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!
Rachael, Memphis, TN But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:14-16 ESV
Forget the 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.
Donna, Florence, SC Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
I hope you don’t mind. I love these verses and have chosen to memorize them with you. Just what I needed to hear. Thank you!
Kathy
Albuquerque, NM
Isaiah 50:4-5 NIV88
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.
Brandy A, Cross Anchor SC
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2 (NLT)
Rebecca M, Clifton, NJ. “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” Hebrews 10:39 ESV
Sarah Snow, Wichita Falls, Texas
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100: 1-5 ESV
Carol, McAlisterville,PA
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31 NLT)
Megan Delp Barto, PA
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
Greer, SC
Philippians 3:20 ESV
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Laura DeMoss, Cleveland, OH; 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” ESV
Kathy, Austin, Texas Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven”
Lesley, Oceanside, CA.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:33,34 ESV
“She [Hagar] gave this name to the LORDS who spoke to her: “You are are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
Mary Beth Wilson, Fredericton, NB (Canada):
“Who is like You among the gods, O Lord?
Who is like You,majestic in holiness,awesome in praises,working wonders?”
Exodus 15:11 (NASB)
Marci Stone, Pinellas Park, Florida
“The Lord Bless you and keep you!”
Num 6:24
NAB
Alicia Stewart (Loveland, CO)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
(Hebrews 12:1/NIV)
Marie Pinkham, St. Augustine, Fl Blessed be God – He heard me praying. He proved He’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with Him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to Him.Psalm 28:6-7 (MSG)
Tanya, North Canton, OH Psalm 25:2 NIV “I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,nor let my enemies triumph over me.”
Lora Kane, Findlay, OH
Romans 5:1-5 HCSB
“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Diane Wilson, Picayune, MS, “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 its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
Jan Horne
Bossier City, LA
Psalm 145:18 NASB
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him. To all who call upon Him in thuth.
Andrea, San Angelo, TX
Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NIV)
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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
Dorothy Yang, San Diego, CA
“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.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Darla from Benton, LA.
Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Hanna Wahlbrink
Lexington, Ky
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (esv)
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Joy, Ft. Myers, Florida
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 NRSV
Alesha, Charlotte, NC
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NKJV
“Is anything too hard for The Lord?” Genesis 18:14a NIV
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Mark 5:36.NIV
Callie, Jacksonville, FL “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” – Isaiah 30:18
Carol Meinecke, temporarily displaced in Bocas del Toro, Panama. “Through Him all things were made. Without Him nothing was made that has been made.” John 1:3 NIV
Julie from Charleston, SC
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV
Cymric, Shawsville, VA
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3 KJV
Tracey Boynton, Kingsburg, CA
Proverbs 31:26 ESV “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
1 John 5:4 NASB For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Sandra Larranaga Bowe San Jon NM
Amos 5:6 NIV
Seek the LORD and live. . .
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens;’
Ecclesiastes 3:1 TNIV
forgot to post details: Jacqui Maudslay, Chester, United Kingdom
Karen, Clarksville, “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings–and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14 NIV
Mandy, Bournemouth, UK – but JESUS immediately said to them: Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” Mat 15: 27 NIV
Cassy, Canton Ohio
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faiithful in prayer
Romans 12:12 NIV
Lindsey, Dubach, LA…”For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” -Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
Beth Dutton, Atlantic Beach, FL – “Therefore clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” Romans 13:14 NIV
Ana, Dayton, TX
Can the prey be taken from the mightly, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?
For thus says the LORD:
Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued,
for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.
Isaiah 49:24-25
Shanna, Lake Stevens,WA… Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. [Acts 18:10.] (Isaiah 41:10 AMP)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
I Peter 1:3 NIV
Angel Stovenour, Brentwood,TN, Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Debbie Williams, Ringgold Ga. The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion, but he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children, the entire family is affected, even children in the third and fourth generation.Numbers 14:8-NLT
Beverly
Louisville, KY
Search me, 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
Virginia from Whitehouse, Texas.
“The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the
Thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you. 1 Chronicles 28:9 HCSB
Emily Tsutsumi, Anna,TX
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Ashley, Illinois
Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Live the way I told you to live so that things will go well for you.
Jeremiah 7:23, GW