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!
Katie; Festus, MO
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 4:8 NIV)
Lori Kaufmann, Concordia, KS “But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Caralina Gwartney
Buwundo village, Buikwe District, Uganda
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Ashley
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
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)
Lori D.
Elk Grove, CA
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
Roscoe, IL.
So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. Galations 6:10 NRSV
Rebecca, Las Vegas, NV. “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)
Jaime L Dishman
Gray, La
James 1:5 If any if you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it wil be given him.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:7-11 NIV
Yancey
Savannah, GA
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)
Sally B. Barrington, IL Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NAS
Vanessa, Corrales NM
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV
Mary C from Oklahoma
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble , whatever is right, whatever is whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Courtney Moore, Clarksville, TN
Colossians 3:12, NASB
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”
Chloe Warren, Pineville,Louisiana
Romans 8:3-4 ESV
For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according the flesh but according to the spirit.
Norma from Australia
They will have NO fear of bad news. Their hearts are steadfast trusting in The Lord. Psalm 112:7 NIV
Monica D from Grand Forks, ND
Ps 141:3-4 “set a guard, o Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart incline to any evil…” ESV
Stephanie Volkmer, Tulsa, Ok.
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I will praise you forever because You have done it; and in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your Name for it is good. (Psalm 52:8-9, nkjv)
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (NIV) Psalm 77:11-12 n
Emily Williams
Tecumseh, OK
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
Mindy – Minot, ND
“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 NIV
Karyn W., Phoenix, AZ Psalm 16:5 “Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.” NIV
Tessa, Los Angeles, CA “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NASB)U
Reba Warren, Wickenburg AZ, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10, NKJV
Rochelle Powers, Overland Park, KS, “Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NLT
Forgot to tell where I’m from. Sheridan, AR
Priscilla, Orange CA
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8, NIV
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV84
Torri Whalen Calif.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Janice, Lebanon, Mo
Psalm 86:1
Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Colorado Springs, CO “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord,plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Jan, Hillsboro, “But the lovingkindness of The Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children.” Psalm 103:17 NIV
Kaylee Higginbotham North Little Rock, Arkansas “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Emily, Richland WA
“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 4:8 NIV
Ronda from Marion, IN
I have not departed from the commands of his lips,
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Job 23:12 NIV
Brianna Powers, Overland Park, KS, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:7-8, ESV.
Karyn W., Phoenix, AZ “Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5 NIV
Reply
Kim
Des Moines, IA
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Tara D., Grand Lake, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. (Matthew 18:19 NKJV)
Jamie Cormier, Lufkin Texas:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7, NLT
Victoria – Grosse Pointe Park, MI
“By this we know love, that He laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16, ESV
Tia Grogan Land O’Lakes, FL
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28 (NIV)
Kathryn Roemmich, Fargo, ND:
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8, 9 ESV)
Lisa E., Southaven, MS
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning is shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Leah Wells, Raeford, NC. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 2 Cor 10:3 NIV
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40 NIV)
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” -Ephesians 4:1-6 NIV
Sarah, Kearney, NE “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4 NIV
Tricia, Lakewood, WA
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
NASB
Donna Philippi, Queen City, TX
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. (NiV)