***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 am so excited to be Blessed and be apart of this awesome team for 2017.
Anxious to participate I struggle with making scripture memory a priority. What a fun and encouraging way to get deeper into Gods word. Let’s do thIs!!!
I keep seeing mention of suggestions for adhering the cover to the spiral, but I have yet to find the actual suggestions. Can someone help?
Hi Melissa,
Near the bottom of this post (2017 SSMT Instructions!) look for the link that say “+ About Your SSMT spiral”. That’s where you can print it. Now as far as adhering tips, this is a video from Beth on tips (from a previous year):
https://vimeo.com/114605042
I’m in. Looking forward to committing scripture to my mind and heart.
I’m in! I need the accountability and need to be memorizing Gods word!! I can’t wait to dive in.
Excited to do this!
Oh how exciting! I am all in for this challenge. I struggle with scripture memorization. I think AGE has wiped out important brain cell memory chips. 🙂
This will be my first time joining and I am all in!
Going to do this with God’s help! Want God’s word in my heart & mind!
I am ready to do this! Completely learn God’s word!!
Looking forward to memorizing Gods word.
Epic failure for me last year! Going to give it a try again this year!!
I’m in! Ready to grow and use the Sword of the Spirit.
This is such a great idea! I’ve always wanted to memorize scripture and now I have others for accountability!! Thanks Beth!!
I’m excited to start this!
I was just praying about His help in my memorization of scripture, as it is not good. I believe He has brought me here. Thank you. I’m looking forward to having the Word with me, always.
Looking forward to tucking His word into my heart! Happy and blessed New Year everyone!
I’m so excited to join this group!
Excited about doing this..
I’m looking forward to this challenge to Memorize scripture. Growing in the Lord and in His Word is what I need more than ever. I can do this challenge through Christ who gives me the strength that I need to finish strong! Amen!
Willing to give it a try. Accountability will be kjey for me to stay committed. This is a great idea!
I think I can…I think I can…
Looking forward to this. I’ve never done a challenge quite like this.
I am so looking forward to renewing my mind.
This will be my second year. I treasure the verses I memorized 2 years ago. Not only do they help me but they are in my head so I can share them with others when there is a need. I think the hardest part is being disciplined to keep reviewing back so I don’t forget. Thanks for the challenge. I need it.
I’m excited to start!! Love you Beth Moore!!
Enjoyed this the last time, looking forward to more learning and sharing.
Ready!
Cant wait! Love the fact that we will be learning scriptures, but most of all knowing it by memorie. Praise God!
I am looking forward to this!!
So excited. I am a first timer, who has always wanted to do this. I appreciate the opportunity to do it with a group of Siestas! 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to memorize and save God’s word in my heart and memory. I’m anxious to begin! I have already committed to find a church (moved to NC last Oct and haven’t seriously looked for one ). I really need this.
Really excited to be part of a group like this!!
I’m in! I ‘m excited to see how God will bless all of us as we commit to memorizing/keeping His word in our hearts!
Happy to be joining in with you
So excited! My two daughters will be participating as well!
Can’t wait for the journey!
I decided earlier this week I wanted to memorize more scripture in 2017. I’m excited for the opportunity to participate and have some accountability.
I am so excited about starting this journey!!! I can’t wait to
what unfolds in 2017!!
I’m very excited. I’m not good at memorizing so I pray I can do this.
Excited to get started!
I’m in!
Wish I had a friend who wanted to do this with me, but sadly, no takers. So, must be God’s will for me to go this alone again….although I do have my sweet husband who listened to me recite my verses everyday in 2015. Can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this commitment. I love you Beth Moore. Thank you!
That’s what this community is all about, Julie! “We” are your friends!
I am terrible at memorizing scripture but going to give this a shot! I just finished school so this will be good for the mind and the soul!
I am excited to memorize Gods word and hide it in my heart in 2017! Thanks for starting this accountability Siesta Team. New Bern NC
I have never been great at Scripture Memorizing, so I’m really looking forward to this!!
Looking forward to memorizing God’s word.
I’m in! I don’t have this kind of thing going on where I am – I’m so happy to have found you all!
So excited to do this again!! Having a friend join me this time.
I really need this! So happy and excited to be a part of this and get started!