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!
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal. 6:9 ESV
Karin Peters, College Station, TX
Sorry I’m starting so late!
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy psalm 126:5
Kami Pope, Dallas, Tx–“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16 NIV
Nicole S, Oviedo FL, 1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
Debbie University Place, WA
Romans 15:13 ESV
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.
James 1:5-6 NLT If you need wisdom ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure your faith is in God alone. Do not waiver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a waive of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
I realized I was posting my verses in the wrong place so I am catching up. I chose this verse because I don’t want to have divided loyalty. So often I ask God for something and try to make it happen on my own. I need to trust him and have faith in him.
Ephesians 6:10-13 New International Version (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Katie Sadler
Mayo FL
So 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)
Linda Kelly, Sharon Center, Ohio. 2 Cor. 13:11 ESV
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Lynann
Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
I knew you before I formed you in your mothers womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.
Vicki, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.
I Chron. 29:11 NLT
Megan, Dallas TX
“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
Rita – Alva, Florida
“For the Word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust in everything He does.”
Psalm 33:4 – NLT
Brenda Hohweiler, West Chester, OH ” Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear.Hebrews 11:3 KJv
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2 NIV
Anne Roline, Morristown, TN
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Malachi 4:2
Anne Roline Morristown, TN
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2 NIV
Amanda, Westland, MI
Psalm 119:28 (NIV)
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:16 NIV)
Kim Kanaday – Cullman, Alabama
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Jodi Dalton, Dothan, AL
2 Cor.1:20 (NKJV)
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen,
to the glory of God through us.
1 Peter 4:8New International Version (NIV)
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Michele Stewart Flushing, Michigan
” You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways” ESV
Martinez, CA 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Suzanne Kragt, Eden Prairie, MN
“Give thanks to The Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1 (NIV)
Dawn~ Lafayette, IN
“Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all of your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” 1Samuel 12:24 (NIV)
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
IPeter 5:6-7 NKJV
Bonnie Mink Hendersonville, Tennessee Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Cheryl, Tucson, AZ
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
Cheryl, Tucson, AZ
“So 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 rifhhtwous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Kandi Miller Colton, SD
Romans 5:3-5 ESV
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Twyla, Greenville, Ky
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17 NIV
Patty shore bend oregon
John 1:16niv. Out of the fullness we have all recieved grace, in place of grace already given.
From Anna, TX
Isaiah 40:28 &29 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Shawna Springer, Lewiston, Idaho.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
But a spirit of power, of love and self-
Discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Psalm 119:11. NIV. Nancy, says. On February 16, 2015
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
Cheryl, Woodbridge, 1 Peter 3:13-15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 NIV
Tina from Pendleton, IN. Joshua 24:15 As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. NIV
Ps 86:11 (NIV)
Teach me your way , O Lord and I will walk in truth, give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
(Proverbs 30:5, NIV)
Deweyville, TX
Inez Barnes
Hamburg Ar
Exodus 34:6-7 MSG
“God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn’t ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father’s sins to the third and even fourth generation.”
Bennie Edwards – Amarillo,TX
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)
Even though I have chosen not to participate , reading all these verses have been very uplifting for me and an encouragement!
Thank you!
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life.” Matthew 6:27 ESV
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress,
May the Name of the God of Jacob protect you,
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And grant you support form Zion.
May He remember all of your sacrifices and burnt offerings,
May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift our banners in the name of our God.
Psalm 20:1-5 NIV
Kathryn Anderson, Jacksonville, Fl: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Romans 6:23 NASB
Arlington, TX
1 John 3:11 NIV
For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Phil.4:13 NIV
Barbara from Montana
“Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in your than he that is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 ASV
Teri Campobello, SC ” For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV