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!
Nikki Fincher, Farmington, MO
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Romans 8:1 NIV
Elizabeth Clevenger, Midland
Psalm 31:8 NIV
You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
Ps. 31:8
Tracy-Aurora, CO
1 John 4:4-Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (ESV).
Dee, North Carolina
NIV John 1:4
In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
<3
Mary-Chattanooga
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
Micah 7:7 NASB
Julie Reynolds, Tallassee, AL
Surrender your heart to God,
turn to him in prayer,
and give up your sins—
even those you do in secret.
Then you won’t be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless Job 11:13-15 CEV
Paulette, Richmond, Virginia, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Margaret Starkey – Sammamish, WA
“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”
NIV 1 John 1:5
Michele ~ Kenosh, WI
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6 NIV
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Exodus 33:13 NIV
McCowns – Texas
Donna, Meredith,Stacy,Lisa, Maggie, Mollie Grace, Gracie and Addison…
“and God said..LET THERE BE LIGHT and THERE WAS LIGHT”
Gen. 1: 2-3 NIV SEEDS song
Niecy LoCricchio, Highlands Ranch, CO; 2 Tim 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” NIV
Amen!
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.”
John 14:1 NLT
Dripping Springs, Texas
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:9-11
Sarah – UK
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 149: 14
ESV
Richelle Barding, Kingston, TN
Look to the the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. I Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Christine- Fall City, WA
James 1:19b NIV
“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Ginger B., Paragould, Arkansas
Psalm 46:5New International Version (NIV)
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day
What a great scripture, praying God writes it on your heart!
Angela T – Fort Worth
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 ESV
“For I know the plans I have for you” – this is the Lord’s declaration – “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 HCSB
Katrina Lindquist Lithia, FL Romans 8:1 ESV There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Grace Rieman
Tallahassee, Florida
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15: 7-8 (NIV)
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
Caryn Wolfe, Sugar Land, TX “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes 5:16-18
NIV
Sheryl…..Jacksonville, Florida
Psalm 59:16 & 17 ESV
But I will sing of your strength.
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17. Oh my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.!!!
Hannah | Seattle, WA
But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the lord
because he is good to me.
Psalm 13: 5&6, NLT
Diane; Runnell, IA “I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for your grace and truth; for You have made Your word even greater than the whole of Your reputation.” Psalm 138:2 CJB
Donna D, Southlake, TX “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
R Beasley, Mansfield, Ohio: Now, however, it is time to forgive him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 NlT
Libby, Rochester, MN
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Shelly, Rochester, MN
They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands. Psalm 78:6b-7 HCSB
John 1:4,5 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Erin, Englewood CO “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 ESV
Teresa Gatti Gloster, La “The Lord will fight for you;you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14NIV
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Anne, Johnson City, TN
1 Peter 4:1-2 (ESV)
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no for longer human passions, but for the will of God.
1 Thes. 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Marianne Gignac
Houston, TX
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then those who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (NKJV)
Karis Lesner- Greenville, SC
“10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.”
Ephesians 6:10-12 Holman Christian Bible Standard
Jennifer from South Carolina.. Sorry I’m late!
Isaiah 12:2 NIV
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Sandra Jones from Knoxvill, TN. “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 a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Jessica, Fort Worth Texas
Jude 1:2New International Version (NIV)
2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
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
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 KJV
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 NIV
Cynthia, Brooklyn Park, MN
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Isaiah 40:30-31a NIV
Katrina Casey, Chandler, OK 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ” Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ESV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1NIV
Anna, Grapevine, Texas
“How can you believe when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”
John 5:44 ESV