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).
____________
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!
Abbey Le Roy, Bluefield, West Virginia. “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 (ESV)
Wow! I think I need to put this one on my list to memorize! I love the message in it. Thanks for posting.
Sarah Carroll, Springfield, Ohio
Joshua 3:5New International Version (NIV)
5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
BECAUSE I EXPECT GOD TO DO AMAZING THINGS!
What a promise! Our God is AWESOME!
Jamee Miller from Sanford, FL
“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
Yes, peace, priceless!
Elizabeth, Cedarburg, WI
Isaiah 43:18New Living Translation (NLT)
18 “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
I like the NLT translation of this verse! Bring on the new!
I love it, ‘but forget all that” – we need to leave all of our foolish thinking behind and expect the great things from God!
Sara Altmyer, Gulf Shores, Alabama
“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me!’ “ Isaiah 6:8 NIV
I’ve been praying in my life about God using and “sending” me. Thank you for this scripture! God Bless!
You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace,for it is trusting in You. Isaiah 26:3 HCSB
Krista Heres, Winchester, VA
One of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE verses. Keep us dependent on You Lord, and we WILL know your peace
Krista, thank you for posting this verse in the HCSB version. I’ve never read it in this version before and it breathed new life in this verse for me!
This has been my life’s verse for many years.
Lori Anthony, Pine River, MN
“My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.” Psalm 71:8 NASB
Adrianna Anderson
Pinson, Al
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NIV
Susan Paine, Hillsboro, KS “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Phil 3:7 NIV
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Romans 8:25 ESV
Which would be miserable without faith and trust!
Lisa Maynard, Marion IN
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:18(NIV)
I’ve been coming back to this verse repeatedly this week. Let God give us a love for His Word and His truth!
*I accidentally just re-posted my verse from last time. Here is the correct one. Abbey Le Roy, Bluefield, West Virginia. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.’” Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV)
Katie Hoercher Boston, MA
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 NASB
Michelle Baylerian, Waukesha, WI
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love n the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
Suzy from Cedar Falls, IA
Psalm 19:14 ESV
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Kim Beechem from Idabel, OK
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:17 NIV
Sara Martin, Houston, Texas: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” NASB
Diane LeJeune, Fairview, TN
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kathy Springer, Baton Rouge, LA “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62: 11-12 NIV
What a beautiful verse! Thank you Kathy. I’m writing it down on the backside of my card for this week to help me remember these characteristics of God!
Oh, thank you for this verse! I’m totally stealing it for mine this time around! 🙂
Julie Dally Taylors Falls, MN
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
Psalm 62:1 NIV
Lisa, from Huntsville, AL:
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. – Is.43: 18-19 NIV84
Great verse! I memorized it 2 years ago, SSMT ”13!
A verse that God has brought to me over and over again, especially during times of transition. He truly has done amazing things!
What a great verse!!! I’m going to have to add that one to my list, needed to see that today! Thanks for sharing!!
Ganise, Ottawa, Canada,
”Be at peace with God” 2 Peter 3:14b (NIRV).
Charlotte Skadal, Houston, Texas “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (ESV)
Lisa from Rootstown, Ohio. Luke 8:8 NIV. “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. When he said this, he called out, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.””
Tara G.
Sherwood, AR
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
Wow! I needed to see this today. Was put in a position earlier this week where all I could do was be silent. Thank you.
Keri Lee Robbins, Las Vegas, NV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(I Peter 1:3-5 NKJV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
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.
Patrice,
This verse is one of Ms. Moore’s important message, His word is Active and Living. Hebrew’s is one of my favorite books. I learned who Beth was when I began my first bible study of “Believing God” with my teenage daughter. She (Beth) has been my inspiration from that first session. Thank you for reminding me how Hebrews is “God driven”!
From everlasting to everlasting Thou art God
Psalm 90:2
NIV Life Application Bible
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, neither anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Kristin
Fort Worth, TX
Hi Kristen. Never can be reminded enough of the truth and fact of this verse!
Wendi McPike, Kennebunkport, ME
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” Eph 2:13 NIV
Houston, Texas
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Heidi Young, PA
“Let us come into His Presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Ps 95:2 ESV
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance Psalm 65:11 NLT
That verse made my heart leap with joy!
Billie January, Scottsdale
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
Psalm 143:8New International Version (NIV)
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 entrust my life.
Joy Jones, Belleville, MI. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 KJV
Brenda – Hendersonville TN “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.” Psa 46:10a (VOICE)
Loveland, CO
Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (NIV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8 ESV
Debbie, New Carlisle, Rev. 1:8; “I am the Alpha and the Omega,: says the Lord, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty”
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Psalm 40:29-31 NIV Mary Williams Roanoke, VA
Sally, Gahanna, Ohio
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
They will tell of your mighty acts.”
Psalm 145:3-4 NIV
Teresa, Walla Walla, Romans 8:31 NLT
“What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Marsha Sullivan, Louisville, Kentucky. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Angel Buff – Chattanooga, TN
“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” -Galatians 6:14 (NLT)
Michelle Rodriguez
Beavercreek, Ohio
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:3 NIV
Stephanie, Concord, NC — Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)
Jaime Garrett, Wilson, NC
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This verse has comforted me many times in my life. I hope it brings you joy and reassurance as well.
Patti Simmons from Buchanan MI
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 ESV)
I have to remember to come back to this verse. Such a promise!