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!
Natalie El Dorado,KS
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you,and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 NIV
Sorry late.
Janet, Celina, Texas
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 KJV
Lori – Silver Creek, GA
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight. James 1:19-20. (NLT)
“He will cover you with His feathers, and you will take refuge uner His wings; His faithfulness will be a protective shield.” Psalm 91:4 HCSB
Renee Hall, Jacksonville, FL – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,” Isaiah 61:1 NIV
Michelle O’Heir, Massachusetts
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalm 46:1-3
Sheryl, Golden, MS; “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” (KJV)
Linda Peel Lexington, KY
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 Message
Richmond, VA
Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I Timothy 4:12
Susan Cobb, Pendleton, SC “Let Love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
Paula, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Psalm 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. NIV
Becky, Raleigh, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Chasity Gibson De Witt, AR
Romans 12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Becky, Grand Rapids, MI
Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 NIV
Mary Katherine McCollor, Hemet, CA
I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. he also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and establish my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth. Praise to our God and many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord. Psalms 40: 1-3 NKJV
“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” James 4:20 (NIV)
Heather -Brenham,TX-
The words I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:23 NKJV
Colosssians 3:12 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Lacy, Norman, OK
Psalm 27:1 NIV
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Brenda Alberts Axtell,NE “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ” (NIV)
Mary, Panama City, FL
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Leanette, Atlanta GA
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
I Peter 4:8 NIV
…v.11 so that in all things God may be praised.
Lisa Owen
Lakeville, MN
1 Chronicles 16:8
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name, make known among the nations what he has done.
I chose this verse because we live in a world dominated by negative news and the suppressing of God’s name. I want to be reminded how awesome God is and to remember all the wonderful things He has done and continues to do – PRAISE GOD!!
Staci, Meridian, TX
“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
Rosalyn, St. Louis
Strengthened with all power; according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
Colossians 1:11
Better late than never in posting, I hope?! 😉
Kathleen
St. Louis, MO
Psalm 146:5 (NASV)
“How blessed is (she) whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD (her) God.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your Spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 ESV
Amy, Gonzales, Louisiana
“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
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (NIV)
Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 NASB
Mary, Marion, Arkansas
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewarts of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 peter 4:10 (NIV)
Anna, Conroe, 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 NIV
This is the day which Jehovah has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm118:24 asv
Jamie, Crossett, AR:
“Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat! I would order my cause before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.” Job 23:3-4 KJV
Anna Smith, Little Elm, TX
Have I not commanded you? Chazak! Be strong! Do not be terrified or dismayed, for Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (TLV)
Julie Woodruff, Hendersonville, TN “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:3 ESV
Brenda, Calgary, Alberta
Colossians 2:6-8 ESV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one takes you captive to philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Heather – Fort Worth, TX
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Marsha, Jupiter, Florida
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 NIV
Kayla
Buckhannon, WV
Isaiah 43:2, NV
“When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
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 on these things.
9. What you have learned and received and heard And seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Deb Oldsmar FL Ephesians 1:18 ESV
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of is glorious inheritance in the saints
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commaded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” NASB
Johanne, Calgary, AB, Canada
“and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,”
Ephesians 3:17-18 HCSB
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 [NLT]
Crystal, Norton, VA:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Kimberly Bush, Kearney, NE
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Betsy, Westerville, Ohio
Psalm 27: 14 NIV
Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.