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!
Irma Barbee, The Woodlands, TX
There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love [a]turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! 1 Jn 4:18 (Amplified)
“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT).”
Jill, I am also going to use that verse. I saw it and it encouraged me. Thanks!
Tammy Corcoran, Bellevue, NE.
“On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.” Psalm 138:3 ESV
Kristi Schnipke, Kettering, OH. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:24,25 (ESV)
Sue St. Clair Mich.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
Sara Sanders from Garden City, KS
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61.1 NIV
Nevada, MO
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 1:11 NKJV
Nancy Riordan, Pittsburgh, PA “Wait for The Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Wait for The Lord! Ps. 27:14. ESV
Vanessa, LP Tx
“The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT).”
Kylie Mitchell, Farmington, MO
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 NIV
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39, NIV.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Karen, Amarillo,Tx: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11 ESV
Jennifer Prochnow, Springerville, AZ – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1Peter 5:6 NIV
Allison, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
Marie Edwards, Harrison, AR; James 1:19 – “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”. (NKJV)
Margie, Starks,LA,
Psalm 8:1 HCSB
“Yahweh, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty.”
Stephanie, Humble, TX
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Laurie, from Dallas, Texas.
“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
Cathy Rees, Brighton, CO
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (Acts 3:19 NIV)
Katherine, Grand Rapids
“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”
Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
Bethany Wright, lebanon, TN … Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved. Proverbs 16:3. HCSB
Ashley Gaines from Maryville TN “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)
Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:11-14 NIV
Tami K. Hastings from Albuquerque, NM
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; Numbers 6:25 NIV
Tiffany Dorsey, Cypress, Texas.”No weapon formed against me shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement though shalt condemn.This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17 KJV
Teresa, Chadron,NE
You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word. (Psalms 119:114 NASB)
Vonda, ROCKWALL,TX
Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Ephesians 6:7
Lisa, Norman, OK
Proverbs 3:5-6 (esv)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Allison Montague, Bedford, Texas “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Kristin Liddell, Shakopee, MN
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Natalie Khantharoth – San Antonio, TX
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Exodus 14:14 NLT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)
Jane Marks. Loganville, Ga. Colossians 1:10. So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: beating fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Bearing not beating
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)
“In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12, HCSB
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Cor 9:8
Abbie Forbus, Visalia, CA
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Amanda Singleton,Drexel,NC
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20
Rene Sandifer, OverlandPark, KS “He who calls you is utterly faithful and he will finish what he has set out to do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (PHILLIPS)
Patti McConville, Salem OR
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:14 NIV
Tammy, White House, TN
We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear,
in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. Luke 1:74-75 NLT
Cindy Preston, Copley, OH
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 ESV
Meg Stickl, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
Show me your ways, Lord,teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Orlando Fl.
2 Chronicles 29:11 ESV
Yours O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and your are exalted as heard above all.
Laurie Bishop, Niceville, FL
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV)
Glenda Locke, George West, Texas
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (ESV)
Victoria D. Zeeland, MI
Mark 5:36 But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust Me.” NLT ’96 edition
I like how Jesus ignored the ‘turkeys’ around them & laser focused of Jairus & US & says “DON’T be afraid. Just trust ME.” (their puny rabble is meaningless against My ‘say so’.) Thank you for Who You Are, we trust You, Gracious Father.