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!
Nidia Wheeler, Dayton, Oregon
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Tina Harrell from Chesapeake, VA:
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV84
Lourdes Minor, Decatur, Georgia. “But this command I gave them: Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23 ESV
Lillian Worgan donora pa
The Lord will work out his plans for my life — for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
– Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
Chandler, OK
Ephesians 1:18Amplified Bible (AMP)
18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
Mindy White, McDonald, TN. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV
Rhonda Jackson of Godfrey, Illinois. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 5:15 – KJV
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Libby
Dallas, Texas
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Luke 8:15
NIV
Sharon Andreasen, Fresno, CA
Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
Stacey,Morocco, In.Philippians 4:19 NLT -“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Fawnda Dooley Denton, TX
But now, this is what the Lord says-
He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel;
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Karen, Denver “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)
Pammie, Barstow, CA: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:20 NASB
Exodus 14:13 (NLT)
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. “Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.”
Denise Matthews, Riverside CA. – “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to Him be the glory inthe church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 HCSB
Dianne Detrick, Magnolia, TX
He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23 NIV
Barbara Cech, Rockport, TX “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that
thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast,
and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou
wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!
And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
Christi Jacobs, Marysville, Ohio
Psalm 18:30 ESV
This God, His way is perfect the word of the Lord proves true. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
Marianne, Rockford, Mn
James 4:12 ESV
Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
Karla Columbus, OH Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV.
Teri Kurtz, Kalamazoo, Michigan. “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” [1Pe 4:13 NKJV]
Natalie Macek, Damascus, MD:”For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15 NIV
Elizabeth, Berrien Springs,MI, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2ESV).
Stephanie Murphy, College Station, TX
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
Lexington, KY
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. Hebrews 11:1. NKJV
Meredith
Virginia Beach
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 41:10 (ESV)
Leah, Austin, TX
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
Carrie Beasley, Prattville, AL
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Carrie Reddell – Blue Springs – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV
Andrea Farrier – Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their need. Eph. 4:29 (NIV)
Brandy Metzger from Bison SD
“The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him” John 14:21 (HCSB)
Thank you so much for the blog Post today!! “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.” Exactly what I needed to hear today!!
Dawn, South Bend, Indiana
for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
Proverbs 1:2 NIV
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the (action of His power)that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly,far over and above all that we (dare)ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams
Ephesians 3:20 AMP
Lauren Bratcher from Big Spring, Texas: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)
Rebecca from San Angelo, TX: Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Stephanie Bryant, Charlotte, NC
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
“When I am afraid,I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Julie, Chesterland, OH
“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Abbey, Alabama
” Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10 NIV
Psalm 63:1 (NJKV)
A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
O God, You are my God, Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (NJKV)
Misty from Houston, TX
” Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Col 3:23-24 NIV
Marilyn Blandford, Brockport,NY “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the LORD our God.”, Psalm 20:7 (AMP). When Israel faced nations with more advanced technology in war they put their trust in their God to protect them.
Merilee, New Sharon , Iowa .I am but a pilgrim here on earth, how I need a map, and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instruction more then I can tell . Psalms 119: 19 & 20 We can make our plans, But the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16: 9 CLB
We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.
Jill, Winter Haven, FL
“That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside Me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:6 KJV
Elaine Post, Vero Beach, FL
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)
Audrey, Ohio
Hebrews 4:14 TNIV
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Love you, too, Beth!