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).
____________
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 J., Corsicana, TX:Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NIV)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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 on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Paige Woodard Mitchell, Minden, Louisiana: “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (HCSB)
Emma LaBossiere – Pittsburgh, PA: “I am the LORD and I do not change…” Malachi 3:6, NLT
Eleanor
Memphis, TN
Joel 2:13 ESV
…and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord you God for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and He relents over disasters.
Jill Young, Midland, TX
Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell.
Psalm 43:3
Beautiful verse of Scripture that touched my heart this morning!! Thank you for sharing!
Beth Herring Oak Grove, LA
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life — that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us — (1 John 1:1-2 HCSB)
Hillary, Plano, TX “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV
Andrea Saunders, Fort Worth, TX
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” Philippians 4:6 KJV
I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.-Galatians 5:16 (TLB)
Amen!
Yes I want to be done with learning the hard way!
Susan McDaniel, Fayetteville, GA ,” But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him , and righteousness with their children’s children” Psalm 103:17
Ella, St. Augustine, FL
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1 NASB
My theme for 2015 is FEARLESS. My memory verses will be based on this topic.
La Teisa Crockett, Bedford Hts., OH:
“Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perserverance.”
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Kayla Bollman, Fargo, ND
“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
Heather Mac: Hempstead, Texas
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
– 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Thank you Jan, EXCELLENT post today! Much love!
Melanie Miller, Nampa, Idaho
“Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.” Ps 86:2 NIV
Kris Morrissey, Omaha, NE
“For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
Isaiah 14:27 NIV
Charlene
Alabaster,AL
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Mary Joy S. from Dayton, OH: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
Kathy, Chandler, OK: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galations 5:25 NLT
Serena, Charlotte, NC:
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” Romans 4:20 NLT
Michelle V, Hewitt, TX: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Karen Whatley, Little Rock, Arkansas: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Sheila, Williston, ND
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
Brooke, Wixom, MI
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Beverly Welch, Dallas, NC – Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Psalms 106:1 KJV
Kendra Huckabee, Seymour, Tx “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Amanda Teske, Chandler AZ
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 ESV
Jen Newsham. Longview, Texas. “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” – John 16:20 (ESV)
Laurel Montealegre, White Pigeon, Michigan
“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;” Hebrews 12:3-4 NASB
Carolyn, Dover, Ohio
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” Ps 119:50 ESV
Simpsonville, SC
Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’t Armies.
Janet, Sylacauga, AL. 2 Peter 1:4. “By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires,”. HCSB
Dianna, Caracas, Venezuela “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Sis. Jan: I was so moved by your words of wisdom! Thank you for sharing. That hit home for me in such a way. I so needed to hear that. I felt your words in my spirit. Again, thank you my sister. God bless
Missy Newman, Andersonville, TN The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with signing. Zephaniah 3:17
Jennifer Ransom, Warner Robins, GA “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 ESV
Karen Riekeman
Coffeyville, KS
Romans 8:26-27 ESV
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalm 138:3 NKJV
Meagan Smith, Longview, TX “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
NishaK, Franklin, KY:
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Kati, Fort Gibson, OK
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Sandra, Rock Valley IA
Psalm 30:5 NIV
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Christy M, St. Clements, Ontario. “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love; that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV.
Tammy Brinkley, Monroe,Ga.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57:2 (NIV)
Pam Guins, Taylorsville, NC:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Phil 3:14 (nlt)
Soni from Gulfport, MS Titus 2:11-12 NIV
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Jennifer, Chattanooga, TN
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12 NIV
Alison Wagler, Vancouver, Canada. Psalm 130:5 NIV
I wait for the Lord , my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.