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!
“You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4 NLT
“The Lord has remembered us: He will bless us; He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great.” Ps. 115:12-13, ESV
Jessica
Westminster, MD
2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Wanda Calderwood, Crofton, Maryland
“to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:21 NKJV
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me O LORD, I shall be healed,save me and I shall be saved for you are my praise.
Deutermony 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments
Smithfield, NC
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 5:2 NLT
Alanna Jeffcoat, Bullard, Tx
” Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:4 NIV
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Bridget Willeford, Starkville, Mississippi
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:4, NIV
Kristie H., Cheney, WA “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.” Prov. 21:23 NKJV
Jennifer Lane, Grand Rapids, MI
“Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17 NIV
Samantha, Nappanee, IN
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT
Tracy Klensch
Edgewood, Ky
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 TEV
Mark 1:15 KJV And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Jill Petersen, Byron, MN “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Dana, Rogers AR. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.Phillipians 4:8 NIV
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26
Dee Dee Thornton, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 ESV
Lindsey Harden, Goodyear, AZ
2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
“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.”
Bree,Northern, VA
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ~2 Corinthians 1:3-4 {NASB}
Linda Gammon, Blue Springs, MO
Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 ESV
Ann T., Lancaster, SC
Colossians 3:23(NASB)
23 Whatever you do, do your work [a]heartily, as for the Lord [b]rather than for men,
Leah from Athens, Georgia
1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Nicci Thirkield, Higginsville, MO – [Jesus said] “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)
Santa Rosa, CA – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
(Galatians 5:16 NIV)
Chelsee Hooper, Raleigh, NC
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14, ESV
Taylor Masters, Fairmont, WV
“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
Linda from Enumclaw
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10. ESV
Robyn – Lugoff, SC – As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9 NKJV
Hilary Douglas Lexington, KY
But as He who has called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15 & 16 (NKJV)
Laura Stuart, Nashville, Indiana, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17, ESV
Sandy Bowers, Bryan, Ohio
For you are all children of the light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (ESV)
–Leading COTD study starting tonight! First time leading. Nervous! Love you GJ (and Beth!)
Julie Patrick, Florence, SC
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12KJV
Kristi S. Rogersville, TN
Ephesians 6:13 NASB
Therefore take up the full armor of God so you
will be able to resist the evil day and after you
have done everything to stand firm.
Melody, Whiteland, Ephesians 2:10, NLT. ” For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things He had planned for us long ago.”
Monica Garner, Bridgeport, WV
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
Rachel H, North Alabama,
” So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” ” (Genesis 16:13 ESV)
Joan Walton, Cannon Falls, Minnesota
My sheep listen to my voice;I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 N.I.V.
Nathalie van Holy, Amersfoort, Holland
Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall
strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Rochelle, Louisville, KY
But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (Hebrews 1:2 ESV)
Nell, Gallatin, TN
John1:16-17
We have all received grace upon grace. For indeed the law came through Moses; Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ
Dawn in Monett, MO
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13: 5-6 NIV
Angela; Monroe, GA
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
I John 4:20 NIV
Bobbie Jo Griffith, San Angelo, TX
“He was there before anything was made, and all things continue because of him.” ~Colossians 1:17(NCV)
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.
Psalm 61:2 NLT
Angie, Bentonville
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Mary Ellen, Barboursville, WV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)
whitney ashworth, atlanta
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
eph 4:31-32 NIV
Emily Berry, Lugoff, SC
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.