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!
Karen, Milledgeville, GA
Blessed is the man who,trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:7 NASB
Nicole Holloway, Cookeville, TN
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note if this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Nicole — your verse has convicted me, it isn’t even the first time I’ve heard it but I was reading through the blog and came to your verse and I had to laugh out loud and think…this one’s for me. Over the next couple of weeks I’ll pray for us BOTH to have this happen in our lives — so know that someone in Boise, Idaho is relating to you!
Christy, Arlington, TX. 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, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Kelley Vail, Greensboro, North Carolina
2 Peter 1:5-7 HCSB
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
Courtney Wynne, Covington, GA, NIV
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith?
Matthew 6:28-30
Jennifer Fowler Deland, Fl.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1NIV
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Chris DelMoro, Beckley, WV The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Jami Carey, Fishers, IN
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25 NIV
Janice, Springville, AL. “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.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Cath M., Knox, PA.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)
Love this verse! Thanks for posting it! We just finished the study on Thess. And read that many times!
Lauren Kliewer, Edmond, OK. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Patricia Jones, Albuquerque, NM Mark 1:15 NIV
“The time has come,” HE said, tHE Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and Believe tHE Good News!”
Rebecca Alread, St Simons Island, GA. “I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121 NIV
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS
Hebrews 11:6 NLT
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
Leah DiPascal ~ Charlotte, NC
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Redfield, AR
[12] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)
Joyce from El Paso, TX
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
Present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Nancy Knox, Spartanburg SC
“But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight declares the Lord” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV
Jolinda Drake, Kearney,NE
Jeremiah 29:13(NIV)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jane, Houston
James 1:2 (NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
Lisa Lawrence, Jonesboro, Arkansas. “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”, I Peter 5:7, ESV
Cherie Baruss, Calgary, Alberta “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” 1Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Erin, Canyon, TX
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5, ESV
Terri, College Station, TX
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name”
Psalm 103:1 ESV
Kristy Moore, Oklahoma
NASB Ps. 63:1 “O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Lori Newton, Powder Springs, GA
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the van, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
John 15:3-4, NASB
Jonna Decker, Malibu, CA
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
Nina H. Winston Salem, NC
Joshua 3:5 “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” NIV
Katie Quinn
Derby, KS
“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 for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God”
Phillipians 1:9-11 NIV
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Several days late in posting…. 🙁
It’s okay DeeDee!! We are glad you’re a part of SSMT!
Shirley Williams Greenville, MS
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 NIV
Stephanie, Pawleys Islalnd, SC
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
Laura, Mckinney, TX
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
Asheville, NC
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
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 your paths straight.
Carolyn Tapley, Macon, Ga
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV
Anna H. “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.” Deut31:6 NIV
Tania Scott, Wake Forest, North Carolina. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 ESV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Phil.2:5 NIV
Ann Higgins Maytown, AL
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NKJB
Kara Webb, Lafayette IN
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Toni H (age 9)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights…” James 1:17 NIV
Elizabeth Schroeder, Whitesboro, TX.
“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
Andrea Winn – Waddell, AZ
For God has not given you a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10, NIV).
Elizabeth Gorden, Murfreesboro, TN
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shone.
Isaiah 9:2
Isaiah 41:9-10 NLT
9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Teach us to number each of our days so that we may grow in wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 God’s Word Translation)
Lori Goodale Lewisburg, WV my verse this week is Romans 12:12 ESV
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.