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!
Amanda Lebow,,, Brevard, North Carolina…. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB
Maranda Anna,TX
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Christine Caine Sydney Australia “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19 NIV)
Katy Kellar, Springfield, AR, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Peggy Casebier, Salem, OR “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. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.” Colossians 3:23&24 NIV
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
“If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor…” Exodus 33:13 NLT
Oops forgot. Houston, TX
Jeanine, Augusta, Ga
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Tulsa, Oklahoma
But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:13 NIV
Galatians 4:4-5 ESV But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of woman, under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Cindy Turner, Deming, New Mexico
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23, 24. KJV
I was talking to the widow of the sweetest gentleman at my church who died recently at the age of 82, and she told me she never, ever in their long marriage, ever heard him say anything bad about anyone. So my second verse is:
Let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil.
Matthew 5:37 KJV
Keri Laurila, Pawtucket,RI…”I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Philippine 4:13 NIV
Mary Jo Wheeler, Las Vegas, NV; Turn my eyes away from worthless things; Preserve my life according to Your word. Ps 119:37 (NIV)
Becky Roode, Norfolk, VA: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Kelly Duncan, Hayden AL
Joshua 1:7 NIV
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left that you may be successful wherever you go.
Gina Shipley, San Angelo, Texas
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor 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
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12 NLT
Reply
Leslie, Effingham, IL
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Name: TaTanisha Shumpert
Jackson, MS by way of Atlanta, Ga
verse: Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
And the Lord answered me,and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Brandi, Center, Texas
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them, and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. Is 42:16 HCS
Michele, Sioux City, IA
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Caron English, Kyle, TX. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ May rest upon me. 2 Cor 12:9 KJV
Judy Ingalsbe, Edmond, OK. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6,7 NIV
Mia Claire Lebow,,, Brevard, North Carolina… “Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; Indeed I shall observe it with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:34 NKJV
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5: 15-17 NIV
Sarah G., Birmingham, AL
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (HCSB)
Lorna Clemente, Walker, LA. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, NKJV
Julia Tillman, Clovis, NM
And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faith. Galatians 6:9 AMP
June, Coarsegold, CA.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1Corinthians 10:31 NIV
Marketa Edwards, South Portland, ME
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61:11 NIV)
Anastasia Remmes Houston, Tx Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law then Christ died in vain.”
Shannon Hillegeist, Houston, TX
1 Cor 13:4-7 ESV
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Kathy Long Van Wert, Ohio “May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Elise Barnes, Fayetteville, TN “Reatore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” Psalm 51:12 NLT
Debby from Akron, Ohio
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV84
Sarah Richter, Borger, Texas. “For we are His creation – created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepare ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 HCSB
Ella – Washington, Illinois
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4 NKJV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ~ ESV
Kristi; Arlington, Texas 🙂
Lori – Richmond, Tx
Galatians 5:15 (HCSB)
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
Cynthia McCutcheon, Hackett, AR
“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8 NLT
Susan, Las Vegas
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
Teri, Salem, South Carolina
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8
I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NIV
Kathryn Luedtke, Sherwood Park, AB
So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice. I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, or will there ever be. 1 Kings 3:11-12 NIV
Valerie, Taylors, SC
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, ’til I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.
Psalm 71:18 NIV
Brandie, Fort Worth, TX
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV
Michelle Eagan, MN
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, 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. ~2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
WAYNE, PA
2 TIM 1:7 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity
But of
POWER,
LOVE,
&
SELF DISCIPLINE
Jolene, Suwanee, GA
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4 NIV