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!
4 Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25: 4-5. New Living Translation (NLT)
Marsha Middleton – Lee’s Summit, MO
The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 NKJ
Hi Marsha! I am sharing about memorizing and meditating on God’s word tomorrow at the Women’s New Member Coffee. Please pray for me…thanks for all you do for Life!
Amy H. from St. Charles, MO: “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by actions.” John 3:18, NIV
Gina, Marshall tx,
Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearten unto Balaam, but the lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee because the lord thu God loved thee. Duet 23:5
Donna Boswell, Russellville, KY
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:6 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Opps.. forgot my city.. Jackson, Tn. 🙂
Wendy Karabensh
Vero Beach
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?”
Psalm 139:7
(NIV)
Colleen from Springfield, Missouri
Matthew 6:33 KJV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Maeghan Cranford: Atlanta, GA
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:26, NIV
Bissy Elliott, Algonquin, IL
“The steadfast of mind you will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”
Isaiah 26:3,4
LenaMae Columbia, South Carolina
One thing I ask from the LORD this only do I seek: that I may dewell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple, Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
Christy Fordham from Wadley, Alabama
O Eternal, our Lord, Your majestic name is heard throughout the earth; Your magnificent glory shines far above the skies. Psalm 8:1 VOICE
Patricia McNeily, Miamisburg, Ohio
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.
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth on insight so that you may be able to discern what is best…”
Phil. 1:9-10 NIV
**Thank you, Jan for such a timely word! Love you!!
Wooster, OH
For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see and did not see it and to hear what you hear and did not hear it.
Matthew 13:17
Mary Beth Serrato, Grants Pass, OR “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” Phil. 4:11-12 NKJ
Jenna Smith
Milliken, CO
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105 NIV
Jennifer, Norfolk, VA
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Suzy – Smyrna, GA (Atlanta area)
Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.
Ps. 39:5 – NET
Linda Jessee, Bozeman, MT
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NIV
Wendy McClellan, Powhatan, Virginia
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Romans 12:17 (NIV)
Mary McKinley, Scottsboro, AL
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God. II Timothy 1:8 NASB
Robin Padgett, Morehead City, NC “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13, NIV
Christy Segars, Monroe, GA
“And he will go on before The Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for The Lord.” Luke 1:17
Carol Marshall, Gilbert, AZ
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my Salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid.
Tisha, Pilot Mtn, NC
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2 (NIV84)
Melissa Marschall, Caledonia, MN “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Jane from Snow Camp NC: “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16: 20 NKJV
Karen Khan in Houston, TX “He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy, laying the beams of His palace on the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind, and making the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.” Psalm 104:2-4 HCSB
Barbara, Kentwood MI:
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your Word.” Psalm 119:28 NIV84
Kristetta, Pineville, LA Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 NIV84
Ruth Nelson Corvallis, OR
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them your may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2Peter 1:4 NIV
Melissa Crutchfield
Bologna, Italy
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-22
Stephanie and daughter Madison
Psalms 121:1-2 Msg
I look up to the mountains
Do I get my strength from the mountains?
No, I get my strength from God
Who created heaven and earth and mountains.
Kim, Amherst, OH
Prov. 31:10 NIV
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Jennifer Anderson, Corning, NY “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16 ESV
Morgan Aiello, Discovery Bay, CA
My dear brothers, take note of this; everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20, NIV
Gayla Ross, Perkinston, MS.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his rightousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 KJV
Lamentations 3:24-25
“The Lord is my portion.” says my soul, “therefore I will wait for Him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him;
to the one who seeks Him.
Massillon, Ohio
by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 peter 1:4
Kathy – Billings, MT
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
Pam T, Lookout Mtn, GA (Chattanooga TN)
You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Isaiah 26:3
I’ve memorized this scripture before, but had never seen that translation. Love it!
Amy Smith, McKinney, TX
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3, NLT
Kim Crawford, Tampa, Florida
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes form the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
Beth, Toronto: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch.” Isaiah 62:1 (ESV)
Angie, Hampton, TN because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:5-6 (NIV)
Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6 AMP
Rachel Cleveland, Jackson, TN
“No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” Deuteronomy 30:14, NIV
Jodell, Frankfort, IN, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.”. 2 Peter 1:3a NIV