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. 2551
    Joy Couch says:

    Joy, Corbin, KY. “For the Lord sees not as man sees, man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b ESV

  2. 2552
    Brandi says:

    Brandi Hunter, Memphis, TN.
    Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:16 NASB

  3. 2553
    Ana French says:

    Ana French, Broken Arrow, OK

    Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6 (NASB)

  4. 2554
    Nancy Israel says:

    Nancy Israel, Jackson MO “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 NKJV.

  5. 2555
    Blaire C. says:

    Blaire, Bloomfield Twp, MI

    “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 01 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

  6. 2556
    Ellie Clark says:

    Ellie Clark
    Nashville,TN
    “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” –Psalm 63:3-4 ESV

  7. 2557
    Joan Wetzel says:

    Joan Wetzel, New Orleans, Louisiana

    “When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, ‘”Then who can be saved?”‘, And looking at them Jesus said to them, ‘”With people, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”‘
    Matthew 19:25,26 NASB

  8. 2558
    Angela Gallant says:

    Moncton, NB- Canada

    “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.”

    Proverbs 39:15 MSG

  9. 2559
    Tara, Hartford Iowa says:

    James 4:8 ESV
    Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

  10. 2560
    Pennie Marshall says:

    Pennie, Lincoln, NE

    We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.”
    2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NIV

  11. 2561
    Regina Sparkman says:

    Regina Sparkman Royse City Texas “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 Living Bible

  12. 2562
    Katherine says:

    In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

    Matthew 5:16
    NIV

    Kat, Edmonton, AB Canada

  13. 2563
    Patricia Frezzette says:

    Windham NH

    isaiah 60:1
    Arise, shine’ for thy light is come, and the glory of jehovah is risen upon thee.

  14. 2564
    Sam says:

    Samantha, Bentonville, AR

    Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ” (‭Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭19-20‬ NIV)

  15. 2565
    Lasaundra Bies says:

    Lasaundra Bies, Poulsbo WA Matthew 5:1-4 (ESV)
    Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

  16. 2566
    joleen klingler says:

    Joleen Klingler Bluffton Ohio

    “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. 2567
    Alissa Jansen says:

    Alissa Jansen – Knoxville, TN

    He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath, ‘God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!’” So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army. ~Ezekiel 37:9-10 MSG

  18. 2568
    Jenny says:

    Jenny- Shelby Township, MI
    The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of Christ and we TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST. II Cor. 10:4-6 NIV

  19. 2569
    Jessica Sanders says:

    Jessica, Broken Arrow, OK

    For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. Habakkuk 2:3 AMP

  20. 2570
    Heather says:

    Heather Owens – Mt. Vernon, IL

    “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
    1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

  21. 2571
    Kathryn, Libertyville, IL says:

    Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV

  22. 2572
    Kaitlin Tindall says:

    Kaitlin T., Manchester, MI

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
    Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

  23. 2573
    Donna says:

    Donna Marina, Ca
    9 But as it is written:

    “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
    Nor have entered into the heart of man
    The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

    1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV

  24. 2574
    Megan JOY Burdzy says:

    Megan JOY Burdzy – Calgary, Alberta Canada – But I trust you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times/future are in Your hands; deliver/rescue me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me/hunt me down relentlessly. – Psalm 31:14-15 – (NIV/NLT)

  25. 2575
    Lynn Bova says:

    Lynn, Ventura, CA
    Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col. 3:12 NIV

  26. 2576
    Christine says:

    Christine, Encinitas CA
    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? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. – Psalm 27:1-2 NIV

  27. 2577
    Courtney Rohloff says:

    Courtney Rohloff, Morris, MN

    But 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 weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

  28. 2578
    Faye Hyatt says:

    Faye Hyatt, Deming, NM
    “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NAS

  29. 2579
    Paulet Duck says:

    Paulet Duck
    Riverside WA

    Romans 8: 32-39 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.”

  30. 2580
    Sarah says:

    Sarah, Troy, KS – Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” NIV

  31. 2581
    Kimberly Orr says:

    Kimberly Orr
    Zionsville, Indiana

    So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
    I Corinthians 10:31 ESV

  32. 2582
    Trish says:

    “…Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23 NIV

  33. 2583
    Hevila V Rickner says:

    Hevila V Rickner, Silver Springs, NV:

    “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”-Ephesians 3:20 NLT

  34. 2584
    Kellie Goedken says:

    Kellie Goedken, Sheldon, IA

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and thoughts than your ways.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

  35. 2585
    Krista Beach says:

    Krista Beach; Byron Center, MI
    “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -psalm 23:6 ESV

  36. 2586
    Mandy Jones says:

    Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:2-8, NASB)

  37. 2587
    Heather says:

    Heather from NYC,
    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

  38. 2588
    Pam says:

    Pam S., Ladoga, IN

    Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thess. 4:11 NLT

  39. 2589

    Sarina Grasham Houston, TX
    (thank you Jan–I needed that today- momma with 2 babies 8 mon. And 7 weeks)
    Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV

  40. 2590
    Kim Zimmerman says:

    Kim of Fishers, IN “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

  41. 2591
    Nancy Kane says:

    Nancy Kane, Chattanooga, TN “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

  42. 2592
    Kristin says:

    Kristin, San Marcos, CA “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)

  43. 2593
    Linsey says:

    Linsey, New Haven, CT
    Proverbs 19:21 (NIV):
    Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

  44. 2594
    Sally Kitts says:

    Norfolk, VA
    Hebrews 12:2
    “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfect or of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
    NIV

  45. 2595
    Janet Pollard says:

    Janet Pollard – Wagoner, OK
    Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:12-13 NIV

  46. 2596
    Meagan lindberg says:

    Meagan st augustine-psalm 13:5-6 expanded version
    I ·trust [have confidence] in your ·love [loyalty; covenant love]. My heart ·is happy [rejoices] because ·you saved me [of your victory/salvation]. I sing to the LORD because he has ·taken care of [been good to] me.

  47. 2597
    Kelli Holland says:

    Kelli Holland, Lafayette IN
    Ephesians 3.17b-19 NIV
    And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

  48. 2598
    Carole says:

    John 8:31-32 NIV

    “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,
    “If you hold to my teaching , you are really my disciples.
    Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

  49. 2599
    Vicky says:

    Vicky, Winchester, Hampshire, England

    “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 NIV

  50. 2600
    Gretchen Sienicki says:

    Huntsville, AL

    “For by grace you are saved by faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation – created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-9 HCSB

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