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!
Tish Evans, Ashland, KY
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
‘Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!'”
Revelation 5:13 NKJV
Kyleigh Porter, Raleigh, NC
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Taylor T.
Grovetown, GA
[…]Christ also once for all died for sins, the innocent One for the guilty many, in order to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.
1 Peter 3:18 (WNT)
Sheryl Ponsness, PDX OR, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Patricia Sanford, Lake Forest, CA
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Laura, Fairfax, VA, , Hebrews 6:15, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises”, KJV.
Correction: Hebrews 6:12.
Thanks!!
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? i am making a way in wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18,19
2 Corinthians 5:20,21
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Dana Jennings, Boone, IA “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men, the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Tim. 2:5-6 NIV
Kim Herron, Owensboro, KY
Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Heather Gray, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “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
Patsy Black, Valdosta, GA “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” Prov 17:22 NLT
Katie from Greensboro , NC
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
I am reading all of these verses and discovering God’s word anew and I feel like I should be memorizing the whole bible! It is ALL so precious!
Joanna Trauger. Greer, South Carolina. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Linda Gallo, Johnstown, Pa. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Kelly Duckworth, Lees Summit, MO
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Britt Burlile, Morrow, Ohio
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7 New International Version (NIV)
Leslie, Durham, NC
“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)
Lynette, Nashville, TN
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 ESV
Cheryl, Louisville, KY
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NIV
Pamma Rippe from Abingdon, VA
I am very pleased with what you have given me. I am very happy with what I’ve received from you.
Psalm 16:6 NIRV
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:6 HCSB
Michelle Ublasi
California City
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crows you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (ESV)
Grace Barnette,Taylorsville, Ga.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 NASB
Jackie, Mobile,AL
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
John 14:26 NASB
Linda Hooper, Seneca, SC, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Claudia, Durham, NC
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25 ESV
Las Vegas, Nevada
“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3 (KJV)
Psalm 103: 1-5 (ESV)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Martha Roberson, Warrensburg, MO. “For sin will have NO DOMINION over you, since you are not under law but under GRACE.” (Romans 6:14 ESV)
Barbara Stone
Springfield, Mo.
For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace ;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field
shall clap their hands
Isaiah 55:12 NKJV
Karen, Dallas, TX:
I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
2 Peter 3:2 NIV (1984)
Ingrid, Omemee, Ontario, Canada
Joshua 1:9 “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” The Message translation
Andrea in Independence, KY
Habakkuk 3:19a (KJV)
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.
Sheila, Splendora,TX
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
LouAnne, Evans, CO, Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so go on living in him—in simple faith. Grow out of him as a plant grows out of the soil it is planted in, becoming more and more sure of the faith as you were taught it, and your lives will overflow with joy and thankfulness. Col 2:6-7 (Phillips)
Suzanne
Tenaha, TX
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Ashley Karg, Calgary, Canada. “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
Gina Campbell, Katy, Texas. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Brandi Tribout, Cape Girardeau, Misspuri
This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: if we ask anything, according to His will, He hear us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him.”
1 John 5:15 NIV
Alice van de Beek, Lichtenvoorde, Holland,
“Ten slotte, broeders en zusters, schenk aandacht aan alles wat waar is, alles wat edel is, alles wat rechtvaardig is, alles wat zuiver is, alles wat lieflijk is, alles wat eervol is, kortom, alles wat deugdzaam is en lof verdient.”
Filippenzen 4 : 8
“In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable.”
Fhilippians 4 : 8
Cheryl Melton, Fort Worth TX
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 NIV)
Karen Johnson – Bingham Lake, Minnesota
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Alice, Chesapeake, Va.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus
Stacie K. Springfield, VA
Colossians 3:10 NLT
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
Tina Hatchett, Warrior, Al
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38
Julie Christensen, Palm Springs, CA.
He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Mark 9:35 NLT
Lindsay Loper, Chattanooga, TN
“You keep [her] in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because [she] trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3, ESV
Kara C, Aurora, Il
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 NIV
Gwynn Sutterby, Winter Park, FL
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34. NAS