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!
Beth Smyth Perth Australia “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the Word of our God will stand forever” Isaiah 40:8 ESV
Nicole Jones, Sun City, CA
I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 (niv)
Kristy McIntyre – Eugene, Oregon. “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB
Cathy. Mobile, AL. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. (Psalms 143:8 NLT)
Cathy, I could not help but smile as I entered in my second scripture in the comment area and saw you are memorizing the same scripture I am this time! LOL! The Lord really drew me to Psalm 143:8 this time, and praying I begin each morning saying these sweet words of scripture. Praying that you have an incredible time with the Lord over the next 15 days as we study and memorize Psalm 143:8. 🙂
Be Blessed.
-Kim
Theresa D, Chesterfield, MO
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. Habakuk 3:19 NIV
Rhonda from Texas
Mark 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
NIV
Matthew not Mark. Sorry
Dana Penley, Chicago IL “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Marlene
Indianapolis, Indiana
“Take My yoke upon you,and learn from Me,for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NASB
Michele Snyder, Rupert, Idaho
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26
Neglected to state the version.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)
Lauren, Clinton, MS. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)
Lisa Peck, Las Vegas, NV
Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Kim, Cincinnati
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 NIV
Paula Schumacher, Dalhart, Texas “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Jewel Corley, Florien, Louisiana
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 rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Meredith – Columbia, SC The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Rene’, Mineola, TX “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” Phil 4:4-5 NASB
Susan, Farmington, MO
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Shana Hensley, West Liberty, Ky.
Romans 7:18
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. (NIV)
*My twin girls are memorizing too!!
Abbi:
Proverbs 21:17
Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. (NLT)
Sami:
Psalm 103:3
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
Lisa Lawson – Roaonoke Rapids, NC “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything 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 minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8
Trudy Bourquein, Lewisville, TX – Jesus said “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Laura Richards, North Las Vegas, NV
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19New International Version (NIV)
Vicki
Longview, WA
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 NET
Emma Lail, Hickory, NC
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13-14 KJV
Ronda McMann, Houston, TX. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor 12:9
Ephesians 4:31 NIV get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate too be another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.
Jenny Kuettel, Weatherford,
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who says to Zion,’Your God reigns!'”
Isaiah 52:7, old NIV
Deidre Lail, Hickory, NC
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
Danielle, Glencoe, IL – You will guard her and keep her in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclinations and its character) is stayed on You, because she commits herself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)
Sarah Schultz- Abilene, TX
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Colossians 3:23-24
Jamie Stellingwerf – Paramount, Ca “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 NIV
Jaime, Smiths Station, Alabama. “Rejoice in hope,be patient in tribulation,be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
Ashley Reed, Austin, TX – “Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” -Philippians 1: 1-5 HCSB (I’m going to use the year to memorize the whole book of Philippians if I can).
Sevierville, TN
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29 NIV)
Brandilyn Lowery. Clinton, MS. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die-ever. Do you believe this?'” Luke 11:25-26 (HCSB)
Susie Rostad, Fergus Falls, MN. “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NIV)
Leanna
Trussville, AL
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against 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
Sharon in Vilseck, Germany
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29 ESV. (to affect the way I speak to my kids!)
Rita, The Woodlands, Texas. “Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.” Psalm 19:2 NIV84
Traci McNally, Evansdale, Iowa
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 NIV
Stephanie-Springfield, MO
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV
Deena, Grants Pass, Oregon
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8. NIV
Patience, Citrus Heights, CA, wishing we could highlight, underline, and bold some of the words!:
“We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:12 NIV
Laura Nisbett, Lewisville, TX. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them [forfeit the grace that could be theirs].” Jonah 2:8
Tracy Pace, Hernando, MS
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 ESV
Kelsey Baker, Milledgeville, GA.
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. – Isaiah 40:28, NIV
Vickie. Wichita Falls, Tx
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
Blair from Harrisburg, NC
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
Debbie, Marion, IN. ” Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10: 23 NIV
” Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
Stacey Bult, Fayetteville,Georgia
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 (KJV)