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!
Ansley Bowen, Pendergrass, GA “You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11 NASB
Tammie Maier Hillsboro Kansas
“You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:2 (NIV)
DC Rusert, Midland, TX-If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8 ESV)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for th old order of things has passed away. (NIV)
Sylvia Vicain, Jersey Village, TX
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
I’m late with my Jan 1 post too, so here are both:
Emily Lathen – Colorado Springs, CO
Jan 1 = “I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV
Jan 15 = “But the Lord said to me: ‘Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you. And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 1:7-8, NKJV
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 NLT
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:17-19 NIV
LOVE THIS VERSE!
Jennifer Meyers, Jasper, Alabama
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 NASB
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6, NIV
Allison, Bethany,OK “Before you know it,a sense of God’s whholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. -Philippians 4:7 msg
Krysten Smart, Zanesville, Ohio, Regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it. (Colossians 3:14 MSG)
Star-Duvall, WA
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12 ESV
Liz Bell Salem, OR
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17
This may be a duplicate. I can’t find the one I thought I had posted.
Kim, Mary Esther, FL
1 Corintios 13:1 RVR1960
Si yo hablase lenguas humanas y angélicas, y no tengo amor, vengo a ser como metal que resuena, o címbalo que retiñe.
1 Corinthians 13:1 ESV
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Albuquerque, NM “Love The Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength” Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
Barb, Pittsburgh, Pa
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” 1Peter1:15 NIV
Helen, Sweet Home, OR
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Isaiah 46:9-11 NIV
Melanie Crockett, Bell Buckle, Tennessee. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy,and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 NIV
Virginia Beach, VA
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love
and His wonderful deeds for mankind,
for He breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
Psalm 107:15-16 (NIV)
Cathy, Houston, Texas. Be brave, be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. Psalm 31:24, The Message.
Barbara Butler, Channelview TX.
“And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in and give us the land that He swore to give to our fathers.” Deuteronomy 6:23 (ESV)
Carol White, Vian, Oklahoma
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your Word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:9-10
I forgot to note the translation; it is the NIV.
Heather Stanley, Petrolia Ontario
“for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:2 NIV
Troy, Ohio
Romans 8:32 NIV
He who did not spare his own Son,
but gave him up for us all-
how will he not also, along with him,
graciously give us all things?
Debbie from Reno, Nevada
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV
Erin Dougherty, Conway, AR
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Brenda Henning, August, KS
…not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:9-10, NIV
Lisa, Bloomington, IN
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live. Psalm 23:6 (Good News Translation)
Penny Big Spring, TX
I have set the LORD always before me, because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps. 16:8 NKJ
Isaiah 12:4 (NIV)
In that day you will say:
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Joy Milner,Tampa, Florida
Debbie McMurtry, Flower Mound, Texas
FIRST POST
# 1: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 NIV
# :2 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4 NIV
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Barbara Tafoya, Lakewood, CO
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.”
Colossians 1;15. NLT
Amy, Seattle, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3 ESV
Whoo-hoo Week 2!!
Andrea B
Jefferson City
“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.”
Psalms 25:4-5
NIV
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
Let your mercy come to me Lord, salvation in accord with your promise. Psalm 119:41 NAB
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Terri Baker, Houston, Texas
“By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him; for whenever our heart condems us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:19-20
Seana, Norcross,GA
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has concieved what God has prepared for thise who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
Lindy Freeland, Melbourne , Florida
Romans 15:13 NIV
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.
Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. NIV
Kaysie Hosiner, Waxahachie, TX. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making away in the wilderness and steams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 TNIV
Donna Ross, Spring Branch, TX
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10 ESV
Sharon Toth, Lincoln Park, Michigan. “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” Psalm 90:14 NLT
Bailey from Knoxville, NIV, Romans 1:2-3
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit it is willing, but the body is weak” Matthew 26:41 NIV
Pam, Campbellsburg, In.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak,and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV NSFL