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!
Rita, Upland, Indiana
Romans 6:2 (HCSB)
Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Romanos 6:2 (RVC)
¡De ninguna manera! Porque los que hemos muerto al pecado, ¿cómo podemos seguir viviendo en él?
Barbara Ford, Troy, MO. Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11 ESV
Susan D
Little Rock, Ar
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.. 1 Corinthians 16:13 niv
Seattle, WA
Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV
Heather Morgan
Waxahachie, TX
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
NIV version
Shannon Clark from Fredericksburg, VA
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 64:4, NIV
Just had to say hello- I am also from Fredericksburg, VA, Love knowing there are others in the area working on growing in our knowledge of His Word!!
Denise Ramser, Gambier, Ohio
Protect me, O God, for in YOU I take refuge.
Psalm 16:1 NRSV
Kelly
Cut-n-Shoot, Tx
Ephesians 3:19 isr98
To know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge,
In order that you might be filled to all the Completeness of Elohim;)
Sherry Bolander, Burlington, Iowa “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 I need to be letting God change me daily to be more like him.
Chris
Canton, NC
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
NIV
Sheila, Florence MS,
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Psalms 3:3 NIV
Ohio
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not on thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Psalm 3:5-6 KJV
Rebecca Tipton
Cleveland, Ohio
“Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'” Joshua 3:5 ESV
Heaven Smithers, Scott County, TN.
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6 KJV
Sara Stephens, Columbia, TN
“The Lord God will help me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7 HCSB
Catherine, Orlando, Florida: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” KJV
Robin, Greenwood, IN
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Amanda Grant
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Elizabeth Marchman Blue Ridge, Georgia
This is what The Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Lori, Pueblo West, CO. “Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule.” ~ James 3:16 VOICE
Carol Ann, Las Vegas, Nevada
1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” NASB
Jackie, Noblesville, IN
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Galatians 5:22 NLT
Joy Huber, Indian Trail, NC
Romans 12:2 NIV
“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 and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Carolyn Tragesser, Orofino, Idaho. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us…Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:11,12,20 NIV
Stephanie, Irvine, CA
“The night is nearly over. The day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12, NIV.)
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Kay Guerrero, Deer Park TX
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
Psalm 139: 1-2 ESV
Nellie, Fort Worth, Texas. “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42.:2 NIV
Trudi Dossey, Austin, TX “For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His death, in the hope.” Phil 3:10 (AMP)
Becca Bell. Joplin, Missouri.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by Hell.” -James 3:6
Angie, Farina, IL “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.” Psalms 138:8 NLT
Charles Siple Rockledge FL
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)
thanks ti my Husband doing this with me. and My sister too.
Marissa, Seattle, WA
“I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8b NET
Fareen
Las Vegas, NV
“Do not judge lest you be judged.”
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Mathew 7:1, 5 NKJV
Diane E., Charleston, IL
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3 NIV
Lisa Lucik Sugar Land, Texas
“They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23 NIV
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. (Ephesians 1:11 NLT)
Angie Brown, Taylors, South Carolina
Cause me to hear your lovingkindness 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
Charles Siple Rockledge FL
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)
thanks to my Husband for doing this with me.
Thanks for sharing !
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
Deanna – Frisco, TX
Psalm 146:1-2 (NIV)
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Tammy, McKinney, Texas
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your face produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
LaMonique’ J. from Katy, TX. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV
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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go. Joshua 1:8-9 NIV 1984
Malinda Guider, Chattanooga, TN: Psalm 19:14-May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (NLT)
Elise, Wilmington, DE – “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 NIV
Fairfield, Ca.
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1 (NIV)
Brooke F
Sevierville, TN
And I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender responsive heart.
Ezekiel 36A:26 NLT
Shara Chong, Rockville, MD, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” John 8:31:32 ESV
Dawn Rheam, Chambersburg PA
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.