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!
Belinda, Chesapeake, VA – “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 NIV
Beth S. Wilson Skiatook, OK
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived.” the things God has prepared for those who love him.
I Corinthians 2:9 NIV
Lauren, Houston – “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NASB
Crystelle, Clayton, WA
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10 NKJV
Vanessa, JC, TN
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Kat Haase, Wheaton, IL
“If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:32 NLT
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:8&9 KJV
Donna, Mobile, AL
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7 KJV
Lisa, Rockville, VA
…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love… Ephesians 3:17 NIV
Miranda, Mount Prospect, IL
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Kimberly, Starkville, MS
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 NIV
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. KJV
Rachel, Lenexa, KS
Melissa, West Lafayette, IN
But it is the Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. Job 32:8 NIV
Since I’m new to the site, I’m now leaving my scripture verse for Jan 1.
Psalm 16:8 – I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. KJV
Daniele, Cleveland, OH “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:17 ESV
Danielle – Shreveport, LA
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16 ESV)
Mary-Columbia, PA
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
Psalm 3:3
Bethany
Modesto,Ca.
1John 1:5,9 (ESV)
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. (Vs 5)
If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Vs.9)
Morgan Murphy, Muscle Shoals, AL. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20, ESV
Leanna Evadale, Tx
Psalm 5:3 At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
NASB
Zella Walborn, Bluffton, IN. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a chosen nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Denise Soesbee Dallas GA. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
Kathy Hartman, Mpls. MN “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds’ feet, he makes me tread upon my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 RSV
Laura Proctor, Madison, MS “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV
Chris, Simpsonville, SC. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Mona Saxonburg I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV
Deb Rowzee, Brandon, MS
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 NKJV
M.J., Lovington, NM – Ecc. 5:1-2 (continuing from 1/1/15)
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in Heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Ecc. 5:1-2 ESV
Melissa from Waldorf, MD
“‘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 a hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Meagan, Brooklyn, WI
Psalm 139:2 ESV
“You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.”
Nancilea, The Woodlands, TX
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:17 ESV
Denise, Madison Al
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Cor 13:2 NIV
Wendy, Mechanicsville, VA
I pray that God, who gives you peace will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until Jesus returns.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 CEVDCUS06
Mary Gray, Fieldale, VA. “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 NIV
Barbara, York, PA
May God give you more and more grace an peace as you grow in you knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 2:1-NLT
Kerri for Battle Ground, WA
I’m late with this one. Please forgive me. This particular verse was brought to my attention three times last week; that means something 🙂
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
No apologies necessary, Kerri! So glad you’re participating!
Marie
Byhalia, MS
If we live by the Spirit let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 ESV
Michelle Bordelon, Prairieville, LA
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 ESV
Heather Stansell-Easley, SC “Withhold not thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let they lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” Psalm 40:11
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26, NIV
Katelyn J, Colorado Springs, CO
“As the body without the soul is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26, NIV
Olivia, Rogersville, TN
“…and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up on meeting as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Sara McClurg from Hayden, AL
Lori Kruck , Westville NJ,
In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. (Galatians 3:6-7 NLT)
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Casee, Houston, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither Angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Jennifer Goodwin, Collierville (Near Memphis), Tn.
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:18 NIV
Stephanie, Salem, Oregon: “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord, and who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:30-33 (NIV)
Cathy Clark
Umatilla, FL
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Rebecca, Springfield, OH: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:7 NIV.