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!
Laverne Contreras, Brighton, CO
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1John4:16 NIV
Charity, Cardiff, Wales UK
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope. Romans 15:13
Michelle from Fort Collins, CO.
“All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. The earth and all its fullness are the Lord’s. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, 26, 31 (NRSV)
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” -Hebrews 2:18, NIV
Christina Gantlett, Dorchester, Ontario, Canada
Kathleen Forbes, Katy, Texas: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12 ESV
Hannah, Niantic. …let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18, ESV
Kim, Nashville, TN:
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1a (NIV)
Katherine Emerson, Livingston, TX
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.” Philippians 2:3,4 NLT
Laura K in SD:
(A prayer for the girls kidnapped from Chibok, Nigeria and the many others oppressed by terrorists)
“O LORD, You hear the desire of the afflicted; You will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.”
Psalm 10: 17-18 ESV
forgot: Spearfish, SD
Lauren, Boca Raton, FL: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12, NIV
Denise, Rosemount MN.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Karen Ford ~ Stilwell, Oklahoma Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also loved us and given Himslef for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV
Martha, Cocoa, FL
Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, my hope is in you all day long.
NIV
Margie from Pretty Prairie, KS
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Judy Victorville CA
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
natalie, mobile alabama
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 peter 2:9 niv
Davenport, IA.
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37 NIV
Carol Kirby, Amarillo, TX
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:16 NIV
Theresa, Flora, MS:
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]
Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
Allison Hughes: Yazoo City,Ms. This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel- “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” NIV
Carolyn Medlin Oceanside Ca Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1 NIV
Matthew 4:10 NKJV Then Jesus said to him, Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.
Kem Green, Des Moines, IA
“..for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” 2 Tim.1:12b (NLT)
Liz Kester
Keller, Texas
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1: 22 NIV
Germantown, WI
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Rene, Keller, Tx. – You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with shouts of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7 ESV)
Liz Kelley, College Station, Tx:
…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5b, NIV
Melanie
Midland,MI
Therefore, daughters, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 HCSB
Julie Kauth, Goodyear, AZ: “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds, that therin I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-22 KJ
Tammy S, West Point, NE
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 (ESV)
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Judy Williams, Round Hill, Virginia
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Diane w-Troutdale, or. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 NIV
Jessie, Epping,NH
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Tammie Lambdin, Knoxville, TN
Do you not know that your body is the 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
Kathy, Milan TN
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Lisa Godwin from Alpharetta, GA
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV
Sherwood, OR
Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well. 1 Peter 4:10 (CEV)
Joy, Ontario, Canada
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (A familiar verse, but refocusing on the delighting!)
Sheri from Mobile
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
(HCSB)
Connie Nicholson, Buda, TX The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Kaykie Hodges Vega Texas
“Behiold what manner of love ithas the Father has besides on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 2:18 NKJV
Dottie Moore, Houston TX. TLB
Matthew 6:32-33 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, 33 and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.”
Kristin Funston, Memphis (Cordova), TN
“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 (NIV)
Lynn Fields, Erlanger, KY. You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16-11 (NIV)
Leslie Young
Wisner, La.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and kindness is the rule for everything she says.
Proverbs 31:26 (Living Bible)
Amy, New Palestine, IN “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to 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
Lindsey, Sevierville, TN:
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. (Psalm 59:16 ESV)
Ruth Elmer, New Gloucester, Maine. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7