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!
Janica Williamson – Swan Lake, Montana
2 Peter 1:4
By these He has given us great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.
Judy Heindl, Cottageville, WV “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. ” 1 Samuel 12:24
Modesty Brantley, Myrtle Beach, SC- “He must become greater, I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV
There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect. 1john 4:18 nkjv
Millen, GA
Psalm 84: 1-2 HCSB
How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord of Hosts.
2 I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
Susan, St. Petersburg, FL, “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)
Missy, Fuquay Varina, NC
“For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:10 NIV
Diana
Riverside, CA
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
NLT
Harlan, IN-
15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—
2 Peter 3:15New Living Translation (NLT)
Kathleen D.
Bernardsville, NJ
Job 13:15 NIV
…”Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.”
Dawn Auburn, NY But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, Galatians 5:22 HSBC
Ellen, Fort Worth, TX. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Leslie Klepper, Roanoke, VA. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21 (NIV)
Bethany McGinn
Federal Way, WA
Psalm 84:11
For The Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
(NIV)
Sandy E.; Kansas City, Missouri; “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13 NLT
Darlene, Yonges Island, SC. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV)
Vanessa Kekahuna – Hilo, Hawaii
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Jennifer Tunstall. Pasadena, Texas. “I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:12. NIV
Madison Donley, Lakeland, fl
Listen my child to what your father teaches you. Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.
Proverbs 1:8 NLT
Sarah Jones, Baton Rouge, LA. This is my command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NLT
Melinda – Montgomery, AL “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
Romans 13:10
Love does not harm a neighbor; therefore Love
Fulfills the Law.
NKJV
Robyn Conners – Olathe, KS
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore, I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24
חַסְדֵי יְהוָה כִּי לֹא-תָמְנוּ, כִּי לֹא-כָלוּ רַחֲמָיו
חֲדָשִׁים, לַבְּקָרִים, רַבָּה, אֱמוּנָתֶךָ
חֶלְקִי יְהוָה אָמְרָה נַפְשִׁי, עַל-כֵּן אוֹחִיל לוֹ
Michelle from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Jill Lynch, Mission Viejo, CA. “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. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Whitney, Knoxville, Tn
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Cookie House- Grovetown, GA
And do not be conformed to this world but the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJV
Cookie House- Grovetown, GA
And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NKLV
Shelly – Eufaula, AL. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2 KJV
January 15, 2015
Romans 8:8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
This goes with Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:8 is a simpler way of reminding me that condemnation comes from man with rules and looking at the outward appearance, and conviction comes from the Spirit and works from the INSIDE (the heart) OUT!
Studying in my class last week, this scripture “popped” out of the page and brought much needed freedom and peace!
Amy Joy Olivo, Waxahachie, TX:
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Barbara From Wisconsin
2. You know when I sit or stand;
You understand my thoughts from afar.
(Psalm 139, NAB)
Debbie James, Muskogee, Ok
“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walk around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”
Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Lisa Jones, Andalusia, AL
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8 NIV)
Mischia from North Carolina
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.1 John 1:1 (NIV)
Katy Jayne Olivo, Waxahachie, TX:
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Nancy Gordon
Lafayette, IN
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
Christi Bruecher, Houston, TX
“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.” 1 Peter 2:19 NIV
Brandi, Huntsville, AL
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12, NIV
Arien Harper, Eunice, Louisiana
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6. NLT
Andrea Larmer – Hephzibah, GA
How delightful it is to see approaching over the mountains the feet of a messenger who announces peace, a messenger who brings good news, who announces deliverance, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 NET)
Amanda from Siloam Springs, AR
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NLT)
Claudia, Raeford, NC: 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)
Kim, Urbana, Ohio. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. Psalms 30:2 ESV
April, Lexington, KY “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
jackie, Tampa,Fl. “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT
Clarksburg, MD
Jeremiah 29:11
“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.”
HollyAnne Hoernig, Cape Girardeau, MO
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18 ESV
Kyndra, Houston, TX “but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 NIV
Duvall, WA And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8 NIV
Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”
NIV