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!
Monica, Hicksville, MY.
“Draw me after you and let us run together!
The king has brought me into his chambers.”–Song of Solomon 1:4a(NASB)
*NY..not MY..lol..
I don’t think spell check works..ha
Jennifer A, Gulfport, MS
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27 NASB
Susie Johnson, Bloomington, IN He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalms 121:3-4 NASB)
Marybeth Pettitt Connell, WA Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
22
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Glenna Rohr, Carrollton, Texas “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
Susan, U.K.
“The sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says to the people, ‘Come back and quietly trust in Me. Then you will be strong and secure…'”
Isaiah 30:15 GNT
Mary Jane, Troy KS “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”
1 Peter 1:14 NIV
Denise from Snowcreek, VA
3 John 1:2. Amplified Bible
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know]your soul keeps well and prospers.
Rhonda Butler, Jackson, Tennessee, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for human masters Colossians 3:23 NIV
Glennell; Buda TX
Colossians 4:2 (SV)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Kristie Larsen, Mesa, Arizona
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Brenda, Ottawa, Ontario “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18 NKJV
Suzan Witter, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
De Heer is niet traag met het nakomen van zijn belofte, zoals sommige menen; Hij heeft alleen maar geduld met u, omdat Hij wil dat iedereen tot inkeer komt en niemand verloren gaat.
2 Petrus 3 : 9
Desiree Reimer
Calgary, Alberta
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24 ESV
Charmaine, Miami, Florida — “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Kathie Dini Alburtis,Pa. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they didn’t realize it was I who healed them. I led them wih cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:3-4 NIV
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV)
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
Suzie DeVaughn, Wenona, MD
But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.Micah 7:7 NASB
Mackenzie Messinger Hurst, TX
Psalm 3:5 I lay down and slept; I woke again for the Lord sustained me. ESV
Kim James, Bagley, Al
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
II Timothy 1:6-7
Missy Sprinkle, Knoxville, TN
Consider it pure joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1 : 2-4 NIV
Carrie, Eure, NC
Do everything without complaining and arguing.
Philippians 2:14 (NLT)
Aretha Gearhart, Council Bluffs IA, Jeremiah 29:12 – World English Bible, “You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Sharon From Spokane, WA
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 KJV
Patti Riggenbach, Niles, MI
Philippians 4:6,7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I love those verses!
Connie Hughey, Bolingbrook, IL
“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 NIV
Columbia, SC
Psalm 46:10 NIV
[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Holly Barrett, Crossnore NC
“You know me inside and out, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me tall in your presence so I can look you in the eye.” Psalm 41:12 MSG
Ginger B from Ringgold, GA
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
1 John 4:20 NLT
“Do not conform 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.” Romans12: 2 NIV
Katie Moran, Arlington, TX
Romans 12:12 New International Version (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Inverness, Fl
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Amy, Pleasanton CA
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 ESV
Charlotte Sloan, Myrtle Beach, SC
I will praise Thee, O Lord,
with my whole heart; I Will show forth
all Thy marvelous works.
Psalm 9:1 KJ21
Wanda Parks, Baltimore, MD “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
Lauren, Pittsburgh, PA. “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:20, NIV.
Tye, Tx
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:6 TLB
Elaine W. Poplar Bluff, MO “I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.” Is. 49:15b-16 NLT
For He That Will Love Life, And See Good Days, Let Him Refrain His Tongue From Evil, And His Lips That They Speak No Guile: 1 Peter 3:10 KJV
Rachel, Mt. Carmel, PA – “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deut. 30:6, NIV
“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; Nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 NKJV
Traci ~ OKC, OK ~ “But He knows the way I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
Susan Toney, Raymond, MS,
“He has shown you, O Mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8 NIV
Joy from Lubbock, Texas “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Lubbock Siesta! Glad to see a local! Praying for you.
Patty Vandaveer; Lake Jackson, TX.
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” Hosea 14:4, NIV
Sarah W. Port St. Lucie, Florida
Job 5: 17-18 ERV
You are fortunate when God corrects you. So do not complain when God All-Powerful punishes you. God might injure you, but He will bandage those wounds. He might hurt you, but His hands also heal.
Lisa from Waycross GA
Donna from Albany GA
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (Amplified)
Linda, Chester, VA
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2 NIV
Anna, La Plata, MO
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting:
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Lauren from Lubbock, Texas “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NIV
Love seeing our Lubbock Siesta’s! Praying for you!