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, Bartelso, IL. Joel 2:21 NKJV Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the LORD has done marvelous things!
Kristen Lucas, San Diego, CA Joshua 3:5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” -NIV
June, Little Rock, Ark. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 (ESV)
Mary Fadel, Preston, MD
“And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27 (ESV)
Donna -Springfield IL – Psalm 71:6 NIV “From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.”
Mariposa, Albuquerque, New Mexico (“Summer Season”)
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.
Jeremaiah 29:11 (NIV)
Libby Smoot, Strasburg, Va. “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.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
“Is it [the kind of fasting I have chosen] not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isaiah 58:7) NIV
Katherine Kuder, San Angelo, TX
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7 (ESV)
Deb Mott, Bradenton, Florida. As I have loved you, so you are to love one another. John 13:34
correction: Deb Mott, Bradenton, Florida. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John13:34 KJV
Heidi Worthey, Moreland, GA.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
Amy Franklin, Jackson, MO
“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
Barb N., Norristown, PA: “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11, ESV
Penny McWilliams, OKC, OK
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Tomi Taulbee, Des Moines, Iowa. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:28&29 NIV
Kerry, Nederland, TX
(continuing Psalm 15)Those who refuse to gossip, or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Psalms 15:3-4, NLT
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Psalm 62:5-7 NIV
Elise, Columbus OH
Galatians 2:20 ESV
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, But Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Kelly in Arkansas
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26 NIV
Katie, Cincinnati, OH
“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 (NIV)
Lindsey Little Rock, AR
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will finish to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6, ESV
Kari, Sikeston, Missouri. This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:5 ESV
Tanner from Houston, TX
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ says your compassionate Lord” HCSB
Sarah, Brownwood, Texas
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:3
Psalm 30: 11-12″
“You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and
clothed me with joy that my heart may sing to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.” NIV
Laura in Bedford, TX:
“See, you have nothing to fear. I, who made you, will take you back. I have chosen you, named you as My own. When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned.” Isaiah 43:1b-2 (VOICE)
Sheree Campbell, Phoenix, AZ “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth” Psalm 34:1 NKJV
Pam, Pasadena, TX
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is mad perfect in week-ness. 2 Cor. 12:9 RSV
Pam, Pasadena, TX retyping thanks to spell check:
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weekness. 2 Cor. 12.9 RSV
Karen Wright; Shelton, WA
Now therefore thus says the Lord of Hosts: Consider your ways!
Haggi 1:5 NKJV
Christy Jones, Summit, MS; “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
Shana Hodge, DeQuincy, Louisiana
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Nikki L, Littleton, CO
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Anna Daub from Fort Worth, TX
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade- kept in heaven for you.
1 Peter 1:3-4
NIV
Ronda, Murfreesboro, TN
“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you.I will never abandon you.'” Hebrews 13:5 NLT
Tina DeLong West Jefferson, Ohio
The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. Lamentations 3:25 NLT
Morgan, Denver, Colorado “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day if Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.” Psalm 145:4-5 NLT
Holly Everse, Zeeland, MI. “Mary responded, ‘Oh how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed”
Luke 1:46-48 NLT
Susan Smith, Springfield, VA, 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV,
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Becky Morrison, Marietta, GA
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
John 7: 37-38 NIV
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Mark 12:29-30
Betsy Roberts – Antwerp, Ohio
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Tressa from Mobile, AL – I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 ESV)
Terri Tripp from Winchester, VA
“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
Jess Bucher from valparaiso, indiana
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
Tammy Jo, Modesto, CA
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:1-2
Lindsey Diggs Smyrna, TN
“…and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;”
1 Peter 2:23 (NASB)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29 NIV
Melanie Groff, Katy,TX, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 ESV
Merdianville , Alabama
But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:15 NASB