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!
Candis Oswalt, South Bend IN Jan 15th memory verse
Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he is us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. 1 John 4:13 KJV
not sure if anyone will see this but would love some prayer today. thank you
I’m praying right now for you, Candis! God knows exactly how to answer that prayer, so I’m trusting Him to show up unmistakably for you today.
Dear God,
Thank You for Candis and the faith and love she has for you. She is calling out to you now; we join her in her prayer request and ask, Dear Lord, that you would speak to her now and that she would have ears to hear, listen and understand. Praise You, Father! Thank You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Polly L, Earlysville, VA
“So I saw that there is nothing better for a person to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?”
Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV
Tricia Graham, Southern California
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
Christie, Gadsden, AL Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 ESV
For we are God’s masterpiece. 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)
Heather H, Pflugerville, TX
Col 3:12 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Sherry Spencer, Momence, IL
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for HE is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 NLT
Jill, Channahon, IL
Romans 12:3 NIV
For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Deborah Walston
Nacogdoches, Texas
But it is the spirit in man,
the breath of the Almighty,
that makes him understand.
Job 32:8 ESV
Deborah Walston
Nacogdoches, Texas
But it is the spirit in man,
the breath of the Almighty,
that makes him understand.
Job 32:8 ESV
Trechell in Spring, TX
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8
Shannon Mohr, Marion, IL
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 (NIV)
Debbie P, Prince George, VA “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17
Connie Blaut from Amarillo, Texas
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. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Pepper Helms, Katy, TX
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. I Peter 5:10 ESV
Katie Rush, Westfield, Indiana. “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40, NIV.
Barbara Owens, Washington, NC
“For a righteous man or woman may fall seven times, they rise again . . .” Proverbs 24:16 NKJV
“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” Matt 7:7 NIV
Julie Lee, Calgary, AB
“Everything is appropriate in it’s own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even so, man cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (LBT)
Susie Greene in Aberdeen, NC
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)
Dannelle Pickering, Midland,MI, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”, I Peter 1:22 (NIV)
Elizabeth Neumann, Renton, WA.
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9b, ESV
Christina Luther
Roseburg, Oregon
I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints –
but let them not return to folly.
Psalm 85:8 NIV
Tammy, Hendersonville,
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NAST
Macki Smith, Starkville, MS
“For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin” (Romans 6:5-7).
Sarah K, Mankato, MN
“Whom have I in heaven but you, Lord? I desire you more than anything on earth. My heart may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:25-26
Becky
Brownsburg, IN
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 NIV
Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
Amy, Chesterfield, MO
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people. (NIV)
“All this comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom”. (!!) Isaiah 28:29,NIV
La Plata MD. SSMT I posted my memory verse on the Jan 15th at 0506 Oahu Hawaii time – and it stated it was ‘pending’. I am back in my home state and I am unable to find my post. Does this mean my Verse 2 was never accepted? Do I need to repost? I assumed the 0506 Hawaii time + 4 hours Central time would have been in the 0906 time frame; however i am unable to find it. Please help. thank you!
La Plata, MD. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV.
Flower Mound, TX
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Suzanne , Decatur, Texas.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you . Psalm 119:11 NIV
Shanda Cheesman
Danville, IL
Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises. Psalms 25:14 TLB
Stephanie Knight, Sedona AZ
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Nancy Schneider
Kissimmee, Florida
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
KariAnn Lessner, Houston, TX
“But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.” Nehemiah 9:17b NIV
Vicki in Texas, Corpus Christi:
Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
Benita Parker, Highlands Ranch, CO
In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 ESV
Elizabeth Mesa, Gilbert,AZ
His heart is secure, he will have no fear; In the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112:8 NIV
Better late than never….. ; )
Michele
Atlanta, Ga
“You keep him(her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed(steadfast) on you, because
he(she) trusts in you.”
~Isaiah 26:3 ESV
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!”
1 Chronicles 4:10
NKJV
Margaret Robinson, The Woodlands, TX
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Psalm 32:8 ESV
The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17 KJV
Cecelia Martinez Fort Worth, TX: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” Isaiah 9:2 ESV
Tanya Butts, Lexington, SC: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” I Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Janelle MacKay
“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 m you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown away and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you may bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:5 NIV
Cynthia, Missouri
Be angry and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent.
Ps. 4:4 ESV
Rose Richardson, Fullerton, CA
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.”
Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)