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!
Jessica Robinson Greensboro, NC
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
Lisa Estes, Mauldin, SC
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Debbie Alix, Valley Falls, NY
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:26 ESV
Locust Grove, VA
Psalm 30:2 (NIV)
Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
Hannah, Weatherford, TX
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.” 1 Chronicles 16:10-12(NIV)
Amanda from Olive Branch, MS
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
Angie from Knoxville, TN. Psalm 139: 23-24. Search me, oh God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Patti, B.H., N.J. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 N.I.V.
Erica from MI
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV
Marty A, Clarksville, TN
“I will lift up mine eyes unto these hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1 – 2 kjv
Becky Burns, Beaverton OR
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering, and so He condemned sin in sinful man in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:3-4 NIV
Charlene Agan, Cartersville
equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:21 NIV
Rita Laymon, Sevierville, TN
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Cor 10:13 NIV
Kati B. Central Arkansas “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” -1 John 4:10 NIV
Those who know your name will trust you for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalms 9:10 NIV
Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.
Proverbs 1:33 ESV
Phoebe Cunningham, Tucson, AZ.
“Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 NIV
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Hebrews 12:12 NLT
Shinae Wyckoff, Owasso, OK
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col 1:13-14 NASB
Vertrouw altijd op de HEER, alleen op Hem, want de HEER is een rots sinds mensenheugenis.
Jesaja 26: 4 NBV
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting in the Lord.”
Psalm 112:7 AMP
Michelle Schmid, Murphysboro, IL
Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (KJV)
Daniela Elliott, Abingdon Maryland
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
NASB
Susan C.
Altamonte Springs, Florida
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7 HCSB
Sarahbeth Holman, McKinney Texas
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV
Linda Lorring, Reno, NV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Jeannie Keller, Hanahan, SC “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Sorry….my version for my verse is the NIV
Denise, Lexington, NC. (I’m memorizing this as Parents, or Mothers) “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Abby T., Ferndale, WA:
“May, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”
-Psalm 40:5 (NIV)
Deana Johnson from Visalia, California: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Sherry, Independence, Oregon:
“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.” (Psalm 20:4, NKJV)
Felicia, Fort Pierce FL
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
John 15:4 NKJV
Karla, Sheboygan Falls, WI
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
Deb Harney, Columbia City, Indiana
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with Tnanksgiving, present your requests to the 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
Cindy Dicharry, Prairieville LA.
Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NLT
Laura Dvorkin Los Angeles, California
1 Peter 1:13 Phillips
So brace up your minds, and, as men who know what
they are doing, rest the full weight of your hopes on the
grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ reveals Himself.
Shauna Long, Cape Girardeau, MO
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 your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV
Karen Williams, Albuquerque, NM
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5. NIV 84
Ellen Ratcliff, Sevierville, TN
“in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
San Antonio Tx Hebrew 9:14 The Spirit and the blood work together, honor the blood and you will see the Spirit poured out in your life.
Bethann Marchionna, Rochester Hills,MI “Set a guard over my mouth O” Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips. ” Ps. 141:3 ESV
Terrie Taylor,Pensacola.Florida
“If i speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love,I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate”
1 Corinthians 13:1 MSG
Marilyn Brown, The Plains Ohio
May your unfailing love rest upon us, o Lord, as we put our hope in You.
Ps.33:22 NIV
Barb, Liberty, MO
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV
Mary, Winter Park, FL
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? For we were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might way in newness of life.
Romans 6:2-4 RSV
Dean Jones, Gray, Ky
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him for He cares for you affectionately and cares about your
watchfully”. 1Peter 5:7 AMP
Lisa Zink
Chickasha, Oklahoma
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
Psalm 46:5 NIV
Kristina Pindell, Burkburnett, TX
Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
Philippians 2:14 NASB