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!
Sue Bragg, Kingsport, Tennessee. “I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, LORD, make me safe and secure.” Psalm 4:8 NET
Lara Kerris, Albuquerque, New Mexico “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (NASV)
Amy & Hollie, Sebring, FL. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:32 NIV
Kelly A, Rogers AR. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6 NIV
Charlotte Nix. Jacksonville, FL. “that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,” NASB
Charlotte Nix. Jacksonville, FL. that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit. Ephesians 4:22 NASB
“Set your mind on things above not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 NIV
Linda in Lusby, MD. Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalms 143:8 NIV
Jennifer – Acworth, GA. You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statues. (Leviticus 18:3 NASB)
April, Pleasant Garden, NC: Now to Him who is able to exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20 NASB
Joan ~ New Windsor, Maryland
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)
Colossians 3:3-4 (NIV)
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Jess R, Katy, Tx
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.-PHilippians 2:13 NLT
Susan, Wynne, AR
Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB
Candice, Baxley, GA And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:19 ESV)
Eileen – Collegeville, PA:
Jeremiah 29:11. 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.
Mary from Tiffin, my verse is:
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Belinda from Carlsbad, Calif.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:29-31 NIV
“Wait on the Lord : be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV
Mandy Codding – Wadsworth, OH “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
“You know when I sit down and when I rise up;” Psalm 139:2 (NAS)
Suzie Henderson, Silver Creek, Ga If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 ESV
Tina, Zalma, MO Now all glory to God, who is able through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Sharon
Glennville, GA
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Gina, Thomaston
“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
Meagan Dowler Fairbanks, AK do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 NASB
Courtney – Wentzville, MO
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
Jean Rubicon, WI
“Paul, Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. ” 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
Susan in Grand Rapids, MI
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:18 ESV
Mary Lilburn,GA. Not to us O Lord, not to us,but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Ps 115:1. NIV
Katheen Knowles, Clinton NC
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
Beth Reid, London, Ontario
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5 NET)
Jackie Quinn, Deltona, Florida. “When struck by fear,
I let go, depending securely upon You alone.” Psalm 56:3 VOICE
Jen from Wyoming
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 niv
Tara
Springfield, MO
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Troy, KS I Peter 1:13-15 “So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown to you. Now that you are obedient children of God do not live as you did in the past. You did not understand so you did the evil things you wanted. But be holy in all you do just as God, the One who called you, is holy.” Max Lucado The Devotional Bible
Meg W. Raleigh, NC. Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. 1 Timothy 4:8a, NIRV
Taylor McFarland-Peru, IN, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Christie Marsh from Cheyenne, WY
Phillipians 4:6-7 NASB
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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Lauren Ferguson- Valrico, Florida. “But Moses told the people, Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13-14 NLT
Kristen Jenkins – Lanett, AL. “Create in my a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10, ESV
Catherine Stewart, Centreville, VA.
“God is mighty, but he does not despise anyone!
He is mighty in both power and understanding.”
Job 36:5 (NLT)
Sara – Somerset, KY
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! John 16:33 NIV84
Jackie, Versailles, Ky. “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
Brady Bradshaw, Cedar Rapids, IA, “Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, Don’t take a single day for granted.” Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, MSG.
Danielle. Cocoa, FL “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is in the LORD For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river. And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV)
Deena Sellars from Amarillo, Texas
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.” Zechariah 14:9 NLT
Sophia S Harleysville, P.A.
” He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all-How will he not also,along with him, graciously give us all things? ”
Romans 8:32 (NIV)
Marina, North Little Rock, AR. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV)
Cassie, Idaho Falls, ID
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” (Psalm 143:8)
Tanya Smith
Kenosha Wisconsin
Because Jesus is my beginning and my end
Hosea 2:6-7 For this reason I will fence her in with thornbushes, I will block her path with a wall to make her lose her way. When she runs after her lovers she won’t be able to catch them. She’ll search for them but won’t be able to find them.
New American Standard Version