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!
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).
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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!
Terri Fullerton, Abilene, TX, “NO weapon forged against you will prevail, and YOU WILL REFUTE EVERY TONGUE THAT ACCUSES YOU. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Is 54:17, NIV
Also, we took the Siesta Scripture Memorization to a prison where a team of us go once a week to do a ladies Bible study. We print off the Scripture in English and Spanish. Last week we had 30 women participate. When we handed out the memory verse, you would have thought we handed them a Christmas present.
So thrilling, Terri!! May they see the life and power in Christ through His Word!
Pam Thompson, Augusta, GA
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7. ESV
Psalm 27:8 “Come,” say my heart, “seek his face”; your face, Lord, do I seek! (NAB)
Beverly, Midlothian VA
2 Corinthians 5:20,21
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
April Smith San Angelo, TX
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NKJV)
April it is good to see someone else from San Angelo posting God’s word!
Cynthia – Dallas, TX
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.
Jeremaiah 29:11 (NIV)
Such a powerful verse for people like me who are so insecure. I treasure this one!
Tina, Columbus Ohio
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2Peter 1:3-4 NIV
Beth Green, Arlington, 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 hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11
Juli Garrido, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“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” Philippians 2. 14-16 (NIV)
Kim Joyner, Poplar Bluff, MO. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NASB)
Erin Roberts Cohutta, GA
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 NIV
Nanette Smith, Jacksonville TX
Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22 NAS
Julie, Cincinnati, OH
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 ESV
Carla, LaFayette, Al.
“Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build the church up.” I Corinthians 14:12 NIV
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~Galatians 5:1 NIV
Tamara Ward, Woodbridge, Virginia
“And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold I am making all things NEW.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
Gerie Meier – Spring Grove, IL
I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. Hosea 14:4 NIV
Deana Gordy
Cartersville, GA
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV
Kristen Schwark, Indianapolis, IN
~ Hebrews 4:12a ESV
For the word of God is living and active
Ruth, Madison GA
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, NIV
Lindsay, Chisholm MN
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5 (NIV)
Kristina Sedberry, Garland, TX – Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies- make your way straight before me. Psalm 5:8 NIV
Michelle K, New Baltimore, MI: “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:22, NRSV
Leah Kuor, Salem, OR. Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)
“The LORD your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
This is one of my all-time favorite verses.
Allison Drennon, Little Rock, AR, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 (NLT)
Georganne, Piedmont, OK
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope…
II Thessalonians NIV
For Freedom did Christ set us free; stand fast therefore , and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Galations 5:1
Pam in Guatemala
“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
I picked the same verse for this week! May God grant us his peace to guide us.
Berni, Albuquerque
“Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer life,
being both alert and intent in your praying with
thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2AMP
Amy Storms
Joplin, MO
Now the Lord was GRACIOUS to Sarah AS HE HAD SAID and the Lord DID for Sarah WHAT HE HAD PROMISED. Genesis 21:1 NIV
Alyssa K Mochen
Rio Rancho, NM
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Jude 1:20-21 NLT
Mary Beacham, Homewood AL
John 4:13-14 and Jesus answered, “everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will NEVER thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life!”
Judy, Satellite Beach, FL, Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (ESV)
Kim Callan–Charlotte NC– Romans 12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. NKJV
“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” Isaiah 55:12 NLT
Oops…I wasn’t fully awake when I posted. I am Sharon Hyde, Independence, MO.
Judy Bailey, Panama City, Fl
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 ESV
Jackie Moore, Brookville Ohio
Psalm 32:8
The Lord says,”I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Sally Morton, Canon City, CO
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you have been bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 NIV
Anne Langford, Wellington,Texas
“Do everything without complaining or arguing”
Phillippians 2:4 Int’l Standard Version
Pam Coleman, Deleon Springs, Florida
“though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:24 (NIV)
Becky, Elkhart, KS Set a guard over my mouth, LORD. Keep watch over the door of my lips. NIV
Sorry – here is the reference Psalm 141:3
Carol Rice, Deer Park, Texas : May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV
Melissa – Simpsonville, KY – “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.” Micah 6:8 NLT
Jenny Provence Spring Hill,TN
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
“We don’t look for things that can be seen but for things that can’t be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can’t be seen last forever.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18 GW
“For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, give you hope and a future.”–Jeremiah 29:11
Robin Schaible, Elk River, MN
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Robin Parris, Cleveland, TN
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 KJV