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!
Kelleen Little Spokane, Washington
Ps 92:12-15 ESV
12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the Lord is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future. Proverbs 31:25 NASB
Beth – Frisco, TX
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
(a)or chose
Debbie Scherrer, Sevierville, TN
There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on earth
Ecclesiastes 3:1. Message
Say to those who have an anxious heart,”Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” -Isaiah 35:4
Michelle Geisendorff, Rowlett, Texas. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Jessica, Bryant Arkansas
…but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm.
Proverbs 1:2
Brandywine, MD
“I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told you to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.”
Isaiah 45:19 (NLT)
Michele Gibbons, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Emily McCargar, Elk Grove, CA
The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1 NET
LynnAnn Bryant Arlington, TX
I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from?
Psalm 121:1 NIV
Kara Hodgkiss, Frisco, TX “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Missy, Phoenix:
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Isaiah 32:18 NIV
Laura lives in Muncie, IN!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5. NIV
Christine Rau, Rancho Murieta, CA “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits–
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 2-5 NIV
Katelyn Pafford, Spokane WA
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world so we should be holy and blameless before him. In love Ephesians 3:4 ESV
Gloria Hunsberger, Brandon, Mississippi. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
Laura, Saucier MS.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Shelley Scott Rio Rancho,New Mexico
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our hehalf.” Hebrews 6:19,20a NIV
Kandace Worsham, Medicine Lodge, KS
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Tonia from Tampa, Fl Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give the the desires of your heart.
Psalms 37:3-4
Patti Calk, Rayville, LA.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
Peggyann Calderwood, Crestview, Florida
“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1Thessalonians 5:18(New King James Version)
Joyce Grimes – Pace, FLorida
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
Molly Pierce, Portland OR, “…and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:7-8, NIV
Candice, Olive Branch, MS – And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all of your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phillipians 2:14, (KJV)
Yikes, cuz! I will have to do this one soon. It’s a word to me. You are setting the bar high.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Sandy Fry, Bowie, Maryland But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (Psalms 3:3 KJV)
J.J. Ehr, Longmont, CO
Romans 12:9-10 NIV
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Jennifer Watson
Ruston, LA
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) – And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Lisa T., Iola, TX, Romans 8:1 NASB
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Linda
Cape Canaveral, FL
“Consider what God has done”.
Ecclesiastes 7:13a
NIV
Margot Sayre, Sugar Land, Texas
For I know the Plans I have for you declares, the Lord, Plans to Prosper you and not harm you; Plans to give you Hope and a Future! Jeremiah 29:11
1st post/scripture to start 2015; I’m behind 1, but will catch up!
Lois-Centerton-To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiates 3:1. NKJV
Brittney Strother from Oceana WV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Kelly Lombardo, Littleton CO. “She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7 NIV (I took liberties with the pronouns to personalize it)
Evie
Cedar Creek,Tx
Ps 5:3 NIV
In the morning O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.
Gretchen, McKinney, TX. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 HCSB
Judy from Forty Fort Pennsylvania
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13New King James Version)
Marilyn Owen, Seattle, WA
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3 NIV)
Debi, Chesterfield, VA
Deuteronomy 31:8 New International Version
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Kali Binkley, Jefferson City, MO – “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthinas 9:7 (KJV)
Go, Aunt Connie! So glad you are joining us on this journey. It’s going to be so much fun.
Deb in Windsor, CT:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22, NIV
melissa from neenah wisconsin,
I chronicles 4:10 ESV. Jabez called upon the God of Israel saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain.” And God granted what he asked.
Amy from Magnolia TX
If you who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:11 HCSB
Imelda Hunt-Toledo, OH
Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too. 1 Peter 5:9(TLB)