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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  1. 7801
    Joanna Chung says:

    Joanna Chung, San Ramon, CA

    “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭20-21‬

  2. 7802
    Chantelle Miles says:

    Hi there, I am from Cape Town, South Africa,my name is Chantelle Miles, I’m late in posting but committed to keeping up!-Hebrew 2.18 AMP

    For because He Himself (in His humanity) has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried) He is able (immediately) to run to the cry (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried (and therefore are being exposed to suffering)

  3. 7803
    Lynn says:

    Lynn, Rock Hill, SC

    “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV

  4. 7804
    Rachel Mason says:

    Rachel Mason. London UK. Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers letting God know your concerns. Philippians 4:6 Message.

  5. 7805
    Natalie jeffcoat says:

    But I trust in you, LORD;
    I say, “You are my God.”
    My times are in your hands;
    Deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    From those who pursue me. Psalm 31:14-15

    Natalie Jeffcoat
    Camden,SC

  6. 7806
    Tanya says:

    Tanya, Lorton, VA
    “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
    Romans 12:11 NIV

  7. 7807
    Dawn Jenkins says:

    Dawn Jenkins
    Childress Texas
    Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. (‭Psalm‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ AMP)

  8. 7808
    Christi says:

    Christi
    Bavaria, Germany

    “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of other.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

  9. 7809
    Beth Lesesne says:

    Beth Lesesne, Sumter SC

    Above all my brothers do not swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.Let your “Yes”be yes and your “No,” no or you will be condemned. James 5:12 NIV

  10. 7810
    Jennifer Jackson says:

    Jennifer Jackson, Tulsa OK
    For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (‭Psalm‬ ‭84‬:‭11‬ AMP)

  11. 7811
    Reyne says:

    Reyne
    Erie,pa
    I cor13.7 NIV

    (Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

  12. 7812
    Judy says:

    Judy – Fountain Inn, SC

    Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
    See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting

    Psalm 139: 23-24 (NIV)

  13. 7813
    Jennifer Adams says:

    Jennifer Adams, Canton, Mississippi

    “Great peace have they who love Your law; and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165 ESV

  14. 7814
    Bonnie Tupholme says:

    “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

  15. 7815
    Kathy says:

    Kathy,Queen City, TX, “Be ready for service and have your lamps lit.” Luke 12:35 HCS

  16. 7816
    Sue Powers says:

    Sue, Maryville, IL

    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

  17. 7817
    Jennifer Hargrove says:

    Jennifer Hargrove, Ardmore TN
    “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” 1 John 3:18 NKJV

  18. 7818
    Stancy Hagans says:

    Stancy, Coppell, Texas

    You have searched me O Lord and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down: you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you Lord know it completely.

    Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

  19. 7819
    Pam Dow says:

    Pam D., Hendersonville, TN “I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (CEB)

  20. 7820
    Darcey says:

    1Peter 2:9-10
    But you are a Chosen Race,a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people for God’s own Possession, so you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into the marvoulouos light; for once you were Not. People, but now your THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had not Recieived Mercy but now you have Recieved Mercy.

  21. 7821
    rene lowry says:

    Rene L. Seminole, Florida Hosea 6:6 NRSV “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

  22. 7822
    Robin says:

    Colo.; Romans 8:31b If God is for us, who can be against us?

  23. 7823
    Nikki M says:

    Nikki – Nashville, Tn.
    “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ESV)”

  24. 7824
    Niki Mull says:

    Niki Mull, Leland NC

    I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

  25. 7825
    Becky McInerny says:

    Sorry I’m so late!

    Becky – Edinburgh, IN

    “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

  26. 7826
    Pam S says:

    Fort Bridger, WY.
    My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. NKJV

  27. 7827
    Dawn Deare says:

    Dawn Deare, Lafayette, LA
    1 Samuel 12:24 HSCB
    Above all, fear the LORD and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.

  28. 7828
    Ali says:

    Ali – Huron, Ohio
    Psalm 51:12 NIV
    Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

  29. 7829

    Your word, Lord, is eternal! It stands firm in the heavens.
    Psalm 119. 89
    Michelle Pritchard
    Okeechobee, Florida

  30. 7830
    Kirsten says:

    Kirsten, Manhattan “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

  31. 7831
    Holli Edwards says:

    Holli from Jacksonville Alabama
    Matthew 5:14-16 ESV

    “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

  32. 7832
    Mary Anne Duerrstein says:

    Mary Anne- St. Catharines, Ontario Canada
    Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he care for you.

  33. 7833

    John 15:9 ESV As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.

    Heather
    Birmingham, AL

  34. 7834

    Morgan Roberts, Brandon, MS. “…knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.” Romans 6:6-7 NASB

  35. 7835
    Holly Bailey says:

    Holly Bailey – Benton, AR

    “Let love be genuine. Adhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10 ESV

  36. 7836
    Sandy Keesee says:

    Sandy Keesee, Amarillo TX

    The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise him.
    Exodus 15:2 NIV

  37. 7837
    marisa says:

    Marisa, Knoxville, TN. Romans 8:37 NIV. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

  38. 7838
    Michele S. - Ft. Worth says:

    “If anyone considers himself religious, but does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
    James 1:26 (NIV)

  39. 7839
    Tina Nickels-Fort Worth, Texas says:

    With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments. Psalm 119:10

  40. 7840
    Christina says:

    Houston, TX
    The Lord is near to all who call on him to call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV

  41. 7841
    Sheila Johnson says:

    Sheila Johnson, Beckley, WV By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NKJV

  42. 7842
    Sissy says:

    Sissy, Waycross, GA
    Psalm 56:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

    3 “When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.”

  43. 7843
    Jill Knight says:

    Jill – Germantown, TN

    “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

  44. 7844
    Laura Maddox says:

    Laura Maddox, Rhineland, MO “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.Colossians 1:18 NIV

  45. 7845
    Crystal Jordan says:

    With my whole heart i seek you: let me not wander from your commandments. Psalm 119:10

  46. 7846
    Kimberly says:

    Kimberly – Burlington IA

    “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

  47. 7847
    Brenda says:

    Brenda, Greenville SC
    Ps. 20:7 NIV

    Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

  48. 7848
    Sonya Dickerson says:

    Sonya Dickerson, Chesterfield, VA
    “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
    Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

  49. 7849
    Barbara Menefee says:

    Barbara, Fisherville, KY: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29 NIV.

  50. 7850
    Rita Brown says:

    Rita Brown Midland, TX
    As for God, His way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    He shields all who take refuge in Him.
    Psalm 18:30 NIV

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