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!
Kristine, DFW, Texas “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8 NIV
Janet, South Jersey. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work SO THAT you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Tabitha Westbrook, Raleigh, NC
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8 ESV)
Alison Personette, Plano, IL. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 (ESV)
James 1:17Amplified Bible (AMP)
17 Every good gift and every perfect ([a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
Sharon Graham, Hays, Kansas
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Nikki Gardner, Marianna, Florida. John 9:39. Jesus said, “I came into the world to bring everything into the light of day, making all distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will se, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind.
Dallas, GA
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV
Carolyn Tarman – Jetmore, Kansas 67854
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever in noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Lisa from Bonaire, GA “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Ephesians 4:31-32. Get rid of all bitterness, rage anger, brawling and slander,along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.
Megan, Louisville, KY
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those that hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Rene; Sunnyvale, TX: “May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:11 ESV
Tammy Richards, Beaumont, AB, CANADA. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1…Did Breaking Free five yrs ago and did indeed Break Free – started leading the study in ministry this week – God is good! 🙂
Gabrielle
Niles, MI
Isaiah 43:1
But now thus says the 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.
Springboro, OH
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NIV
Rhonda Beck Winston Salem N.C. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
JA, St Charles, IL. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7 ESV
Jennifer Duncan, Goodman, MO “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Hannah Huneycutt, Mt. Pleasant, NC
Psalm 8:9
LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Commit to the LORD whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Lynne VP, Des Moines, Iowa
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 NIV)
Nikki Gardner, Marianna, Florida. John 9:39. Jesus said, “I came into the world to bring everything into the light of day, making all distinctions clear, so that those who have never seen will see, and those who have made a great pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind.
Elizabeth Lakeland, Florida
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Amalia Smith Lumberton Tx.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Donna H – Indianapolis, IN – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
Keri Pascoe, Nampa, ID ~ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5 NIV)
Kassi Rushing. Ridgeland, MS. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV
Heather Ashley. Jacksonville, Florida
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19,20 NKJV
Shannon Smith- Dawsonville, GA “Underrstand this my brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
Courtney Dougan, Gainesville, GA. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Christy, Conifer, Colorado
Oh that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.
Hosea 6:3 NLT
Tricia Hopkins, Converse, Indiana: “Let the morning bring me 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.” Psalm 143:8, NIV
Brenda Johnson, Elk City, Ok
I call heaven & earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life & death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord you God, obeying His voice & holding fast to Him, for He is your life & length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, To Isaac and to Jacob, to give them.
Deuteronomy 30:19,20
Abilene, TX
2 Timothy 1:7New King James Version (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Rachel Lancaster- Harrison, AR “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
Elaine, Asheville, NC. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1Peter 2:21. NLT
Cheryl, Warsaw, IN
I pray that 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)
Missy Reel, Florence, SC. “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually”.
1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV
Heather, Dahlonega, GA
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
Psalm 5:3
Rhonda. Southaven, Ms. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever Psalm 73:26 NIV
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7 NIV
Linda, Sugar Land, TX – “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You, there is no Rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV
Perri Lee, Shallowater, TX. Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. ~ Philippians 4:6 NLT
Emily C, Tampa, FL, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, ESV
Katy, TX
I Corinthians 7:30, 31
Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of this world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
NLT
Carrie. Atlanta, GA. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 ESV
deb, Somerset, PA. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)