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!
Molly Legg Gainesville, GA
“For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:2 NASB
Stacie Mills, Kingwood, Texas
When you walk, your step will not be hampered; if you run you will not stumble.
Proverbs 4:12 KJV
Tonya Hardy, Istanbul Turkey “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV
Susan Young,Fairhope,AL. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV)
Debra H – Dahlgren, IL
For the word of the LORD is right and true;
He is faithful in all He does.
Psalm 33:4 NIV
Colossians 1:11 NLT
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Tori Mays
Elmer, La
Psalm 62:5-6 NIV
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; My hope comes from Him.
Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand .
Connie, Chariton,IA Psalm 9:10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 ESV
Shannon Hogg, Mandeville, LA “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever”. Rev. 22:5 TNIV
Christina
Longmont CO
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Amy Haden, Tatum, TX
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Toni says
John 14:1. Niv
Do not let your be troubled , believe in God, believe in me also .
Cindy Matter, North Potomac, MD
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Karen Orem, Utah
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV)
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
Emily Babb, New Iberia, LA
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven – for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.
Luke 7:47 ESV
You did not choose Me, but I chose and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. John 15:16 (NIV)
Jenni Neal, Dunn, NC “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV
Tracey Newcomer, Grapevine, TX
Ephesians 3:18-21 NASB
…may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Bobbie Head, Radium Springs NM
For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. NKJV
1 Cor 6:20
Tamara Castagnetta, Canyon, TX
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18, NIV
So glad to find someone who also lives in Canyon. I would enjoy meeting someone else who is reaching for the scriptures and striving for the same goals. Who knows maybe we could help each other out. Good luck.
Robin Oas, Irving, TX ” And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11 ESV
Katherine Hamilton, Cincinnati, OH
“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:3 ESV
Cynthia Culver, Valier, Montana
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV)
Deneen, Sterlington, LA
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
4Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Selina B. Barbourville, Ky.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is , the fruit of Our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15 KJV
Sandy from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Proverbs 14:23 NASB
In all labor there is profit
But mere talk leads only to poverty.
Cottage Grove, WI
Shake yourself up from the dust,rise up,O captive Jerusalem; loose yourself from the chains around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. Isaiah 52:2
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ worth every spiritual blessing in the heavens. Ephesians 1:3 HCSB
Brenetta Robison, Independence, MO
The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge;
My Savior, You save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3
Rhonda, Chapel Hill, NC
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Dawn- Kenansville, NC- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
Nancy S., Lakewood, WA Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB
Cindi Gryder, Fairbanks, AK
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. I Cor 10:13 NAS
Morristown, TN
Philippians 1:6 NIV 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.
Cathy Pernsteiner, Clarkston, WA, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anthing is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Merideth Colvert, Conroe, TX – 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 and a future. Jeremiah 28:11 NIV
Deanne, Laguna Hills, CA
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2 NIV
Susan Dodson, Douglasville, Ga
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23. NRSV
Bethany Mowat, Evart, Michigan “the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
Kathleen Partin Saint Joseph, Michigan
Lamentations 3:23
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
NLT
Loved your message Jan Morton.
Marie J. Independence, MO : Psalms 138:8 ” The Lord will work out his plans for my life- for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalms 138: 8 ( NLT)
Kathleen, Winter Park, Florida
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Sandy Deming, NM
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work in us. Eph 3;20 ESV
Wendi Burkholder, St Marys, Ohio
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jennifer, Uganda, Psalm 119:35-36 NIV “Direct me in the path of your commmands for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.”
Whitney Caves, Clinton, MS. “But he knows the way that I take; And when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10
Christy, Louisville, KY:
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; so far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:11-12 NIV
Machelle from Tampa
Colossians 3:12 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”