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!
Amanda Francis, Gaffney, SC
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16
Ann from Harrison Ohio. Deuteronmy 31:6. she’s strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you; H
e will never leave you or forsake you.
Stephanie, La Habra, CA “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice!! Philip.4:4 NIV
Mary Magnuson, Round Rock, TX
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13
DeKalb, TX, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15, NKJV
Mary Magnuson, Round Rock, TX
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13 NAS
Casey Petruszak Cairo, GA
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
– Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Cheryl Moore Plano tx, Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8 NIV)
Ceffie Bridgeport, WV
Hebrew 13:5 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 Iforsake you.
Ashlen, Dayton, Tennessee
“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? (Isaiah 51:12 NLT)
Erin in Euless, TX
Psalm 73:25 – 26
“Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
I am not sure that my post are out there, how can I check for my post?
Janelle Wilson, Atlanta, GA
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Dekotah
Marietta, GA
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ~Proverbs 16:9
Houston, Texas
Ps. 62:5 ESV
For God alone, oh my soul, wait in silence for my hope is from him.
Jamie, Coupeville, WA
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NASB
Michele Roberts, Portland TX,
For the weapons of our warefare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down stronghold, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10-4-5, NKJV
” And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
28 Cyndy Patchogue Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Gina, Garland, Tx – Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Angela AA, Houston, Tx
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2
Kristen Folsom, Nashville, TN
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do no be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1.9 (NLT)
New Braunfels, Texas
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 ESV
Sara Kuehner, Halifax, NS, Canada
Revelations 5:12-13 NIV – In a loud voice they sang, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them singing, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!”
Melissa Briggs, Brandon, Mississippi
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Hebrews 12:1-2
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfected of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NIV
Alayne Schrock, Lima, Ohio
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Jessy Perzel, Lakeville, MN “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 NLT
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)
Lisa Melley, Bogota, NJ- Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Psalm 37 vs 3 NIV
Melany Ethridge, Van Alstyne, TX
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NIV)
Emily from Redding, Ca
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Matthew 6:25-26
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 NIV
Janet Walker, Torrington,WY
“He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.” I Cor.1:8 (NIV)
Shelby Briggs Brandon, Mississippi
‘A new command I give you : Love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:34-35
Diane Vaccaro – Fresno, CA
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 ESV
Jen B, Arlington, VA: Whatever you do, do your work hertily, as for th eLord rather than men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Col 3:23-24 (NASB)
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5 NIV
Jamie, Simsboro, LA
“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8
Eron Bird Athens, GA Romans 8:39 ESV “Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”
Linda D. Granada Hills, CA
Joshua 1:9 Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Bobbie in Kansas
Philippians 4:6 NKJV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Liz, North Carolina
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17 NIV
Theresa Burwick, Alexandria, KY Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:15-17 ESV
Abbey Griffin – Mobile, AL
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
ESV
Nihla , Amarillo, Tx
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Gwen Ziegler, Washington, IL “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9, NIV
Sally Sellers Reed, Houston. Tx. Romans 8:31 NIV . What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?