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!
Cheri VerMurlen, Bothell, WA
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3:16 NLT
Janet from Odessa, TX
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” ll Corinthians 1:3. ESV
Sonia Kibe, Morrilton, AR. “If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but did not love others, I would be nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT
Wichita Kansas
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
James 4:6 NIV
Malinda Guider, Chattanooga, TN: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
Peggy Berney, San Diego, CA, Sancify them by Your Truth; Your Word is Truth. John 17:17 NIV
Lisa, Lexington, NC
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor of a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Eva, Knoxville, TN – a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to
uproot. (Ecclesiastes 3:2 NIV)
Wendy Bailes, West Monroe
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Rev 4:11 ESV Michelle from Pleasant Grove, AL
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS. “My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” Haggai 2:5b ESV
Amy Toney, Houston TX:
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). -John 10:10b AMP
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps. 34:18 RS
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26 NIV
Melissa, Cabot Pennsylvania “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
Tiffany Tolbert, Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram’s high moral character.” Genesis 15:6 (CEB)
Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek HIS will in all you do and HE will show which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
Sue-Elise, Burkesville, KY
Hebrews 12:14- NIV “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see God.”
Meagan, Port St. Lucie, FL ~ 1 John 3:17-18, HCSB ~ “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need but closes his eyes to his need – how can God’s love reside in him? Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.”
She is clothed with strength and dignity. She laughs without FEAR of the future. Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Terri Lundskow, Hughesville, Maryland. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Patience H, Washington: Ephesians 1:18, ” I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” NIV
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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 & 7 NIV
Alexa Landrum, Kansas City, MO
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5
Kim Bemis from Westfield, IN
And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and hour homes.”
Nehemiah 4:14 ESV
Wendy, Littleton, CO. “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
Lindsay, Richland, WA. “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Kelli Hall ~ Sherwood, Oregon
“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
Ruth Moore, Winston Salem, NC
Of Benjamin he said, “The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33:12 ESV)
Malia Roman, Oceanside, CA
Let us not get weary of doing good, for at the appropriate time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galations 6:9 NIV
Sarah Wiginton, Claremore, OK Romans 12:9-12 ESV
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Amanda Gozur, Albuquerque, NM
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:16-17 (NIV)
Sharon Lee, Riverside, Ca.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil. Psalm 23:4
Sharon Lee, Riverside, Ca.
Psalm 23:4 NIV
Melanie Jennings, Starkville, MS – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 NKJV
Johanna, Carlsbad, CA
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
James 1:2 NIV
Sharla Robertson, Granbury, TX. “They begged Him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of HIs robe, and all who touched Him were healed.” Matthew 14:36 NLT
Margie Irby Battle Creek MI
1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
Meg, Alexandria, VA
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29 NIV
Kinsey McMillan, Tulsa OKlahoma.
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind
[both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to You, leans on You,
and hopes confidently in You.”
Isa 26:3 AMP
Melanie Grace of Greenbrier, TN
Some time later a message from the LORD came to Abram in a vision. “Stop being afraid, Abram.” He said. “I myself-your shield-am your very great reward.” Gen.15:1 (ISV)
Lauralee Courtney
Austin, TX
Titus 2:7 NLT
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.
Katrina Norfleet, Silver Spring, MD. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Erika Dotto from West Palm Beach, FL
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Bridgeport, IL- O come, let us sing to the Lord, let’s us make joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation….Psalm 95:1
Melissa Jones, Austin, AR: but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15 NASB
Nikki McGregor, Radford, Va. “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit
to his life’s span?” Matthew 6:27 NASB
Jen Caldwell, Bradenton, FL
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1-4
Loren, Houston, TX
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
Brenda Reeks, Huntsville, AL. “O Lord, Our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth” Psalm 8:9 NASB