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!
Sharon Mansfield, Englewood, CO
The Spirit of God created me, and the breath of the Almighty gave me life.
Job 33:4 New Century Version
Heidi, Ridgecrest, “But you, keep your head in all situations.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV)
Lindsey Meyer, Puyallup, WA
Isaiah 40:11 NIV
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Terry, Madras, OR, 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. Jer. 29:11 (NIV)
Gina South, Montgomery AL
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:10 NIV)
Adrienne Gaines, Springdale AR, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Miranda Roodnat, Papendrecht, The Netherlands (Europe)
De Heer is niet traag in het nakomen van Zijn belofte, zoals sommige menen; hij heeft alleen maar geduld met u, opdat hij wil dat iedereen tot inkeer komt en niemand verloren gaat.
2 Petrus 3:9
Stacey Gaines
Corpus Christi, TX
“…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,and the day of vengeance of our God;to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:2, NIV)
Debbie, Leavenworth, KS. Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved. Phil 4:1 NKJV
Nancy Turner, Woodbridge, VA “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7, ESV)
Isaiah 54:13
All your children shall be taught by the Lord. And great shall be the peace of your children. NKJ
Zara Perciful, Seoul, Korea. “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” Proverbs 10:22, NIV
My pastor has been challenging us a lot lately to look at scripture and what is really said about money. It’s challenging to me to see money as a possible blessing from God (one of the many ways He can and does choose!), and not something to be avoided or to feel guilty about. It’s been so good to see what God’s word really says!!
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26, NLT
Karen Colvin, Austin, Texas.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Esther, Lelystad, Netherlands.
Wijs mij uw weg, o HEER, laat mij wandelen op het pad van uw waarheid, vervul mijn hart met ontzag voor uw Naam.
Laura from Rancho Cucamonga, ca
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
Exodus 14:14
Kimber Bates, Vista Ca Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)
Amee, Hercules, CA
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
Linda v. Albany Or
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and salvation-so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress , protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Glenda Durano, Albuquerque, Romans 8:31b NIV
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Erica, Ontario CA.
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Hannah-Rose, Newcastle – AUSTRALIA
James 1:6 (NIV) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Megan, Tuscaloosa Alabama
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,“and my servant whom I have chosen,so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.Before me no god was formed,nor will there be one after me.
Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Debbie, Omak, WA Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Denise, Colorado Springs, “For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! NLT
Clarette, Zurich Switzerland – “Who did this? Who made it happen? Who always gets things started? I did. GOD. I’m first on the scene. I’m also the last to leave. (Isaiah 41:4 MSG)
Jacque Mariott, Kaiserslautern, Germany
1 John 4:18 “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love”
Jo, Fremont, CA
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Gail Lobenthal, Bloomington, IN
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work,that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
… I will speak intimately with you of all which I will give you in commandment to the Israelites. (Exodus 25:22b AMP)
Donna New, Titusville, FL
Emily- Sevierville, TN. godliness with contentment is great gain, for we bought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV
Fokelien Haije-Ploeg, Amersfoort (The Netherlands): Dus door te luisteren komt men tot geloof, en wat men hoort is de verkondiging van Christus. Romeinen 10:17 (NBV)
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 lift up my soul. Psalms 143:8 NIV
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
1John 1:5 ESV
Katherine Kinley, Des Moines,Iowa
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NASB
Lee Merrill, Gilbert, AZ: Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Mechelle- Clarksville,TN
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10 NIV
Deborah (Debbie) Burdzy, Calgary Alberta, Canada
Who is there who speaks and it happens, unless the Lord has ordained it?
Lamentations 3:37 (HCSB)
Christina F
Modesto Ca
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Grietje, Den Dolder, Nederland
U wijst mij de weg naar het leven: overvloedige vreugde in uw nabijheid, voor altijd een lieflijke plek aan uw zijde.
Psalm 16:11 NBV
Ha! Love it!
Nikki Edinburg tx
1thess 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I know I’m doing his will when I keep a thankful heart daily
Monica Mendez, Calgary, Alberta.
“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 NIV
Katie, Jakarta, Indonesia. “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord,” Jeremiah 1:7-8 (ESV).
Brenda Powell, Grant, Alabama. “Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV
Kateigh B.
Snohomish, WA
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Kristen Tsen, Kansas City, KS
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:19,20 ESV
Nancy Chin
San Jose, CA
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
Wilma, Tholen, The Netherlands
Ps 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Brenda Powell, San Diego, CA “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29 NIV