***NOTE: If you are looking to register your verse 1, go ahead and comment with your selected Scripture on the “SSMT 2017: Verse 1!” post.***
Hey Everybody!
We are revving up around here for SSMT 2017! The Scripture memory team we host and support every other year is the most extensive thing we do around here on the LPM blog, so you can know that you are the size of an Airbus on our ministry radar right now. 
We are elated about the year we have ahead and believe with all our hearts that God finds tremendous delight in this group of diverse women banding together to memorize His Word. Here is everything you need to know about how to participate in the 2017 Siesta Scripture Memory Team! Please be sure you make it all the way to the bottom of the post where you’ll find the information about our matching spirals.
First, a few things up front since many people joining us have no previous interaction here:
*For you new-comers, an explanation of the name is in order. “Siesta” is just an endearment for “Sister.” There’s no club to join and no person you need to become. If you’ve trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, you’re a sister in Christ. If you don’t know Him, we’d love for you to stick around and get to know us and see if anything around here draws you. Everyone is welcome. Here’s a bit of our back-story on the weird name: When we first began the blog, it never occurred to any of us how much we’d come to love each other. As the community grew closer and closer and the participants more and more familiar with one another, one of you asked what name we should call each another. I tried to say, “I’ll tell you what we are: We’re sistahs!” but spell-check switched it to “siestas.” It stuck and that’s been us ever since. We even liked the thought that its actual meaning is to take a nap. We’ll know we’ve been a place of divine intervention if we’re a respite from the female competition and clatter out there. Only Jesus can give us that kind of relief in this exhausting culture.
*We call this a Scripture memory “team” because that’s exactly what we are. We cheer each other on, hold each other accountable, and urge one another to make it to the goal – 24 verses systematically memorized in 12 months – through a process that requires significant practice.
*Very often you will see me refer to SSMT. Just so nobody’s confused from the start, that is an abbreviation for “Siesta Scripture Memory Team.” If you’re not participating in SSMT, please know that we don’t limit the entire blog to our Scripture memory participants. It has a big presence on here because it’s twice a month but we still do lots of other things. Please don’t feel left out or forgotten.
*Why 24 verses? In previous years, we’ve found this to be a very doable pace: 1 verse every 2 weeks. If you do much more, you’ll tend to fall behind and not retain. If you do much less, the impact is negligible. You really can do this. So many of you will surprise yourselves with what you’re capable of doing in the power of the Spirit. Yes, it takes work but it’s tremendously fulfilling and the results are nearly immeasurable. Look at it this way: we’re going to be meditating on something: unforgiveness, toxic memories, misery, lust, greed, dissatisfaction, jealousy, competition. Let’s choose Scripture instead! Christ Himself said as a man thinks, so is he. He also said His words are spirit and life. This is work worth doing, Beloved. Never – NOT ONCE – have I ever known anyone to get to the end of a Scripture memory commitment and say that it didn’t make any real difference. Not a single time.
OK, NOW FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS. You can cut and paste these somewhere if necessary. Here’s how it will go:
2 Options for you!
1. Print your SSMT 2017 cover from home.
(I took this picture with my phone standing on the shore of Galveston Bay, mesmerized by that sky. You can find a lot prettier beaches but I’m not sure our wide-open Texas sunsets can easily be surpassed.)
There are two sizes to choose between for your spirals. Click on the size cover you would like to print for yourself then adhere it using any of the methods we suggested. You can certainly use regular printer paper but cardstock works perfectly:
2. Or, Order the spiral from LPM.
Our Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2017 Celebration will be in January 2018. I’m telling you about it now so that you can have it for a little extra incentive. Our main incentive is the will and good pleasure of God, of course, but He Himself authored great celebrations in His Name so feel free to be excited at the thought. Also, I want you to have plenty of time to start saving your money for your transportation and hotel. We do not charge for the event. Your entrance fee is your well-used spiral. More information still to come.
Whew! Have I exhausted you?? I’ve worn myself out. We just want to answer as many of your questions up front as possible.
I want to say something to you before I wrap up this diatribe: this community means something to me. I love it because I love you. I think about you on an ongoing basis. So does my staff. You are a huge part of this ministry. Thank you for the privilege to serve you and to embark on another wild journey with you. May Christ find such delight here that He astonishes us with His presence, favor, and power.
So, welcome to Siestaville: women walking alongside women on our way Home, stirring up excitement toward that great day. SSMT is one way we do that. AND IT’S A WHOPPER. Let’s do it, Sisters, starting this coming January 1st! I’ll talk to you again about other things before then but I don’t want the New Year to take you by surprise.
