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. 4651
    Treasure says:

    Treasure Ledder
    Midland, TX

    Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:24-26 ESV

  2. 4652
    Sharon says:

    His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure. Eh 1:5 (NLT)

  3. 4653
    Sarah Krapes says:

    Sarah Krapes, Atchison, KS

    Ephesians 6:10-11 NASB

    “Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.”

  4. 4654
    Judy Vitters says:

    Judy, Columbia, SC Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV

  5. 4655
    Jennifer Perkins says:

    Jennifer Perkins Longview, TX
    “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 NASB

  6. 4656
    Becca says:

    Becca, Monterey, CA.

    Verse 2: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -” Ephesians 2:8 NIV

  7. 4657
    Olivia Wells says:

    Olivia Wells
    Kaufman, TX
    2 John 1:2
    Because of the truth, which lives in us and wI’ll be with us forever.
    N.I.V.

  8. 4658
    Julie Polk says:

    Julie Polk-Lubbock, Tx
    For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ESV)

  9. 4659
    Megan McCormick says:

    Megan McCormick

    Calhoun City, MS

    Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ NLT)

  10. 4660
    Michelle Weihing says:

    Michelle Weihing – Frisco Texas
    Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)

    Even to your old age and gray hairs
    I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
    I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

  11. 4661
    Anita says:

    Anita Gresham,Portsmouth,VA “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV

  12. 4662
    Kristi S. says:

    Kristi. Rogersville TN
    Ephesians 6:13 NASB
    Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

  13. 4663
    Julie Copp says:

    Julie, Gresham, OR

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

  14. 4664
    Susan says:

    Susan, Atlanta, GA
    To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ESV

  15. 4665
    Misty Brandon says:

    Misty Brandon, San Antonio, Texas.
    And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 4:7 NIV

  16. 4666
    Donna Duvall says:

    January 15, 2015

    Donna Duvall, Virginia Beach, VA

    Do no let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen.
    Ephesians 4:29 NIV

  17. 4667
    Mary Beth Lassiter says:

    Mary Beth Lassiter, Franklinton, North Carolina
    Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
    Ps. 19:14 ESV

  18. 4668
    Ruth Somers says:

    Ruth Somers, Baton Rouge, LA Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord.
    Acts 11:23. NASB

  19. 4669
    Haley Hotchkiss says:

    Haley Hotchkiss, Cypress, Tx.

    “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
    1 Thessalonians 5:12-14

  20. 4670
    Tina B. Fort Worth says:

    “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV

  21. 4671
    Beverly says:

    Beverly, Shelby “And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” verse 2 from Luke 1:1-20

  22. 4672
    Heather McKinstry says:

    Heather McKinstry
    Greendale, WI
    The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. Exodus 14:14 AMP

  23. 4673
    Elizabeth Lynn says:

    Elizabeth Lynn Knoxville TN
    But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we bought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV

  24. 4674
    Lisa Hill says:

    Lisa Hill, Flagstaff, AZ; Micah 6:8 NLT
    No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

  25. 4675
    Karen Erickson says:

    Karen Erickson
    Richardson, Texas
    Psalm 34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
    The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
    NKJV

  26. 4676
    Linda Goepper says:

    Linda Goepper, Wilmore, KY
    “You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
    Psalm 139:2 NIV

  27. 4677
    Lorelle Wilson Sunshine Coast Australia says:

    Psalm 68:19
    Blessed be The Lord,
    Who daily loads us with benefits,
    The God of our salvation!
    NKJV

  28. 4678
    Katie Rhodes says:

    Katie R
    Brownwood TX
    Ephesians. 5:15-17 NIV
    Be very careful,then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

  29. 4679
    Stacy Featherston says:

    Stacy Featherston from Searcy, Arkansas

    “Forget about what happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out, don’t you see it?

    Isaiah 43:18-19 The Message

  30. 4680
    Shelly Stevenson says:

    Shelly Stevenson
    Plano, TX
    Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV

  31. 4681
    Vivian says:

    Vivian, Birmingham, Alabama

    Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down: He won’t leave you. Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG

    • 4681.1
      Brittney Zimprich says:

      Oh Vivian, your post has brought me to tears. I’ve been struggling the past few days with a negative co-worker, and this verse just hit it home for me. To not give them a second thought because God is striding ahead of me. This is going to be my third memory verse come February 1. I have been struggling, but now I feel like I am not alone. God bless you. God’s Word is becoming more and more powerful in my life.
      Thanks, Brittney

  32. 4682
    Allie Jones says:

    Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother (or sister) is born to help in time of need.

  33. 4683
    Angela Hall says:

    Angela, Cullman, AL “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT

  34. 4684
    Margie says:

    Margie-Jackson MO Psalm 5:2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. Psalm 5:2 NIV

  35. 4685
    Lori Beal says:

    Lori Beal, Huntington Beach, CA
    “That they should put their confidence in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments.” Psalm 78:7 (NASB)

  36. 4686
    Karen says:

    Karen from Jacksonville, FL
    Psalm 145:18 – KJV
    The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him. To all that call upon him in truth.

  37. 4687
    Elizabeth Baird says:

    Elizabeth Baird, Richmond VA

    “They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 KJV

  38. 4688
    Paula M says:

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one anotherin all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV

  39. 4689
    Julie Richardson says:

    Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

    • 4689.1
      Julie Richardson says:

      Julie Richardson, Grand Rapids, MI

      Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

    • 4689.2
      Janelle Fitzler says:

      This is a favorite of mine! Might have to do this one next!

  40. 4690
    Barbara says:

    Barbara, Fort Wayne, IN “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. ” 1Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

  41. 4691
    Michele says:

    Michele,Edmond,OK.
    Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Ps.100:2 ESV

  42. 4692
    Paige says:

    I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

    • 4692.1
      Connie Windha says:

      Picayune, MS
      Thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee. psalm 119:11 KJV

    • 4692.2
      Erika says:

      Paige I just wanted to remind you if putting your city and state . I wanted to make sure you get your verse credit securely:)

    • 4692.3
      Cindy Dell says:

      Pittsburgh, PA

      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 weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

      2 Corinthians 12:9

  43. 4693
    Cheryl Wright says:

    Cheryl Wright Everett, Washington

    2) 1Corinthians 10:13a The Message (MSG)

    13 No test or temptation ( struggle) that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face.

  44. 4694
    Christina B. says:

    Christina B…Pittsburg KS
    Genesis 4:7…If you do right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door…Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it. HCSB

  45. 4695
    Angie Kinzinger, Freeburg, IL says:

    Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV

  46. 4696
    Tracy Good says:

    Tracy, Franklin, TN “You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:5,6 NIV

  47. 4697
    Cambry Dorman says:

    Cambry Dorman
    from Bronte, TX

    Matthew 6:25
    Therefore, I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

  48. 4698
    Jaclyn Walker says:

    Jaclyn, Fircrest WA

    You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13-14‬ ESV)

  49. 4699
    Shari Dwyer says:

    January 15, 2015
    Shari Dwyer, Rancho Viejo, TX.
    16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
    1 Thess 5:16-18 (NKJV)

  50. 4700
    Amy says:

    Amy Houston, Hermann, MO
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 ESV

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