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!
Lillian Palos, Fort Worth, TX
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM who called us by His own glory and goodness” II Peter 1:3. NIV
Blenda, Hattiesburg, MS Jeremiah 29:13-14Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes[a] and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place I deported you from.”
“I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God, therefore be Holy because I am Holy.” Leviticus 11:45
Angela – Tulsa area, Oklahoma – Isaiah 26:3, NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Alvord, TX
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NASB
Beth Stoffregen, Laguna Hills, CA
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Fort Worth, Texas
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
1 Peter 3:4
ESV
Candy from St Louis MO
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully commited to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3
Saskatchewan, Canada; II Corinthians 12:-10 “It is necessary to boast, even though it doesn’t help, but I shall go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man who was in Messiah more than fourteen years ago, whether in the body I do not know, God knows, or outside the body I do not know, this one was taken away up to the third heaven. And I know such as this man, whether in the body or without the body I do not know, God knows, that he was taken away into Paradise and he heard inexpressible words, which are not permissible for a man to speak.” One New Man version
Sorry this scripture is II Corinthians 12:1-5
Sherrese Moore, Fairmount Heights MD “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” 1 Peter 1:2, NASB
Lindsey Motes, Abilene, TX
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. Prov 31:15 & 17 NLT
Micah 6:8 (Holman
Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you:
to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God!
Donna, Mt. Juliet, TN
If I ride the wings of the morning,
If I dwell by the farthest oceans,
Even there your hand will guide me,
And your strength will support me.
Forgot the translation–NLT
Psalm 139:9-10
Ashley Mosley, Las Vegas, NV
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Linda New, Piketon, OHIO
Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything: instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done.
Dana
Conroe, Tx
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord…
Jeremiah 30:17
Amber Campbell, Gilbert, AZ
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7 NIV
Lisa Welch
Katy, Texas
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Sara, College Station TX:
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. (1 John 4:12 NLT)
Terri Henson, Pleasant Hope, MO
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Kim, Columbus, OH
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Cindy, Sulphur, LA
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
James 1:2-3 (HCSB)
Paula Weatherly
Huffman, TX
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Mandi Hall, Williston, Fl
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jer 29:11 NIV
Darcy – Daleville, AL
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop bearing fruit.” -Jeremiah 17:7-8
Billie, Greenville, KY: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” Hebrews 1:3. ESV
Ruth Cole in shreveport LA
I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11 ESV
Denise, Bracebridge, Ontario
“But whose delight is in the law of The Lord, and who meditates in his law day and night”
Psalm 1:2 NIV
Sarah G – Appleton, WI
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.
Isaiah 40:31, The Message
Cynthia B*ham Al, Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not,nor charged God foolishly. KJV
Meg
Fort Collins, Colorado
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3 (NIV)
Karen Souderton, PA
Arise, Shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60 NIV
Lynne Molyneaux, Pittsburgh, Pa
Psalm 138:8 NLT
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.
Jodi Alley, Humble, TX
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37 NKJV
Martha Stephenson. Olive Branch, MS. 38654
Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38. NIV
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8
Mary Sandifer, Indian Head, MD
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me and know my anxious thoughts.
And See if there be any hurtful way in me
And lead me in the everlasting way. ”
Psalm 139:23-24 NASB
Carrie, St. Paul, MN – Let all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5 NLT
Kody, Tricities TN.
Nice to meet you, Jan!!!
My verse & prayer for the next two weeks will be Psalms 139:23-24, NLT
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Grace,Abuja Nigeria.”I publicly proclaim bold promises.
I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.
I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me
if I could not be found.
I, the LORD, speak only what is true
and declare only what is right.” Isaiah 45:19 NLT
Ramona Mobile, Alabama
Don’t stifle the spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold onto what is good. Stay away from every form of evil. Now may the god of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:19-23
Alison Sheffield, NRH, TX
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 NIV
Jennifer Abercrombie Cordele, Ga. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Laura Jeffery, Guelph, ON
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Johnson City, TN – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NKJV
Marie Franse, Albuquerque, NM: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (NIV)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Jill Steele, Bridgeport,West Virginia. “So is My word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it,”
Isaiah 55:11 NIV
Susie Moreno, Ault, CO
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9 ESV