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!
Michelle O’Banion, Grandview, TX
Philippians 4:19 NET
And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches (!) in Christ Jesus. <3
Ps. 139:7-8 NIV
Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens you are there.
If I make my bed in the depths you are there.
Warsaw, Indiana
Genesis 2:2 NIV
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Amy R. – Fort Collins, Colorado
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” ~ Isaiah 41:13
Amanda Talbot, Genoa City, WI
“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that You, O God, are strong, and that You, O Lord, are loving. Surely, You will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Psalm 62:11-12)
Abby Smith in Troy, OH
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5 NIV)
Kristi Cook, Pascagoula MS Philippians 4:6-7New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Cathy, Odessa, TX Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Psalm 4:4
Stephanie Dianzungu Arlington,Texas
The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still Exodus 14:14
Michele,Cedar Park, Texas. Lazy hands make for poverty but diligent handsbring wealth. Proverbs 10:4
Stacey Miller McKinney TX
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. Romans 15:13NLT
Glenwood, Maryland. Stand firm therefore HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, AND HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, NAS
Deteronomy 28: 1 & 7
(1) If you fully obey The Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. (7) The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated gefore you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
Susan Davis, Lawrenceville GA. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. (GWT)
Tempa, Palm Bay, Fl, “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
wake forest, NC “and Gad said ‘let there be light’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3-4, NIV
Dana Plett – Gold River, BC
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 ESV)
Heather Smith – Nashville, TN
“Sin is no longer my master, for I no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, I live under the FREEDOM of God’s grace!” -Romans 6:14 NLT
Sarah Rumfield,Tomball, TX
“His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7 NLT
Vanda ~ Emporia, KS, For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you; Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)
Leanne Herrmann, Smithfield, NC
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
Vickie Abel, Spokane, Wa.
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God
besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:4 NIV
San Antonio, Texas
Jeremiah 29 :11
For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future.
Michelle in Huntsville, AL… Colossians 2:7 NLT “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Stephanie, Cisco, Texas. Jude 21: Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. KJV
Roxie Crews, Gwynn’s Island,VA
“When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks
On before them, and the sheep follow him
Because they know his voice.” John 10:4
Meghan DeHart, hatch,NM
Matthew 25:40 ESV
“And the king will answer them, “truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
Phil 3:13-14 HCSB
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Christine E, Endicott, NY… Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:8-11 ESV)
Helen – Plano, TX
“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
Denise, Greer, S C: For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5, NET
Shelly – Albertville, MN
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my HOPE comes from him
Psalm 62:5 NIV
Tina from Dix Hills, NY
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Purvis, MS
Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2 NIV
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV
Ashley Richcreek, Columbus, Ohio “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5 NIV
Becky, Springfield, MO. “The Lord is good to everyone; His companion rests on all He has made.” Psalm 145:9 HCSB
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;
Your name and renown are the desires of our hearts.
Isaiah 26:8
Carola
Missoula
Philippians 4:6-8Living Bible (TLB)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV
[19] Do not quench the Spirit.
Jane, Waukee, IA. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Heather Floros, Bel Air, MD. “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:16 NKJV
Andrea – Havelock, NC – “Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV
Kate, Fredericton, NB, Canada
” and the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it and patiently produce a huge harvest. ” Luke 8:15 NLT
Laura Best from Kenly, NC “Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” Psalm 90:2 (NIV)
Kate Posthuma
Cheney, WA
. . . how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38b, Amplified
Debbie Liggett, Colleyville, TX. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Leah Whitley Fort Worth TX
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthes 5:4 NIV
Jane, Waukee, IA. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” Psalm 100:4 NASB
Stacey in Hanahan, SC
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. Philemon 1:7 NIV