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!
Jane Sharp, Lascassas, TN, “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.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Philippians 4:
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Melinda, Beavercreek, Ohio verses for Jan 15 ( unable to enter it) and for Feb.1
” Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NIV
” 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
Melissa Beth, Murphy IL
So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17 ESV
So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of christ. Romans 10:17
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Brenda Hohweiler, West Chester, OH ~ “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Walk by the Spirit,and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Leslie Dorrough, Longview, Texas
2 Corinthians 12:10New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Matthew 19:26English Standard Version (ESV)
26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Jinga, West Palm Beach, FL: Hebrews 12:11 NIV No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Philippians 2:2 (NASB)
” Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ( ESV )
Rita, Stigler, OK
So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.
ROMANS 10:17 ESV
Kristi, Paducah, KY. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… Eph. 3:20 NIV
Claire Hurn. Ottawa, ON, Canada. “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NLT.
Mary Williams, Scottsdale, AZ
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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. Philippians 4:8
Mary Williams, Scottsdale, AZ
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, 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. Philippians 4:8 KJV
Carolyn Lish, Brownsburg, Indiana
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 NIV
Jerrica, Marietta, GA. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. Matthew 6:34 NIV.
Nicole; Kannapolis, NC
Father God, The One who restores!
Joel 2:25 NKJV
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,The crawling locust,The consuming locust,And the chewing locust,My great army which I sent among you. “
Kayla Caldwell, Plainview, TX
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38. NIV
Aimee Wodkowski, Bay City, MI – Psalm 56:3 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” KJV
Cincinnati, OH- I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8 ESV
The Lord gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak, Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
Grace W, Lapeer MI
“That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:27 ESV
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3 NKJV
Donna, Ponder,TX, And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but manmade rules learned by rote. Isaiah 29:13 NLT
Teri , Campobello, S.C. “He stood, and shook the earth; He looked , and made the nations termble.” Habakkuk 3:6
Angie W., Federal Way, WA
I say: the LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him. Lamentations 3:24 HCSB
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has alo et eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)
Morgan from Arlington, VA, Romans 12:2, NIV
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Melissa, Durham NC, Zep 3:17
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zep 3:17 KJV
Sheba St Pete, Fl
Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control;
against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with it’s passions and desires.
Tammie Head, Houston, Texas. “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2, NASB
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31:11
Rita Koch, Upland, IN
Romans 6:3 (HCSB)
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romanos 6:3 (RVC)
¿No saben ustedes que todos los que fuimos bautizados en Cristo Jesús, fuimos bautizados en su muerte?
Abby, Vacaville CA
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1st Corinthians, 13:13
Lori, Richmond, VA
“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)
Debbie Stovall in Gardendale, AL
“He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)
Dusty Mercier, Houston, Texas. “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. Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Willa, Rock Springs, WY. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Psalm 61:2 ESV
from the end of the Earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
danae | lafayette, in
the Lord Himself watches over you! the Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
— psalm 121:5 [nlt]
Kathy – Westerville, Ohio
Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten. The creeping locust, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust, My great army which I sent among you. Joel 2:25 (NASB)
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear.
Rebecca Scott, New Orleans LA, “but the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7, NIV
week 2 – Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Alecia Austin – Dallas, TX
Marsha,Batesville
Psalm 85:13, KJV
Righteousness shall go before Him; and shall set us in the way of His steps.
Patty, Grand Island, NY
O Lord God almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, oh Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8 NIV