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!
Debbie from Colorado Springs
1Cor.3:23 NIV
And you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, Isaiah 61:2 NIV
I forgot to add my city – Madill, OK
Tiffany, Indiana – Romans 12:2 (NASB) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Lee Lewis, Cadiz, KY “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Mathew 7:7 ESV
Michelle Slomp, Okotoks, AB, CAN
After your season of suffering God in all His grace will restore confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
This is exactly what I needed reminding of in this season of my life!! I will join you in memorizing this verse
Carol Collier, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NCV)
Linda Johnson, High Point, N.C. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9, NIV
Rhonda Nelson Grapevine, Texas “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phillipians 1:6 MEV
Jessica Thomas-TRA (Temporarily Residing Abroad
Operator error… Not enough coffee I didn’t include my verse…
Jessica Thomas – Colorado Springs CO
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26 NIV
Tammy from Binghamton, NY
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)
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. Ps 121:1-8 NIV
Fayetteville, NC
Romans 12:2. “Do not conform any longer 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.” NIV
Lindy, Scott, Louisiana
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Terri Stonewall LA. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. NIV
Jerri Hadley, Wimberley, TX. “Let your conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” NIV
Catherine from Fuquay Varina, NC Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! Psalm 127:4-5a ESV
Pam from Supphur, LA
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7 NIV)
Annette, Richmond, TX
Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. (Romans 12:10 NET)
Heather B., West Hartford, CT. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:2-5 NIV
Kristi, Logansport, Louisiana, 2 Corinthians 12:9, “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..’ KJV
Aimee Hale, Bartlett, TN. “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” 1 Peter 3:1-22 ESV
Shirley McCoy Belton, TX
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make most of every oppourtunity Let your conversation be gracious an attractive, so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NLT
Denise, Ruby, SC,
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
Gloria Davis, Mansfield, OH “Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalms 116:2 NLT
April from Stanley, NC
This day marks the one year anniversary of when my husband was sick and had a procedure done. We rejoice in how God healed him exceeding abundantly more than we could ask or think! ” Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20 King James Version
Pam Drewery
Springfield Ohio
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22&23
Roseanne Tacoma Wa
As obedient children do not be comformed to the passions
of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is Holy you also be holy in all your conduct. Since it is written “You shall be holy for I am Holy.”
1Peter 1:14-16
ESV
Gwendolyn Shingshang, Mesquite, TX
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
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. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
I did it again. I forgot my location. LOL It’s Montezuma, Indiana
Madelyn Crawley, Conway, AR
Matthew 9:29 ESV
Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”
Karen Connors, Delmont, PA
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJ
Love it. Just memorized that one. I am from eastern PA.
Callee Maglothin, Houston, TX: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Carol, Conyers, GA
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1Peter 1:3 NASB
Lydia Quillin, Creighton, MO: “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8, ESV)
Joyce Davidson, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 ESV
Linzi, Slidell, LA
“I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.” John 17:14-16, New American Bible
Joy West Monroe, LA
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:2 NIV
Angie Diemer, Battle Creek Michigan: “Behold I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
Katie from Pittsburgh, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
this must be the PA verse. I just memorized this one. And there is another person from PA memorizing it. I am from the Hbg area.
Rebekah, Florence, CO
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Philippians 2:13 HCSB
Mechelle, Tulsa, OK
But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT
Pam Wise, Camden,SC. “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.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
Tammy, Monroe, IA. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Annette, Stouffville ON Canada
Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Jude 2 NKJV
Barbara Slaven, Loudon Tennessee
Be kinda and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32 NIV
Bobbie Gustafson, Story City, Iowa…’May the words of my mouth and meditation on my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ Psalm 19:14 NIV
BG’s living late summer. Thanks GJ! <3
Caitlin from Windsor, Ontario
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:2, NIV
Tracey Boyko, Niskayuna, NY
1 Corinthians 10:23 NKJ “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.”
Tiffany Wooldridge, Bolivar, Missouri
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5 (NKJV)