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!
Rebecca from Birmingham, AL
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:28 NIV
Anne Miller, St. Louis, Missouri
31 “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
One of the first verses I memorized. I saw it on a tshirt on the John and Kate Plus Eight show. Proof God can use anything to accomplish His purpose.
Cathy from Keller, Texas
Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)
Susan Moore, Houston, TX ….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
Jana Schick Fritch, TX
2 Samuel 22:47 New International Version
“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!
Krist B.
Houston, TX
Exodus 33:14 HCSB
“Then he replied, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'”
Sara Middleton, Kingsville, Texas “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, NIV
Sara! I may have to use this verse on another week – so good and hit me right where I am in life as I read it. Thanks!
Abi Welch, Luverne, AL. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Emily B. From Augusta, GA
“But now thus says Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'” Isaiah 43:1
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,”
Hebrews 10:24 NASB
Kiri, Doncaster, England
It works with the same mighty strength He used when He worked in the Messiah to raise him from the dead and seat him at His right hand in Heaven far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the present or the time to come. Ephesians 1:19-21 CJB
Jennifer Cook, Pullman, WA
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the aboundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” –Luke 6:45, ESV
Morgan, Blue Hill, Nebraska
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:19-21
Thank you for posting this one, Morgan. I love it!
Christian McEndarfer – Tulsa, OK
“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
Anne-Marie, Munich – Germany
Ephesians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” and I would personalize it with “For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things he planned for me long ago.” 🙂
Love this verse! Thank you for sharing the personalized version of it! Reminds me of II Cor. 5:17!! Your post has inspired me to “personalize” other scripture as I read it and commit it to memory. Thank you. Blessings!
Caitlyn Marlin, Leavittsburg, Ohio. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Sue Huotari, Iron Mountain, MI
Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV)
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying ‘Destroy them!’
Rose, Hot Springs, AR
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Psalms 27:13
Diana McAfee, Howe TX
Do everything without complaining or arguing. -Phillipians 2:14 (NIV)
Sarah from Redford MI
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
Jan Morton, Hawkinsville, GA
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Love your verse Jan! Thank you for your guest blog post! So good!
Thank you so for sharing today, Jan!! Exactly what I needed to hear, as I am struggling with my empty nest/early winter that I find myself in!! I pray God will continue to help me rest in Him during this time!! Thank you for wisdom shared!!
Thank you for sharing! God’s timing is always perfect! I struggle with the “empty nest” as my youngest who is 22 and a senior in college will be “flying the coop” before long. He already has an apartment at school but is not far (and I work at the University) so I see him a lot. I confess that I have spent a lot of time longing for the past when I had both of my babies at home. My daughter is 28! And I still grieve her absence. Thank you for redirecting my thinking that this is a tool of satan to have me discontented in my present season. Blessings and favor be upon you.
Thank you so much for sharing this verse, explaining how it applies to daily life, and being enthusiastic about the love of Christ. I am starting my second semester of college right now and am constantly having to remind myself that this season matters and my next season will bring greater joy if I find joy now. Your story is an inspiration for young women like me who are looking forward to starting a family in the coming seasons.
I really enjoyed your post today. Thanks for the encouraging reminder that seasons come and go and just to enjoy the good in each.
Katherine, Owensboro, Kentucky
Colossians 1:16-17 NIV
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Patti Ellison, Aspermont Texas. This is the day which The Lord hath made;we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! (Emphasis on ‘This’ and on ‘will’)
Sherry Page, Elizabeth, CO
Isaiah 26:8
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Marleeta McAnally, Florence CO,
Eph. 6:10-11 NASB
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Angela, Los Gatos, CA. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 ESV
“Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God.”
(God’s Word Translation)
Tiffani Bessonette, Ruth, Mississippi
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
Lynn Hildenbrand, Easton,MD
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV
Mary Witte from Grand Rapids, MN
Romans 8:5-6 ESV. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6) For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Charity Mack, Virginia Beach, VA
My dear friends, if you know people who have wondered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God. James 5:20 MSG
“For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
Proverbs 26:20 ESV
Melaina -Watertown, SD
The angels scooped down to listen as I prayed, encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape. They will do this for everyone who fears God. Psalms 34:7 TPT
Lela Leman Waco Texas : But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:25 NIV
Tina Thunell, Olympia WA- Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24 NASB)
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
“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)
Cassie Roth, Tunnel Hill Georgia
Psalm 73:26 NKJV
My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ashley Norvell
Corbin, Ky
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
I Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Liza Melson, Trimont, MN. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV
Big Lake, Mn
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 niv
Paula- Albertville, Alabama –
Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Psalm 51:10 NLT
Aryn Madsen, Beaverton, OR
“Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:7 (MSG)
TONI GRAY, Mansfield, Tx. Ephesians 6:12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
kathy leesville,la 1Timothy 1:13-14 Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. NIV
Keri C, Canton, Michigan:
“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 NIV
Heidi (Maineville, OH) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NLT
Lauren Robertson from Foxworth, MS
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)