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!
Wendy, Charlotte, NC. “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.” Prov 3:5-6, ESV
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 KJV Alabama
Brianna from Jonesboro, AR
“This I call to mind, and therefore, I have hope. Steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my potion, says my soul; therfore, I will hope in Him.” Lamentation 3:21-24 ESV
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18 NIV
1 Peter 1:13 NIV
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Jami Holland Fayetteville, NC
“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
The boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
– Mark 9:24 (NIV)
Fort Wayne, IN
Kimberly Mason, Tuscaloosa, AL
Psalm 31:3 NKJV
“For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.”
Cecilia Bramhall, Pflugerville, TX
Psalm 62:5, ESV
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.”
Carol Nemitz from Houston, Texas
But the God of Peace shall soon crush Satan under your feet! May the grace of Our LORD Yeshua The Messiah be with you.
Romans 16:20 Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Ps 138:8 Amp
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23 NIV
Kalee Duesing, Kansas City, MO Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3 Holman
Julie
Albuquerque NM
My husband was recently diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, when we recorded this news I promised God I world praise Him through it, that’s why i’ve chosen pair scriptures. My scripture verse #2 is:
I will sing and praise the Lord God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 Contemporary English Version
Sheri New Atlanta, TX There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless, the Lord’s counsel – that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 NKJV
Tara Kendrick, Austin TX, Psalm 27:14 Wait for the lord, take heart and be strong and wait for the Lord
Kathy French, Austin, Texas
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
PatWilfong, GreenBankWV
He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Psalm 40.2 NRSV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
January, Houston
Lam 3:22, ESV, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”
Teresa Collier, Jackson TN
“Give thanks to The Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1 (NIV)
Mary Gray, Fieldale, VA
“Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test what God’s will is — his good and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Susan, St. Petersburg, Fl
THE Lord is my Light and my Salvation–whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 AMP)
Lori Raymie, Knoxville, IOWA
Psalm 4:3 & 8, ESV
3But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call him.
8In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Sherree, Mansfield, TX
Ephesians 3:17 NLT
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Danae Powell – Richland, WA Jer. 32:17″Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”
Pamela Fulbright -Scheyer, Houston, TX
Colossians 1:10 NLT
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
Proverbs 10:12-13 Hatred stirs up conflict but love covers ALL wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.
Luke 9:23 NIV – Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Hasty, Taylor Mill, KY.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19 ESV
My 2nd verse
Lottie Long, Henderson, TN – “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)
Elisa Johnson, Amarillo, TX “Listen to this O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:14 NKJV
Tracy Smith, Guthrie, OK – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Rachel Sweatt
Canyon, TX
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:3, ESV
Kimberly Turman, Montgomery, Al-“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me.” Romans 15:13 KJV
Jamie, Mason, OH
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Marti, Loganville, Ga
” Therefore as God’s Chosen people, Holy and dearly loved, Clothe yourselves with compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 Niv
Audrey, Loganville, Ga
” Therefore as God’s Chosen people, Holy and dearly loved, Clothe yourselves with compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 Niv
Sandy Norman, Baltimore Md Psalm 139:14 NASB
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well
Psalm 65:5 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth. NIV
Mary Fanara, Independence, MO
After two days, he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.
Hosea 6:2 ESV
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3 NIV
February 11, 2015 9:44 a.m.
Barbara Shaw
Orland Park, IL
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 NIV
2 Chorinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Artie, Salt lake City, UT. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 NKJV
“He who began a good work in you will complete it to the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6
Houston, Texas
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 NIV
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NLT
K-Mac, Cypress, TX
“He brings peace to your territory. He abundantly provides for you the best grain.” Psalm 147:14 (NET)
Tracy McGee, Creal Springs, IL “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV