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!
Dawn Moore Conway, AR
Hebrews 10:24 HCSB
And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works
Dena, Stockton, CA
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
http://bible.com/116/heb.4.16.nlt
Jacalyn Miles Richmond, TX
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NLT
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Milan, MI
Proverbs 27:9 NKJV
Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.
Lily Green, Madison, AL
“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)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is alive 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.
Laura H., Albuquerque, NM “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4, ESV
Jennifer, Harrisburg, PA : “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Lyn Fountain
Forest, MS
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV
Rose Parker, San Antonio, Texas
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
April May Hughes, Escondido, Ca. ” But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Proverbs 4:18 ESV
Reanna, Cypress, CA
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12, ESV
Vikki Bobb, Merritt Island, Florida.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
Chrissy Howard from Anna, Tx. 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
This is my life verse and I love it. It makes me want to go out side and spin in the sunshine! Always speaks to me.
Thank you Miss Jan for sharing your wonderful post.
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
Brenda Elser, Livermore, CA
Do not confom any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Elizabeth, Macomb, MI
But you are a choosen people, a royal Priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who callled you out of the darkness into His wonderful Light. 1Peter 2:9 NIV
Jan, College Station TX
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4 NIV
Jennifer Cunio, Quincy, MA. Luke 1:38 (NIV) – “I am the Lord’s servant. May Your Word to me be fulfilled.”
Anchorage, AK
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
John 15:1
Forgot – it’s NKJ
Theresa Villazon
Riverview, FL
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
Susan Brown. Mandeville, LA. Proverbs 23: 4-5 “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” NIV
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have live, I am nothing. If I give all my possess to the poor and give my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corth. 13:1-3. NIV
Something to make us think about! Thank you for all you do!!!
This verse zing me years ago when my church was going through Rick Warren’s purpose driven life study. Jesus tells us that they(unbelievers) will know us by our love.
Terry – Louisa, VA
Colossians 3:3-4 NIV
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, WHO IS YOUR LIFE, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Nicole Crawford, Omaha, Nebraska. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV
Katera, Kentwood, LA
James 1:5 ESV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Sandie Powell
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139:2
“Thou knowest my downsitting and my uprising; thou understandeth my thought afar off”. KJV
Suzanne Carlson, Ridgefield WA
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. NASB
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 25:2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. (NIV)
Karen, Houston
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26. NIV
Chris Wheeler, Bend, OR Therefore, I urge you, brothers & sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy & pleasing to God–this is your true & proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing & perfect will.
Philippians 1:27 New International Version
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Jeremiah 17:7-9 NKJV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
Father God, help me to be rooted in You!
Leslie McDonough, GA: Isaiah 43:18,19, “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.”
Jackie, Prospect, KY Psalms 119:15-16 ESV “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
Julie Kearns, Jefferson City, MO
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others; faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” NIV
Crystal, West Hartford, CT
But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me.
Micah 7:7-8(AMP)
Jean Abilene TX
Psalms 123:2 NIV 2
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.
Valerie Fernandez, Houston, TX: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Diane Briley, Conway, South Carolina. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s might hand, that He may life you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. Resist Him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:6-10 (NIV)
Leslyn Jacks, Houston, TX
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
Psalm 63:3 NIV
Sherri Bosely
Raleigh, NC
No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 (HCSV)
Sherry Meade, LaBelle, FL
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Michele, Pickerington, Ohio
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
Henderson, Tennessee, Now the names of the 12 apostles are these: first Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, Philip and Barthalomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alpheas and Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus, Simon the Cannanite, and Judas Iscariot who also betrayed him. Matthew 10: 2-3
not sure what it means by “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” New King James Version
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Rolanda Ft. Worth, TX “Yours O LORD, is the greatness, & power, & glory, & majesty, & splendor, for everything in heaven & on earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom; you are exalted over all. Wealth & honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength & power to exalt & give strength ot all 1 Chron. 29:11-12 NLT
May the God who gives you endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans15:5-6