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!
Skeet from Monroe, GA
James 2:2 (NIV)
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby old clothes also comes 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
Robin Carr Pasadena TX
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 15:58
Dorine van Loon, Papendrecht, The Netherlands
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” Gal 5:22 KJV
Phoebe M., Lenoir City, TN: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 ESV
Karen from Powell, Ohio
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Amanda Dodd, Queen City, Texas
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12 NIV
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Oops, forgot to say I’m from Pendleton Indiana!
KC Hicks
Greenville SC
(Sorry i am late posting this!)
Search me oh God and know my heart
Try me and know my anxious thoughts
and see if there be any hurtful way in me
and lead me in the everlasting way,
Psalm 139:23-24
Martha centerburg oh Lamentation 3:24 I say to myself the lord is my portion therefore I will wait for him
Darcie West, Seffner, FL “For the wrath of man does not bring about the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 NKJV
Laura Jungeblut, Katy, TX
“You are my witness, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Kim H., Gaithersburg, MD – Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 – NIV)
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress,I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6
Michelle Cheney, Bossier City, LA
“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.”
Psalm 25:14 NIV
Elizabeth, orlando, fl
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiates 3:1 NSRV
Amy; Gail, Tx;
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that well. Psalm 139:14. NIV
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19 NKJV
Valley Head, Alabama..”For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster , to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. ” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
Patti, Clemmons,NC
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36 KJV
Carol Lawrence, Poplar Bluff, MO
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 2 ESV
“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Proverbs 21:20 LB
Susan Warner Robins,GA
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Rom 12:12 ESV
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. ~ psalm 40:17
NIV/ Jeanne from Floyds Knobs, IN
Kelly Reedy, Bentonville, Ar (formerly of San Clemente, Ca) “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10 NIV
Mary Beth, Cleveland, Georgia
Psalm 16:8-NKJV
I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of Gid so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10, 11 (NIV)
Angi, Pelham, Alabama
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecuion, in distress for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV
Kelley Baumgardner, Oak Point, Texas: Psalm 31:19-20, NASB “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.”
Natalie, Houston, TX
“Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
John 14:19-20 NIV
Mandy Parker
Powder Springs, GA
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.
Eph 3:20-21 NIV
John 14:2 – in my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Kelli Swisher Beavercreek, Oh
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV)
Mandy, Nashville, Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7
Joyce Lobmaster, St. Louis MO. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Psalm 112:7 NIV
Linda Nelson, Shreveport, Louisiana
“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come godly and confidently into God’s presence. When I think of all of this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3: 12, 14-15
Karen from Unionville, PA
Psalm 119:11(KJV)
“Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Schelley Tucker, Conroe, Tx. 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. Eph. 3:20 NIV
Debi, Alva, FL. 1 Corn 2:9. (NKJV). But as it is written “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Brittany, Tacoma, WA (can’t remember if I already uploaded a verse or not.)
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV)
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 (NASB)
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unholy talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Hollie Horton, Burns, TN
Ginger, Charlotte, NC
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (NIV)
Lisa Abicht, Westland MI
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 NIV
Psalm 9:1-2 “I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You: I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
NIV
Grand Prairie, TX
Lisa Veach, The Woodlands,TX
Trust in The Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Psalm 37:3
Debbie Carter, Clearwater,FL
This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else.; for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved. Acts 4: 11-12 NRSV
Amelia Maijala
White Bear Lake, MN
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV