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!
Sharon Crow, Winchester, VA,
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12 (ESV)
Juli Garrido, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” 1 John 1.1
I chose this as my last verse because it has been my experience throughout this year, my mom and dad got divorce in August and all of the SSMT verses really saved and changed my life. So I am now proclaiming what I have seen and touched about the power of Jesus!
Rebecca from Birmingham, Alabama
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.””
Isaiah 55:10-13 NIV
So much to thank God for during this difficult season of life. More than anything, His Word is sustaining me. So thankful The Word is fulfilling a purpose for God’s glory and my good!
He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 16:20 NASB
Janet S.
Bemus Point, NY
Malachi 4:6a (NASB)
He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers…
And in French:
Malachie 3:24a
Il ramenera le coeur des peres vers leur enfants et le coeur des enfants vers leur peres…
Allison in Fort Worth, TX
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
Show your strength in behalf of your servant.
Psalm 86:16a (NIV)
This journey has been such a great reminder that, even when I don’t feel like I am hearing from God directly, He can speak to me through His Word. I have come across several friends who have been struggling with the same thing and was able to share some of my verses with them!
Theresa, Glendale, AZ “For God has not given us a spirit of fear & timidity but of power, love and self-discipline” 2 Tim 1:7 NLT
Jill Greer, Medina, TN
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10 NIV
This verse speaks to me on a daily basis – I’ve always had a hard time being ‘still’ – but is especially meaningful during this ‘most wonderful time of the year’!
Rosemary Zook Beaverton Oregon
Isaiah 45:2a KJV
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.
God gave me this verse 41 years ago before a cross country move, he did just what he said!! This memory project has been life changing, meditating on each verse has brought me so close to God. Thank you so much!!
Shannon
Houston, TX
…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
Galatians 4:4-5 NIV
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
WHAT A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE THAT WE ARE ADOPTED FROM UNDER THE LAW AND NOW UNDER GRACE.
Jen Ferguson, Cedar Park, TX
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5, NLT
So grateful for this opportunity to learn scripture in community!! It has been a blessing to be able to speak out God’s Word from my heart as well as from my bible!
Kim, Laguna Niguel, CA
But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me. Psalm 26:11 ESV
But the angel of the Lord said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:19-20 NIV
Cindy Barger
Houston, Texas
Psalm 139:24 NIV
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
North Richland Hills, Texas
“O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!”
Jeremiah 17:14 NLT
Laura, Minneapolis, MN.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(Matthew 5:5 ESV)
Ellen, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
De HEER, je God, zal in je midden zijn, Hij is de held die je bevrijdt. Hij zal vol blijdschap zijn, verheugd over jou, in Zijn liefde zal Hij zwijgen, in Zijn vreugde zal Hij over je jubelen.
Sefanja 3:17, NBV
It’s been a huge encouragement to me to memorize verses and to share with so many women around the world. Almost every time I choose a verse I didn’t know why that specific verse spoke to me, but every time during the days of memorizing it somewhere got me. Many times I got encouraged by the words, I needed to hear it at that moment or I could encourage someone else, or I learned something about God I needed to learn in that moment to continue learning to trust the Lord. I praise the Lord for what He has given to me in His Word. I’m overwhelmed by the impact of memorizing, it meant the world to me.
Sheila Johnson, Beckley, WV 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 NIV
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville, TN
Memorizing Scripture over the last year has kept my SANITY. Im so thankful!
1 John 1:4 ESV
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
Catherine Cranna – Waterdown, Ontario
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2: 10,11 (KJV)
Laura Grassi, Denver
Jude 24-25 (ESV) Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Truly in tears of joy that I have succeeded in this SSMT challenge. So grateful for God’s living and active Word in me.
Susan, Andover, KS:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
God gave His only Son… and named Him:
Jesus = God saves
Christ = chosen one
Emmanuel = God with us
Wonderful Counselor = one who gives inspiring (awesome) advice
Mighty God = personal warrior
Everlasting Father = forever protector and provider of good
Prince of Peace = messianic title for one who brings completeness
May He be all these things and more to all my siestas this Christmas!!! What an awesome God we serve!
Jules Lane
Foothills of the Rocky Mtns, Colorado
Can’t believe this is the last one of the year…
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” ~Luke 2:11 KJV
Well, I posted my verse before I watched the video. Love the hat, Beth, that is sooooo something I would do lol.
Anyway, early on, I felt like the Lord wanted me to focus on who He is (and His “benefits”) during this memory work challenge, so for the bulk of it I was memorizing Psalm 103.
It was a delightful surprise every time He brought up one or more of the verses from that Psalm throughout sermons or studies I was doing… and even through the scripture lullabies CD I purchased to play in the background while I work (as part of passively renewing my mind).
When 2015 began, I had no idea the transformation in store for me. He has developed in me the habit of renewing my mind to the mind of Christ daily. Yes, there are days I skip it, but most days (since June especially) I haven’t (by the power of the Holy Spirit).
