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!
Lisa, Watkinsville, GA
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 NIV
Fran Scott, Stafford TX, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13, KJV
from Buffalo, Tx: “I am able to do all things though the one who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 NET
Nell, Gallatin, TN
John 1:16-17 from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Tara Spears, Chandler, AZ “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Lynn Roney, Scottsboro, AL
“Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what
Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault–we who stand before him COVERED WITH HIS LOVE.” EPH. 1:4 Life Application Bible /The Living Bible 1988
Janis Alling, Decatur, TX
“I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). KJV
Meghan Van Cleave- Sisters, Oregon
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Esv
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you might live, you and your descendants, by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him;for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give them. NASB
Toni, Madisonville, KY
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Kay, Simpson, LA
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Barb, Pittsburgh, Pa
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;” 1Peter 1:15 NIV
Cindy, San Diego, CA
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Michele, Whitehall, PA
For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 HCSB
Janet Mckerlie, spokane Washington
“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40, NASB
Lori Moritz
Cedar Park, TX
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Missy Cogan – Ashland, KY
Lamentations 3:22-23
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
(NKJV)
Amanda Tyler
Kannapolis, NC
“A foolish son is to ruin his father, and a wife’s quarreling
is a continual dripping of rain.” Proverbs 19:13 ESV
Tammy Hughes, Massillon, Ohio:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 NIV
charity atlanta texas
FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
ROMANS 6:23 KJV
January 16,2015 8:14 pm “Be still and know that I am God” Psalms 46:10.
Tricia Faison Wendell,NC
Psalm 23:1-2 KJV
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters:
Amy, Richmond, IN
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)
Sara, Houston, TX
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
-Psalm 37:3-6 NIV
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Emily, Houston, TX
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
Mary, Fort Worth,, TX
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
Pam, Liberty, Indiana
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9 KJV
Holly Dainton, Hamilton, Ohio – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Judy K, Johnsburg, Illinois, ” You light a lamp for me.The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” Psalm 18:28 NLT
Lesa, Garden City, Ks
“Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 NIV
Debra, Many, La
Lord my God, you have done many things – your wonderful works and your plans for us; none can compare with you. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told. Psalm 40: 5 (HCSB)
“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed,for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9 NASV
Jamie Stuber, Statesville, NC
When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?
Daniel 6:20 NIV
Phyllis Sills, Charlotte, NC,
1 Peter 5:6-7 (The Message)
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you
Visalia Calif-Phillipians 4:11
NIV-I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances
Marsha, Beaver Center,
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 (NKJ)
Renee, Pearl, MS – Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 NIV
Karen, Dripping Springs, TX
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20 NIV
The most important commandment is this…”You must love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:29-30
Stephanie, Carrollton, Va
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. Romans 6:19 NASB
Holly from Alpharetta, GA
Psalm 119: 1 Happy are those whose way is without blame, who walk in the Law of the Lord. NLT
Sandahl, Fairborn, OH
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11;1 NIV
Tanja Jameson, Little Rock, AR “For the way of the Lord is a stronghold for those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.” Prov 10:21 NLT
Heather, Ooltewah, TN
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalms 104:33 NASB
Hailey Tucker
Brandon, MS
Exodus 14:14 ESV
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Vickie from Nashville, TN
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Mary Foley Merrell Albuquerque, NM ” Where is your faith? He asked his disciples. I. Feat and amazement they asked o e another, who is this? He commands even the wind and water, and they obey him”. Luke 8:25 NIV
Dawn Cecil Owensboro Ky
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 68:19 NIV
The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made, The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down Psalm 145:13,14 (NIV)