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!
Janice Lisle, Martinez,Ca
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
Sande Wilkie, Martinez, Ca
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.
ToniD Wilson. Ft Worth,Tx.
Matthew 11:29 (Msg) Matthew 11:29 (MSG)
29 “Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.”
Exodus 16:4 ESV
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.
Kayla, Alexandria, Louisiana
“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10 ESV
Anna Scantlan, Sullivan, MO
For Jan. 15, 2015
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
leet them sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5:11 ESV
Jaye Marie Graham, Quitman, Texas, “Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I cried My foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your joy brought consolation to my soul.”. Psalm 94:17-20
Sherry, Perry, GA
What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NKJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Casey, Cheney, WA “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV
Romana, Drachten, The Netherlands
Ik gebied je dus: wees vastberaden en standvastig, laat je door niets weerhouden of ontmoedigen, want waar je ook gaat, de Heer, je God, staat je bij. Jozua 1:9 (NBV)
Romana, your entry caught my eye because of the language difference…so I looked up the verse….who knew God would speak to me through a verse written in a language I don’t speak or understand. Thank you so much
Sarah-Elaine Jarrett, Huntington, WV
“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Nancy, Columbus OH, For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 NIV
Candy, Fort Worth
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Allison Logan, Southlake TX,
You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 GNT
Angie, Charlotte, NC
Psalm 147:11, “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
Brandy, Sutherlin Oregon. Romans 5:2 NLT
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of high privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Jenni Banicki – Elk Grove, CA “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)
Shanen Pankrez, Grapevine, Texas. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV
Lancaster, CA
“I was young and now am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely…”
Psalm 37:25,26a (NIV)
Knoxville, TN
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT
Susan Kuruvilla, Katy TX. “Be still and know that I am GOD. i will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV
Gaylord, MI
“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12 NASB
If God is for us,who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Tabitha Whitacre, Louisville, KY
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ephesians 5:25 NLT
Audrey Whitacre, Louisville, KY
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your heart as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ephesians 5:25 NLT
DLynn; Argyle, TX
Job 42:1-3; NIV
Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
Royse City, TX
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14, NIV
Cindy, Wilton, England
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6 NLT
Tamzin, Auckland, New Zealand
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 NIV
Connie Hardy, Durham, NC “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. NIV
Francine, Orillia, Ont, Canada
John 6:40 NIV
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day.
Kaarin from Washington
Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.
Amy Anders…Avon, Indiana
Daniel 1:12. NIV
Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetable to eat and water to drink.
Robin in Snohomish, WA
They will stand firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design. Ps 1:3 the voice
Hale, Michigan
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 KJV
Lynn Minter, Williamsville, NY: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalm 138:8 KJV
Allyson
League City TX
1John 1:6-7 ESV
“If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Betty Stephens, Austin, Texas You Know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2 NIV
Kari Steward, Meadowlakes, Texas
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 1:4-5 NIV
Marilyn Shuart, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada ” ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me’ says the Lord.” NKJV
You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
Psalms 119:114 (NLT)
Victoria
Hooksett, NH
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7 KJV
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Tracy, Kinston NC
Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Julie, Spfld, IL
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:2-3
Laura | San Jose, CA
“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.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Angie Perkins, Springville, AL
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Janna Johnson, Lehigh Acres FL.- And I will be a wall of fire to her all around declares the Lord, I will be a glory in her midst. Zechariah 2:5. I know this is about Jeruselam, but it really spoke to me as a reminder that when we are at our weakest, God is at his strongest and is fighting on our side.