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!
Sue Watson, Lebanon, Tennessee
I related so much with this verse today!! Have to enjoy where I am not keep wishing the moments away!!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Kristie Terpstra, Montgomery, TX. “He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled”. Joshua 24:17 NIV
Cindy Western, Minneapolis, MN
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11 ESV)
Vicky Jones, Adelaide, South Australia
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1 ESV
Sherri from Lebanon, Missouri.
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT)
Barbara, Fredericksburg, VA
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Pam, Wilmington NC
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 HCSB
So do not fear, I am with you. Do not be dismayed, I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Ruth, Galena OH
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)
Amanda, Marion, IN
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 hinders our progress. And let us run wig endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT
Joy M, Waverly, TN
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 ESV
“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).
God has it all planned out. He wants to & will prosper you and will never harm you. Your hope & future is in the LORD!
Brenda Payne, Midlothian, VA. “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3. (ESV)
Judy
Memphis, tennessee
I will sing the mercies of the Lord for ever:with my mouth make known thy faithfulness to all generations
Psalms 89:1 KJV
Marti-Paris, TX
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Psalm 119:165 NIV
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I Samuel 16:7
Sarah, OKC OK “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 ESV
Jennifer Maier, Edon, Ohio
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Madeline Johnson Warner Robins, Ga.
Brethren, I do not consider myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Anne / Indiana
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Katie, Wake Forest, NC
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” -2 Cor. 10:5 (NIV)
Stacy ~ Imperial, Nebraska ~
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose ❤️.
Gal 6:9 NKJ
Terri J. Headley, Jacksonville, NC
NKJV
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, say the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Miriam T. – Columbia, SC
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
Psalm 103:1 (ESV)
Kathy, Missouri City, TX
John 16:33 (NIV)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! Ihave ovrcome the world.
Christy- Towson, MD
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. -Psalm 16:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)
April, Boerne, TX
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
Isaiah 43:19A (NASB)
Sharon, Lancaster, PA
Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” NIV
Brenda Stewart, St. Paul MN
But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord help me.” Matthew 15::25 ESV
Kathy Dunning
Kingwood Texas
Remember the former thing, those of long ago
I am God and there is no other;
I am God and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46: 9 NIV
Sandy- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV
Saralyn, Lakeland, FL
If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. (Isaiah 58:9-10 HCSB)
Beth, Lititz,
1 Corinthians 9:24Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
Rhonda, Niles, MI, “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:6 NIV
Heather A., Cullman,AL I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely. (Psalms 4:8 GW)
rosemary, Easley,SC
” Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!” Romans 11:33. ESV
Carolyn, Hermitage, Tn,
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV
Jenny, Geismar, LA
Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:10 NIV
Danna; Anthem, AZ. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you. (Romans 8:11 NLT)
Lori – St. Francisville, LA
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the the day long. Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
Jan, Salt Lake City, Utah
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)
Monique ~ Wadsworth, Ohio
Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. I Corinthians 13:4. NIV
Carissa LaValle, St. Bonifacius, MN
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:8-9 (NIV)
Sloan
Atlanta, GA
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
Bridget, Cadillac , MI
For unto us a Son is given, And the government will be on his shoulder. and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6(nkjv)
Whendy- North Richland Hills- Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. Proverbs 19:22 NLT
Judy Woodward, Lake Charles, LA
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the
one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is
driven and tossed by the wind.” James 3:6 (ESV)
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Ps119:10-11 ESV
Melissa, Shinnston, WV
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18 NASB)
Joy, Mitchellville, Iowa~ If any of you lacks wisdom, let her ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to her. But let her ask in faith with no doubting, for she who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from God. They can’t make up their minds. They waver back & forth in everything they do. ~ James 1:5-8 Msg