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!
Faith Bayeur, Minneapolis, MN
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. , (Hebrews 6:19a NIV)
Holly-Aubrey, TX
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 13-14
Patty Royal, Orlando, Florida. For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecc. 3:1. ESV
Renee’ Parker, North Carolina
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothes yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. NLT
Laura, Laramie, WY
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7 (NAS)
Skylar Artigue, Baton Rouge
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6 NIV
Keely from Hermann, MO says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5
Izora Browning,Midland,Texas
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing in your sight ohLord,my Rock and my Redeemer. Ps.19 :14 NIV.
Claire, Covington GA
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8,9 (NIV)
Diana Plyley, Fountain, CO “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Ashley B, Little Rock, AR
Daniel 2:20-21, ESV
20 “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 21 He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding”
Donna Greene N Wilkesboro, NC
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 NIV
Nice to meet you, Jan. From Janet in Daytona Beach.
(Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (TNIV)
Jami – Alpena, Michigan
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
NIV John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Kim, Yorktown, VA
Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 (NIV)
Margie Davis beaverton oregon
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
Romans 8:38 (NIV)
Barbara Ordner, Houston, TX
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” Philippians 4:6 NLT
Kim Kobayashi
Monroe, Washington
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” ESV
Thank you Jan Morton!!
2nd try following instructions.
Marble Hill MO
KJV Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord,
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say on the Lord!
Great job, Mom! You did it. This is going to be fun.
Loretta Pearson, Colville, Eph.1:3 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Rebecca, Colorado Springs, CO
You can be sure you will forget your troubles. They will be like water that has flowed on by.
Job 11:16 NIRV
Jessie Y, MO – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Jodie, Sevierville, TN
I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’ Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me.” Psalm 142:5-6 NIV
I call on you, my God for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 17:6 NIV
Jane Bryan, Harrisburg, PA
Jeremiah 1:19 (ESV)
They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.
Kimberly Bershadsky, Gray, GA
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Melissa Werling, Greenville, OH
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Betsy & Lydia Warren My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25-26 ESV)
Susan Iversen from Portland, Oregon “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT
kathyk, Auburndale, FL
And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on hem and blessed them.
Mark 10:16
I was thinking about my baby daughter’s hands and fingers, which were the first things I had to see after she was born.
Cassi, Paris, TX
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:11-12 NIV
Thank you for this verse dear sister in Christ. It was exactly what I needed.
Lisa V, Washington, NJ. “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
Cathy Riley – Lake Mary, FL “I will give thanks to you Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 NIV
Psalm 18:33 NIV
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to stand on the heights.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Denise Rose, West Des Moines, IA
So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. James 1:4 Living Bible
God will not fully use me until I get my patience more under control.
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:4 NIV
Tracy McCabe, Saratoga Springs, NY. “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” I Thessalonians 4:11 NLT
Val, Aldergrove, BC
‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’
1 Samuel 15:22 NIV
Deborah Sewell, Loves Park, IL
Amazing this is EXACTLY what the Lord was speaking to me about this morning. I am in a wilderness season. Making the Lord my everything. Embracing the season! Love this group!
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10
Carrie, North Potomac Maryland
O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
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Carolyn Valente, Chicago, Illinois For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7 NIV
Kelly Elliott, Jackson, TN.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
But he said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 NIV
I love these verses! What an encouragement and timely message!
Cheryl Paulsen, Portland, OR.
The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalms 118:6 HCSB
Heather Maise, Glencoe, AL
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 NIV