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!
Linda, The Woodlands, TX
“I praise you because I am fearfully & wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Mary
Hazel Green, AL
Shout praises to The Lord, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD!
Psalm 100:1-2 CEV
Kelly, Merritt Island, FL. —
“Cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 HCSB)
Judy Pauley, Norfolk, Va.
How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him. Psalms 147:1
Proverbs 3:6 Listen for God’s voice in everything you do & everywhere you go. He is the one that will keep you on track.
NIV- In all thy ways acknowledge Him & He shall direct thy paths.
Kris Braun, Shakopee, MN. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11
Beverly Powell
Birmingham, Al
Romans 12:9 NLT
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Emily, Olympia, WA
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV
Dawn Fuchs, Rosalia, WA –“I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 NIV
God, you give true peace
to people who depend on you,
to those who trust in you
Isaiah 26:3 EVR
Karen, Lynnwood, Wa
Colossians 1:13-14 NIV
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Margaret Napier, Stillwater, OK. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Phil. 4:8, NASB
Nycole Renfrow- Texas.
Psalm 51:10(NIV)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me
Kelly -Enid OK
Don’t copy the behavior & customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good & pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
Lauren Clontz, Danville, Kentucky
“Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her outrageous violations.” Ezekiel 16:2 The Message
Andrea, Pottstown
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
Cheryl in Fairhppe, AL, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I come to you in prayer.” Psalms 143:8 (NLT)
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, HCSB
Julie Brock, New Albany, Mississippi
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate The LORD’s glory, are being transformed into HIS image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from The LORD, who is The Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Verse #2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, now the light is shining on them.
Isaiah 2:9 (Good News Bible)
Kristel from Russellville, AR
I command you to love each other. (John 15:17 NLT)
Frances. San Angelo, TX. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you!”
Deu. 31:6 N.I.V.
Dana Nance
Blue Ridge, Tx
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
Tracy, Battle Creek, MI
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 (ESV)
Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing the praises of your name, Oh Most High.
Christelle. Delafield, WI.
“When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.”
Psalm 27:3-4 NIV
Jessica S. Huntington Beach ca Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ESV
Laurie Woolery, Palmdale, CA, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Robin Myers, Salem, Indiana, The Soverign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet
of a deer, he enables me to tread on heights . NIV
Ruth Elmer, New Gloucester, Maine –
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV
Mallory Barker, Floyds Knobs, Indians,
“Don’t merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22
San Juan Capistrano, CA
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
Madeleine Padilla Corrales Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend yours works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. Ps.145 3-4 niv
Susan Denton, Moncks Corner, SC, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” Isaiah 41:13, NIV
Debbie Ebert, Joplin, MO
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Lisa Deering, Linden, MI
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Michele, Rockford, IL
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6
Alana Cape Girardeau, Mo. “My victory and honor come from god alone. He is my refuge a rock where no enemy can reach me” psalms 62:7 NLT
Joanna Fridlund, Portland OR “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2a NLT
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Melody Faith -Knoxville, TN-
“God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT
Mary Jo – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17 NKJV
Melinda, Edmond,Oklahoma- He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17 ( NIV)
Robin Saylor, Vacaville, CA “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galations 5:1 NIV
Brentwood, TN
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NIV)
Heidi Cahill, DeLand, FL:
“I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV
Pat Trudell, Orange Park,Fl
For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12, NIV)
Natalie Dawes, Calgary, AB, Canada
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)