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, Marietta, SC
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 ESV
Cari, Huntington, WV
So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. Luke 7:24 GNT
Heather, Ooltewah , TN
“Create in me a pure heart,O God, a renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm51:10 (NIV)
Tracy, Fuquay Varina, NC
On the day I needed You, I called and You responded and infused my soul with strength. Psalm 138:3
Amanda, Dallas, TX. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5-6 ESV
Sherry Bennett, Longview texas, The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7 NIV)
Bonnie Yancey, Normal IL
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Rock Hill, SC
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. NKJV
Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (Psalm 51:8 ASV)
Samantha Collins, Ellijay Ga, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in saftey.” Psalms 4:8
Judy Hildebrant, Salem, Oregon “Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you, Psalm 116:7
Judy Hildebrant, Salem, Oregon I forgot translation NASB
Psalm 27:14New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
Lisa S. in Montgomery,Tx
Stephanie M. Smith, Indianapolis, Indiana. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Carol, Waterloo, ON
You, the Lord’s people, will live in peace, calm and secure… Isaiah 32:18 CEV
Kathy, Leamington, Ontario, Canada
“My righteousness draws near speedily;
My salvation is on the way.”
Is.51:5 NIV
Sedalia, MO
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)
Cheryl, Ponder, Texas
Malachi 3:10 NIV Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not have room enough to store it.
I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name.
Isaiah 45:3 NLT
Amy, Hoboken, NJ.
“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls.” Matthew 11:29 ESV
Dawn Whiteford – Batavia, OH
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NLT
Melissa Rausch, Blue Springs, MO
I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name.
Isaiah 45:3 NLT
Alisa
Oak Park, Michigan
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12 NIV
Grace, Chicago, IL Psalm 3:3 NASB “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts my head.”
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NIV
Beth, Lansing, MI
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Debbie Reid/Sherwood, OR/ “Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Stacey Pullen, Bastrop, LA
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2
Ermithe Marcelin, Orlando, Florida. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Patti Rogers, Newburg MO
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV
Cheryl Tyler, Magnolia, TX
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)
Julie, Anacortes, WA
“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:39
And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 AMP
The Lord himself goes before you and he will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Judith Marcelin, Orlando, Florida. “Seek the lord and his strength; seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Leslie from Elkhart, IN
Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV)
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
kendra, Keller, TX
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Michelle, Omaha, Nebraska (soon to be Cypress, TX)
“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
Sherril Ann, Bountiful, UT
Isaiah 41:10 AKJV – Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Anita Towns, Eagle Hill, AB, Canada “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
Katie Nicholls, Tucson, AZ
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Titus 3:3,”For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient,led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” ESV Continuation of chapter I want to learn and a bit toe-crunching!
Jenni, Birmingham, AL
“Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing”
Psalm 34:9 (NIV)
Nancy Yarbrough, McKinney, Texas
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Frances,, Hollywood, Florida
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. -phil 2:3-4 NIV
Lisa Towers, Greenfield, WI. “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, And that my soul knows very well.”
Lorraine, Marysville, WA
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 Holman Standard
“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
Tomball, TX
Isaiah 41:10-13
10 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.
11″All who rage against you will surely be ashamedand disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV
Trina Stephens, Denton, TX: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV