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!
Val Dyer, Ann Arbor
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Katherine, Emmett MI
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 NKJ
Barbara, Spring Hill, FL
“Do don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today;s trouble is enough for today.” Mattthew 6:34 NLT
Martha, Georgetown, TX “This is my command- Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NLT
Marietta, GA
Joshua 1:9 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.
Sharice, Shelby, NC
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 KJ
Kathy Darnell, Princeton, TX.
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
DeAnne, Talmage, KS, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV
Lenna Chaffee, Tomah, WI.
“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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3: 5-8 NIV
Cheri T. Grand Island, NE
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NASB)
Cathy-Columbia, SC
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33
NASB
Laura-Waxahachie, Texas
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Jena Shockley, Ruston, Louisiana
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2 NIV
Peggy, Warsaw, IN – Isaiah 26:4 – ESV – Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Lori – Bushnell, Florida. For you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Gail, Hammond, LA
“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8 NIV
Allie Smith
McKinney, Tx
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Jamie Cook, Fort Worth TX
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place, he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19 NIV
Jamie: Your selected verse JUMPED out at me – for you see, this is EXACTLY what I now can testify to, as of 6 months 2 days ago, my handsome, talented son Cole, age 33, took his life. What depths of guilt, despair, helplessness, sorry, agony…..a mother takes all of these unto and into herself, as if she alone is responsible or did not do something right. Of course, we have to work through each and every one of these emotions, but the LORD truly drew me out of those deep waters and rescued me, and was and continues to be my support. Thank you for posting. I am sure it means something close to your heart, as well.
Dear Amy,
My heart aches for you and your loss. We recently lost our beloved son Zeth, 27 years old. We were traveling in Jerusalem, Israel and he suddenly became ill and passed away at Hadassah Hospital.
The Lord has helped draw us through each and every day, and he is with us through this painful season of our life.
Please know my heart aches for you. Pastor Greg Laurie has written a book that I found helpful “Hope for Hurting Hearts” which tells about the pain & grief of loosing their young adult son. It might bring comfort to you.
God Bless You
Lynn, I only saw your post to Amy after I sent my comment to her. I would have addressed you both! I am so thankful for the way God ministers to us in such unique ways, using daughters in three different parts of the country who love Him but have never met one another to bless and comfort and encourage each other as He has done for us. I picked up a book recently called The Blessings of Brokenness by Charles Stanley because a close friend of mine just lost her husband after an 8 year battle with leukemia. 8 Years did not prepare her for this loss. She expected God to heal him after her consistent requests for Him to do that, but that was not His plan. And she is struggling to understand. I’m still reading it but it might be another word of encouragement for you and for Amy. I hope you have a blessed weekend, Lynn.
Oh Amy, my eyes filled with tears as I read your note, I cannot imagine the depth of your grief over losing your precious son. I have two boys. They are 24 and 22. This passage has been my testimony for a long time, I love it, because when my boys were 2 and 4, their dad decided he couldn’t stay in our marriage and live anything but a lonely, unfulfilled, miserable life. Instead he had found the love of his life, a fellow graduate student, also already married, and one of my friends. Among the many emotions and tears, the enemy bombarded me with feelings of failure. I thought my life was ending. They married less than a year later, the same month our divorce was final. And it changed the course of our lives certainly. But God has done miraculous things through His Word in our lives. From revealing to me what He really means when He says HE is my foundation, my stronghold, my refuge, my love, my provider, no one else, to teaching me the glory of forgiveness and the healing and peace that results. Our oldest son married this past summer to a beautiful girl who loves Jesus with her whole heart, and at the rehearsal dinner, my sons two moms stood with our arms around each other looking out over the room filled with family and friends and acknowledged the miracles, the healing, the beauty. And I give Him all the glory. I love this passage. I wanted to make sure it was sealed in my memory. I am so glad it is your testimony as well. I know He will bring you to mind often, and when He does I promise I will lift you up as you continue to heal and discover more amazing truths each day in His perfect and relevant Word. I’m glad we’re on the same team, Amy. Thank you for writing.
Kelli Smith
McKinney, Tx
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves and those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Kelly- Apopka,Fl. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10, KJV
Casse, Charlottesville, Virginia “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 (NLT)
Melanie Shenning, Tampa, Florida
Romans 8:37 NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Carol Metteauer, Palestine, TX
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 NIV
Michelle Mardis, S cots orzo, AL
Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Psalm 37:3 NAS
Lindsey from Little Rock
“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
1 Corinthians 11:3
Susan Knowles, Bradenton, Florida
Be joyful always;pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Kathleen D., San Antonio, TX “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Matthew 16:26 NASB
Douglasville, GA
“Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.”
Exodus 4:12 NRSV
Psalm 34:5. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with JOY; no shadow of shame will darken their faces
Gay
Round Rock, Texas
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”
Isaiah 64:4 NIV
Thank you, Jan! Your post is great!
The words of a mans mouth are deep waters but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4 NIV
2 Tim 4:8 now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. NIV
Emilie Eaton, IN
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. -1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV
Brenda Wilken from Eureka Missouri
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6 NIV
Traci Indlecoffer, Vadnais Heights MN
“But He leaned down when I was in trouble and brought His ear close to me. So as long as I have breath, I will call on Him.”
Psalm 116:2 TLB
Kerry, Springdale, AR
“When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.”
Proverbs 31:26 MSG
Libby, Alexandria, VA
“Rejoice always”
1 Thessalonians 5:16
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places;yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6 KJV was pencilled into margin of NCV of my dear Mama, whom we bury tomorrow. NCV says “My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful “. Thanking God through tears, Jennifer Mosher in Canfield , Ohio
Amanda Dales, Rockhampton, Queensland. The righteous person’s heart pumps God’s Word like blood through their veins (wow!) Psalm 37:31 The Message
Lisa Walden – Grand Prairie, Texas
James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Carrie from Cary, NC:
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
Leigh Weisinger, Woodway, Texas
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 (NIV)
RaeLeen – Bloomington Indiana:
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 NIV
Sandy Smith, Holiday, Florida “Be careful then, 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 NIV
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16, NKJV)
Stephanie from Street, MD: “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua1:9 HCSB
Ephesians 2:4-6
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:12 NASB
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 your all day long.
~Psalm 25:4-5~