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!
Amy Cooper, Fort Worth Texas
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
http://bible.com/114/jos.1.2-3.nkjv
Gini, The Woodlands, TX
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Angie Wilt, Kansas City, Missouri. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
Whitney Harrington, Michigan
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!” 2Cor 5:17, TLB
Kelli- Lake Forest, CA
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it againL Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
Philippians 4:4-8
Amber Dixon from Chattanooga, TN:
Isaiah 30:18 Holman
Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy.
Andrea – Oneonta, AL
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 (NIV)
Ashley, Statesboro GA “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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Stephanie in College Station, Texas “God does not see as human beings see; they look at appearances but Yahweh looks at the heart” 1 Samuel 7b New Jerusalem
James 5:16New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective [a]prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Karen Cosmano, Vista, CA. “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7 NLT
Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and
mighty things which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33;3 NKJV
Megan Watson, Dothan, AL
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Lynda Atlanta GA
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
Sarah Spencer, Marion, KS
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV
Sally, Berrien Springs, MI, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”(Romans 3:22NIV).
Amy B., Sacramento, CA
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love.” Eph. 4:2 NIV
Rita from Brighton, Michigan. 2 Thes. 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Debbie W. of Prattville, AL
The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.
Psalm 23:1
NLV
Lesli Kohout Oceanside, CA
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 ESV
Kelly Pietrus, Concord NC
Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
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.
Christina Sheriff
Lebanon, Mo
“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” 1 Peter 2:18 NIV
Kathi, Westminster
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 KJV
Margaret, Kingsport, TN
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Felicia Bess, Richmond, TX
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk; and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Pamela McDonald, Benton, La, “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 NKJV
Carla Kaney, Adel, Iowa ” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7 NKJV
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
Lou Ann Pennington, St. Joseph, MI
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will up hold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Robin, Tracy CA
Leviticus 10:10 NIV
You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean…
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Miranda Brunty, Oceana, WV “Because he bends down to listen,I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:2New Living Translation
Sallie Russ, Greenwood, SC. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no ceature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB
Jacksonville, FL
John 17:3(NKJV)
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Cheryl Cash, Fort Portal, Uganda
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:2 NIV
JoAnne – Swdona, AZ
Colossians 1:9 (MSG)
Be assured that from the very first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.
1 John 4:16 ESV
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt.5:3 ESV
Heather
Little Rock, AR.
I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (Psalms 16:8 NLT)
Jennifer Giugliano, Lexington, SC – “When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 NLT
Laurie Marietta.GA
But I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother. Like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalms 131:2 ESV
Margie Davis beaverton oregon
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
Makoto Houck, Carlsbad, California “Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer,my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV
MarlaMae, Kimmell, IN “Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic’ I’m right here to help you.” -Isaiah 41:13 (MSG) Sent from beside my husband’s hospital bed…prayers welcome…
Chelsa from Liberty Lake, WA “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 ESV
Keefer, Winnie Texas
And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NIV
Karen Cooke, Spokane, WA. ” Do all things without complaining or disputing, that you become blameless and harmless, children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Phil 2: 14-16 NKJV
Jen Z.
Greensburg, PA
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11 NIV
Kerri, Daphne,AL
Be joyful always;pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess 5;16-18 NIV
Mtn Home Arkansas
“In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!” Psalm 71:2 ESV