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. 6401
    Lillian Palos says:

    Lillian Palos, Fort Worth, TX
    “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM who called us by His own glory and goodness” II Peter 1:3. NIV

  2. 6402
    Blenda says:

    Blenda, Hattiesburg, MS Jeremiah 29:13-14Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

    13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes[a] and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place I deported you from.”

  3. 6403
    Teresa Davis says:

    “I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God, therefore be Holy because I am Holy.” Leviticus 11:45

  4. 6404
    Angela says:

    Angela – Tulsa area, Oklahoma – Isaiah 26:3, NIV
    You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

  5. 6405
    Angie Gardiner says:

    Alvord, TX
    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
    Joshua 1:9 NASB

  6. 6406
    Beth Stoffregen says:

    Beth Stoffregen, Laguna Hills, CA

    I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Romans 15:13 (NLT)

  7. 6407
    Heather Castleman says:

    Fort Worth, Texas

    But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

    1 Peter 3:4
    ESV

  8. 6408
    Candy says:

    Candy from St Louis MO
    For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully commited to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV

  9. 6409
    MaryJane says:

    “You will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3

  10. 6410
    Amy Slykuis says:

    Saskatchewan, Canada; II Corinthians 12:-10 “It is necessary to boast, even though it doesn’t help, but I shall go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man who was in Messiah more than fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, God knows, or outside the body I do not know, this one was taken away up to the third heaven. And I know such as this man, whether in the body or without the body I do not know, God knows, that he was taken away into Paradise and he heard inexpressible words, which are not permissible for a man to speak.” One New Man version

  11. 6411
    Sherrese Moore says:

    Sherrese Moore, Fairmount Heights MD “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” 1 Peter 1:2, NASB

  12. 6412
    Lindsey Motes says:

    Lindsey Motes, Abilene, TX
    She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. Prov 31:15 & 17 NLT

  13. 6413
    Laura Ames, IA says:

    Micah 6:8 (Holman
    Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you:
    to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God!

  14. 6414
    Donna says:

    Donna, Mt. Juliet, TN

    If I ride the wings of the morning,
    If I dwell by the farthest oceans,
    Even there your hand will guide me,
    And your strength will support me.

  15. 6415
    Ashley says:

    Ashley Mosley, Las Vegas, NV

    “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV

  16. 6416
    Linda New says:

    Linda New, Piketon, OHIO
    Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
    Don’t worry about anything: instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done.

  17. 6417
    Dana says:

    Dana
    Conroe, Tx
    “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord…
    Jeremiah 30:17

  18. 6418

    Amber Campbell, Gilbert, AZ
    “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7 NIV

  19. 6419
    Lisa Welch says:

    Lisa Welch
    Katy, Texas

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

  20. 6420
    Sara says:

    Sara, College Station TX:
    No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. (‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ NLT)

  21. 6421
    Terri Henson says:

    Terri Henson, Pleasant Hope, MO
    And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

  22. 6422
    Kim says:

    Kim, Columbus, OH
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
    Proverbs 1:7 NIV

  23. 6423
    Cindy Rader says:

    Cindy, Sulphur, LA

    “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
    James 1:2-3 (HCSB)

  24. 6424

    Paula Weatherly
    Huffman, TX

    “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

  25. 6425
    Mandi Hall says:

    Mandi Hall, Williston, Fl
    ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jer 29:11 NIV

  26. 6426
    Darcy says:

    Darcy – Daleville, AL

    “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop bearing fruit.” -Jeremiah 17:7-8

  27. 6427
    Billie Galyen says:

    Billie, Greenville, KY: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” Hebrews 1:3. ESV

  28. 6428
    Ruth Cole says:

    Ruth Cole in shreveport LA
    I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
    Psalm 119:11 ESV

  29. 6429
    Denise says:

    Denise, Bracebridge, Ontario
    “But whose delight is in the law of The Lord, and who meditates in his law day and night”
    Psalm 1:2 NIV

  30. 6430
    Sarah says:

    Sarah G – Appleton, WI

    But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
    They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind.

    Isaiah 40:31, The Message

  31. 6431
    cynthia says:

    Cynthia B*ham Al, Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not,nor charged God foolishly. KJV

  32. 6432
    meg. says:

    Meg
    Fort Collins, Colorado

    Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3 (NIV)

  33. 6433
    Karen says:

    Karen Souderton, PA
    Arise, Shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60 NIV

  34. 6434
    Lynne Molyneaux says:

    Lynne Molyneaux, Pittsburgh, Pa

    Psalm 138:8 NLT

    The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

  35. 6435
    Jodi Alley says:

    Jodi Alley, Humble, TX
    “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37 NKJV

  36. 6436
    Martha Stephenson says:

    Martha Stephenson. Olive Branch, MS. 38654

    Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”

    Matthew 22:37-38. NIV

  37. 6437
    Kerry N. says:

    For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8

  38. 6438
    Mary Sandifer says:

    Mary Sandifer, Indian Head, MD
    “Search me, O God, and know my heart.
    Try me and know my anxious thoughts.
    And See if there be any hurtful way in me
    And lead me in the everlasting way. ”
    Psalm 139:23-24 NASB

  39. 6439
    Carrie says:

    Carrie, St. Paul, MN – Let all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5 NLT

  40. 6440
    Kody says:

    Kody, Tricities TN.
    Nice to meet you, Jan!!!
    My verse & prayer for the next two weeks will be Psalms 139:23-24, NLT
    “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

  41. 6441
    Grace says:

    Grace,Abuja Nigeria.”I publicly proclaim bold promises.
    I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
    I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me
    if I could not be found.
    I, the LORD, speak only what is true
    and declare only what is right.” Isaiah 45:19 NLT

  42. 6442
    Ramona Whitney says:

    Ramona Mobile, Alabama
    Don’t stifle the spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold onto what is good. Stay away from every form of evil. Now may the god of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:19-23

  43. 6443
    Alison Sheffield says:

    Alison Sheffield, NRH, TX

    He said to me,”My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
    2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

  44. 6444
    Jennifer Abercrombie says:

    Jennifer Abercrombie Cordele, Ga. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

  45. 6445
    Laura Jeffery says:

    Laura Jeffery, Guelph, ON

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

    2 Thessalonians 3:3

  46. 6446
    Brittany Cassell says:

    Johnson City, TN – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NKJV

  47. 6447
    Marie Franse says:

    Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

  48. 6448
    Tecia Pelling, Hollywood, FL says:

    “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
    Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

  49. 6449
    Jill Steele says:

    Jill Steele, Bridgeport,West Virginia. “So is My word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it,”
    Isaiah 55:11 NIV

  50. 6450
    Susan Moreno says:

    Susie Moreno, Ault, CO
    My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
    Isaiah 26:9 ESV

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