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!
Margaret Dearing, Harrisonville MO
“I pray that God,the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT
Paula Brunswick, Ga. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph. 4:3 NIV
Cullman, alabama
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 116:8-9 NIV)
Melissa Dulaney, Circleville, OH:
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6, NIV
Colleen Duebber. Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
Samantha, Kingwood, TX. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! (Psalm 103:1 ESV)
Christy Hamrick, Shelby, North Carolina-“So I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”- Galatians 5:16 NIV
Tammy Cosby; Siloam, NC—-If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22 (NIV)
Rachel, Danville, VA: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Eph 6:10-11
Lisa Voetberg, Chehalis WA “But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,” Eph.2:4 NKJV
Allison Cave City, Ar. “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.” Amen Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Robin LeGrand – Winfield, Kansas
All gifts come from God: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us,” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NLT).
Susan Green, Sydney, Australia. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. Psalm 42:5 BNIV
Beverly, Jackson, TN “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” NASB
Kendall Reidenbach Dover, Ohio. “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Pamela Kimes, St. Marys, Georgia: “Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed in Your commands.” Psalm 119:66 AMP
Trish Sproat, Lebanon, MO: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
Jess. Telford, PA.
David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
Psalm 78.72 (NIV)
Julia Isaacs, Lynchburg, VA. To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 GNT)
Margaret Westbrook Lake Lure, NC
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Mary Beth Nickerson, Lascassas, TN “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20 NIV)
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. Romans 12:2 NIV
Taryn, Corinth, TX
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 minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Angela Brown, Rogers, AR
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 1 Chronicles 16:10 AMP
Dacia Edmonson; Bullard, Texas; “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7; NIV
Sherri Dudley, Albuquerque “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3 ASV)”
Donna; Birmingham, AL
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Vanessa from Calgary AB
Forget the former things do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing ! Now it springs up do you not perceive it ? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland . Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Amanda, Wedtland, MI. “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 hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Kay Tucker, Elyria, OH. “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.” II Corinthians 12:9
Maria Hogan from Tallmadge, Ohio
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Tracey Morrison, Nova Scotia, Canada.
“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
Matthew 17:20
“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
Tryon, NC “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Linda Byrd, Shelby, NC “Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health.” (Proverbs 4:20-22 MSG)
Cindy Willimon, Easley, SC. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can beat. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” NIV. 1 Cor 10:13
Rising Sun,MD
For the Lord is good,
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations
Psalms 100:5 NKJV
Hannah, Mantua, OH
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:23-26 ESV
Melissa, Lugoff, SC. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out, plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 MSG)
Katie Mitchell Jacksonville, FL
“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” 1 Peter 4:19 NLT
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45 NIV
Vanessa Strickland Guelph, Canada
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2 ESV
Monte Armstrong, Dickson, Tennessee. “Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God
has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” ~Romans 5:5~ NKJV
Keller, TX
Ps. 86:10 NIV
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
Brooke Walburg, Grand Rapids MI, James 1:5 (ESV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Jill Davis Roswell,GA Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Gail McCabe, Crowley, TX
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
Sarah, Warrensburg, Mo.
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 NIV
Janet, Lenoir, NC. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV