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).
____________
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!
Joy – Georgetown, TX You, Lord brought me up from the realm of the dead; You spared me from going down to the pit. Psalm 30:3 NIV
Amy Coxhead, Fort Collins, CO, “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by a hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1Thessalonians 1:3 NIV
Cory Carroll, Jay, OK
In my distress I cried out to the Lord, and He answered me. Psalm 120:1 HCSB
Stephanie, Queen City, Texas:
“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 (NKJV)
Vanessa Peacock, Augusta, Georgia 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. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
PSALM 143:8-10. NIV
Vanessa Peacock, Augusta, Georgia
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. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
PSALM 143:8-10. NIV
Charlotte
Philadelphia
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
NIV
Louise Cason from Bloemfontein, South Africa, 2 Corinthians 3:18: “Be transformed from glory to glory as you behold the beauty of Jesus.” (GN)
Kaaren R. Columbia, SC 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
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements – surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? Job 38:4-5 ESV
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God {Who gives} to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5,6 Amplified Bible
Kathy in Ohio
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Don’t worry about anything: tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
With your help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall.
Psalms 18:29 NIV
Christy Billingsley, Terry, MS “With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:29 NIV
Amy Cobb, Murfreesboro, TN. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding”
Proverbs 3:5
“This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24 KJV
Psalm 24:1 The world and all that is in it belongs to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are His.
Because He has set his love upon Me therefore I will deliver him I will set h on high because he has known my name. He shall call upon me and i shall answer him. I will be with him in trouble . I will deliver and honor him. psalmth long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation psalm 91: 14- 16
Tara, Eustis, Fl
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” John 20:21
Psalm 127:2
It is vain to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord Joshua 24:15
Jan Goodson, Keller, TX, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
Keller, Tx.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” –
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Amanda, Westland, Michigan.
“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 lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8
Leah, Kansas City, MO
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
1 Peter 5:7Living Bible (TLB)
Paula from Houston Texas
Philippians 4: 6&7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
for Jan. 15 (didn’t get it entered before) and for Feb. 1
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy & good fruit, impartial and sincere” James 3:17
“…in quietness and trust is your strength” Isa 30:15
Verse #3 February 1
But now, in union with Christ Jesus, you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13
Good News Bible
Diane Perkins Rockford MI. Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched ar. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 NIV
Megan, Dallas, TX
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you and my power is made perfect in weakness. “. Therefore, I will boast all the more about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power will rest in me. —2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
Angela Pisel, Hickory NC
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35 NIV)
This is theday that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad I’m in it. Psalm 118: 24
Debbie University Place, WA
Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Cheryl IJzer, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Europe). “De Here is mijn herder, mij ontbreekt niets;
Hij doet mij nederliggen aan grazige weiden;
Hij voert mij aan rustige wateren;
Hij verkwikt mijn ziel.
Hij leidt mij in rechte sporen om Zijns naams wil.
Zelfs al ga ik door een dal van diepe duisternis, ik vrees geen kwaad, want Gij zijt bij mij;
Uw stok en uw staf, die vertroosten mij, Gij richt voor mij een dis aan voor de ogen van wie mij benauwen; Gij zalft mijn hoofd met olie, mij beker vloeit over. Ja heil en goedertierenheid zullen mij volgen al de dagen van mijn leven.
Ik zal in het huis des Heren verblijven tot in lengte van dagen.” Psalm 23:1-6 NBG)
Valerie – Pflugerville, TX
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Isaiah 43:4
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Rebekah Dindak, Allen, TX
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
Rachel Edwards, Birmingham, England.
Romans 10:17 NLT
So faith comes by hearing, that is hearing the Good News about Christ.
Tiffany Tripp from Irving, TX
“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story–those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
Psalm 107:2-3, TNIV
Donna, Yadkinville, NC
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 NLT
Karen Ferguson, Brandon, FL
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he as called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:17-19a
Marlene , Indianapolis, Indiana
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NIV
Janis Slatter, Auckland New Zealand, Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her, Hosea 2 v 14, NIV
Michelle, Queen City, Tx
“Brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires”
James 1:19-20 NIV
Kingsport, TN
“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! (Jeremiah 32:17 NLT)
Jeremiah 29:11
“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 hope and a future.” NIV