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!
Robin Wickman, Chadron, NE. “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” Ephesians 2:10 AMP
Robin Elliott, Mobile,AL: Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the LORD will be your EVERLASTING light. Your days of mourning will come to an end. Isaiah 60:20 (NLT)
Lori, Manhattan, KS
I Pet 3:15 (NASB)
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverance.
Madison Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio, “Many, Lord, are asking “who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Psalm 4:6 NIV
Denise, Parkindale, N.B.
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 1:9 NLT
Sydni Turner, Moore, OK “But the LORD stood with me and gave me strength.” 2 Timothy 4:17 NLT
Denise Banderman, California MO. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19 NLT
Janet College Station, TX
2 Timothy 1:7 [NKjV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Oradell “Okie” Murray from Edisto Island, SC:
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. NKJ
Lela
Livonia, MI
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Jessica from West Columbia, SC “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 NLT
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV
Jennifer H, Gloucester VA
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Joanna Dunton, Houston, Tx “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)
Cheryl, Concord, NC
“I waited patiently for the Lord”
psalm 40.1a NLT
Michelle, St. Peter MN
Philippians 2:13 NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Theresa Anderson, Grove, Oklahoma
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2 KJV
Melanie Cobb Bartlett, TN “He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:3 HCSB
Ashley, Sugar Land, TX
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Shelly, Reed City. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 NIV
Rebecca, Akron, OH. “I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6. New Living Translation
Donna Walters, Hartsville, South Carolina
Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
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.
Sarah Whitt, Fort Worth, TX
“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, because the LORD will do wonders among you tomorrow.”
Joshua 3:5 HCSB
Jaclyn, Houston, TX. “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV
Carol Hartley Montgomery, Al
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
Sara in Omaha, NE
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
Judy Berey Mandeville, LA “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart”. Psalm 37:4 NIV
Carol
Carthage, NY
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Mindy, Lewisville, TX
To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 NLT
Amanda, Dothan Alabama
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.”
Leslie Johnson, Lenoir, NC
1 Corinthians 10:23
“I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive.
NIV
Valerie, (Ontario) Mansfield, OH
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Colossians. 3:14. NLT
Nikki Riley Daphne, Alabama “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NASB
Patty, Shelton, Washington
Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:20 ESV
SMP1 Carlsbad CA 1 James 1:2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
Becky, Scottsdale, AZ
“Finally, brothers (sisters :), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Maggie L. Julian Nc, my verse is Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Tami, Denver, CO
He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Psalm 57:3 (NLT)
Jessica, Bellefonte, PA
“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Ellen Dark, Sarnia, ON
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
“Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness.”
Psalm 19:2 NET
Courtney, Fort Collins, CO
Psalm 15:2 NIV
“The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;”
Jeremiah 29:11 “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”.
Diane, Lenexa, KS
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (NIV)
Angie, Wardsville, MO
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Phillipians 4:13
Kathy M. Biloxi, MS “And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove
what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
(Romans 12:2 NASB)
Fosters Alabama, Janice- “I will bless the Lord at all times;His praise will continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 NKJV
Nancy from Rocky Mount, NC
“The one thing I ask of the Lord–the thing I seek most–is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His temple.”
Psalm 27:4 NLT
Hallie C., Mansfield, OH Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters Colossians 3:23