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!
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.” Declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:13-14 NIV
Erin Hudgins, Maiden, NC
Heather Hatfield, Mena AR; “plesant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 NKJV
Michelle, Chadds Ford, PA
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Romans 13:12 NLT
Patty, Collinsville, OK
The Lord directs the steps of the godly,
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
For The Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23 & 24 NLT
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10
Haysi, Va – That man may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no other besides me. I am Lord and there is no other. Isaiah 45:6
Annette, Fort Worth, Tx. “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17. ESV.
Roxanne, Hummelstown,Pa
1Peter 3:14 (ESV)
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Heather Whaley, Knoxville, TN
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Marsha, Batesville
Isaiah 55:3a NLT
Come to me with your ears wide open
Listen and you will find life.
I posted this on the fifteenth and cannot find it,so trying again and changed the translation.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. NIV
Gelean Horan, Bayport, NY
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. 1 John 4:4 NKJV
Wendy, Barrie, Ontario
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11). NIV
Lara Lee Bugeja, Royal Palm Beach, FL
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
Anna, Redford MI
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
Rhonda
Gilmer, Tx
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12 NKJV)
Proverbs 3:26 For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your food from being caught.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Ps. 51:10 NIV
January verses: 1Cor11:23-24 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, 24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”
Andrea, Eindhoven, Netherlands
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 KJV
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Ex. 33:13 NIV
Jennifer, Tomball, TX “A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.” Prov 12:23(NIV)
Pam, Lawrenceville, GA
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2 NIV
Shelley – Bolivar, Missouri
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
I Peter 3:9 NIV
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Psalm 40:4
NIV
“And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Judy from Crawfordsville, IN Psalm 38:8 NASB
The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:6. NIV84
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Belinda, Springfield, Missouri “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen, a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 64:4 NLT
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12, NLT
Pam from Grand Rapids, MI: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NLT
Daphne, Goodlettsville, TN. John 3:30 (NIV)
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
Teresa, Tyler TX
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
Oklahoma City,
Psalms 23:1-4
ESV
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
For his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
No evil, for you are with me; your rod
and your staff, they comfort me.
Evansville, IN
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
Bethany, Overland Park, KS
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Ps 141:3, NIV
Stephanie Jo
Crane OR
And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority,
Colossians 2:9 NIV
Deneen Horne, Jacksonville, Florida-
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 NIV
Sue, Groveport, OH
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:3-4 NIV
Denise, Hernando Beach, FL
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2Corinthians 4:7
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
Jenna, Bluffton, Indiana
Romans 5:3-5 HCSB
…We also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. NIV
Naomi Reyes
Norman, OK
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:45, NIV
Jamie
Corbin, ky
Psalm 90:14 NIV
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Kathy – Austin, Texas
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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.
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Andrea Roberts, Kingsville, MO, “Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and stand up. You understand my thoughts from far away.” Psalm 139: 1-2, HCSB
Carrie Foreman, Horatio, Arkansas; “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me like down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me; in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV