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!
Katy, TX
“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 that God desires.” James 1:19-20 NIV
Kristin Nutter Hamburg, AR
“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness-without it no one will see The Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness pops up”
Hebrews 12:14-15 HCSB
Christy, Elkhart, IN
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and strengthen thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11 KJV
Janet from Paola, KS
Psalm 91:1 NIV
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Jacquie Engbrecht, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. “But instantly He spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid!’ ” (Matthew 14:27 AMP)
Joni. Lee’s Summit, MO. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
Summerville, Oregon
But those who wait on 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 NKJV
Karin, Marble Falls, TX
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8 NIV
Heather Boone-Hineston,LA
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 43:5 ESV
Kelsey Long, Chickasha, OK
And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21 ESV
Rachel -Springfield MO – Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)
The eyes of The LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. 1 peter 3:12 a NLT
Marla Strack, Hydro, OK
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Mindie, Corbin, Ky
“But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'” Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Shelly Hurst, Leachville, AR. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Abby & Molly Hotchkiss, Cypress, TX
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2, NIV
Andy Spray – Centreville, VA
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:28-30 (NIV)
Tami K., El Paso, Tx. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17 NIV
Tona Walker Tomball, Texas. For the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name Luke 1:49 NIV. My first grandchild was born this week so, please pardon me for posting yesterday too. I was ” running on fumes” and had the date confused.
Tyler C., Gainesville, Florida. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV.
Jen, Fort Worth, TX ” Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 ESV
Megan, St. Peters MO, She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:25-27 NLT
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26: 3,4 NIV
alie from Spencer, Ohio
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 NIV)
Sarah Wright, Kennewick WA
Romans12:1 “There fore I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to.God-this is your true and proper spiritual worship.
Kristin Johnson, Owasso, OK “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9 NIV
Brenda Hayden, Auburn, WA
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2, ESV
Vicki Custer, Goodview, Va. 1 peter 4:11
If anyone speaks let him do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Kim, St. Charles, IL
Matthew 22:37-39King James Version (KJV)
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Tammy, Champaign, IL.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Cara Koski, Fridley, MN
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
Ephesians 1:3-4 (NASB)
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. (Psalms 119:114 NKJV)
Pam Webber Mesa, Arizona
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Lori McGahey, Nashville, TN. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 NKJV
Robbie from Nashville, TN
But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, expecting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude 1:20-23 HCSB
How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!
Proverbs31:10 Good News Bible Roman Catholic 1978
My lofty aspiration
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV Colossians 3:17
Ann, Hurst, TX,
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17)
NIV
Karen Anderson, Minot,ND
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Ali C., Indiana
“If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT
Heather Coulter
Rossville,Ga
For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants and my blessings on your children. Isaiah 44:3 NLT
Annette B.
Reno, NV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
Luci Nicholson, Denton TX And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 ESV
Rachael Heard, San Antonio, TX – The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,For His compassions never fail.They are new every morning;Great is Your faithfulness.“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“Therefore I have hope in Him.” -Lamentations 3:22-24 NASB
Catherine, Frisco, TX. “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
Sarah, Jefferson City, MO
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Emma Rhodes, Oklahoma City, OK
“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)
Heather and Camdyn Wood, Frisco, Texas
“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
Kori, Cabot, AR
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33, NIV
Kallie Whitley, Fort Worth, Texas
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom i will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 18:2
Kimberly Trautman
Butner, NC
Philippians 2:4 ESV
Let each one of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.