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!
Harmony Letang, East Helena, MT
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
Houston, Texas “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 ESV
‘Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content; I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’
Phillipians 4:11-13 (NKJV)
Katie Cole, Karuizawa, Japan
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 (NASB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
Eph 1:3 ESV
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. But love your enemies, and good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” -Luke 6:27-28, 35 (ESV)
Jamie from Ooltewah, Tn
[4] Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. [5] Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. …
Psalms 25:4-5
Oops, I forgot to put that this is the NIV version.
Carol Smart, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth;Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. II Samuel 22:2 (NIV)
Tirsa Pittaway, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
“Isaiah 61:10 NKJV
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord , My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 NKJV
There is a joy in loving and doing and praying for family! For family warms the heart!
Jody Kramer from Pittsburgh, PA. Galatians 5:22-23New Century Version (NCV)
22 But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.
Beverly Robinson, Sherwood, AR
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.
James 5:9 NIV
Jami
Shelby, NC
Psalm 143: 8 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.
Melissa from Holtwood, PA
“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
Nancy in Derry, NH: Psalm 33:22(NIV) “May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put out hope in You.”
Tiffany Summerville, SC
I Corinthians 10:13 NIV
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. …. So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed! John 8:32 & 36 (NIV)
Charity, Danville, IN
Psalm 37:8 NIV
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
Do not fret-it leads only to evil.
Lynn Hall-Wayland, Michigan
Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:7(NIV)
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. Proverbs 24:23 NKJV
Fredericksburg, VA
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Tigi Mont. Village MD.
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love them and show myself to them.
John 14:21 (NIV)
Patti, Shalimar, Florida, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalms 18:1-2 (NLT)
Julie
Denver, Pa
2 Corinthians 4:2 NLT
We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.”
Nancy, Sanger TX
Now may the God of peace–who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood–may he equip you with all you need for doing his will.
Hebrews13:20 (ESV)
Crista
Forest, VA
“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” -Proverbs 29:17
Jennifer, Denham Springs, LA
Finally, brother and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Phil 4:8, NIV
Lisa from Valdosta, Ga
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV)
Charlotte Keifer, Houston, Texas. “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” Psalm 63:3 ESV
‘For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.’ (Romans 11:36 NIV)
Robin M, Rowlett, TX
So let us boldly come to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 NLV
“Fear not, for I have redeemed to you; I have called you by name; you are mine
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they
Shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned
Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I Am The Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel,
Your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Kay Gartside, Stephenville Texas
Ephesians 2:10 For we are Gods workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV.
Karen – Crossville, TN
2 Corinthians 4:17. NIV
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them.
Melonie, from Oklahoma
The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deut 31:8
Steph, Ontario, Canada
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in Him.”
Psalm 62:5 New Living Translation
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1 King James
Betsy McLean
Merrimack NH
Angie, Markham, Ontario
But in these last days (God) has spoken
to us by his Son…He is the radiance of the
glory of God and the exact imprint of his
nature. Hebrews 1:2-3
Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Job 38:3 ESV
So do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your GOD.
I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Isaiah 41:10
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Mia, Rogersville, AL
Neh. 8:10b “Do not grieve, for the joy of The Lord is your strength. (NIV)
Sara, Hopedale, MA “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Sandee, Citrus Heights, CA
“For we are God’s Mmasterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
June, Fayetteville AR
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NIV
Elizabeth, McDonough, GA
“From now on, brothers and sister, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely ,and all that is worthy of praise.”
Philippians 4:8
Bargersville, IN
So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT
Geloof nooit in nooit. ‘… Hebt geloof in God.’ Markus 11:22