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!
Marilu Howard, Lake Morena, CA “Even in your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Luke 8:15 ESV But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance produce a crop.
Amber, Champlin, Minnesota, “May God, the giver of hope, fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him — so that you may have abundant hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 WEY
Julie Moss, Hermann, MO. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continual debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 NIV
Anita, Northport,Alabama – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11. NIV
Heidi from Narvon, PA
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
Elizabeth, Fairfax Station: Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup, you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 NIV
Sonya, Midlothian, Texas
“We make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:1-3, NLT
Paige Storlie, Amarillo, TX
“Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord.”
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Col. 3:12-14 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV
Robyn Lombardo, Picayune, MS
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison
2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
Julie, Clymer.
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 NIV
Holly – McCordsville,IN She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.Proverbs 31:25 NLV
Psalm 139: 23-24 (CEV)
“Look deep into my heart, God,
and find out everything
I am thinking.
Don’t let me follow evil ways,
but lead me in the way
that time has proven true.”
Esther. Jonesborough TN. I Peter 3:1-2. Likewise wives be subject to your husbands, so that even if some do not obey the Word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. ESV.
Julia. Cross City, FL
Psalms 86:11-13. NKJV
Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
For great is Your mercy toward me,
And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Colorado City TX.
No one can serve two masters. Either you love one and hate the other or you are devoted to one and despise the other. No one can serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24
Megan, Prattville Al
Forget the former things do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Karin from Westborough, MA
I Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13 NKJV.
From Willis,Tx
Great comments Jan. They were encouraging words to me this morning….
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good
Rose M, South Carolina
I Corinthians 1:30 “but by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us Wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”
Rhonda Douglas, Houston
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You….teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me.
Psalm 25:1,4 NKJV
Kandi Sullivan, Tallahassee, Florida
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42
Leanna Leake
Vandalia, Missouri
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1. NIV
John 15:11-12 (NKJV)
11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Kaylee Vida, Anderson, IN
Tune your ears t wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Proverbs 2:2-3 (NLT)
Amy, Murfreesboro,TN
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26, NIV
Sherry Campbell, Nowata, Ok. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Kathie Vergo, Colorado Springs, CO:
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV)
Sarah Tarr, Nashville TN
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.” -Exodus 14:13 NLT
Dana from Montgomery Village, MD
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 NIV
Milltown, Wis. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Kerry Devlin
Winona Lake, IN
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 NIV
Goodness, Geogoria Jan! Thank you for the great post – what a great encouragement!
Kendra Anderson // Austin, Texas
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)
Denyse Lafferty, Phoenix, Arizona
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Karin from Calgary
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
Becky
Westland, MI
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each oter, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Angel Varney, Knoxville TN.
Shunda in Richmond, VA
Genesis 12:2 (NKJV)
I will make you a great nation, I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
Nicole, Wideman, AR
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven -Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4 HCSB
Richmond Hill Ga. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed , do it all in the name of lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though Him”
Shawna
Boise, Idaho
Ephesians 4:32 be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ
Christine Neuens, Weston, WI Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Emily, Indianapolis, IN
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5 NIV
Darla from Ohio :Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you .