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!
Kathryn, Oceanside CA, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9 ESV
Sarah James
Amarillo, Texas
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Sherry Smith, Little Rock, AR “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 1:9 RSV
Terry Karlson
Winchester, VA
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though
God were making his appeal through us.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
Valerie Clark, Lewisville NC
The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Exodus 14:14 ESV
Let your heart hold fast my words;keep my commandments, and live
Proverbs 4:4
Katie, Mandan, ND
Romans 8:3-4 NASB “For what the Law could not do weak as it was through the flesh, God did, sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Lee Ann K. Brentwood, TN Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Julie, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said,”I do believe; help me with my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 NASB
Kate, Canberra, Australia
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. 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.
Dawn Nelson, Wayzata, MN
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
Sue H. Chicago
…..bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
Colossians 3:13 NET
Deirdre Denise McClain * Houston, Texas * I looked & heard the voice of many angels, encircling the throne …and they sung…“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,to receive power, wealth,wisdom, strength, honor, glory, & praise!” REVELATION 5:11-12 NIV
Pam, Wassenaar, The Netherlands
“You will increase my honor and comfort me once more”
Psalms 71:21NIV
Praying for His comfort for you.
Rock Island Illinois
NIV
Then your light will break forth like the dawn and you healing will appear quickly, then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:8
2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.
Monica, Abbotsford, BC Canada
Joshua 1:9 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Brenda, Jordan, MN
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:222-23 (NLT)
Janice – Albertville, AL
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
Mitzi Woodson
Stigler OK
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Gen 1:1; John 1:1-2; Rev 22:13 NKJV
Bridget Mc, Loveland, CO “Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have take hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14
Bridget Mc, Loveland, CO “Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have take hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14 NIV
Kara – Yukon, OK
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)
Leslie, Plymouth, Indiana
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Donna, Camden, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually.” I Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)
Amber Berry- Laramie, WY
“The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers.” Deuteronomy 8:1 (ESV)
Kim Watt, Riverview MI
“We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8 HCSB
Beth – Madison, MS
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV84
Bobbi-Pittsburgh, PA
2Corinthians 4:6 (NKJ)
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of god in the face of Jesus Christ.
Linda Medina, Ohio
John 15:7-9
(ESV)
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
As for God, his way Is perfect, The Lord’s Word is flawless;he shields all who take refuge in Him
Psalms: 18:30 NIV
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)
He who was seated on the throne said,
“I am making everything new!”
Then he said,
“Write this down,
for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Shannon
Arroyo Grande, CA
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
LATE!
Erica Meshell, Wylie, Tx
“the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” – James 3:17 NLT
Karla Burford- Hebron, KY
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this word, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Matthew 13:22KJV
Eligia David, Chicago, Il
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12;1 (KJV)
Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Psalm 66:1
NIV
Dana
Boerne, TX
Angie, Ohio, 2 John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. (NIV)
Carrie B, Princeton, MN
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Cathy Morris Sedona, AZ “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:14 MSG
Tamara Parks, Austin, TX. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Grand Prairie, Texas
Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters. Work because you know that you will finally receive as a reward what the Lord wants you to have. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:22-24 NIRV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Phil.2:5 NIV
Sami Gross- Cape Girardeau, MO “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health” ~Psalm 30:2 NLT
Romam:12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering persevere
in prayer.
Do not envy violent or choose any of their ways.
Proverbs 3:31
Anina – Virginia Beach, VA:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV).
Alison S- Jackson, Mo
3)Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance 4) let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking in anything. James 1:3-4 Niv
Jan Steinke Rocky Mountain House, AB, Canada
Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:32&33 NLT