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!
(I love that there are more than 8,000 comments!)
Lissa B. Mauldin, SC
Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
James 1:17 Ni V
Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows .
Pam Moreland, Hutto, TX
“Throw your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be upended.” Psalm 55:22 NET
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and humble yourself before God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.”
Daniel 10:12. HCSB
Amber Skidmore- Washington, WV
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Isaiah 61:1 NKJV)
…so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 15:6 NIV
His mouth is full of sweetness and he is wholly desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend. Song of Solomon 5:16, HCSB
Pam Hunter Asheville NC People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you. Isaiah 30:19 (NIV)
Corrie Crouch, Silsbee, Texas
Psalm 5:11-12 ESV
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord ; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Connie Sioux Falls SD “Be still and Know I AM God”, psalms 46:10 NIV
Hosea 10:12 NASB
Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
HV, CA.
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
Malachi 4:2 ESV
“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from a stall.”
Piper Stephens
Hickory NC
Let us therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Angela- Monroe, LA
Consider it pure joy, my brothers & sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3 NIV
Psalm34:4
I sought The Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
From Dearborn Heights, Michigan (Metro Detroit) – Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)
Let Love and faithfulness never leave you
Write them on the tablet of your heart
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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
Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice. Psalms 55:17 NIV
Dana Goodwin, Ashland, KY
“And above all things have fervent love for one another for love will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 NKJV
Mickey, Blue Springs, MO
This is my command – Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
Melissa Harold of Bassett, Virginia
“Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name.”
Psalm 86:11 (NASB)
Beth, Pleasant Plains, IL
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship.
ROMANS 12:1 NIV
Lydia, Gadsden, Alabama
Doing verses on God’s covenant, love, and marriage for my upcoming marriage in May!
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV
Kerry Wimpey
Pickens, SC
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 (KJV)
Lori, Amarillo, TX
“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Ph. 4:7 NKJV)
Charlene, Wood River, NE
His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.
Habakkuk 3:3, NKJV
Amber Mull, Leland NC
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 NIV
Rebecca
Boise, Idaho
“But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:6-7 ESV
Madison Roach, Shawnee Oklahoma:
” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will stregthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “‘
– Isaiah 41:10
ESV
Teresa Dubyoski, Upperco, Maryland. “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths…” Psalm 36:5-6 NLT
Bend, OR
Romans 12:1 NIV
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 ~ We demolish arguments and every pretension set up again’st the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Seattle ~ NIV
Christina Smith Las Vegas, NV
Start children off on the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Sharon Meekins
Charleston, SC
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:1-3 ESV
Debbie G., Little Rock, Ar, There is none like you, O Lord; you are great and your name is great in might. Jeremiah 10:6 ESV
Jean Dlapa
New Berlin, WI
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 NIV
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
Katie – Levittown, PA (Philadelphia)
The Lord with fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Cindy, Boones Mill, Virginia. “Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 4:7 NIV
Janet Reeves, Columbus, GA. “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed I do not even judge myself.” -1 Corinthians 4:3 NIV
That scripture is perfect for me right now!
Trish Y from Siloam Springs, AR
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Katrinna, Bossier City, LA, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6, NIV
Becca Lynch, Mebane, NC
As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20 NIV
Veronica Harvey
Colorado Springs
but if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him. 1 John 2:5 NIV
Cindy Banker
Chandler, OK
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1 NIV
Cindy Banker
Chandler, OK
Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise.
Ephesians 6:2 NIV
Pray without ceising. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Terri, Cadillac, Michigan. “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” James 3:14 NIV