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!
Krystn Marmion Huntington Beach, California
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 ESV
Makalah Boyer, St. Louis, MO
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Trina Mcbride, Enumclaw,WA
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cries about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Chrissie Thatcher, Las Vegas,
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Karen, Springdale, Arkansas
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” ESVJI NJb
Charmin Holland, Duncan, OK
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 NIV
Angie W.- Houston, TX- Psalms 86:11-12 Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. ESV
Sandy Seitzinger, Silver City, New Mexico “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” HEBREWS 13:5-6 NKJV
Sara Rogers, Murray, Kentucky
“..looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2, ESV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Th. 5:23 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Th. 5:23
Rachal P. Silverdale, WA 1 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB) Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
Amy Sepp, Edwards, CA “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for The Lord and not for men, knowing that from The Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Lynnette Cantrell – Sherman, TX – 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. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Lynn Williams, Denham Springs, LA. Ephesians 2:8,9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. NIV
Renee, Cathedral City, CA
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised IS faithful! Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Jones Creek, Texas
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
The Lord be gracious unto you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-25
(KJV)
Beth bell. Georgia. “The Lord searches every heart & understand every notice behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV
Melissa Eaton Anna, Tx
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
ESV
Ashlie Black, Missouri city, Tx “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Alicia L. Clinton, Balch Springs, TX
“Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;” Proverbs 4:21 NIV
Amanda, Houston, TX “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23 ESV
(Hezekiah said) “My dear Levites, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and make offerings to him.” Then these Levites got right to work:… (2Chronicles 29:11,12a. old1986 NLT)
Stefani Scheppmann, Mukono, Uganda “For The Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these 40 years, The Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.” Deuteronomy 2:7 NLT
Melissa H., London, ON, Canada
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekial 36:26, ESV).
Jessica, Encinitas, CA, “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)
Shannon, Cleveland, AL ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’ Ephesians 4:32, NIV
Kristina Davenport, Lake Jackson, TX
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
James 2:1 NLT
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. 1 Peter 5:10 HCSB
Erika
celebration, Florida
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
(ESV).
Thanks Jan
Tammy, St Louis,
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.Psalm 27:1-3 (ESV)
Anne Simmons
Maple Valley, WA
“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)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 13:8 NIV
Adrienne McCann from High Point, NC.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Natalie, Houston
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
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
20 Τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ ὑπὲρ πάντα ποιῆσαι ὑπὲρ ἐκ περισσοῦ ὧν αἰτούμεθα ἢ νοοῦμεν κατὰ τὴν δύναμιν τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἡμῖν
Tiffany Hunsberger, Fresno, CA
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good & acceptable & perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Amanda Harris, Hampton Virginia
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, (1 Peter 1:14-15 ESV)
Stephanie
Cypress, TX
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:12-13
Barbara, Chesapeake, Virginia. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:3 ESV
Rebekah Lozano, Sanger, CA – “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61.2 (KJV)
Tammie Gonzalez woodinville wa
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding … (Proverbs 3:5)
jody, kaneohe, Hawaii
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV
Shannon; Shelby, MT; “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV)
Dell Elias, Incline Village, Nevada
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Kim from Clarksville, TN
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
Eph.3.18. NLT
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Psalm 63:3-4 nkjv
Angela, Mansfield TX
Answer my prayers O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. Psalm 69:16 (NLT)
Linda, La Junta, Colorado
Psalm 145:1 (NLT)
I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name for ever and ever.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4 NIV
Cindy from Sisters Or
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
1 John 5:14
Tara, Salem,OR
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 ESV