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!
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
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)
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.”
Judy, Columbia, SC Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
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
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
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.
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)
Hi Julie! Fellow Lubbock Siesta here! Praying for you!
Megan McCormick
Calhoun City, MS
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalms 37:4 NLT)
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.
Love this, and it is a new one for me. Thank you, I will memorize this one for sure.
Kelly
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
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.
Julie, Gresham, OR
“For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV)
Me, too!! Same verse this time! Woohoo!
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
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
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
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
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
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
AMEN
“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
Beverly, Shelby “And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” verse 2 from Luke 1:1-20
Heather McKinstry
Greendale, WI
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. Exodus 14:14 AMP
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
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.
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
Linda Goepper, Wilmore, KY
“You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139:2 NIV
Psalm 68:19
Blessed be The Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!
NKJV
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.
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
Brought years to my eyes! Good one!
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
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
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
Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother (or sister) is born to help in time of need.
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
Thank you for this post. It was a wonderful reminder.
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
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)
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.
Elizabeth Baird, Richmond VA
“They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, and shall sing of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 145:7 KJV
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
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
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
This is a favorite of mine! Might have to do this one next!
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
Michele,Edmond,OK.
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Ps.100:2 ESV
I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16
Picayune, MS
Thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee. psalm 119:11 KJV
Paige I just wanted to remind you if putting your city and state . I wanted to make sure you get your verse credit securely:)
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
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.
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
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
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
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?
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)
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)
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