Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 2!

Hey, everybody! You are in the exact right place to submit your Verse 2!

This is such a fun first for SSMT! Remember in the SSMT informational post when I told that, while I’ll still be doing all the SSMT posts on the 1st of every month, the one on every 15th would be written by various sisters in our blog community? Welcome to the first one! It took me about 5 seconds to decide who we should ask to kick off our SSMT guest posts. My beloved friend, Jan Morton, has been an active member of this community from its inception. I fell in love with her by watching her interact with countless women in the comment line, ministering to them and encouraging them and mothering them and making them laugh. And through that connection, we became personal friends. Our SSMT guest bloggers throughout 2015 will be from various age groups but this one happens to be right at my age and in a very similar season in her personal life and serving life. Those of you who have been around a while know that Jan Morton became so dearly loved in this community that we early on named her the “Mayor of Siestaville.” So, without further hesitation, please grant me the honor of introducing you to one of the mightiest women in the faith that I know. Jan, we are so honored to have you host us today! Thank you for investing in us!

 

GaJan-Dec2014
Happy 2015 Siestas! This is such a privilege for me to share with our SSMT. I adore this community! My name is Jan Morton. I’m a pastor’s wife from Georgia. [I am also “GJ” for Gran Jan/Georgia Jan.] I’ve been married to my husband Gary for 37 years. Only 20 years old when we got married¸ we were way too young but who knew? ☺ We have two grown married sons, two sweet daughters-in-love, and 5 delightful grandchildren ages 6, 4 ½ , 4 ½, 2 ½, and 17 months – Gran Jan’s JOY! I love gardening, singing in choir/praise team, reading, quilting, and serving in the women’s ministry of my church. I work in our local school system (26 years now) as the Administrative Assistant to our Superintendent. A new ministry I’m involved in at my church is called Taste & See, a mentoring, encouragement time for women. Cooking and conversation! We get in the kitchen and wonderful things happen. Isn’t the kitchen a great place to gather? It is at the Morton home!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV

The word says: For everything [it says everything], there is a season and a time for every matter/purpose/activity under heaven. Everything – the entirety of; a great deal, especially of something very important, EVERYTHING!

God has been drawing me to the theme of seasons, and that is what I want to share with you today. All of life relates to seasons. The beauty found in the four seasons of a calendar year to the seasons of our lives. I’m in the season of life known as the empty nest. Just me and my man like when we had “only just begun.” I’m loving this season, especially being a grandmother. Looking back as a 57 year old woman can do…I can truthfully say I’ve learned in every season of my life. I pray to grow old gracefully and stay relevant and young at heart.

What is your season of womanhood right now? Are you in SPRING – a young woman in school or just beginning a career or education or newly married? How about SUMMER – in the “zone” raising children or building a career or marriage? Maybe you’re in AUTUMN – children grown, and you may be looking toward retirement? Or perhaps you find yourself in WINTER – your senior years as a woman, perhaps a widow, reflecting on past seasons and all that God has brought you through.

WHEREVER YOU ARE, BE ALL THERE. This is what God is showing me because in the busyness of life I can easily lose focus. Don’t be longing for another season and miss what’s going on around you now. This deception is one of the biggest lies of the enemy of our souls; the distraction and discontentment with where we are today. Embrace your season: SEASON – SAVOR EVERY AVAILABLE SENT OPPORTUNITY NOW! Some are more enjoyable than others, sure they are! Just as changes in seasons bring mosquitoes in summer or storms in winter, there are extremes in our lives. Some of you empty nesters may suddenly find yourself caring for both your grandchildren and aging parents. Some of you young women may be longing for marriage. Some of you stay at home moms or single moms may have to go into the workforce for a season to pay the bills. If our entire lives were one continuous season we wouldn’t have the changes we desperately need to help us grow. As much as I love to garden, if every day were spring or summer, I wouldn’t have autumn to harvest, or winter to dream and plan.

This old gal has learned some things in 57 years of seasons:
• Our constant, never-changing, faithful Lord Jesus is with us in every SEASON, in everything.
• Sometimes seasons overlap – in fact, several might descend on you at once. Sometimes joy and sorrow meet in a season.
• You may think springtime has come, but unseasonal cold snaps may occur and you better be ready. Memorizing God’s Word is a lifeline.
• Ask God to give you a strong focus in your season today and receive it as the gift it is, embracing the wonder. God will provide your daily bread.

“Which is the happiest season of life?” was asked of an older woman. She replied: “When spring comes, and the flower buds are breaking through I think, ‘How beautiful is spring.’ And then when summer comes and covers the trees with heavy foliage and singing birds are among the branches, I think, ‘How beautiful is summer.’ When autumn arrives with golden fruit, and the leaves bear the gorgeous colors, I think, ‘How beautiful is autumn.’ And then comes winter, and there is neither foliage nor fruit, and I look up through the leafless branches as I never could until now, and see the stars shining in God’s home.

Embrace whatever season you are in now. RIGHT NOW. Don’t long for another season. I know the days may be long, but at my age, the years seem so short. So wherever you are, be all there. Because of Jesus, one day we will be “SEASONED TO PERFECTION” and live with Christ for eternity. Let’s get there one day at a time and savor our seasons as God wills. Because He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

____________

 

OK, ladies! It’s me, Beth, again. Submit your second verses! Remember to limit your comments to these 5 pieces of information:

Name, city, verse, reference (where it is found) and translation. 

Here’s mine! 

Beth Moore, Houston, Texas. In Him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22 ESV

I love you guys!

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9,367 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 2!”

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Comments:

  1. 5451
    Val Dyer says:

    Val Dyer, Ann Arbor

    Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
    Romans 12:12 (NIV)

  2. 5452
    Katherine Jurn says:

    Katherine, Emmett MI
    And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 NKJ

  3. 5453
    Barbara Renczkowski says:

    Barbara, Spring Hill, FL
    “Do don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today;s trouble is enough for today.” Mattthew 6:34 NLT

  4. 5454
    Martha says:

    Martha, Georgetown, TX “This is my command- Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT

  5. 5455
    Debbie B. says:

    Marietta, GA
    Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

  6. 5456
    Sharice Latham says:

    Sharice, Shelby, NC
    “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
    Hebrews 11:1 KJ

  7. 5457
    Kathy Darnell says:

    Kathy Darnell, Princeton, TX.
    Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

  8. 5458
    DeAnne says:

    DeAnne, Talmage, KS, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV

  9. 5459
    Lenna Chaffee says:

    Lenna Chaffee, Tomah, WI.
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
    Proverbs 3: 5-8 NIV

  10. 5460
    Cheri Theesen says:

    Cheri T. Grand Island, NE
    For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11-12‬ NASB)

  11. 5461
    Cathy Banks says:

    Cathy-Columbia, SC

    Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33

    NASB

  12. 5462
    Laura Webb says:

    Laura-Waxahachie, Texas

    You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

    Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

  13. 5463

    Jena Shockley, Ruston, Louisiana
    You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2 NIV

  14. 5464
    Peggy Grossnickle says:

    Peggy, Warsaw, IN – Isaiah 26:4 – ESV – Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

  15. 5465
    Lori Maddox says:

    Lori – Bushnell, Florida. For you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

  16. 5466
    Gail says:

    Gail, Hammond, LA
    “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8 NIV

  17. 5467
    Allie Smith says:

    Allie Smith
    McKinney, Tx
    “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ NIV)

  18. 5468
    Jamie Cook says:

    Jamie Cook, Fort Worth TX
    “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place, he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19 NIV

    • 5468.1
      Amy Frahm says:

      Jamie: Your selected verse JUMPED out at me – for you see, this is EXACTLY what I now can testify to, as of 6 months 2 days ago, my handsome, talented son Cole, age 33, took his life. What depths of guilt, despair, helplessness, sorry, agony…..a mother takes all of these unto and into herself, as if she alone is responsible or did not do something right. Of course, we have to work through each and every one of these emotions, but the LORD truly drew me out of those deep waters and rescued me, and was and continues to be my support. Thank you for posting. I am sure it means something close to your heart, as well.

      • Lynn - Lancaster California says:

        Dear Amy,
        My heart aches for you and your loss. We recently lost our beloved son Zeth, 27 years old. We were traveling in Jerusalem, Israel and he suddenly became ill and passed away at Hadassah Hospital.
        The Lord has helped draw us through each and every day, and he is with us through this painful season of our life.
        Please know my heart aches for you. Pastor Greg Laurie has written a book that I found helpful “Hope for Hurting Hearts” which tells about the pain & grief of loosing their young adult son. It might bring comfort to you.
        God Bless You

        • Jamie Cook says:

          Lynn, I only saw your post to Amy after I sent my comment to her. I would have addressed you both! I am so thankful for the way God ministers to us in such unique ways, using daughters in three different parts of the country who love Him but have never met one another to bless and comfort and encourage each other as He has done for us. I picked up a book recently called The Blessings of Brokenness by Charles Stanley because a close friend of mine just lost her husband after an 8 year battle with leukemia. 8 Years did not prepare her for this loss. She expected God to heal him after her consistent requests for Him to do that, but that was not His plan. And she is struggling to understand. I’m still reading it but it might be another word of encouragement for you and for Amy. I hope you have a blessed weekend, Lynn.