I’ve struggled with an eating disorder since the age of 11. A few years ago I saw a glimmer of hope when I went through “Breaking Free”, but I wasn’t diligent. I let life toss me to and fro. I ran back to diets and bowed at their feet, begging them for delivery. Of course, I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing.
God started this whole shift in my perspective with the first verse He gave me to memorize at the start of the year: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12) and He continued it through each verse that followed. I wanted His wisdom so badly, but I felt He told me I needed a proper perspective Him as my first step toward “applying my heart unto wisdom”, so He moved me to Psalm 103 after that.
Yes, I’ve slowly released some weight this year (Praise the Lord), but the biggest change is that I am no longer hopeless that I will ever break free… I am hopeful that I AM free. He is changing my thinking about food, body image, weight… and other things totally unrelated (or so I thought) to my struggle with disordered eating.
He’s transforming my reactions to closer mirror His reactions. He’s teaching me to rely on Him to meet my needs. My perspective is less “navel gazing”, or trying to “fix myself by myself”, and more fixated on His grace and mercy and love. This helps me see others in a different light too and I’m much quicker to forgive (major thing for me).
I find myself thinking, “Bless the Lord, O my soul” often. This instantly changes my focus.
I am so excited about 2016 because God has taught me to “forget not His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).
Thank you, Beth, the LPM team, and my fellow siestas in Christ who have faithfully memorized alongside me. May His blessings shine down upon you and may all that is within us bless His holy name!
Kathy Emeigh, Bethlehem PA
Psalm 92: 14 & 15
14 [Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age;
They will flourish and be [a]vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment];
15 [They are living memorials] to declare that the Lord is upright and faithful [to His promises];
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Footnotes:
a Psalm 92:14 Lit fat and very green.
end of footnotes
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Kimyetta H. Jonesboro, GA
Psalm 51:7 NIV
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Kelly in south Arkansas
“Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.”
~1 Chronicles 29:13 NIV
Teri in Kalamazoo:
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. –Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)
Anna, Little Elm, TX
These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and your joy mag be full.
John 15:11 (TLV)
Thank you so much for all of the work that has gone into SSMT this year, and the celebration in January. This has been one of the most difficult years of my life. I was taken by surprise by it, I didn’t anticipate the struggle it would be. God has done some amazing works, and the enemy has come after me this year like never before. I’m still in the middle of some of it, and still in a little bit of shell shock from the intensity of the battle that the last year has brought. But keeping myself in the Word has literally been my lifeline and has worked to preserve my mind. Thank you for hosting this. To God be the glory!
Joan Bush (Coppell, TX): Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph. 6:13, NIV
This was my first time as a siesta- thanks to my friend Angela for inviting me to try this. My first thought was “No way, friend! You know I’m going back to college again at the age of 39 to become a nurse. I’ll have enough to memorize already!” But I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my soul that memorizing scripture would still be the best stuff I could learn all year. So I purchased a spiral & went for it.
Beth, your colorful video a couple months ago with the toy blocks illustrating how to turn our frustration into fuel was pivotal for me because I know God is building something and I want to be saying yes everyday to his architectural designs. But the enemy has been taking stabs at me in raw, vulnerable places.
The verse I memorized back in February sums up my goal this year through some intense spiritual warfare, outlandish temptations, challenging science exams, and everyday life as a wife and mother of four. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic leadership of scripture memory – it truly has been the best stuff I’ve learned in 2015.
Kris Morrissey, Omaha, NE
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Patience Nason, Citrus Heights, CA
“The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.”
Matt. 4:16 HCSB
Thank you for encouraging us to memorize Scripture and celebrating for us!! I look back over the verses and revel in the richness of Scripture, and the gift of Scripture over the situations I was going through at the time (which I wrote on the backs of the cards–thank you to whoever posted that!)
Cassia, Spring TX:
My [brothers and sisters], count it ALL JOY, when you fall into various trials, KNOWING that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJV
WOOHOO!! WE DID IT! The verses this year saw me through significant healing in my marriage and family and through personal changes regarding old thought patterns and habits. They also fueled me on to write my first bible study, which I taught at a ladies retreat in October. That study was based on scripture memory work from the SSMT two years ago, and one of the greatest joys I experienced following the teaching sessions was for a young woman to say that it clicked for the very first time what it meant to delight in His word personally. THAT is the legacy of SSMT! God bless you, Beth, and see all you beautiful, strong, heroic Siestas in January!!
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God! Let Your spirit lead me on level ground! Ps 143:10. NIV
Susie, Harrisburg PA
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. . . ~ Luke 1:46-48 NIV
Brittney Zimprich Mildenhall, Suffolk, England, UK
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Choosing the memorise God’s Word has been the best decision of my life. 2015 was a year filled with many highs and lows. My Bible verses were there to help remind me of God’s truth and how much I am loved. It helped me through anxiety with a move to England, compassion and patience while my husband finished college. Peace through grieving the loss of my childhood dog and my Uncle. It has helped me overcome fear of terror and man’s laws that often disagree with God’s laws. It helped me through the pain and grief when I learned my Nana has lung cancer and my Aunt has breast cancer. It has helped me find joy even through the birth of my sister’s baby who was born with a severe heart defect and may not live into his childhood. I have been able to pray more effectively and ask for specific things especially healing. It has been a constant place where I can run and find shelter in the storms of life and given me hope for the year to come and new friends. I was able to lead my very first person to Christ because of my scripture memorisation. God has been so faithful to me, and all boasting and Glory belong to him who has transformed my mind and heart by His Holy Word. God bless you all Siestas!
