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!
Amanda M., Chicago, IL. “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 NIV
Gretha Kiewiet, Klarenbeek, The Netherlands
Leg dat wetboek geen moment ter zijde en verdiep je er dag en nacht in, opdat je je houdt aan alles wat erin geschreven staat. Dan zal alles wat je onderneemt voorspoedig verlopen.
Jozua 1:8 NBV
Jeremy, Lake Bluff, Illinois
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Mica Cooper, Bridgeport, WV
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16-16 NIV
Erin from North Texas, Proverbs 19:14 (NLT), “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Jacqueline, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
Deut 31:6
‘Wees vastberaden en standvastig/ Er is geen enkele reden om bang te zijn, want het is de Heer Uw God die met u mee gaat. Hij zal niet van uw zijde wijken en u niet verlaten.
Tammy Minnick Vilonia, AR
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 MSG)
Myrthe Kok, Lelystad, The Netherlands,
Fil. 4:4
“Laat de Heer uw vreugde blijven; ik zeg u nogmaals: wees altijd verheugd”(NBV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Midge Miller, Snellville, GA “Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus:[Let Him be your example in humility:]” Philippians 2:5 Amplified
Ginny, Wilson NC
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1 NIV
Renia Robinette, Sherwood, Arkansas
“Be joyful 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
Janice Richey Bristow Ok
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Jane W., Lincoln, NE, “Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NIV
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
….if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land.
Dana Meade, Oxford, PA: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:11 NLT
Susan – Maynard, MA
Ephesians 2:22 – ESV
“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Gennie Coe, Boerne, TX
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12
Blanche Wulfekoetter, Ozawkie, Kansas
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corintthians 16:13
NIV
Jacksonville, FL
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. KJV
Syreeta Nurse, Goldsboro, NC. “For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Psalm 84:1
Sonya Polino, Meriden, CT: Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT)
Kimberly Barrett, Camden, Arkansas
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. Malachi 3:16
Brianna, Huntsville, AL
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)
Layne Hall, Columbus MS- Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
Snellville, GA
Romans 11:34 KJV
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Today at 6:09 AM
Maren Breitiweser, Indianapolis, IN, “It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and us hear it, that we may observe it?” Deuternomy 30:12, NAS
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. Proverbs 16:1
Ann, Acworth, GA
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! – Psalm 27:14
Waco, TX
The LORD will work out his plans for my life-
for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
Andie, Dunnellon, Florida
Ps 16:7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel:my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. KJV
Felicia P, Carrollton, VA
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
Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. proverbs 16:3 NLV
Larose, LA
Lynn Bennett, Stowe, Vt.
I will give thanks to you Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praises of your name , O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 , NIV
Dawn Lucy, Attalla, AL Verse 2- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” My apologies for being late.
North East, PA
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Lori Sargent, Acworth, Ga
The LORD will work out His plans for my life-
For your faithful love, O, LORD, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
Psalm 138:8 NLT
Diane, Wichita, KS
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians. 4:2 NIV
Judy Coles, Orangeville, ON
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)
Diane Shaffer, Clarkston, MI
One thing I ask from The Lord, this only do I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of The Lord, and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
Jeanette, Coral Springs, FL
“The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”
Isaiah 50:4 {NIV)
Jamie
Irvine, Ky.
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. (Psalms 86:11 NLT)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Laura Hance, Batesville, AR
7 Lord, hear my voice.
Be kind and answer me.
8 My heart told me to come to you, Lord,
so I am coming to ask for your help.
Psalm 27:7-8 ERV
Shannon, Buda TX
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Isaiah 61:2 NIV
Deena, Lumberton, Tx
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14 NKJV)
Jenny, Des Moines, IA
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 NIV
Ashley Schenck, Fishers, Indiana “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 NIV