown, and giving us a hand. What a wonderful way to start the day! I have to say I am a little sad that our year of SSMT has come to a close. God has worked mightily this year through the Scriptures that He has laid on my heart. There were even a couple of times I shared what I had chosen with a dear friend in Texas who has had a very real struggle this year, and each time it was the perfect Word she needed to hear. Isn’t God so faithful?! Thank you for all that you do in your obedience to the Lord. It is bringing countless numbers of ladies closer to God.
Kelly from Spanish Fort, Alabama
“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against a foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” Psalm 61: 3-4 (NIV)
Mary-Katherine, New Albany, Ohio
“At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.” Zephaniah 3:20, NIV
Beth, Andover, MN: “Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2. NIV
Elaine ~ Powder Springs, GA ~ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
Carolyn Dover, Ohio
“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 KJV
Cher Goeder Toledo, OH
John 11:28 NIV
…”The Teacher is here and He is asking for you.”
Thank you, Beth, for encouraging this exercise of Scripture memory. My uncle died the same time you lost Keith’s dad and I experienced first hand how precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. My uncle was more of a father-figure to me and our children so it was a great loss. And God’s word truly does not return empty. I look forward to visiting in January with my friend Lori who originally encouraged me to begin visiting your blog and committing to be a part of this group. We are going to go indoor sky diving while we are in Houston! Can’t wait to join all the siestas in January. Merry Christmas!
I added my comment before watching video! Argh! This is my testimony: During this last year of my life, during which I have watched my eldest child (21 y.o.) suffer from a 4+ month migraine, memorizing Scripture has girded my loins like the widow of Zeraphath and memorialized our journey to the ultimate Prophet. There is no donkey in this picture but we are running as fast as we can. Queen Esther also made an appearance during a hospital visit and so I am confident that, either here or in Heaven, my daughter’s fortunes (and therefore mine) will be restored. We anxiously await His return.
Angie Shockney Lafayette IN
2 Peter 1:4 NIV. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Cathy- Birmingham
Praise the Lord- He is my portion- In Him, all His promises are yes!
Revelation 1:8 KJV
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, smith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty !
Tanya, Raleigh, NC
“Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” Isaiah 43:19 (CEB)
Sherry Stewart, Winston-Salem, NC
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
NIV
Christy Billingsley, Hattiesburg, MS
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:17-18 NIV
Ingrid from Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV
Hard to believe this is the last verse for this year, I chose one that brings praise, can totally feel how powerful it is! Thanks Beth, for the encouragement over yhe year, this has been awesome, and it was great to see you in Toronto!
Samantha from Texarkana, AR…
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
This has been a blessing filled year after 5 years of struggles and huge disappointments for me and my family. The word of God has reminded me of Gods truth, love, and instruction which has helped me heal so I could respond to God’s blessings with faithfulness, gratitude, wisdom, forgiveness, and love. Praise God for His love and faithfulness!!!
Theresa Dau, Chesterfield, MO
May the God of hope fill youth 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
Jamie McClary, Columbus OH
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Psalm 1:2 NLT
Vickie Gainous, Cairo, GA
His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 NRSV
Julie Lohr, Gahanna, OH
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. NKJV
Christy Billingsley, Hattiesburg, MS
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people. And pray….
Ephesians 6:17-19 NIV
WHAT A BLESSING THIS HAS BEEN IN MY LIFE!!! Never before have a spent as much time memorizing scripture and hiding God’s word in my heart. Thank you, Siestas!!! It has been a honor and a blessing to have you doing this with me. Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!!!
Tempa Babington, Palm Bay, Fl
“Because she loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14 NIV
Joan, New Windsor, Maryland
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 NIV
Sheilah, Melbourne, FL
Proverbs 4:8-9 ESV
Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.”…
This has been the most wonderful thing I have done! I memorized a lot of verses, but most importantly – I have memorized all of psalm 139. I’m truly humbled and grateful to the Lord as I recite this psalm every day. Thank you so much for doing this. I was so encouraged and as I said before, just so humbled to be able to memorize God’s amazing Word!!
Debbie B., Marietta GA
Lamentations 3:22-24
“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.”
Midlothian Tx
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2:14 NIV
Kaye from Hamburg,AR
“For we live by faith, not by sight. ” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Julia Posel, Munich, Germany. „Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. […] Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.“ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 12-13 NLT)
Thank you for the SSMT 2015!!! It was the first I’ve participated in and it has been a total blessing and a good challenge! I loved it!! I’ll be sure to participate anew in upcoming SSMTs. I’m grateful for how the SSMT has helped me to stay in the Word regularly, which gave me inner strength along the way, and I loved the way it enabled me to pick Scriptures that would fit the personal place I’d be in at those moments in time. I’ve come into a season of stumbling in my being-in-the-Word-daily routine and the SSMT challenge has enabled me to always find my way back to the Scriptures in that season as I pushed through to get back on track in this area… I’m grateful to be back on the way and will continue to stay in my SSMT Scriptures – my prayer being that they will deeply take root in my heart and change me for the better by His gracious, mighty work within me. I’m grateful that you all have reminded us that it is not about ‘cramming in’ the Word but about building on our personal relationship with God, being in communion with Him intimately through our time in His Word! I’m far from finished with spending time in my SSMT and am looking forward to grow further through it. 🙂
I won’t be able to make it to the SSMT celebration gathering in January but am super excited for all the sisters in Christ to have a most wonderful time together in His Presence! Thank you for all you’ve made possible for us through SSMT!! God bless you all at LPM!!