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!
Beth, Sydney, Australia:
“God’s way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.” 1 Cor 4:20 MSG
Colossians 1:15
Christ is the visible image of the invisible
God. He existed before anything and is supreme over all creation.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NKJV
Paula Appomattox,VA
Dollie Carey, Benton AR
Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know Gods will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Nikki, San Antonio, TX
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, say the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21, NKJV)
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Kristine, Leo, Indiana. NIV
Char Manley – Marengo, IL
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
Kim Vande Zande from Orange City, IA “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)
Bethany in Jacksonville, NC
“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)
I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. Hosea 14:4 NIV
Amber Anderson, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada!
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19 NLT
Linda, Stockton, CA
Diane Brown
Cypress, TX
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Lou Ann Smith, McAllen, TX
Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
Jamie Tyler, TX
14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”
Philippians 2:14-15
Teresa Cartersville, GA
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Jackie Strong, Berthoud, CO
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
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.
Amy Harris Oklahoma City, OK
Do everything without complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14
Debra Fuller, Peoria, Arizona. “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” (Exodus 14:14 AMP) another version NLT, says: Just STAY CALM. Bahaha. That’s makes me giggle
Beautiful verse…today is a great day to share these wonderful truths with all we encounter!! All of the verses are such an encouragement to me. So many sisters…I’m so lucky!
Pamela Jeffcoat Leesville, LA
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
Peggy Taft
Fredericksburg, VA
Romans 8:28
ESV
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Tina Santoro, Clearwater FL
Romans 12:2 ESV
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.
Lynda Martin, Jacksonville, Arkansas
“How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!” Psalm 32:1 HCSB
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalm 16:6
“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart”
Psalm 40:8
Texas
“When I am afraid, I will trust you.”–Psalm 56:3
Kristy Helton, Vienna, MO. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 ESV
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NIV
Melissa, Williston, ND
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Nancy-Yonges Island, SC
..”now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light”.
Romans 13:11-12 NKJ
‘The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.’ Psalm 145:13-14 NIV
Audrey Harris Oklahoma City, Ok.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Proverbs 15:1 nlt.
Audra Bell, Boise City, OK
“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
Cheryl, Harleysville, PA “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
And a voice came from Heaven: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11 NIV
Jess Forster, Dillsburg, PA “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Lee Sullivan, Tampa, FL
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said. ~Luke 12:12 NLT
Pam Bryant – Kountze, Tx.
For He shall give His Angels charge over you, to keep
you in all your ways.
Psalm 90:11 NKJV
Laura Sutherland; Alexandria, AL
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
I Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV
Missi, Bargersville, IN: Philippians 1:27a (NIV) ~
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Theda Front Royal, VA
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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.
Rebecca Stewart, Julian, NC “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Abi, Springfield, MO
2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God who said, “Let light shine in the darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (ESV)
Kristen Fowler, Marble, NC
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Leona McCormick , Lakewood, CO
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-Then do me a favor: agree with each other, love each other, be deep spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the fron; t don’t sweettalk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be upset with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.Phil 2:14 Msg
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 16-18 NLT
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Philippians 1:6 NAS
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus
Bronté Harris
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not unto your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Amy Biniasz, Chino Hills, CA: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 ESV