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!
Laurie, Greenville, WI:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21. NIV
1 Cor. 13:13 NKJV
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.
Jill, Troy, KS, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. 1Peter 1 14-15
Mandy Helm
College Station, TX
Psalm 86:11-12 ESV
Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
Angie Paddock, Waukesha, WI, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”(Matthew 6:16 NIV)
Hollie, Winston-Salem, N.C., You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7 (ESV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1Peter 3:15 NIV
Falyn Hall
LaGrange, GA
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-12a NIV)
Nora – Crowville, LA. “From the fullness of his grace we have all received blessing one after another.” John 1:16 NIV
Ericka- Woodridge, IL
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.Colossians 1:10
Jordan, Lubbock Texas
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-26 (NIV)
Kathi Nitzsche
Lexington , OH
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Philippians 1:9 NIV
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)
Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn their ways and be wise!
NLT Proverbs 6:6
Nichole Union Mo
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17 NIV
Tessa Ramsey from Huntsville, AR
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Lamentations 3:22 NLT
Julia Trotter, Farmington, MN.
“Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord rather than for people!” Col 3:23
Kristin – University Place, WA
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
Kelli Glover, Whitt, Texas
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Luke 1:45 ESV
The Lord confides in those who fear him, he makes his covenant know to them. Psalm 25:14
PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 “DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING, INSTEAD PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED, AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE. IF YOU DO THIS, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE, WHICH IS FAR MORE WONDERFUL THAN THE HUMAN MIND CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS PEACE WITH GUARD YOUR HEARTS & MINDS AS YOU LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS.”
Lynn Moore, Boulder, CO
My friends, we are not those who give up hope and so are lost; but we are of the company who live by faith and so are saved.
Hebrews 10:39 – The Voice
Paula- Collierville,TN
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 ( NIV)
I sought the lord and he answered me And delivered me
From all my fears. Psalms 34:4 (esv)
Lena Harris–Shreveport, La–For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17
Lisa Shirey ~ New Haven, IN
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” Deut. 8:3 (NIV)
Claire, Norman, OK
“Do not let any unwholesome 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.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Sarah
Portales, NM
Matthew 6:26
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Amanda Reynolds; New Waverly, TX
John 3:30 “He must become greater; I must become less” (NIV).
Shelley, Fort Walton Beach, Fl
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
Isaiah 41:10, NKJV
Cindy, Madison, AL
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
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.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm.
Psalms 37: 7-8 New KJV Cheryl R Colorado
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Michelle, Seattle, WA: 2 Corinthians 8:7 – “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” NIV
Lori, Denver, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
Rachel Grantham, Raymond, MIssissippi–
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Lee Ann Kelley, Fairhope, AL, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17. NIV
Dickson, TN
Revelation 4:8b (NIV)
“Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come.”
Celeste, Cohutta, GA
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:14(NKJV)
Denise Robsky, Hancock NY
~The Lord gives His people strength, The Lord blesses them with peace.~ Psalm 29:11 NLT
1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV)-
“Though I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels, but have not love,
I have become sounding brass
Or a clanging cymbal.”
JoAnn Heath, Houston, TX
“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 NASB
Jennifer Magreevy
Colorado Springs, CO
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Cendi R. – Bakersfield, CA
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Revelation 17:14
Just started “Here and Now … There and Then”
Lenore – Bakersfield, CA “Do not let any unwholesome 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.” Eph. 4:29 NIV
Angelica
Trussville, AL
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
– John 15:9, ESV
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13