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!
Hebrews 12:1b & 12:2a HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Source and the Perfecter of our faith,”
Jennie Francart of Slidell, LA
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17
(ESV)
Hannah, La Grange, TX “But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].” 1 Corinthians 8:3 AMP
Brenda, Kearney, NE “Therefore, my dear brothers, 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 (NIV)
Sandra Brinkley, Buchanan, VA “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your Spirit lead me on your level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV
Cindy b, Alton NH , He will feed his flock like a Shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with her young. Isaiah 40:11 NLT
Shannon Serrano
Silver Spring, MD
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:30 ESV
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 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.
Joshua 1:5-9 ESV
Heather, Murfreesboro, TN
Galations 5:16 ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Amy Elmore
Oklahoma City, OK.
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run & not grow weary. They will walk & not faint. Isaiah 40:31(NLT)
Lisa
Moyock, NC
Whatever you do,whether in word or in deed, do it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through him to our Lord God.
Colossians 3:17 NIV
denise
Asheville, NC
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Laurie Watkins
Arlington, Texas
Philippians 4:13 KJV
I Can Do ALL Things Through Christ which Strengtheneth ME
Lily
San Jon, NM
He alone is my rock and my salvation he is my fortress, I will never be shaken
Psalm 62:2 NIV
Angela
Midlothian, TX
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
NIV
Karen Crawford, Jefferson City, M0: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 NIV
Paula
Red Oak, Texas
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Rene
Acworth, GA
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Psalm 90:17 NIV
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.
Crystal, Colorado Springs, CO
Sarah Caldwell, North Richland Hills, TX: ROMANS 10:10 (NIV): For it is with your heart that you BELIEVE and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Jennifer D., New Carlisle, Ohio
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 ESV
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalms 34:18
Heidi Wyatt, Amarillo, TX 2 Chronicles 20:20 “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”
Carolyn G., Garnet Valley, PA
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel.”
Ephesians 6:19
NIV
Carolyn, Atlanta, In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7, NIV
I know I am late.
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.
Jeri Rosier, Portage, MI. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2, NIV
Mallory Barker, Floyds Knobs, IN “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Repost from Jan 15 because I did not see my original. Thanks!
Kimberly Cape Girardeau, MO
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV
Juliana
Livermore, CA
2 Samuel 10:12 (NLT)
Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.
The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.Exodus 14:14 ESV
Be alert and of sober mind your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Melody
Mechanicsville, MD
Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)
“The Lord is my portion”, says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in Him.”
“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Patty shore bend oregon proverbs 10:19 sin is not ended by multiplying word, but the prudent hold their tongues. Niv
Heidi
Bellevue, Ne
I Corinthians 14:40 KJV
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Sharon
Powder Springs, GA
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Lisa, smyrna GA
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Nasb
“Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in affliction, Faithful in Prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Julie Keister Martinsville, IN “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11
Cindy, Houston TX
2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the LORD direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
NIV
Gabriela chicas ,jacksonville
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again,because the LORD sustains me .
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up again me On every side.
Psalms 3:5-6
Liz
Sugar Land, Tx
Luke 1:37 (ESV)
For nothing is impossible with God.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
Dawn Bouchard, Beavercreek, OH
“The humble will see their God at work and be glad!
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.”
Psalm 69:32 (NLT)
Colima Smith, Klamath Falls, OR
Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
Psalm 25:4 NLT
Susan, Blacksburg, Virginia
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.” Psalms 91:2 KJV
Kelly Songer, Tomball,Texas:
Taryn- Joshua 1:9 NIV
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Meagan – Job 5:17-18 (NIV)
17 “Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.[a]
18 For he wounds, but he also binds up;
he injures, but his hands also heal.
Jayden – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Kelly – James 1:12 (NIV)
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgement on himself for what he approves.
Romans 14:22
Caryn, Cleburne, TX – “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” Isaiah 30:18 NIV