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!

Share

9,367 Responses to “Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 2!”

If you'd like your own pic by your comment, go to Gravatar.com. Click the first button "Get your gravatar today ->", and it will walk you through a simple process to select a picture.

Comments:

  1. 2151
    Tina Belfield says:

    Tina Belfield from La Plata, MO

    Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
    Ephesians 4:32 NIV

  2. 2152
    Amanda K says:

    Amanda K. , Bastrop Tx
    Colossians 4:2 NIV
    Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

  3. 2153
    Cathy says:

    LOVED this post. It spoke to me. I needed to hear it!

    Cathy F from Loxahatchee, Florida
    Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
    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.

  4. 2154
    Donna Rippner says:

    Donna from Allen, TX:

    Philippians 4:13

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

    NKJV

  5. 2155
    Teri in TN says:

    Teri Wymore, Millington, TN

    My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

  6. 2156
    Vickie Kalinovich says:

    Vickie Kalinovich
    Greenville, SC
    I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

  7. 2157
    Karen says:

    Karen Roberson, Cullman, AL “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-22 NIV

  8. 2158
    Katie Fox says:

    Katie Fox Nyenga, Uganda

    2nd Corinthians 9:10
    For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

  9. 2159
    Liz Eppright says:

    Liz, Round Rock,Texas
    “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:3-4 NASB

  10. 2160
    Cecelia says:

    Cecelia Stewart, Tustin CA “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

  11. 2161
    Carla says:

    C. Santiago, Cherry Hill, NJ

    “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but, what is good for necessary edification, that it may impact grace to the hearers.” NKJV

  12. 2162
    Sharon Stridde says:

    Robstown, Texas
    He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice,to love kindness,and to walk humbly with your God

  13. 2163
    Taylor Collingsworth says:

    Taylor Collingsworth, Brentwood, TN:
    “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
    James 3:17-18 NLT

  14. 2164
    Linda says:

    Linda Montana Ps 91:2 NKJV “I will say of the LORD, ‘HE is my refuge and my fortress; My GOD in HIM I will trust.'”

  15. 2165
    Christina Beaugh says:

    Christina Beaugh, Baton Rouge, Louisiana- “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.” Psalms 138:8 (NLT)

  16. 2166
    Teresa Conlon Johnson City, Texas says:

    “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25 NIV

  17. 2167
    Michelle says:

    Michelle Beatty, Mosinee, WI

    Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may lived.

    Isaiah 55:3 ESV

  18. 2168
    Paulet Duck says:

    Romans 8:35-39 NIV
    “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No! In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus or Lord.”

  19. 2169
    Genia Quinn says:

    Genia Quinn Madison, MS

    Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10 NLT

  20. 2170
    Kim Foley says:

    Kim Foley, Arnold, MD.
    But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

  21. 2171
    Kellie M says:

    Kellie from Peoria AZ
    Proverbs 31:10 (ESV)
    An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

    I turned 3 times to this verse today. I have been working diligently on being the Godly wife.

  22. 2172
    Gwynn Gunter, Houston, TX says:

    I was put to death on the cross with Christ, and I do not live anymore—it is Christ who lives in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me. (‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ NCV)

  23. 2173
    Liz Millinor says:

    Liz Millinor
    St Johns, FL

    “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure,
    “Children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. ”

    Phillipians 2:14-16a
    NIV

  24. 2174
    Cindy says:

    Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. (NIV)

  25. 2175
    Tammy Fisher says:

    108 Mile Ranch, BC “Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23 GNT

  26. 2176
    Jessica says:

    Jessica, Maryville, TN
    “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
    Philippians 4:19, NIV

  27. 2177
    Beth W. says:

    Beth, Omaha, NE-Phil. 2:3-4 NIV
    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

  28. 2178
    Erin Boling says:

    Erin Boling- Denison, TX

    “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.”
    Ephesians 1:11 MSG

  29. 2179
    DSouthernGal says:

    But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, (‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ NIV)

  30. 2180
    Kelly Watson says:

    “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

    Kelly Watson
    Fargo, ND

  31. 2181
    Melinda Pierce, Deville LA says:

    I call you O God, for you will answer me,give ear to me and hear my prayer.
    Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those
    Who take refuge in you from their foes. Psalm 17: 6-7 NIV

  32. 2182
    Kelly Barb says:

    Kelly Barb, Jefferson City, MO

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

  33. 2183
    Leslie says:

    Leslie, Decatur, TX
    Titus 2:11-12
    For the grace of God has appeared with the salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lust and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age.

  34. 2184
    Donna Mina says:

    Donna Mina, Norman, OK

    My husband just had nuclear stress test…waiting to hear from him.

    Don’t worry about anything;
    instead, pray about everything.
    Tell God what you need, and
    thank him for all he has done.
    ~ Philippians 4:6 NLT~

  35. 2185
    Leslie Thomas says:

    Leslie Thomas, Lees Summit,Missouri
    Be imitators of God,therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love,just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

  36. 2186
    Jen says:

    Jen Massara, Albany, Oregon – Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” -Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)

  37. 2187
    Emily York says:

    Emily York, St. Paul, Minnesota

    “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

  38. 2188
    Andrea Miller says:

    Andrea Miller, Massillon, OH

    “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out.”
    Romans 11:33 NIV

  39. 2189
    Jane Alexander says:

    Jane from Geneseo, Illinois
    Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV

  40. 2190
    Jacquie Terada says:

    Jacquie Terada from Mt.Vernon, WA
    Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me~a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:7-8 NIV

  41. 2191
    Chrissy Hilliard says:

    Chrissy Hilliard, Oswego, IL

    “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

  42. 2192
    Esther de Graaf says:

    Esther de Graaf, Nieuwveen, The Netherlands ( Europe ): “En wij weten dat voor wie God liefhebben, voor wie volgens zijn voornemen geroepen zijn, alles bijdraagt aan het goede.” Romeinen 8:28 NBV

  43. 2193
    Hannah Rodriguez says:

    Hannah Rodriguez, Dallas, Tx.

    “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” -Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

  44. 2194
    Erin says:

    Erin George, Columbus, OH

    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

    Romans 8:5 ESV

  45. 2195
    Christine Caris says:

    Christine Caris, Newfield, NY

    “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

    – Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

  46. 2196
    Alison Pannell says:

    Alison Pannell
    McComb, MS

    “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put my hope.”

    Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

  47. 2197
    Alexis Tena says:

    Alexis Tena, Salem , OR

    “Seek the Lord and His Strength

    Seek His face evermore!”

    Psalm 105:4 NKJV

  48. 2198
    Melissa Ballard says:

    Melissa Ballard, Liberty, West Virginia. “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

  49. 2199
    Kimberly Stokes says:

    Hilton Head island, SC

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

  50. 2200
    Lea Rhodes says:

    Lea Rhodes, Oklahoma City, OK
    “I look up to the mountains — does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!”
    Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)

Leave a Reply

To receive a daily digest of comments on this post, enter your email address below: