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. 8051
    Belinda says:

    Belinda, Chesapeake, VA – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV

  2. 8052

    Beth S. Wilson Skiatook, OK
    However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived.” the things God has prepared for those who love him.
    I Corinthians 2:9 NIV

  3. 8053
    Lauren says:

    Lauren, Houston – “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NASB

  4. 8054
    Crystelle says:

    Crystelle, Clayton, WA
    For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10 NKJV

  5. 8055
    Vanessa says:

    Vanessa, JC, TN

    The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
    Exodus 14:14 NIV

  6. 8056
    Kat Haase says:

    Kat Haase, Wheaton, IL
    “If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:32 NLT

  7. 8057
    Janie, Camden,AR says:

    8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
    9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
    Philippians 4:8&9 KJV

  8. 8058
    Donna says:

    Donna, Mobile, AL
    So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7 KJV

  9. 8059
    Lisa says:

    Lisa, Rockville, VA
    …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love… Ephesians 3:17 NIV

  10. 8060
    Miranda Spears says:

    Miranda, Mount Prospect, IL

    Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

  11. 8061
    Kimberly says:

    Kimberly, Starkville, MS
    “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 NIV

  12. 8062
    Rachel says:

    Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. KJV

    Rachel, Lenexa, KS

  13. 8063
    Melissa says:

    Melissa, West Lafayette, IN
    But it is the Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. Job 32:8 NIV

  14. 8064
    Rachel says:

    Since I’m new to the site, I’m now leaving my scripture verse for Jan 1.

    Psalm 16:8 – I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. KJV

  15. 8065
    Danielle Bruner says:

    Daniele, Cleveland, OH “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:17 ESV

  16. 8066
    Danielle says:

    Danielle – Shreveport, LA

    For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ESV)

  17. 8067
    Mary says:

    Mary-Columbia, PA
    But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
    Psalm 3:3

  18. 8068
    Bethany says:

    Bethany
    Modesto,Ca.

    1John 1:5,9 (ESV)

    This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. (Vs 5)
    If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Vs.9)

  19. 8069

    Morgan Murphy, Muscle Shoals, AL. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20, ESV

  20. 8070
    Leanna says:

    Leanna Evadale, Tx
    Psalm 5:3 At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.

  21. 8071
    Teresa says:

    For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Romans 8:38-39
    NASB

  22. 8072
    Zella Walborn says:

    Zella Walborn, Bluffton, IN. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a chosen nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

    • 8072.1
      Denise says:

      Denise Soesbee Dallas GA. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
      Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)

  23. 8073
    Kathy Hartman says:

    Kathy Hartman, Mpls. MN “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds’ feet, he makes me tread upon my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 RSV

  24. 8074
    Laura Proctor says:

    Laura Proctor, Madison, MS “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV

  25. 8075
    Chris says:

    Chris, Simpsonville, SC. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

  26. 8076
    Mona says:

    Mona Saxonburg 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

  27. 8077
    Deb Rowzee says:

    Deb Rowzee, Brandon, MS
    “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 NKJV

  28. 8078
    KMSmom86 says:

    M.J., Lovington, NM – Ecc. 5:1-2 (continuing from 1/1/15)

    Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in Heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

    Ecc. 5:1-2 ESV

  29. 8079
    Melissa says:

    Melissa from Waldorf, MD
    “‘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 a hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

  30. 8080
    Meagan Hamlette says:

    Meagan, Brooklyn, WI
    Psalm 139:2 ESV
    “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.”

  31. 8081
    mommafoster says:

    Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX

    Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:17 ESV

  32. 8082
    Denise says:

    Denise, Madison Al
    “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Cor 13:2 NIV

  33. 8083
    Wendy Berenson says:

    Wendy, Mechanicsville, VA

    I pray that God, who gives you peace will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until Jesus returns.
    1 Thessalonians 5:23 CEVDCUS06

  34. 8084
    Mary Gray says:

    Mary Gray, Fieldale, VA. “To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

  35. 8085
    Barbara says:

    Barbara, York, PA

    May God give you more and more grace an peace as you grow in you knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
    1 Peter 2:1-NLT

  36. 8086
    Kerri Hartell says:

    Kerri for Battle Ground, WA

    I’m late with this one. Please forgive me. This particular verse was brought to my attention three times last week; that means something 🙂

    Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
    ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
    Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.
    Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

  37. 8087
    Marie Davis says:

    Marie
    Byhalia, MS

    If we live by the Spirit let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
    Galatians 5:25 ESV

  38. 8088
    Michelle Bordelon says:

    Michelle Bordelon, Prairieville, LA

    I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
    Galatians 2:20 ESV

  39. 8089
    Heather Stansell says:

    Heather Stansell-Easley, SC “Withhold not thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let they lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:11

  40. 8090
    Katelyn J from Colorado Springs says:

    “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26, NIV

  41. 8091
    Katelyn J says:

    Katelyn J, Colorado Springs, CO

    “As the body without the soul is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26, NIV

  42. 8092
    Olivia says:

    Olivia, Rogersville, TN

    “…and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up on meeting as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

  43. 8093
    Sara McClurg says:

    “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

  44. 8094
    Lori Kruck says:

    Lori Kruck , Westville NJ,
    In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭6-7‬ NLT)

  45. 8095
    Dee Harrah Westerville, Ohio says:

    Ephesians 4:2 NIV

    Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

  46. 8096
    Casee says:

    Casee, Houston, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither Angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

  47. 8097

    Jennifer Goodwin, Collierville (Near Memphis), Tn.

    For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

    2 Corinthians 10:18 NIV

  48. 8098
    Stephanie says:

    Stephanie, Salem, Oregon: “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord, and who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:30-33 (NIV)

  49. 8099
    Cathy Clark says:

    Cathy Clark
    Umatilla, FL
    The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
    Psalm 28:7 NIV

  50. 8100
    Rebecca Benston says:

    Rebecca, Springfield, OH: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:7 NIV.

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