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!
Kathy Edwards, Canton, IL Romans 12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Kathy Edwards, Canton, IL Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer 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.
Jan, Marble Hill, Mo For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Marble Hill, MO – Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. – Psalm 103:13
Western NC
The He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35 (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV
BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, FEAT NOT, NOR BE AFRAID OF THEM:
FOR THE LORD THY GOD, HE IT IS THAT DOTH GO WITH THEE;
HE WILL NOT FAIL THEE OR FORSAKE THEE.
God is using this verse in my life right now! Fear is not from God! I am always loved, never
Failed and never forsaken!
Chattanooga, TN
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee, he will never fail thee, nor forsake thee.
(KJV)
Marble Hill, MO – “That there was true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”. – John1:9
Marble Hill, MO – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Covina, CA
James 4:7-8 ESV
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Theresa Bradford
Pace, Florida
Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
One of the verses I often quote, I also learned Exodus 14:14. I guess you can see my battles. Keep pressing forward:-)
Amanda Miller, Lafayette, LA
And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:2 NIV
Lori
Bangor, Maine
Make sure you stay calm! Don’t be afraid! Don’t be intimidated…
Isaiah 7:4A (NET)
Dametra Stevenson, Fort Worth Texas “with my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments” psalm 119:10
Shelly Higgins, Pikeville, Tennessee
Isaiah 30:21 (KJV)
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way, walk ye in it,
when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
john 16:13 NIV
but when He, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own:, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Susan Kalina
Houston, TX
Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Keo, AR #4
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
James 1:19,20, “Know this my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Jena Delk, Merritt Island, FL
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Psalm 126:5 (HCSV)
Psalm 33:1 (NIV)
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Kathy, Missouri City, TX
Hebrews 13:5 NASB
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you , nor will I ever forsake you ,”
Ariel Richardson, Dallas, TX: For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks. -Matthew 12:34 AMP
Melinda Sue Kimble, Nashville, TN
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Psalm 141:3 (ESV)
Kelhe Hatfield, Larkspur, CO – I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have NOT forgotten your commands. Psalm 121:176
Kelhe Hatfield – Oops! Ps 119:176 🙂
Inge Hoogerhuis, Carmel, IN, And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 NIV
“I pray that your love will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.”
Phillipians 1:9
Alanna Jeffcoat, Bullard, Tx
Jackie Kyle, Cleveland, OH
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 ESV
…for In him we live and move and have our beings: as even some of your poets have said: For we are indeed his offspring.”
(Acts 17:28 KJV)
Allison from New York
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.”
-Job 22:21 (NIV)
Isaiah 33:2 NIV Manassas, Va
O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
Beth of Sumter, SC
He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28 NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 ESV
Liliana Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 118:1
NIV Duet. 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Sheila Armstrong Union City, Indiana
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Carolyn, Granbury
Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 NASB
“The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.
My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”
-Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
marla svedeman San Antonio, Texas
NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Psalms 33:21
Sandra Ruder, Hillsboro, KS
Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. James 4:9 NLT
Christine from Media, PA Hebrews 4:16(ESV) Let us than approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Peggy Crews
Starke,Florida
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen,nor hear heard,neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Hime.
1 Corinthians 2:10 KJV
Elke Ingersoll – Lake Geneva, WI: “Forget former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18,19
Don’t sin by letting anger control you, think about it overnight and remain silent.
Psalms 4:4-5
Nlt
Pamela Green Waynesboro, GA
John 15:5 NKJV
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Renea Harrison, Howe Texas
Lean on trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on yourstanding
Proverbs 3:5. Amp Version
Amy Conine, Corinth, TX
1 John 4:5 NIV
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.