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!
Linda Ney
Gahanna, Ohio
Psalm 148:1 NIV
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above.
Talonna Busam, Louisville, Ky. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” NIV
Jennifer, Hope Mills, NC
Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (NIV)
psalms 149:14
I will praise You, for I amfearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soullnows ver well. NKJV
Kristy Sanders; Madison, Ms; “The name of The Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
Robin Spires, Pendleton, Indiana. “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1 NIV
Janet, Charleston, SC “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. ” 1 John 5:4 NLT
Chrissy, San Tan Valley, AZ
“…live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects—bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, JOYFULLY giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.” Col 1:10-12 NET
Claire Watson | McKinney, TX | Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” John 13:7 NASB
Stephanie, Acworth GA
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. — Romans 12:2
Elise Arnold Midlothian, TX
Ps 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! ESV
Rebecca C, NC. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.
Matthew 12:20
Brandi Hutchings, Littlefield, Texas, “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord. “For you are called an outcast ‘Jerusalem’ for whom no one cares.”, Jeremiah 30:17, NLT
Andrea Cox, Howe, Texas
Mark 9:24 NIV
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Please private message me, Jan. I could use some advice on SEASONS. andrearenee2004 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Moulton, Alabama: “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV)
Angie Gates, Wiggins, Mississippi “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Phil 2:1-2, NIV
Mary Beth, Hudsonville, Michigan – 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 NET
Renee DeJarnette, Alexandra, KY
Oh my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. (selah)
Psalm 62 : 8. NLT
Ashley, Marietta, GA.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Sara, Lavonia,GA. “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence abundant joy; in your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalm 16:11 HCSB
Sarah Philpott, Siloam Springs, AR
“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.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Reply
Sarah Vint, Des Moines, IA
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Kristi, Telford, PA
“Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn your commands.” Ps 119:73 HCSB
Kerry, Jackson, TN
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Evey branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15: 1-4 NIV
Maureen, Royal Oak, MI Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John14:27 NIV
Leslie, Christiansburg, Virginia
Proverbs 31:11
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
NASB
Candace, Wahpeton ND
“because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.”
Philippians 1:5-6. NIV
Jennifer Haney-Beaumont, Texas
Titus 3:2(NIV) to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Stacy from Savannah, GA:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 NKJV
Amy Cobb, Murfreesboro, TN. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Dani Turner: Greer, SC…Therefore encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV (and Jan made me cry…tough season of full on summer)
Right there with you, Dani! Prayers for you today, Sister Loved by God 🙂
Anne Stinnette, Dededo, Guam, “He made know to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him” Eph. 1:9 NASB
Hereford, TX
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” NLT
I forgot the reference! Sorry!
Zephaniah 3:17
Tammy, Lawrenceville, GA. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 ESV
Regina Orr, Floydada, Texas
Psalm 27:4 ESV~ “One thing I have asked of the Lord; that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.”
Anja Drenth, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands (Europe)
Numeri 23:19 BGT
God verandert niet van gedachten, zoals mensen doen. Hij houdt zich aan zijn besluit, hij doet wat hij belooft.Wat hij zegt gebeurt ook.
Teresa Marsh, New Bern, NC
Galatians 5:13 (NIV) You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Mandi Autry, Edmond, OK… “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10 NASB
Daura Crawley, Conway, AR
Colossians 3:17 ESV
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Joanna Vaughan, Rochester, MN
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself 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
Jenny Young. Pittsburgh, PA
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
(Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
ShaNada Williams
Birmingham, AL
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
they shall run and not be weary;
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Rebecca Enriquez, Orlando, FL
“Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2, NIV
Tina Pitts, North Richland Hills, Texas “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust In Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13
Barb * St Cloud MN/Fort Worth TX * James 1:2 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”
Lisa from Abilene, TX.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Kerry Durham NC
Eph 4:7 KJV
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Heidi ~ Lindale, Texas
Psalm 62:6 NIV
“He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”