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!
Lynn H- Pflugerville, Tx
Proverbs 3:6 Holeman
“think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”
Susan Turner Shelby,NC. (Sara is my 16 year old daughter)
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3 NIV)
Sherri Frey, Hagerstown, MD
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind”. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
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. Rom 15:13 (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave your nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Holly Y Mount Carprnel, TN
for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ (Deuteronomy 20:4 NASB)
I a going through martial problems right now. I have tried to fix things my way& came to the conclusion that I can’t fix this. God is going to have to fight this battle for me. This verse is a reminder that I don’t need to lift a finger because God ‘s got this! I just need to step back pray & watch Him work.
Kalen Hahn, Hanston, KS
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 12:1 NIV
Sydney Yeager, Rockwall TX
“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17 NIV
Susan Stevens, Huntsville, AR, “And all your sons will be taught of the Lord; And the well-being of your sons will be great.” Isaiah 54:13 NAS
I have set The Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.
Psalm 16:8-9a(NIV)
Stephanie B, Augusta KS,
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)
Maria E., Burton, OH “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Terra Mueller, Broomfield, CO. “For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
Cathy Rutledge,Jacksonville,Alabama “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Matt. 24:35 NIV. Heaven and eRth will pass away but my words will never pass away.
Mindy Habelt, Williamson, Georgia
Matthew 11: 28-29 (NKJV)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Addie Mueller, Broomfield, CO. “For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
Julie Luten, Spokane, WA “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2 ESV)
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
Kathryn Knorr, Opelika, Alabama, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
Nicole Reuter, Canandaigua, NY – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23, NIV
Christy, Rowlett, TX
Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
Pamela in Rock Island,IL. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Mary Pontbriand, Hampton Falls, NH “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, perfect and pleasing will.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
Gwen, Longview, Tx – saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”;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. Isaiah 41:9b-10 ESV
Charne Scholtz Secunda SOuth Africa: Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! PSM 119:2 NIV
Lindsey A, Murphy, TX. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Alethea Savannah from Houston, Tx “11-I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 18- Open my eyes that I may behold wonderous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:11&18 (ESV)
Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Hebrews 10: 23-24 CEB
Rachel ~ Nashville, TN
“God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” -Psalm 46:5 (ESV)
Donna Sparks, Lexington, TN
Eph.6:18 HCSB
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Kim – Katy Texas
But they who wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31(ESV)
Theresa P
Texas
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with kindness “. Jer. 31:3 (NIV)
Sharon-Tucson, AZ
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Wendy T. Greer, SC
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13 NLT)
Rebekah Owens, Ralph, AL. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Kristi
Idaho Falls Idaho
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
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
Taryn Anderson, Waynesville, MO
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Kim
New Port Richey, FL
II Peter 1:3 NLT
“As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive His own glory and goodness.”
Angela T., Albuquerque, NM
“May these words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your site, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer”
Psalm 19:14
Darla G.
Amarillo, TX
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)
Marie from Post Falls, Idaho –
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30 (NKJV)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Sarah, Dallas, TX
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,” Ephesians 1:11 (esv)
Christine Doughty, Kingsburg, Ca
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 NLT
Jackye Bowen, Pendergrass, GA “give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11b NIV
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for You;
Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”
Isaiah 26:8 NIV
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
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.
Karen Smith
Denton, TX
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved–” Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV