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!
Elizabeth Melcher Barto, PA
Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Tammy Gillmore, Charlotte, AR
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (NIV)
Kara Hutton, Omaha, Ne
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
NIV
Proverbs 3:3
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Biloxi, MS
Studying for the CPA exam….
Proverbs 4:13 (Basic English Bible)
13 Take learning in your hands, do not let her go: keep her, for she is your life.
Deb Mountsier, Mason, Ohio
Judges 6:12
When the angel of The Lord appeared to Gideon, he, said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Isabel,Midland
Isaiah 40:8 HCSB
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.
Sandy Richardson, Maui, HI
I will desire to do Your will, my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Danielle, Oregon
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust” {Psalm 91:1-2, KJV}.
Proverbs 3:3, NIV
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart n.
Ginger Lazzaro, Matawan, NJ
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
Marilyn Wichhart, Pella IA 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV) “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Laurie Hunt, Bossier City
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might (Ephesians 1:19 ESV)
Kathy, Los Gatos, CA James 1: “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Angel S. Lake Stevens, WA
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Gena Burnett, Fresno, CA
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) – “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Isaiah 43:10New International Version (NIV)
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
Susan Reagan, Coppell, Texas
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Sherrie Ashley Cullman, Al. Deuteronomy 6:4-5
“Listen, O Isreal! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
Holly Cox, Greenwood, SC
“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved,”
Joy Mast, Charlotte, NC
Hosea 2:14-15 14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her,
and bring her into the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards
and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth,
as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.”
Kara S, Macungie PA. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Jaela, Nashville, TN. “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3
sheri taylor Hurricane, WV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
Sorry if I’m on here twice. I posted on Fb but im not sure if any of my comments went through:)
Got ’em both!
Thank you;)))
Allison
Wilmington, NC
“And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)
From northern Virginia
He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. NIV
Psalm 147:3
Vikki Stemler, Jeffersonville, Indiana
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Peggy Rush Independence MO But when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them. 2 Chronicles 15:4 NKJV
Autumn Crary, Deer Park, WA
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 ESV
Philippians 4:8New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Marisha Pressley, Pendleton, IN
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Beth Barron
Rome, GA
“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
Hebrews 6:29 HCSB
Julie P Tierra Verde FL
For the mouth speaks from what fills the heart. Matthew 12:34b NET
Gloria Hartman, Martinsburg, PA. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10 NASB
Brooke Taylor – Anderson SC. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed, you were made holy, you were made right with God by calling on the name of The lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT
Georgetown, TX
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Patty Sandel, Mesquite, Texas
My son is in prison and he is preaching and teaching to the men in there with him and they are memorizing scripture with us. That is why I am memorizing these scriptures.
Romans 4:7-8, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin!”
I am also memorizing:
Ephesians 1:18, 19 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, v.19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Vicki Wilmington NC
This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. …”
Jeremiah 6:16 NLT
Florence Gilmore, Arcadia, CA
“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”
Isaiah 26:12 NIV
Sue from Nashville TN
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does The Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
JEREMIAH 29:11 (New Living Translation)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Deborah Edgar
Beaumont, Texas
Cullman, Alabama
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Katelyn Walls, Jackson, TN
“I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Galatians 5:16-17, NASB
Cheryl N, Virginia, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Ann from Senatobia, Mississippi
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Lori, Kodak, TN
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Phil 2:Wednesdays kjv
Olive Gaines, Kingston TN:
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
~1 Peter 2:9 NLT