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!
Kristy Greene, Louisville, KY – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
Joey Lynn, Las Vegas, Nevada
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Janice -Topeka Kansas
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Whitney Brown, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:8 NLT
Katie; Columbus, Oh
Light, space, zest-that’s God!
So with him on my side I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
Psalm 27:1 The Message
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Way to go, cuz! You CAN do all things through Him!
Janet, Holmes Beach, FL
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NKJV
Diane, The Villages, FL
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Melissa Emma, Scarborough Maine:
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:21 NLT
Jennifer Tinsley, Indianapolis IN. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 NLT
Joan G, Allentown, PA. “Do not forsake her and she will guard you; Love her and she will watch over you.” Proverbs 4:9 NASB
Sandie Cornelius, Oneida, TN
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalms 27:14 KJV
Caroline Auvil, Huntington, WV- Phillipians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (ESV)
Jenna, Morro Bay CA
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs;the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.” Ps 84:5-7 ESV
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5 NIV
Jen Wellman, Spring, Texas
“O you who hear prayer,
to you shall all flesh come.”
Psalm 65:2 ESV
Jessica Guffey, Chattanooga, TN
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
Isaiah 40:28-29 ESV
Sienna Busby, Colorado Springs, CO Romans 12:21 “do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil by good” New King James
Shannon Porter Gipsy, MO “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Romans 8:36, KJV
Looking forward to this memory challenge as well as more 5Ks with my (siesta)cousin.
The Scriptures won’t kill me…the 5ks? Verdict is still out on those!
Angel, Folsom LA,
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the almighty. Psalms 91:1
Joanna from Rockwall, TX: Acts 4:12 (AMP) And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
Toni, Argyle, TX
Psalm 143:10, NIV
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (KJV)
Cassie Shelton, Stigler, OK (but currently in Guatemala on a mission trip)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13,14 NIV
#livemorebebrave
Wendy Bashor – Lone Butte, BC. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 AMP
Dina Hart, Hartsville, SC
“and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 NASV
Melody Williamson
Sevierville, TN
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
when my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rich that is higher than I.”
-Psalm 61:2-
Emily, Loveland, CO – “In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.” Isaiah 26:8 (ESV)
Caren Gandy, Richmond, TX
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23, ESV
Linda G. Crawfordsville, IN.
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
Lynn Greene, Shelby, NC “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecc.3:1 NIV
Ontario Canada
(I switched scriptures so here’s vs 1&2)
1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.
2. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Rev 1: 1,2 NLT
Joyce, Albany, Oregon “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34:18 NIV
Alison,
Tustin, California
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
from Nebraska
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10
Jenny Stade, Clovis, CA
“Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.
Psalm 43:3 NLT
Kristin, Tomball, TX
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7(NIV)
Joni Woodward, Port Neches, Tx. “Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1Peter 3:4 ESV
Linda Jamison Whitesboro and Frisco TX Matthew11:28 ESV
“Come to me ,all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Deb, Loveland, CO – “O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:12 (NKJV)
Danville, Indiana
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Phillipians 4:5 ESV
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Heather Sutton, Boaz Alabama
Phillipians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. NIV
Carrie-KJV 2 Timothy 1:7- “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Rebecca, St. Augustine, Florida
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:16 NIV
Becky, Tennessee
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Elisabeth Clark, Hiram, Ohio. “Yet The Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 KJV
John 4:34. My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work