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!
Barbara C., Clinton, MS “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinfull men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” Heb. 12:3 NIV84
Shannon, Columbia, SC
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
Jane Amos
Clarks Summit, Pa
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
— Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
Holly Cogdell, Lubbock, Texas.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” Luke 1:45
Praying for my Lubbock Siesta’s!
Julie Maskus, MO
“I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 (NASB) Kristin, Clearwater, FL
Stephanie Morris, Norman Ok
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9, NKJ
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.~Ecclesiastes 3:12 ESV
Jenn, Frederick CO
Isaiah 55:2 ESV Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself
Tresha, Kingfisher, OK
“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
Michelle, Houston “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6 NIV)
Proverbs 18:21 NIV The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Lauren Wells, Loveland, OH. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 – ESV
Carol Oliver, Claremont California. Philippians 4:5 NIV Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Renee, Rockford, MI
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 (NIV)
Jan in Clinton, MS; “You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, And gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the Mighty One of Israel.” Isaiah 30:29 NKJV (I’m a flutist & this verse warms my heart.)
Monica Ciampa, NY
“Draw me after you and let us run together!
The king has brought me into his chambers.”–Song of Solomon 1:4a (NASB)
Susan Sarver, St. George UT
He has shown you, O man what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV
Lori Benson, Paris, TX
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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Erica W. Hatch, NM
“We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5: 7-8 NIV
Brenda from Epsom, New Hampshire
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Kim, Fargo, ND
Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
Jan McClure,Lexington, KY “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour
out his anger on us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NLT
Jennie Weekley Greensboro,NC “D not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Debra, Baraboo, WI
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 ESV
Bobbie Puckett Ft Worth, Texas
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Karen, Pearl, MS “Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of hail? (I have reserved them as weapons for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war.)” Job 38:22-23 NLT
Kelly Davis, Danville VA.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Kim Sterry, Mansfield, Ohio
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Sara Putman, Tulsa, OK
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Nancy Dill, Charlotte, NC O Lord,The earth is full of your unfailing love; teach me your principles. NLT
Meagan. Woodstock, Ga.
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. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Tangila, Pearland TX
“In that day, I will answer,”
says the LORD.
“I will answer the sky as it pleads for clouds.
And the sky will answer the earth with rain. Hosea 2:21 NLT
Andrea S, Aurora CO
“Finally, brothers, 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.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Rachael from Union, Maine – Psalm 81:10 NKJV –
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it.
Karen Miller, Reading PA
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17 NIV
Stacey, Houston, TX – And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. – Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Vicki M., Howell, MI
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV
Jenn, Corvallis Oregon
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong, vigorous and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” AMP
Melodie Ocampo from Bullhead City AZ, –
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.” 2 Samuel 22:17 NIV
Dorothy Palmer.Wilkes-Barre,PA.Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Paula A
Fuquay Varina, NC
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
Beth, Troy MI “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col 3:13 NIV
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:21-22 NIV
Susan Tumino, Brooklyn, OH
Lamentations 3:21-23
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ESV
Marie Thompson, Easley, SC
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
Psalm 5:11 NLT
Ontario, Canada
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 1 Tim 3:16 (NIV)
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. Phillipians 3: 18-19 NIV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a strong mind. -2Tim 1:7
NKJV
Samantha, Dale, TX