Cheryl, Roswell, NM
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”
1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)
Tulsa, OK
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”
Psalm 8:1 ESV
Lindsay Loper, Chattanooga, TN
“I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'”
Lamentations 3:24, NIV
christina moore, Plano, Texas~
“He who is too impoverished for an offering
chooses wood that will not rot;
he seeks out a craftsman
to set up an idol that will not save.”
Isaiah 40:20, ESV
Ha! Serves me right for posting my comment before watching the video. Comment part 2 here completes the testimony part of the assignment. 🙂
This year I have been learning the verses from Hebrews 6 about our sure and steadfast hope-anchor and chapter 40 of Isaiah. In the variety of challenges and afflictions facing my family in this season, I needed to fix my thoughts on God’s bigness, grandeur, and trustworthiness. Hebrews 6:13-20 has been a life preserver so many times, and I’m grateful for the way Isaiah 40 has lifted my eyes off my grasshopper, wildflower self to God’s wisdom and exaltation. Nothing else lasts. Nothing else is certain and dependable. But He is!!
(Isaiah 40 will carry over to 2016, so if you’re reading this, please say a quick prayer for perseverance in the task. Thank you!)
I did the same thing (smile).
Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His Glory with great joy, to Him be the glory.” Jude 1:24-25 ESV
Petrified, I sat in the dentist’s chair yesterday going over in my mind the 24 beautiful verses I’ve memorized from Genesis to Revelation this year. You see, the last time I sat in the dentist chair for a simple filling, the needle hit my artery and I hit the ceiling. Froze one eye open; froze one eye shut. Super scary. Didn’t know if I could surrender to a new dentist. Sometimes, temporary pain is for long term gain. But I waited too long and the nerve was now exposed. Panic attacks ensued thinking about the dentist chair. God’s Word was my oxygen yesterday 2 Tim 3:16. He sent His Word to me and melted me in that chair. Ps 147:18. God’s Word that we have learned this year—no idle words, it is our very life. Deut 32:47. Immense discomfort but no danger for 5 negatives tell me in Hebrews 13:5 He will never, no, never leave me; no, never forsake me. Thank you for your hand and for bringing the Word of God to all of us through blogging. We are all “hemmed in” a little more than where we started cause of Him, cause of you. Psalm 139:5. God’s Hand is on you and your precious girls!
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Romans 8:2 NLT
And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
This is the third time I have joined SSMT. It is the first time that I have memorized a chapter of scripture rather than random verses from all over. I memorized Ephesians 2. Of course it didn’t have quite enough verses so I have moved onto Romans 8 for the last two and hope to continue even without the accountability of signing in every two weeks.
Let me tell you how much more meaningful it was to memorize a chapter rather than random. It gave continuity as well as understanding the context of the scriptures rather than just cherry picking. I was amazed at how much easier it was to do it this way. It is totally a God thing anyway as I have a hard time remembering ANYTHING (thank you menopause)!
I have been to the last two celebrations in Houston, but will not be able to attend this one. I will miss it terribly, however I will be attending a conference at our church about learning to really hear God’s voice and finding MORE of God in our lives. This is a new direction for our church and a needed one. I am very excited to see what God will do with it.
Thank you so much for the encouragement to make getting the scripture deep into our souls a priority. I truly couldn’t have done it without the accountability here. May you all be blessed and have a fabulous time in January!! I will miss you.
Robin, Knoxville
Ps 91:16 NIV
16With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Julie Ratcliff, Texarkana,TX, “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
Beth from Calgary AB Canada
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6 NIV
Peggy Hodge, Monroe, LA – “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” NKJV 1 John 4:10
Regina
Floydada, Texas
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law. Christ died for nothing!” ~ Galatians 2:21 NIV
When I have felt under attack & the enemy taunting me, I would recite the scripture I was memorizing at the time, or possible one I had already memorized. I could feel my spirit calming & the peace of Christ washing over me. My mind & heart were still with God’s peace.
I have been so blessed to be a part of this over the last few months. God bless your ministry & thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you are doing for the gospel of Christ. Love you Siestas!
Eugene, OR
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
NKJV James 4:6
Working on James 3 and 4 has ministered to me greatly this year as I struggled through some areas in my life. It has helped me deal with my tongue and patience and given me wisdom to overcome tough difficulties. Bless you Beth and staff and Praise the Lord!!!!
Corydon, IN
PS.145:13
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,and your dominion endures thru all generations.