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!
Robin Grega – Elizabethtown, KY
Hebrews 4:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 For the word of God is alive 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.
Deb Treat, St. Joseph, MO “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Laurie Case, Keizer, Oregon
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11
Careese, Amarillo TX
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Prov. 16:3 NIV
Judy of Marietta Ga says: “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expects the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 AMP
Karen Stark
Tallahassee, FL
For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:19-20 ESV
Brandy Allred, Crossville, TN
The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Mary Pharris, Dequincy, Louisiana. Malachi 3:6 I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. NIV
Jenna Martinez, Burleson, Texas. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Doris
Boyds, Maryland
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23,24 (NIV)
Christa Lanier, Murfreesboro, TN. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Dana Abee
Clarksville, TN
“They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.” Rev. 22:4 AMP
Martha Blacklock Lubbock, TX
Phil. 4:6 NASB
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Great to see a Lubbock Siesta here!
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
Cathy Butts
Ponce de Leon, FL
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV 1984
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Cindy Sharp, Olathe, KS
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 ESV
Carol Taylor, The Woodlands, TX
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 NIV
Julie Gresham Jackson, MS
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Jamie, Dallas, Texas. “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” Proverbs 31:17 NIV
Shawna Nettles from Chandler, Oklahoma “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Marcy Pivin – St. Charles, MO
Let your hope keep you joyful,
be patient in your troubles,
and pray at all times.
Romans 12:12
Good News Translation
Dawn Fuhrman, Cape Coral, FL:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29 (ESV)
Terri Assael, State College, PA
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 NIV
January 15, 2015
May He strengthen your heart so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with His holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:13
oops I made a mistake – reposting correctly:
May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:13
Stephanie, Altoona PA,”persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”(2 Corinthians 4:9-10 ESV)
Chris Floyd, Kokomo, IN
Ephesians 6:10-11 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Kathy, Pittsburgh, PA
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 NIV
jackie Siple Rockledge Fl
I really like your verse. And it is so true. They all are but yours just hit me. I pray you will be able to memorize all your verses. you can do it.
The righteous perish and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Isaiah 57:1-2 NIV
Sorry for leaving out city, state.
Morristown, TN
For I hold you by your right hand-I, The Lord your God. And I say to you “Don’t be afraid, I am here to help you”. Isaiah 41:13 NLT
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. John 15:4 NIV
Maureen Guilbault, Pascoag, RI
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Psalm 25:1
NRSV
“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your
HOPE in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psa. 42:5 HCSB
Dee Rock, Prescott, AZ. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23, ESV
Heather R, Boulder, CO “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Judy H. – Huntsville Alabama – if God is for me who can be against me.Romans 8:31
Dayle Dygon Sheridan Wy
Much more than that we rejoice in our suffering,knowing that suffering produces endurance,and endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirti who has been given to us.Romans 5:3-5 ESV
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Anita Moore, Fort Worth, TX
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I just felt like if I was going to memorize the first verse it had to be accompanied by 2 and 3 as well
WendyC – Cheyenne, WY.
Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Sydney
Raleigh, NC
Unseal my lips, O Lord,
that my mouth may praise you.
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.
You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Ps. 51:15-17 (NLT)
Michelle, Schertz, TX
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1John 4:18 NIV
Wendy, Savannah, GA “Keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ.” Jude 21
Kristi Schnipke, Kettering, OH
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
Joanne, North Richland Hills, Texas
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11 (NIV)
Lisa Jones Michigan Ephesians 3:16 HCSB
I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit.
” Do not judge by appearances, but judge with righteous judgement.” -Jesus
John 7:24 (ESV)
Bethany from Southern Illinois. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
Olivia Simeon Mangilao, Guam
Repent, then, and turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD. ~Acts 3:19 NIV
Kay Smith, Dickson, Tennessee
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way, say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear. Your God will come. He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, He will come to save you”. Isaiah 35:3-4 (NIV)
Tammy, Garland, TX
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalms 32:7 (NIV)