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!
Tonya Devine, Bryant, AR: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16 NIV
Veronica Acosta, Houston, Tx. Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Than you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Christine H, Macclenny, Fl
“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)
Cynthia Dallas TX,
Colossians 3:15-16 NASB
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Dawn, Pottsville, Arkansas. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry in on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Cathi Blate, North Canton, OH
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
PSALM 34 : 17– 18 NIV
Janna Halterman, Fresno CA, James 1:2NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds”
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)
Jennifer, Fort Worth
“The ungodly are not so,But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.” Psalm 1:4 NKJV
Julie Beavers, Pine Bluff, AR
The wise person will keep silent at such a time, for the days are evil. Amos 5:31 HCSB
Veronica Acosta Houston, Tx. Ephesians 4:29, 31-32 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen…..Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ps. 18-1-2 I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!!
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
Alexis, San Angelo, TX
“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 ESV
Pat Westmoreland, Littlefield, Tx.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Lori Montgomery, Yukon, OK
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
Search me O God; and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. psalms 139:23-24 KJV
Carolyn, Terrace BC
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Ruth-Anne Thomas, Toronto Canada
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:16 KJV
Cassie, Seattle, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 NIV
Suisun City
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.
I Corinthians 14:1a ESV
Rhonda Brown, Belleville IL
“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4 NIV
Laura Goins / Prattville, AL
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3, NLT)
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me? Psalm 56:10-11
Kait Opperman, Toledo, Ohio
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 ESV
Lisa Whittlesey, College Station, TX
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 NIV)
Penny Davis, Decatur, IL
And He said, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 ESV
Angie O’Bleness, Aurora
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Katie Tine, Hanover, Pa –
Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
Karen, Conway, Arkansas
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 NIV
Fort Worth, TX
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Julie, Olathe, KS
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophesy with the laying on of the hands of the elder ship.
1 Timothy 4:14, NKJV
Jeannie, Nashville, Tn.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”. Phil. 4:13 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Sarah Miller, Melbourne, Florida
The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you! Luke 17:6 (NLT)
Melissa H. from Mendenhall MS
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
– James 1:17 ESV
Janae Igo, Sundown, TX “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8 NIV
Am I out alreaddy because I’m posting late?
Janet Anderson, Edmond, OK
The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 HCSB
Indeed not, Janet! Welcome to SSMST!
Julie, Lincoln, NE
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
Stacey Mills, Columbus, MS
For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 NIV)
Matthew 6:19- Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. NKJV
Lois Kinman, Lewisville, TX
5 I find rest in God;
only he gives me hope.
6 He is my rock and my salvation.
He is my defender;
I will not be defeated.
Psalm 62:5-6 NCV
Stephanie Flake. Louisville MS
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (Romans 7:18 ESV)
Sharon from Van, TX.
“Blessed are they who seek His statutes, and seek Him with all their heart.”
Psalm 119:2
Diana Tucker, Houston, TX
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Dianne Sims, Aransas Pass TX
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Col 3:23 NASB
Kay Harms, Sierra Vista, AZ
Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT)
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Amen! I need this kind of holy three-fold strength right now…from the Father’s storehouse, the Son’s indwelling presence and the Spirit’s power!
Thank you for your words, Jan. I needed to hear your message about embracing the season today. I’m in a new season with a friendship…the winter of it, I suppose. But I’m looking up to see “the stars” today because I know God is even present in the winter 🙂
Tiffany Avritt Holcomb,KS
Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.
Psalm 119:50 NLT
Jill Mlakar, Bainbridge Twp, Ohio
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things… 1 Timothy 4:8a NIV
Debbie Hernandez, Humble, TX
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell 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