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!
Jordan Manahan, Sabillasville, MD. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Jsnie
Valera,TX
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJ
Vickie Henderson
Russellville, Ar
John 7:18
The one who speaks for himself seeks his own glory. But He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
HCSB
Wanna be like Jesus!
Michelle Booth, Lancaster, SC “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall e saved, For Your are my Praise” Jeremiah 17:14 NKJV
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Denisha Bonds, Boynton Beach, FL
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. Proverbs 10:12 NASB
Amy, Buda, Texas
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will succeed.”
Awesome! Truly a great reminder to TRUST in HIM ALWAYS!!
Kathy. Alliance, OH Happy are those who keep His decrees and
seek Him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 HCSB
Dawn, Hauppauge NY
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)~ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Teri Wray, Raleigh, NC “Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6, NIV
Sherryl Cole, Sacramento CA
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:11-13 ESV
Robyn Gross, Cape Girardeau, Mo. “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 NLT
Jennifer, Erie, PA: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
Jamie. Calhoun, GA. Joshua 1:9 NLT
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Tamara Manahan, Sabillasville, MD. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25 NIV)
Jennifer Chatman- Jonesborough,TN
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” Matthew 6:33 (MSG)
Amy H, Eva, AL. From the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2 ESV)
Dana Roberts McKinney TX
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 3:3 NIV)
Patty B Cleveland, OH “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Romans 14:13 NIV
Tammy. Merryville, La “I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me.” Psalm 61:2 (HCSB)
Trixie Pratt, Arcanum, OH
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 (HCSB)
I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him.
Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed.
Nicole Moore – Olathe, KS. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 NIV
Bree Taylor. Hemet, CA. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
Juanita-Boston, MA
Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 ESV
Donna
Tampa,FL
Psalm 25:6
Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and your loving kindnesses, for they are from old.
NKJV
Julia Morata, Manila, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22 NASB
Kendall, Tulsa, OK “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, leads to spiritual death” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT).
Cheryl
The Villages, FL
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Staci Muir, Chesapeake, Virginia. “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV
Brenna Rosetti, Wiggins, MS
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37 (NIV)
Allie Schielack, Houston, TX. “Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” Psalm 66:20 NIV
Jennifer Cochran, Sealy, TX
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Molly Mason Black Mountain, NC
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV
Susan Douglas-Pacfic, WA. ~ “Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 CEB
Lori from Ga
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the
Glory both now and forever. Amen 2 Peter 3:18
NIV
Anita Kratz, Gilbertsville, PA I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV
Kelly Westbrook, Clayton, NC.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than a double-edged sword,it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Jennifer Klink, Fuquay-Varina, NC Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. 5 Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you
Psalm 25:4,5 The Living Bible
Nikki Gack, Park Rapids, MN
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Ashlee Jones, Johnson City, TN “And the Lord will lead you continually and satisfy your desires in scorched places, and make your bones strong and you shall be like a watered garden; like a spring of water, where waters do not fail” ~Isaiah 58:11
Kelly Mercer
Neenah, Wisconsin
Esther 4:14 NASB
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”
Karina, Panama City Beach, Fl. “You will guard her and keep her in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and character) is stayed on You, because she commits herself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)
Brenda, Pell City, AL. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2 ESV)
Shana G., Holly Springs, NC ~ “Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” ~ James 1:2-3 (NLT)
Naya,Sacto,CA. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Charlotte, Pittsburgh PA
For of this I am confident that He who has begun a good work within you will go on to perfect it in preparation for the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 Weymouth New Testament
Sheryl, PA
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Danna McDuff, Atlanta, Tx.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
Sheryl Bushman (58) and Bella Stolle (7) – Parker, KS
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
Emily Hayes, Conway, Arkansas. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6. NIV