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!
Michelle Perry, Creedmoor, NC “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17 ESV)
Ruth Balch, Richmond, TX
…in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance but the LORD looks the heart. I Samuel 16:7
Hannah, Johnson City, TN
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Jill Miller, Akron IN
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. (Titus 2:7 NLT)
Diane, Wichita, KS
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Prov. 16:3 (NLT)
Megan Grants Pass, Oregon
“For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position;” James 1:7-9 (NASB)
Janice Hilt, Arcanum OH
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12 ESV
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and God’s spirit lives in you!!! 1 Cor. 3:16
Holly Barrett, Dickson TN
He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6 NASB)
Keely Hagan, Sturgis, KY
“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” Isaiah 54:4 (NIV)
Shan Copeland, Salina, KS
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 NIV
Rebecca McCann, Ft Wayne IN “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NASB
Stefanie W. Livingston, TN
Proverbs 4:20-27New International Version (NIV)
20
My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
23
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26
Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 ESV
Frances Poage, Pasadena, TX
For everything that happens in life—there is a season, a right time for everything under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1 The Voice
Lacy McMurry, Carthage, MS
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:5 NIV
Rosemary Carter, Conway SC
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Cheryl Anderson, Maumelle, Arkansas
I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers.
Psalm 116:1 NLT
Carol Crabtree, Farmers Branch, TX, 2 Cor. 5:7, NKJV
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Cynthia Cox, Camp Wood, Texas. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will many trial and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
[1] …Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Humble Service in the Body of Christ
Cyndi, Blue Springs, Mo
Call to me and I will answer you ant ell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Nikki Rach, Lake Nona, FL, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh 8:10 NIV
Randi-lyn Farrell, St. Pete Bch, FL
“Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and inquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, preserving, and steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:8-11 amp
Dee Ann Wallace, Henderson, TX “But to me he said,’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”
Kristen R., Burbank, Ca
Romans 8:37 NIV
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Heidi S, Bloomington, MN
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossal 3:12
Laura, Decatur IL
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3 NKJV)
Melodie, Charlotte, NC: Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NASB
Bobetta D.,Nixa, MO
“For, of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John1;16 NASB
Jen, Greenville, KY. Exodus 14:14. The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still, NIV.
Christi Miller, Gilbert, AZ
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
Andrea,Louisville,KY
Psalm 86:3,4
have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.
Becky Van Verst, Bend OR
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
Christen B Denver CO “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19 ESV
Diane Jackson, Riverside, CA
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13 NAS
Kim Douglas, Panama City, FL
So encourage each other and build each other us, just as you are already doing (1 Thess 5:11 NLT)
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who seeks you.”
Kay Myers
Land O’Lakes FL
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. II Cor 4.6
KJV
Lisa Foster, Raleigh, NC “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3 NASB)
Saralyn, Holly Springs, NC “For God has not given us a spirit of FEAR; but of power, and of love, and a SOUND MIND.” 2 Tim 1:7 KJVA
Janice from Wisconsin: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 (NIV)
Renee Reagan, Houston, TX
2 Chronicles 16:9a, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (NIV)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Eph.1:13-14 ESV
Giuliana from Florida.
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)
Renae Blume, College Station, TX
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. (Proverbs 9:7-8 NLT)
Amy Black
Collins, Ms.
You will not need to fight in this battle, position your self, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, oh Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 20:17 NKJV