I love you.
Beth
I Commit! Robin Byrd, Columbia, SC:
” I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in
and I am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted
to me until that day”. 2 Timothy 1:12 HCSB
Teresa Coleman, Mobile, al -do not be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. ESV
Laura, Charlevoix, MI: Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
I commit!
I am committed.
Ashley Lester, Fayetteville, AR: Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Reading thru instructions one more time. I didn’t include my city. Fairfax, Missouri! I hope this is all I am supposed to do!
I commit! Jennifer from Chicago, Il
“In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.” Psalm 25:1 NIV
I commit. Marie in Jacksonville FL – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
Mary Tomaselli, Humble, Tx. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey Your commands. Ps. 119:60 NLT
Kelly Scholl from Delaware, Ohio. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Margie Hughes from Santa Ana, CA “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” ESV
I commit! Alicia from Shoreview, Minnesota: “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.” Romans 12:2 NKJV.
Melisa in Missoula, MT. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ”. Romans 10:17 NIV
I commit – Kellie Whitsett, Fremont, Nebraska ““Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood.”
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€54:4‬ â€NLT‬‬
Stephanie Ivy, Bossier City, La. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
I commit!
tricia Christenson, Campbell, CA “Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 HCSB
I committ! Jessica from Lynchburg, Virginia
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.”–Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Deborah Osbeck, Glasgow, Scotland “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten and everything is new.” 2 Cornithians 5:17 (CEV)
Carol Hartley Montgomery Al
no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17
Leah, currently living in Lacey, Washington. I commit! Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with My righteous right hand. (HCSB)
I commit! Kori from Duluth, MN: Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 ESV
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33 (ESV)
Shelley Edwards from Fairfax, Virginia “Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” Acts 13:41 NIV
Lisa Houser, Las Vegas NV “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Liz Holliday, Edmond, OK
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Kelly Burke, California:
I am doing the Psalms this year-
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1: 1-3
Carolyn Guittar, Pleasant Hill, OH
Psalm 17:15 (NASB) “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”
I’m in. Hope to faithfully participate weekly.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13
Robin C, Circleville, Ohio, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 (NIV)
Rebekah Farmer from Coeurd’Alene ID.
Daniel 2:20 NKJV
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
Daniel 2:20 NKJV
Maria Hennings from West Des Moines Iowa:
Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT
Cindy Stai
Lancaster OH
“Seek Adonai while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.”
Isaiah 55:6
TLV
Sue O. from Midland, TX says: “Blesses are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NIV
Meghan O. from Midland, TX says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NIV
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverence; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Darbi F.- Mount Vernon, Ohio
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverence; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles 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.” James 1:2-3 NLT
Paula West Olney, IL
Mark 1:35 (NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Jesus took the first of the day to pray, so should I.
Elizabeth Peck, Oak Ridge, TN: 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 1984
I commit! “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measures you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2, NIV
Claudia from Edmond, OK
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 (NIV)
Isaiah 43:18 -19 (NIV)
“Forget the former things do not dwell in the past. 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.”
Praise God. 2016 is over. In fact the last few years have been so challenging that when the Lord spoke this to me yet again this morning through my Devotional I could do nothing but merely bow my head and appreciate His total perfectness. I’m sure beyond any doubt somehow this will be the year I will finally accept and walk in this Annual Word He has for me.
I hope I did this right. I’m new to SSMT but am desperately seeking to get back to adeeper level with the Lord.
Liz Richmond, Midland, TX: John 10:10 (NIV):
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I commit: Vickie Biggs from Farmington, New Mexico: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalms 51:1. KJV
I commit! Shelley Andrews from Lynchburg, VA: “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 2-3, NIV
Should be James 1:2-3
G.A.M.from VA: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:17-20, KJV
Nancy English, Laramie Wyoming
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs at the future without fear.” Proverbs 31:25
I am committed! Elizabeth, Berrien springs, MI, “But my eyes are toward you, O God my Lord: in you I seek refuge, leave me not defenseless! ” (Psalm 141:8ESV).
I commit! Chris Berry VA Beach, VA.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. NIV
I comitt! Sally. Berries Springs,Mi
But my eyes are toward you, O God my Lord: in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless.
Ps. 141:8
Ps141:8 Esv
I commit! Pam, Clinton, TN My son, if you will receive My
my words and treasure my commandments within you NASB
Ps. 5:11-12- But let all rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them. Let those also who love your name~be joyful in You. For You O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor you will surround him(her) as with a shield.