***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
Kelli Johnson from lynchburg, Va! I commit : “A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.” Proverbs 16:11 (KJV)
I commit! Christie Butcher from Dallas, Texas. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19 NIV
I commit! Julianne M. Grass Valley, CA
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalm 25:1 NIV
Cynthia Owens-Manns from Colwyn, PA. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 KJV
Karen from East Moline IL.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ESV
I commit! Liz, Rockwood,MI. Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting what is behind and straining forward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize, for which God has called
Me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Gay Brennan from Howe, TX “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIVO
Gay Brennan from Howe, TX “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Karen Knapp Harrisburg, NC
Psalm 32:8-9 The Living Bible
I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch your progress. Don’t be like a senseless horse or mule that has to have a bit in it’s mouth to keep it in line.
Marsha, Fort Worth, TX I wanted a verse on steadfast as that is my focus word right now. 1 Cor 15:58 (NASB) Therefore my beloved brethern be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, no of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9 NKJV
Julie Hilts from Liberty Hill, TX
Philippians 3:14-15
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Kathi Griffin from Macon, GA: He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 NIV
I commit!
Sara Jane from Princeton, KY:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
I commit! Judy M., Gainesville,VA. “…The things God has prepared for
Those who love Him.” 1 Chron 2:6 The Daily Bible.
I Jill commit from Oklahoma! Finally be strong in the Lord and inhis mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11
I commit! Rona Howard from Fort Worth, TX
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Connie Watts – Lexington, S.C.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 ESV (English Standard Version.)
Lauren Wright
Fredericktown, Missouri
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
Carie Beam from Baltimore, MD 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
I commit! Patty Notgrass from Waco Texas, God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness: Isaiah 43:18 NIV Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
2Corinthians 5:17 NIV, copyright 1986
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Robyn DePalma Kingwood, Texas
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 ESV
Jody from Cadiz, KY. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
I commit! Lori Myers from Bozeman, MT. “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.” Leviticus 25:10 (KJV)
I commit! Cora Suggs of Huntsville, AL “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out).” Hebrews 11:6 AMPC
Amanda from Des Moines, Iowa; You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance….Deuteronomy 1:6b-7a NIV
Debbie Ellis, Newark, CA : But now this is what the Lord says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine”. Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Kim West Snellville, GA – Psalm 16:11 NKJV – You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Carol Smith: Gastonia NC. I am committed. Jerimiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. New Living Translation For I know the plans I have for …NIV
I commit! Erin from Charlotte, NC, “This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.” Psalm 119:50, NKJV
Liz Ritz from Issaquah, Washington
Psalms103:1 KJ
Bless the Lord, O my Soul: and all that is within me, bless his Holy name.
Desiree Walker from Stillwater, OK
Ephesians 6:10-18 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [b]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 [c]With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit.
Donna from Weare, NH
Isaiah 44:3 NIV – For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants.
I commit. Lois Pepple from Phoenix, Arizona. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5; NIV
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (NIV)
Jamie Thomas from Fort Worth, Tx: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philipians 2:3 NIV
But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
â—„ Jeremiah 17:10 â–ş
Ann from Ramona, CA
Romans 12:11-12 NIV Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
I commit!
Beryl, Kannapolis, NC
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
â€â€Isaiah‬ â€43:19
Houston, TX
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 ESV
Brandi & Caitlin from Houston, TX
We commit! “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 ESV
I commit! Dana Strake-Houston, Texas – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
I commit! Emma Merritt from Jackson, MS ” Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
Tina Shelton- Richmond, TX
What shall we say about wonderful things such as these? If God is for us who could ever be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Penni Jones, Houston, TX “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” (ESV)
Jennifer Jones from Huntington Beach, CA
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
I commit!
Psalms 100
“Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord himself is God. It is he who has made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pastures. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good. His loving kindness is everlasting and his faithfulness is to all generations.”