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!
Stefanie Parker, Tuscaloosa, AL
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” Ephesians 1:17
Marla, Morden, Manitoba, Canada
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Proverbs 31:26, NLT
Betty Clark, Ann Arbor, MI “In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:10-11 NASB
Marilyn Jeffers
Freeland, Washington
Romans 4:18,20-21 NIV
“Against all Hope, Abraham in hope believed…he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Elizabeth Thompson, Florence, AL. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1 NASB
Linda Pierson, Las Vegas, NV, “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, NIV
Melani Shock
Alexandria, LA
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.”
Joel 2:25-26 (KJV)
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11 NIV
“Blessed is the man that does not walk in the councel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalms 1:1-2
ESV Acts 11;14
he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved , you and all your household .
Indianola, IA “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NJKV)
Jodi, Sweetwater, TN. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Kim Hayes, Rio Rancho,NM
Zephaniah 3:17 ” The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will will rejoice over you with singing.” NIV
Taryn Schairer, Blacksburg, VA. “Praise be to the Lord,to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19, NIV
Cheron, Alabama
Isaiah 51:12New International Version (NIV)
12 “I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mere mortals,
human beings who are but grass,
Caitlin, McKinney, Texas
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17, NLT
Megan Ramsey
Princeton, WV
“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)
Staci Kennedy, Garden City, Kansas. “Show me the way to go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8b NIV
Susie, Northville, MI
Proverbs 30:5 NIV ~Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Pam
Florence, AL
Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5
Cynthia T ~ O’Fallon, MO
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
Telena Haneline, Maryville, TN. “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:21 NKJV
Ally Haneline, Maryville, TN. “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20 NKJV
Vicki, from Grapevine
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar. ~ Psalm 139:2 NASB
Vanessa himes, Newark, OH: 1 Thes. 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
We know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Mandy, Proctor WV “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Kristi, Pensacola, FL:
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 NIV
“But I say, 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.”
Anchorage, Alaska “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6: 9-10 ESV
Bobbie Underwood – Jefferson Ciry, MO
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:6-8 (ESV)
Jamie McClary, Columbus, OH
The whole point of what we are urging is simply love– love uncontaminated by self interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. 1 Tim 1:5 MGS
Whitney Amos, Temple, TX
“In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor — let them be caught in the schemes they have devised!” Psalm 10:2 NRSV
Jennifer Evans, Christiana, PA…..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)
Ginger Forer, Leesville,LA: Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings lilke eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not faint. NIV
Vickie Farris, Alexandria LA
Yes, Lord. Walking in the way of your law
we wait for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our hearts.
NIV
Vickie Farris, Alexandria LA
Yes, Lord. Walking in the way of your law we wait for you. Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8 NIV
Amy- Knoxville, Tn
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.- Romans 12:12 NIV
Jackie Abel, South Dakota.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
Jill Trotter, Greeley, CO
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
River Falls, WI
This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust in him. Psalm 91:2
Shannon Demastus, DesMoines, Iowa
“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to hear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:8 NIV
Toms Brook, VA
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ERV)
14 and if my people who are called by my name become humble and pray, and look for me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Melinda Rodriguez, Sugar Land, TX
“Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 NAS
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, Tennessee: I am counting on the LORD, yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. Psalm 130:5 (NLT)
Leah Cullen – Ramona, CA
And they went out and preached everywhere, while The Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. – Mark 16:20 (ESV)
Joy Cravens
Whitehouse, TX
“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalms 119:37 NLT
Bethany, Magnolia, TX
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
2 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)
Emily McAnear, Corona CA
“They are from the world and therefore speak from this viewpoint and the world listens to them.”
1 John 4:5 NIV
Three verses – Jan15 & Feb1.
In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. (Psalms 31:1-3 NKJV)
Cathy Porter, Hot Springs, AR
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36