      • Jamie Cook says:

        Oh Amy, my eyes filled with tears as I read your note, I cannot imagine the depth of your grief over losing your precious son. I have two boys. They are 24 and 22. This passage has been my testimony for a long time, I love it, because when my boys were 2 and 4, their dad decided he couldn’t stay in our marriage and live anything but a lonely, unfulfilled, miserable life. Instead he had found the love of his life, a fellow graduate student, also already married, and one of my friends. Among the many emotions and tears, the enemy bombarded me with feelings of failure. I thought my life was ending. They married less than a year later, the same month our divorce was final. And it changed the course of our lives certainly. But God has done miraculous things through His Word in our lives. From revealing to me what He really means when He says HE is my foundation, my stronghold, my refuge, my love, my provider, no one else, to teaching me the glory of forgiveness and the healing and peace that results. Our oldest son married this past summer to a beautiful girl who loves Jesus with her whole heart, and at the rehearsal dinner, my sons two moms stood with our arms around each other looking out over the room filled with family and friends and acknowledged the miracles, the healing, the beauty. And I give Him all the glory. I love this passage. I wanted to make sure it was sealed in my memory. I am so glad it is your testimony as well. I know He will bring you to mind often, and when He does I promise I will lift you up as you continue to heal and discover more amazing truths each day in His perfect and relevant Word. I’m glad we’re on the same team, Amy. Thank you for writing.

  19. 5469
    Kelli Smith says:

    Kelli Smith
    McKinney, Tx
    “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves and those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

  20. 5470
    Kelly Peyton says:

    Kelly- Apopka,Fl. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10, KJV

  21. 5471
    Cassie says:

    Casse, Charlottesville, Virginia “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV

  22. 5472
    Mary from Birmingham, AL says:

    But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 (NLT)

  23. 5473
    Melanie Shenning says:

    Melanie Shenning, Tampa, Florida
    Romans 8:37 NIV
    No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

  24. 5474
    Carol Metteauer says:

    Carol Metteauer, Palestine, TX

    And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NIV

  25. 5475
    Michelle Mardis says:

    Michelle Mardis, S cots orzo, AL
    Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
    Psalm 37:3 NAS

  26. 5476
    Lindsey Lorence says:

    Lindsey from Little Rock

    “But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

    1 Corinthians 11:3

  27. 5477
    Susan Knowles says:

    Susan Knowles, Bradenton, Florida
    Be joyful always;pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

  28. 5478
    Kathleen D. says:

    Kathleen D., San Antonio, TX “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Matthew 16:26 NASB

  29. 5479
    Heather Jallad says:

    Douglasville, GA
    “Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.”
    Exodus 4:12 NRSV

  30. 5480
    Jennie says:

    Psalm 34:5. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with JOY; no shadow of shame will darken their faces

  31. 5481
    Gay says:

    Gay
    Round Rock, Texas
    “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”
    Isaiah 64:4 NIV

    Thank you, Jan! Your post is great!

  32. 5482
    Jackie, Bettendorf, Iowa says:

    The words of a mans mouth are deep waters but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4 NIV

  33. 5483
    Mary, champaign, il says:

    2 Tim 4:8 now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. NIV

  34. 5484
    Emilie says:

    Emilie Eaton, IN
    If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. -1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV

  35. 5485
    Brenda Wilken says:

    Brenda Wilken from Eureka Missouri
    He will be the sure foundation for your times,
    a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
    Isaiah 33:6 NIV

  36. 5486
    traci says:

    Traci Indlecoffer, Vadnais Heights MN
    “But He leaned down when I was in trouble and brought His ear close to me. So as long as I have breath, I will call on Him.”
    Psalm 116:2 TLB

  37. 5487
    Kerry says:

    Kerry, Springdale, AR
    “When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.”
    Proverbs 31:26 MSG

  38. 5488
    Libby says:

    Libby, Alexandria, VA
    “Rejoice always”
    1 Thessalonians 5:16

  39. 5489
    Jennifer Mosher says:

    The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places;yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6 KJV was pencilled into margin of NCV of my dear Mama, whom we bury tomorrow. NCV says “My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful “. Thanking God through tears, Jennifer Mosher in Canfield , Ohio

  40. 5490
    Amanda Dales says:

    Amanda Dales, Rockhampton, Queensland. The righteous person’s heart pumps God’s Word like blood through their veins (wow!) Psalm 37:31 The Message

  41. 5491
    Lisa says:

    Lisa Walden – Grand Prairie, Texas

    James 1:5 NIV
    If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

  42. 5492
    Carrie says:

    Carrie from Cary, NC:
    I am the vine; you are the branches.If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.John 15:5 NIV

  43. 5493
    Leigh Weisinger says:

    Leigh Weisinger, Woodway, Texas
    I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 (NIV)

  44. 5494
    RaeLeen Bustin says:

    RaeLeen – Bloomington Indiana:

    Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

    Romans 12:10 NIV

  45. 5495
    Sandy smith says:

    Sandy Smith, Holiday, Florida “Be careful then, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

  46. 5496
    Theresa from Tampa says:

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
    (John 3:16, NKJV)

  47. 5497
    Stephanie says:

    Stephanie from Street, MD: “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua1:9 HCSB

  48. 5498
    Melinda Kean- Westfield IN says:

    Ephesians 2:4-6
    But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

  49. 5499
    Ginny Bunn says:

    Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
    Psalm 51:12 NASB

  50. 5500
    Allison Rains says:

    Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in your all day long.
    ~Psalm 25:4-5~

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