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!
Ann McQuaid,Greensboro,NC Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14 (NSRV)
Andraya. Roswell, GA Be sure of this, that I am with you always even to the end of the world. Matthew 28:29 The Living Bible
Jamie Martin, Judsonia AR
“Do not judge so you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged, and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 NAS
Belinda Smith, Smithfield, NC
In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 56:11 NASB
Anna Lange, Mobile, Alabama.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 KJV)
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice…6 Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians4:4,6-7. NIV
Selena Rosetti, Wiggins, MS
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV
Whitney Fearing- Mesa, AZ “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [a]lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, [b]dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NASB
Kelsey Chance from Shawnee, KS
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV)
Elizabeth Miller, Cullman,Alabama “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Robyn, Alexander City AL “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Bethany, huntington, wv
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
Luke 2:22-ESV
Kristin Saatzer, Temecula, CA.
“But as for me, I will hope continually. And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 NASB
Diane Perkins. Rockford Mi
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14
I chose this verse to begin my day with my Lord and give Him my first fruit of my day! I love you to Lord
Kira Chaloupka
Auburn, AL
But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spead the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT)
Psalm 116:1-2
I love The Lord because He heard my plea for mercy, and listened to me.
As long as I love, I will call to Him when I need help.
Andie Munn, Andover, MN
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sister, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship”
Romans 12:1 NIV
Carol-Canton, Mi.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now, if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (James 2:11) King James Version
Kim Morrison, Los Lunas,NM. “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone”. Col. 4:6. NLT
Melynda Powell- Mesa, AZ “A song to sing on the Lord’s Day. It is good to say thank you to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods.” TLB
Laina, Indianapolis, IN “The Lord Your God is with you. He is might to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Lorraine – New Port Richey, FL “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
Gina Hollis, Canton, Georgia
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) And find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10, NIV
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
~Psalm 115:1 NIV
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life- Psalm 119:50 ESV
Tami Starr, Kodiak, Alaska-I will instruct and teach you in the way that you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 NAS
Louise, Phoenix, AZ “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
Tyra Sias, Atlanta, GA.
You will show me the path of life; in Your Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11 NKJV
Grand Rapids, MI
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Kristin Mitchell, Dunmor Kentucky
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Ephesians 5:1 ESV
Sharon, Somerville, AL. Therefore, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV
Ginger from Shelby Township, MI ~ Colossians 2:2b-3 (LB) “For God’s secret plan, now at last made known, is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the mighty, untapped treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Carla, Pierre, SD
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
Beth, Broadview Hts, OH
Isaiah 43:19 (NASB)
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Diane S. Macungie, PA. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now 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)
Carrie Harper, Resaca, GA. “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 1:5 (NIV)
Suzanne Holder, Odessa, Florida. But those that 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.
Isiah 40:31 NIV
Cindy Hopkins, Overland Park, KS
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
5.Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 TCR
Amanda, Calgary, AB Canada.
So we fix our eyes not on what I seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV.
Kristi. Butler, Oklahoma
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean in your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Jamie Ferge Makawao, Hawaii
“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 bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13(NIV)
amos nc Philippians 4:6-7New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Debbie,LaVergne,TN – “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” 1John 2:10 NIV
New Bern NC Take delightn in the Lord, and he will give your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 NLT
Ephesians 4:29-32 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Geri, Deer Park, Tx. “And so, from the day we heard,we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 ESV
Georgetta Stambaugh, Franklin, TN: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25 NIV)
Katie, Brooklyn, NY, “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” Proverbs 21:9 (TNIV)
Hillary Dickey, D’iberville, MS. “This is love: not that we loved God , but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”. 1 John 4:10