SSMT

I'm excited! I just committed to the Siesta Scripture Memory Team! 
Today I caught up on my Google Reader. I read Beth's original surprise post and thought it sounded good but I couldn't do it. I don't have time. I'm bad at memorization. I'm too forgetful already, how could I add to my brain list! I would fail anyhow.
I read on. The directions seemed easy and she sounded so excited. Maybe I should at least try this. January 1st post... Day 1 SSMT... I missed it. Surely I was too late so why bother. But as I read down through the comments to see what verses the women were memorizing, I saw a bunch of women just posted yesterday! And then I remembered this encouragement from Beth's first post...
one of the things we prioritize and love to do around here is memorize Scripture. It is a huge part of calling the mind captive to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5) and most of us know from experience that our battles are won or lost in our MINDS. I have been actively memorizing Scripture as a primary Spiritual discipline since my early 30′s. I am thoroughly convinced that God used it to bring immeasurable healing to my mind, my memories, and my thought life. I tend toward obsessive thoughts and fears and unrelenting replays of bad memories and, when I fall away from actively hiding God’s Word in my heart, they come back with a vengeance. Anybody else? There are no words big enough to express the difference Scripture memory has made in my life. God also showed me along the way how much accountability and partnership can enhance the success of the discipline. (bold mine)
I know I need to make my mind captive to the Lord!! This new year has started out with me taking on a load of worry, particularly about Olivia. So my first verse is...
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
So thank you Lord! Thank you for using Beth Moore's excitement and passion about scripture memorization to strike a chord in my heart and convince me to commit to memorizing Your Word this year. Here I come 2011!

Wish you were here!

On Tuesday mornings, I attend Bible Study. We're doing a Beth Moore study of Esther. I am so excited to go every week! And each week, I wish every woman I know could be there with me! 

This week's study was focused on meanness. It was a surprising topic for Esther. I wasn't expecting it but it still rang true. The key points were...
It's tough being a woman in a mean world.
1. meanness always has a history.
2. meanness perceives a threat.
3. meanness catches like a virus.
4. meanness is curable.
I love how every week I am so encouraged and convicted! Each week I also think of all my sisters in Christ that aren't sitting with me and wish they were. I'm so excited about what I'm learning and I wish all my girlfriends were with me!