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. 7401
    Donna Oliphint says:

    Donna O. Montgomery, AL
    Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
    for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

  2. 7402
    Sheila says:

    Sheila, Edmonton, Alberta Hebrews 13:8 (The Message)

    For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

  3. 7403
    Cammy says:

    1 Cor 10:23 NIV

    “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible but not everything is constructive.”

  4. 7404
    Shari Arkills says:

    Shari Arkills, Buckeye, AZ “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

  5. 7405
    Jenny says:

    Jenny, Wichita, KS

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

  6. 7406
    Louise Denton says:

    Sacramento,CA
    The Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8 NIV

  7. 7407
    Paddy says:

    Paddy, Plattsburgh NY
    I have the SSMT 2015 spiral app on my iPad but do not see how/where I can enter my verses as in a note. Is it just to have quick links to blog posts for days 1 & 15? Any help is welcome. Thank you.

  8. 7408
    Martha Buckner says:

    Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
    Psalm 103:2 New Living Translation

  9. 7409
    Shawn says:

    Shawn, Tega Cay, SC

    Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

  10. 7410
    Pamela says:

    Pamela, Kansas City, MO

    I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ~ John 15:1-2 (NIV)

  11. 7411
    Sarah Franke says:

    Sarah Franke – College Station, TX

    Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering – Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

  12. 7412
    Liz Petrie says:

    Matthew 5:3. “Blessed–happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous that is, with life-joy & satisfaction, regardless of their outward conditions-are the poor on spirit..”

  13. 7413
    Amy Woodruff says:

    Amy from Noble, OK

    “My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me”
    John 10:27 (NIV)

  14. 7414
    Christa says:

    Christa from AZ

    The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

    – Psalm 29:11 (NLT)

  15. 7415
    Casey Cody says:

    Casey, Henrietta, TX
    The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 NIV

  16. 7416
    Angela says:

    Angela, Huntington Beach
    “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

  17. 7417
    Cindy says:

    Romans 13:14 ESV
    But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

    Cindy/Midland

  18. 7418
    Nikki Hyatt says:

    Nikki Hyatt, Orlando, FL

    And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6, NIV

  19. 7419
    Lindsey Edwards says:

    Lindsey Edwards, Hutchinson, KS
    1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ NLT)

  20. 7420
    Laurie says:

    Laurie, Omaha, NE. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3, NIV

  21. 7421
    Audrea B says:

    Audrea B. Cedartown, Georgia. Truly he is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalms 62:6 NIV

  22. 7422
    Aysha says:

    John 14:1

    “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

  23. 7423
    Pam says:

    Pam T-NC
    Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.
    1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV

  24. 7424
    Paula Shelton says:

    Paula, Jacksonville, FL Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV

  25. 7425
    Terry says:

    Terry. Winston-Salem, NC

    Set a guard,OH LORD, over my mouth and a watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

  26. 7426
    Cindy says:

    Cindy, Fort Worth, TX

    The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid. Psalm 27:1 NIV

  27. 7427
    Shannon Smith says:

    He has showed you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
    Michael 6:8 NIV

  28. 7428
    Leah says:

    Leah from Sandersville
    Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalms 54: 4

  29. 7429
    Mary Alice Dulweber says:

    Mary Alice Dulweber
    Dallas, Tx

    Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you;
    He will never let the righteous be shaken.

    Psalm 55:22 NIV

  30. 7430
    Sheri says:

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

  31. 7431
    Michelle Stevens says:

    Eucha, OK

    “The same was in the beginning with God.”
    John1:2 KJV

  32. 7432
    Anita LaHouse says:

    And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
    Romans 12:2 NASB

  33. 7433
    Judy Googins says:

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

  34. 7434
    Amy says:

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will” Romans 12:2 NIV

  35. 7435
    Phyllis says:

    Phyllis- Norwich, CT
    If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:7 NIV

  36. 7436
    Rebecca says:

    Rebecca, Baltimore, MD
    The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory; like Father, like Son. Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John 1:14 The Message

  37. 7437
    Robinmac says:

    Robin McCartney
    Rockwall, Texas

    And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1John 4:21 ESV

  38. 7438
    Leanne says:

    KJV. 1John 5:14. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hearth us.”

  39. 7439
    Kris McBride says:

    Kris, Charlotte, NC. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

  40. 7440
    Mary Beth says:

    Mary Beth Shell, Roan Mountain, TN
    “Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
    I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    Isaiah 41:10 ESV

  41. 7441
    Virginia Edenfield says:

    Virginia Edenfield Rincon Ga. “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

  42. 7442
    Annette Gray says:

    Annette Gray, Tomball, TX, ‘All of your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.’ Isaiah 54:13 ESV

  43. 7443
    Charla Hollowell says:

    Ok, I’m late…..

    John 10:27-29 NKJV
    My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

  44. 7444
    Teresa Helveston says:

    Jeremiah 3:15
    “Then I will give you Shepard’s after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding”.

  45. 7445
    Melody from Kansas City says:

    Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NIV

  46. 7446
    Brandi says:

    Brandi, Knoxville, TN
    I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

  47. 7447
    Lyn says:

    May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in You. Psalm 25:21, NIV

  48. 7448
    Rebekah Messick says:

    Rebekah Messick Wentzville, MO

    You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever.
    Psalm 16:11 NASB

  49. 7449
    Joy Bounds says:

    “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25

  50. 7450
    Denise Yates says:

    Denise Yates in Glenwood, IA
    Phil. 4:8. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

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