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!
Cher Goeder, Toledo, OH
Psalm 133:1 NIV
“How good & pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”
Rebecca in Owasso OK
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm til the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:12-13 NIV
Tara- Rockwall, Tx
I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you hope and a future
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Proverbs 15:2 “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
Celeste Inman from San Antonio TX. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Sonya Burtis, Cullman, AL, Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
Susannah Maddox, folsom, ca
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who so in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18
Debbie, Decatur Il – Every morning you’ll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your alter and watch for fire to descend
Psalm 5:3 The MSG
Danielle Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Luke 6:31
KJV
Paula Hill
Brandon MS
Isaiah 29:6 NIV
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
Rev 7:14
They will make war against the Lamb, but the lamb will overcome them, because he is Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings _ and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers!!!
we’re doing the Beth Moore study of Revelation…
Debbie Lane, Cypress, Texas
Rejoice in The Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Melanie Miller, Armuchee, GA
“But the word of the LORD endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:25 (NKJV)
Barb Osakis Minnesota
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26 NIV
Kathy Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy”.
Job 8:21
NIV
Kathy Ikonomidis- Orlando, FL “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 (KJV)
Robbyn, Frisco, Texas
Luke 1:45
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”
Maplewood, MN
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe.”
Proverbs 29:25
Shelli Hill from Cleveland,Ohio
“Heal me Lord, and I will be healed,
Save me, and I will be saved,
For you are the one I praise.”
Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Sharon Seagle, Leanto FL, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 HCSB
Hannibal, NY
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16
Carol, Fredericksburg, VA
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Leigh Gray, Emmajoy Gray, Sarahjane Gray,and Elleigh Gray
(my 3 girls are memorizing with me)
Carmi, Il.
Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
Ps. 143:1 NIV
Mindy Long from Bowie, MD
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NASB)
Gail-Tyler,TX
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 NKJV
Because if the LORD’S GREAT LOVE we are not consumed,for HIS compassions never fail. They are new every morning; GREAT is YOUR Faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Susan Reeves , Richmond Tx,
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith produces perseverance ”
James 1:2-3 NIV
Nicole, Jonesboro, AR:
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. (Romans 4:20-24 NIV)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath: do not fret–it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
Psalm 37: 8-9
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away and new things have come. nas
Laurie from Bison, Kansas Teach me to do your will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 NIV
Be patient in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Deb Dinnen, Springfield, Ohio
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Matthew 6:16 NIV
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “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 a hope and a future.” Anita Banks, Huntsville AL
Mary from Joshua
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
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.
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
Conne
Angel Fire,NM
“Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” Philippians 4:8. LB
Judy, Clay Center, Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. NLT
Karen, Kitchener, ON
Psalm 69:13 HCSB
But for me, Lord, my prayer to you is for a time of favour.
In your abundant, faithful love, God answer me with your sure salvation
Cynthia, Russellville, AR
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Angie Bradshaw, Mebane, NC
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 NIV
Lauren Johnson, Soperton, GA
“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble”
Proverbs 15:16 NKJV
Dawn from Bristow, VA
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” <3
(Philippians 4:4-5 NIV)
Vanessa, Cape Coral, Fl. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 nkjv)
Joanna, Fort Mill, SC
” 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
Paula Rambo, Rowlett, Tx
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:8 NASB
Holly Longmont,CO
1 Thessalonians 4:9 NIV
Now about your love for one another
we do not need to write to you, for you
yourselves have been taught by God
to love each other.
Courtney Burnside, Chicora, PA. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV