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!
Lea Sheppard, Monroe,LA. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)
Vicki Mendell, Talala, OK
Proverbs 3:3 NLT
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:18 NIV
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Amy from Big Lake, MN – “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.” James 1: 19-20 NIV
East Helena, Montana
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
Jana – Quitaque, Texas
Dear friends, let us love one another, for loves comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NIV
Kristi, Lenoir City, TN
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Alyssa Tabor, Springfield, MO “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord, his heart is secure, he will have no fear…” Psalm 112:7-8a NIV 1984
Deanna Koehl, Montgomery, TX Luke 18:27 “But he said, What is impossible with man is possible with God.” ESV
Dianna McFarland, Tracy, CA
Psalm 119:11 HCSB
I have treasured YOUR word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.
Tracy
San Diego, CA
Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high,You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? Psalm 71:19
Brooke, Mobile, AL “You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.” -Isaiah 26:3, HCSB
Margaret O. Modesto,CA
‘For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.’ Philippians 4:13 NLT
Jessie Hurst
New Palestine, Indiana
Psalm 112:7
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”.
NIV
Linda Hammett, Wake Forest, NC
“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:1NIV
Paula Whidden, Santa Clarita, CA
“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?” Romans 9:21
oops I forgot to mention, that’s from NIV
Abigail, -Cincinnati, Ohio-The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory; like Father, like Son. Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.
John 1:14 The Message
Alana W. Surprise, AZ “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 5:22-23 NASB
Maggie, Tupelo, MS
“The He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 NKJV
Carolyn O, Cypress TX 9:40pm
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23 NIV
Hannah, Claremore, Ok.
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though He is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.” -Daniel 2:20-23 (NLT)
Erin from Kennewick, WA
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. ~ 2 Corinthianss 1:20 (NIV)
Denise Ferrell, Stillwater, Oklahoma Jeremiah29:13 KJV
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Francine S. – The Woodlands, TX…..Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 AMP)
Kathleen, Jacksonville – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 (NIV)
Ramona Gellick
Medina, Ohio
Exodus 14:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Bossier City, LA ~ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people I look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
Brittany Mabe from San Diego, CA
So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation. Genesis 2:3, ESV
Gina Cave City, AR
I so needed this post. I will use this too.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Terri King, Hartsville, SC
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV
Robin Nadasdy – Highland, IN Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven (NIV)
Ginger Stephenson – Decatur, AL
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. Job 5:9 NIV
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
Psalm 119:10 ESV
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)
Kidist, The Colony, TX “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV
Katherine, Elizabeth, CO ..by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4 ESV
Cindy Nickerson, Lascassas, TN
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Sara, Iowa City Iowa. Give all your worries and cares to God for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Brooke Koehl, Montgomery, TX Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right side I will not be shaken.” NIV
Hebrews 12:1 NIV “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,”
Dorothee Sadler TX
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
Dori
Meridian, ID
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
My heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.
ESV
Ashley Boot, Lexington SC: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:2 NLT
Andrea Orr, Coweta, Ok “He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
Rachel Nestman, Hackettstown, New Jersey. “Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.” Psalm 143:8 NLT
Cindy B, Grand Rapids, MI – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Catherine, Forney, TX -3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
9 And so, from the day we first heard, we have not ceased to pray for you asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding 10. So as to walk in a manner fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, Wisconsin
Hebrews 12: 1b-2a
And, let us run with patient endurance the race set before us; fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith . . .
[Taken partly from the NIV/Amplified Bibles]