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!
Syneva, Topeka, KS
Psalm 34:2 – ” My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.”. NASB
Rahab Wambui,Nairobi,Kenya. Psalms 27:4,”One thing I ask of the LORD,this is what I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple.”
Connie Freeman, Broken Bow, OK
Psalms 51:10 KJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Sue B, Mundelein,IL
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Phil 2:14. NIV
Andrea Wilson, Jacksonville, AL
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building each other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph 4:29 NIV
Arlington, Texas
“Remember not the former things nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ” Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV
Carla Goetz, Shell Lake, WI, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Eph 3:20 NLT
Traci Horton from Bartonville,Tx. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 NIV
Delores Perley, El Cajon, CA. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV)
Lisa, Charleston, SC “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Proverbs 19:20 (NIV)
Lisa, San Antonio, TX.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 NIB
Amy, Rockwall, TX
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16 NIV
Ashley, West Monroe, LA
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Psalm 23, KJV (im not an overachiever…i know most of it, I just want to truly commit the entire thing to memory
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalms 23:1-6 KJV)
Debbie H., North Richland Hills, TX
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Psalms 119:73 ESV
Chris W. from Webster, NY
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 NIV
Jeri Jacobs, Hemet, CA
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Cindy
La Belle, FL
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
~ Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV
Anna Jenkins, Fort Collins, CO
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
Romans 15:13 ESV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Kelly, CA
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Carol
Woodbridge, CA
“Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually. ”
Psalm 105:4. NASB
Michelle Vardeman, Russellville, AR. “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11 NIV
Terrie Westminster Md
Therefore,as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Valerie Yucaipa CA Isaiah 43:18 NIV. Forget the former things:do not dwell in the past.
Nice to meet you Jan!
Kerri, Boise, Idaho
God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. He has said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19 ESV
Betty Jane
franklin ky
Put on the whole armor of God,that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NKJ
Meg Mcclure Oldfort, TN
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Crystal, Monterey, CA
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
Lisa, Buundo village, Buikwe District, Uganda – John 3:16 (in Luganda) – Kubanga Katonda bwe yayagala ensi bw’ati, n’okuwaayo n’awaayo Omwana we eyazaalibwa omu yekka, buli muntu yenna amukkiriza aleme okubula, naye abeere n’obulamu obutaggwaawo. Yokaana 3:16 (The Bible Society of Uganda).
Vickie Anderson League City, Texas- Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. NIV
Summer, Fort Worth, TX
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Angela, Lexington KY
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Gal 1:10) NIV
Erin Hogan, Pocahontas, AR
“Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God: let thy good Spirit lead me unto the land of righteousness” psalms 143:10 (1599 Geneva Bible)
Carol, Pasadena, CA “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
Andrea from Nashville TN
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NIV
Chaundel Holladay, Lake Forest, CA I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT
Kathy, Albany,OR
Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19ESV
Marcia Grondahl San Clemente,CA
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds as in Christ Jesus
Phil 4:7 NIV
Diane, Longmont, CO
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NIV
Bobbi Wineberg, Lake City, FL
The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations;look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day,something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5 (NLT)
Cindy, San Diego CA
“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
Cathy Frank , Houston , TX. Colossians 3:12, 13, 14 NKJV “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a compliant against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Kari Stewart, Loveland, CO Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you. Joshua 3:5 NIV
Angela Tourney, Fort Collins, CO “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” – Isaiah 26:12 NIV
Bevin, Wartrace, TN
Jesus said, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4-5 NIV
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:2 NIV)
Jonae Grinage, Irving TX, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19) NIV
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Kasi Walker – Tacoma, WA
Susan from Surrey BC Canada
Joshua 1:9. Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the lord your God with you wherever you go. NASB