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!
Carol, Wheaton Il. “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11 NLT
Susan Fisher, Biloxi, MS “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy and wrath are like rottenness of the bones” Proverbs 14:30 AMP
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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Shannon Peer, Churubusco, IN
“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth – the Lord God Almighty is his name.”
Amos 4:13, NIV
Amen and Amen!
Annie
Fairborn, OH
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12 NLT
Elizabeth Godinez
Waianae HI
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Kris, Treasure Island, Fl.
“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)
Lindsey, Scenery Hill, PA
Romans 8:27 ESV
“And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Magan Lewis, Lakeway, Texas:
…remembering before our God and Father
your work of faith and
labor of love and
steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV)
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34 ESV
Julie Rabe, Columbus, OH
Mark 8:34-35 (NKJV)
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.
Deborah Duke – Houston, TX
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26 ESV
Georgia Wight, Tucson, AZ “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV
Kathy Welch, Tyler, Texas. ” And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Janine Choate, Red Bank, NJ
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Ps 91:1 NIV
This verse is one of my very favorites! When a hawk flies over the barnyard, the baby chicks run to hide under the mother’s wings. What a picture!
Cheryl Conklin, Roswell, NM
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NASB
Brittny Loveless, OKC, OK-
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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Niv
Brenda Zabriskie, Salt Lake City, Utah
“For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the Power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
Patty McAlpin, Marble Falls, TX
“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
I love this verse. In fact it is on the outside of my Bible cover. It is a constant reminder to me that even though I do not always know what is in front of me, God has a plan. It is a plan of hope, prosperity and safety. Thank you for the reminder. May it be to you a constant reminder of God’s action in your life even when it is hard to see.
Lynne Priestley, Belfast, Northern Ireland
That is how it is with you, my friends. As far as the Law is concerned, you also have died because you are part of the body of Christ; and now you belong to him who was raised from death in order that we might be useful in the service of God.
Romans 7:4 GNB
Vickie Barbee, Poplar Bluff, Mo: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NIV
Beautiful words Mayor!
Two verses but memorizing as a whole so will be spreading this out over the 15th now & 1st of February.
Kristen, Long Island, NY
Hebrews 13:20-21
The God of peace brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of an eternal covenant. May that God equip you with every good thing you need to do his will; and may he do in us whatever pleases him, through Jesus the Messiah. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Deena Hall
Colleyville, TX
Acts 17:26 NIV
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Leah Adams
Blairsville, Georgia
1 Thessalonians 1: 2-4 (NKJV)
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
Keri, Tennessee
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
Psalms 22:19
Lisa Cummings, Joaquin, Texas. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” Psalm 1:3,4 KJV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15 NIV
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30, NIV
Adina Berkner
Pittsburgh, PA
You know when I sit and when I stand, You umderstand my thoughts from far away.
Psalm 139:2
Robyn, Blue Springs Missouri. ‘So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.’ Gal 5:16 NIV
Shelly, Aledo, Illinois
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
Sarah Juven, Fergus Falls, MN: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23 NASB
Leeza – Vineland, NJ – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Cathy Enoch,Oviedo, FL
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 ESV
Kelli Ott, Modesto CA,
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Joy French – Georgetown, TX – “Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me.”
Psalm 30:2 NIV
Sarah Legaspi, Jurupa Valley, CA
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Emily Bell, Wilmington, NC:
“For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
Jenny, Central Asia, Romans 12:1, ESV “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Donna Pippin, Wendell, North Carolina
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 ESV
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear; is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 7:25 NIV
Marcia Jordon, Fulton, MO
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Andrea Whitley, Wendell, North Carolina. “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Chris M, Seattle, WA
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.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Patty Pierce
Searcy ar
1 Cor. 16:13 Niv
Be on your guard :stand firm in the faith: be courageous and strong.
Dawn Atwood, Colleyville, TX
Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives-words, actions, whatever-be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father, every step of the way. Colossians 3:17 MSG
Psalm 27:1 KJV The Lord is my light and my salvation ;whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Christy Dunning Blanchard, OK. Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed He will not break and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. NKJV
Katie Carruth, Charlotte, NC: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James1:2-3 ESV
Beth Buzzello-Northridge, CA
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)