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!
Jeanni Goormastic, Westland,MI. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 KJV
Kennedy Bass, Savannah, GA “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.” Numbers 15:41
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23, 24. NIV
Fairview, Oklahoma
I love that verse!!
My life verse!
Sarah Dyson, Anchorage, Alaska. “For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:11 NASB
Jessica B, North Potomac, MD
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Luke 18:14 NIV
Karen, Sturgis, MI: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 NIV
Sarah Kozel, San Antonio, TX.
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Eaine Ladich El Paso, TX
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away, and at once forgets what he is like. ” James 1:21-24 ESV
Stephanie H.
Birmingham, AL
We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (NET)
Beverly and Lucy from Geoegua
Beverly – 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ESV
Lucy – Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. ESV
Melissa Morrow, Pike Road, AL
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Robyn Angst, Lebanon, MO
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:2 NIV
Diane Hotchkiss from Cypress, TX
Psalm 16:11 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Heather, St. Louis, Missouri
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Annette Green, Roach, MO
Romans 12:10 HCSV–“Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Doris Ann Barnes, Manchester, GA.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV
Brenda in Longview TX
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant,and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his trouble.
Psalm 34:4-6 ESV
Mackenzie Bass, Savannah, GA “Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Elizabeth Johnston
Guilin, Guangxi, China
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. -Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)
There ARE things that are unseen in the heavenly/spiritual realm, things of the future…But we have SEEN faith played out in our own lives through answered prayer, resolution of trials, etc. These things cause our faith and hope to grow even stronger. Our God can make something out of nothing. What an AWESOME God we serve.
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)
Susannah Hotchkiss from Cypress, TX
Proverbs 3:3 ESV
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Eniola Harrison, Lagos Nigeria
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; I the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly Psalm 5:3 NIV
Naperville, IL Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)
Jonni, Paintsville, KY. Prayer for my prodigal. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 NIV
Michelle Ceniceros, Belton, TX
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
Casey Hale, Roanoke, Texas
“but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15 HCSB
Paula, Russell, KY. Proverbs 3:7-8 NLT
“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height no depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39. NIV
“Jesus said unto him, that Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37 KJV
Andi, Rockwall,TX
“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” (John 14:21 CEB)
Amy, Snellville, GA
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Stacy,Marietta, GA
“The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 NASB
Carisa, Hillsboro, KS
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9 NLT
Wendy, Caldwell, Idaho
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will call you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you things that are to come, John 16:13 ESV
Abigail Dubbe, Red Lion PA, Isaiah 41:10 NIV, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed (discouraged), for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Michelle, West Des Moines, IA
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23 NIV
Dana Camp – Newnan, GA
Ephesians 2:4-5 Holman
But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved!
Dana, Midlothian, VA “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21
Matthew 11:29 (NIV) “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jacqueline M
Ephrata, PA
1 John 4:12, NIV
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love on another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
Elaina from Heber Springs, Arkansas.
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.
Ephesians 3:20, NLT
“But he said to me,’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Lori
Cumming, GA
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Holland, MI
Psalm 138:7 NIV
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.
AMEN
Cindy Geile, Wheatland, WY.
All your Children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children
Isaiah 54:13
Meghann DeLong, Lawton, OK “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34 ESV
Olivia Herr, Omaha, NE
1 Thess. 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other, and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
Phyllis
Gilmer, Tx
John 1:14a “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
NIV
Lisa Medina, Fort Worth, TX
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Psalm 141:3
Kristi, Scottsdale, AZ
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:3 NIV)
Heading home from the hospital with our new baby boy today! We are overjoyed!!!
How exciting and wonderful! 🙂