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!
kerri, kansas city
praise is due you, o God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. o you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. -psalms 65: 1-2
Megan Fuller, Boise, ID “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 NIV
Krystal, North Little Rock, AR
“Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43;18 NIV
Isaiah 28:16 CEV
And so the Lord says, “I’m laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion. It’s a valuable cornerstone proven to be trustworthy; no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed.
LaVonne Beale, Peachtree City, GA
and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 HCSB
Bobbie, Litchfield, MN
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proberbs 17:22 (ESV)
Becky, Lynchburg, VA
We ought always to give thanks to God for you…because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV
Sarah , Avon Indiana
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Diana | Paris, France. “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)
Abby M., Seminary, MS
“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.” Psalm 138:8 NLT
January 15, 2015 at 2:37 p.m.
Jan, Buena Vista, CO
Ps. 145:4
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
Jen Dakin, Kenton, OH, “and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies and Your statutes, and to do them all” 1Chronicles 29:19a, NASB
Ellen Roth from Bad Axe Michigan: Revelation 17:14 NIV: They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings–and with Him will be His called, chosen, and faithful followers.
Terry, Odessa, FL
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12, NIV
Mary Watkins
West Memphis, AR
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14
Cheryl Autry, Dunn, NC
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galations 6:7-8 KJV
Terry in El Paso, TX
Proverbs 31:26 AMP
“She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [ giving counsel and instruction].”
Megan Loscher
Quincy, IL
“fear not, for I am with you; be not 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
Susan, Portland, OR
“…do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1;9 NKJV
Cheryl Shakespeare Juneau Alaska
(Love)It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
I Corinthians 13:5 NIV84
Jenna French, Reidsville NC-“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philipppians 4:12-13 NLT
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8 (NIV)
Ezekiel 36:27
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” NASB
Kay Rauch (Minneapolis, MN) Deuteronomy 33:25-26 (NIV) The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days. “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.
“Commit your future to the LORD! Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.” -Psalm 37:5 NET
Linda, Winnipeg.
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. (Psalm 25:3 NIV)
Emily Pipestem WV
Acts 2:28
You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.
Erin Marken- Highlands Ranch, CO
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living! Wait for The Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for The Lord! (Psalms 27:13-14 ESV)
Jan
Bemus Point, NY
Psalm 116:15 (ESV and many others)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
And in French:
Psaumes 116:15 (SG21)
Elle a du prix aux yeux de l’Eternel, la mort de ses fideles.
Fraser Traverse, Falls Church, VA
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8 (NIV)
Marlena Cantrell, Hoover, AL.
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31 (NIV)
Lynn Larson, Lake Villa, IL
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Ephesians 2:2 NLT
Cindy Collins, Richmond, VA “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
Heidi S., Boise, ID. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Kimberly Littleton,NH
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Always be joyful. Keep on praying no matter what happens, always be thankful,for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Amanda, Largo FL “As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils; my lips will not say anything wicked and my tongue will not utter lies” Job 27:3-4
Forgot to list which version, NIV
Sarah, Granger, IN: Mark 8:35-36 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake or the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Simone, Oceanside, CA.. Proverbs 31:10… Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. NKJV
Shelby, Scott Cointy, TN “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalms 56:3 KJV
Jennifer, Wilmington DE –
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
– Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Kami S. – Kalispell, MT
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
Lisa, McKinney, TX – Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31: 11 NIV
Kelly from Atlanta, GA- Matthew 9:22 HCSB- But Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter”,He said. “Your faith has made you well.”And the woman was made well from that moment.
Nancy, Junction City, AR
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:8 NKJ
Linda Steriti
Littleton NH
Bur you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which y0u were called?
James 2: 6 -7
Elizabeth, Fairfax, SC
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Anne Boone, Chesterfield, MI “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”2 Corinthians 4:17,NIV
Jennifer Swift, Oklahoma City, OK
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.
Luke 1:45 NIV
Becky Orin, Sugar Land, Texas, “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under Heaven”. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Becca, Dallas, TX
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! Luke 1:45 NIV
Maggie, Blantyre, Malawi
Psalm 27:13-14
I know that I will live to see
the Lord’s goodness in this present life.
Trust in the Lord
Have faith, do not despair.
Trust in theLord.