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. 5501
    Marilu says:

    Marilu Howard, Lake Morena, CA “Even in your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV

  2. 5502
    Karen says:

    Luke 8:15 ESV But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance produce a crop.

  3. 5503
    Amber says:

    Amber, Champlin, Minnesota, “May God, the giver of hope, fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him — so that you may have abundant hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 WEY

  4. 5504
    Julie moss says:

    Julie Moss, Hermann, MO. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continual debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NIV

  5. 5505
    Anita says:

    Anita, Northport,Alabama – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11. NIV

  6. 5506
    Heidi says:

    Heidi from Narvon, PA
    But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
    Matthew 6:33 ESV

  7. 5507
    Elizabeth says:

    Elizabeth, Fairfax Station: Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup, you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 NIV

  8. 5508
    Sonya Matthews says:

    Sonya, Midlothian, Texas
    “We make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
    People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
    Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
    Proverbs 16:1-3, NLT

  9. 5509
    Paige Storlie says:

    Paige Storlie, Amarillo, TX
    “Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.”
    Psalm 27:14 NIV

  10. 5510
    Michelle Aldrich says:

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
    Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

  11. 5511
    Megan Gehman says:

    Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Col. 3:12-14 (NIV)

  12. 5512
    Denise DuBois says:

    If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV

  13. 5513
    Robyn Lombardo says:

    Robyn Lombardo, Picayune, MS

    17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison

    2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

  14. 5514
    Julie says:

    Julie, Clymer.
    But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us.
    Romans 8:37 NIV

  15. 5515
    Holly says:

    Holly – McCordsville,IN She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.Proverbs 31:25 NLV

  16. 5516
    Kaitlyn says:

    Psalm 139: 23-24 (CEV)
    “Look deep into my heart, God,
    and find out everything
    I am thinking.
    Don’t let me follow evil ways,
    but lead me in the way
    that time has proven true.”

  17. 5517
    Esther says:

    Esther. Jonesborough TN. I Peter 3:1-2. Likewise wives be subject to your husbands, so that even if some do not obey the Word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. ESV.

  18. 5518
    Julia says:

    Julia. Cross City, FL
    Psalms 86:11-13. NKJV
    Teach me Your way, O Lord;
    I will walk in Your truth;
    Unite my heart to fear Your name.
    I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
    And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
    For great is Your mercy toward me,
    And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

  19. 5519
    Jamie says:

    Colorado City TX.

    No one can serve two masters. Either you love one and hate the other or you are devoted to one and despise the other. No one can serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

  20. 5520
    Megan andrews says:

    Megan, Prattville Al
    Forget the former things do not dwell on 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
    Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

  21. 5521
    Karin says:

    Karin from Westborough, MA
    I Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

  22. 5522
    LaVonne Hunt says:

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13 NKJV.

  23. 5523
    Elizabeth Van Rooy says:

    From Willis,Tx
    Great comments Jan. They were encouraging words to me this morning….
    Proverbs 15:3
    The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good

  24. 5524
    Rose M says:

    Rose M, South Carolina
    I Corinthians 1:30 “but by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us Wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”

  25. 5525
    Rhonda Douglas says:

    Rhonda Douglas, Houston

    To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You….teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me.

    Psalm 25:1,4 NKJV

  26. 5526
    Kandi Sullivan says:

    Kandi Sullivan, Tallahassee, Florida
    Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV

  27. 5527
    Rita Hall says:

    Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42

  28. 5528
    Leanna Leake says:

    Leanna Leake
    Vandalia, Missouri

    Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
    Psalm 115:1. NIV

  29. 5529
    Allison, Hallsville TX says:

    John 15:11-12 (NKJV)

    11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

  30. 5530
    Kaylee V. says:

    Kaylee Vida, Anderson, IN

    Tune your ears t wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
    Proverbs 2:2-3 (NLT)

  31. 5531
    Amy Cooper says:

    Amy, Murfreesboro,TN
    Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
    John 11:25-26, NIV

  32. 5532
    Sherry Campbell says:

    Sherry Campbell, Nowata, Ok. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

  33. 5533
    Kathie Vergo says:

    Kathie Vergo, Colorado Springs, CO:
    And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ NKJV)

  34. 5534
    Sarah Tarr says:

    Sarah Tarr, Nashville TN
    But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.” -Exodus 14:13 NLT

  35. 5535
    Dana Z says:

    Dana from Montgomery Village, MD
    The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 NIV

  36. 5536
    Jenn Dueholm says:

    Milltown, Wis. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

  37. 5537
    Kerry Devlin says:

    Kerry Devlin
    Winona Lake, IN

    He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 NIV

  38. 5538

    Goodness, Geogoria Jan! Thank you for the great post – what a great encouragement!

    Kendra Anderson // Austin, Texas
    “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ NIV)

  39. 5539
    Denyse Lafferty says:

    Denyse Lafferty, Phoenix, Arizona
    Galatians 2:20
    I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

  40. 5540
    Karin says:

    Karin from Calgary

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

  41. 5541
    Becky Valente says:

    Becky
    Westland, MI
    Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
    Hebrews 4:16

  42. 5542
    Angel Varney says:

    Ephesians 4:32 NIV

    Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each oter, just as in Christ God forgave you.

    Angel Varney, Knoxville TN.

  43. 5543
    Shunda says:

    Shunda in Richmond, VA

    Genesis 12:2 (NKJV)
    I will make you a great nation, I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

  44. 5544
    Nicole Skidmore says:

    Nicole, Wideman, AR
    To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven -Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

  45. 5545
    Wanda Tyler says:

    The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
    Job 33:4 HCSB

  46. 5546
    pat campbell says:

    Richmond Hill Ga. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed , do it all in the name of lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though Him”

  47. 5547
    Shawna says:

    Shawna
    Boise, Idaho

    Ephesians 4:32 be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ

  48. 5548
    Chris Neuens says:

    Christine Neuens, Weston, WI Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV

  49. 5549
    Emily says:

    Emily, Indianapolis, IN
    “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
    1 Thessalonians 5:5 NIV

  50. 5550
    Darla says:

    Darla from Ohio :Psalm 32:8
    I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you .

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