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!
Mallory P. Jackson, TN
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
1 Peter 4:7
Melody, Castle Rock, CO
WE have this hope – like a sure and firm anchor of the soul – that enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. — Hebrews 6:19 HCSB
Jennifer, Saint Johns, FL. – Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Lisa Hohlt, West Seattle, Washington
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:6-7 NIV
Des Moines, Iowa “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NLV
Diane Hemet, CA
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2 NLT
Anna Hamilton, Hickory Flat, MS. Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls,Yet I will exult in the Lord,I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NASB)
Holly, Orangevale, California “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for he cares about you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” Psalm 55:22 (AMP)
Sandra, Springville, Al.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 NIV
The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8 NLT
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
THIS is my life verse! LOVE it! Blessings!
Jackie Siple Rockledge FL
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know tha in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Awesome verse thank you for sharing
Kim from Oklahoma
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26 NIV
Good word Kim. God has told me that He is going to deal with my tongue this year. That might be my next verse. Blessings on you today!
Debbie, Bossier City, LA: Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust: Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8 NKJV
Michelle McCann, Madden, MS ” In Him we were all chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him, who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Ephesians 1:11
Debbie Brubaker, Robstown, TX “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
Shannon Pate
Little Rock, Arkansas
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 NIV
Julia Posel, Munich, Germany. “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. […]” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
Christina
Tyler, TX
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (NIV)
Karla
Nashville, TN
Lord God, I am hard pressed on every side, but I don’ t have to be crushed; I am perplexed, but I do not have to bein despair. (As a prayer…2 Cor. 4:8)
Christi Hurst, Texas
“I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me” Psalms 3:5 NLT
Jeanie Bartley, Odessa, Texas. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Deb, Becker, MN
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16 ESV
Susan Carter, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – “I pray you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 (NLT)
Tammy, Sautee, GA “Let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Matthew 5:37 KJV
Martie Carter, Belton, Texas:
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26
NIV
Stephanie, Tucson, AZ “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (NIV)
Jackie UK
“Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my master firsthand,
Everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant – dog dung.
I’ve dumped it all in the trash, so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by Him.”
3 Phillipians 13-16 The Message
Amanda, Westfield, NC
Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. -Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
Emily, St. Paul MN:
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
1 Timothy 4:12, NLT
Kristen Trent, Knoxville, TN: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Jacki Roche, Jacksonville, FL
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35 NLT
Cathy in Orofino, ID
Keep yourselves in GOD’s love as you wait for the mercy of our LORD JESUS CHRIST to bring you to eternal life.
Jude 21 NIV
Hannah Hancock from Winter Haven, FL
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
-1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV)
Sandy ~ Clatskanie, OR
Psalm 126:6 (NIV)
He who goes out weeping, carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. 🙂
Debra S., Ocoee, FL. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Lois, Abilene, KS. “So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” Romans 10:17 ESV
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:21
Gwen Wray, Miami OK
“Be angry, and do not sin”., do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Ephesians 4:26 NKJV
Dottie Morrow, Mansfield, “Be anxious for nothing 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Emily Garber, Arcanum, Ohio. “For everything there is a season an a time for everything matter under heaven.” Ecclesianstes 3:1 (ESV)
Cathy Clark, Colfax, Louisiana “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. “. Matthew 6:34 (TLB)
Teena Buie, San Angelo, Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt 6:33, NKJ
Jeanette Tallent, Ringgold,Ga.With your unfailing love you lead your people you have redeemed. In your might you guide them to your sacred home. NLT
I loved you at your darkest
Romans 5:8
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
“He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too powerful for me.”
Psalm 18:17 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs3:5-6 (NIV)
Candice Kindrick, Rogers, Arkansas
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 (NIV)
Alicia, Dallas, Texas – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Emma, Alaska,
1 Corinthians 9:24 “Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” ESV