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!
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revonda Russos, Raleigh NC. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. ESV
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Lori Jensen-Mountain View, WY “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NIV
Michelle Rolley, Bloomington, IL
“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
Mandi – Deatsville, AL
So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
Heather Farmington,NM
You are a hiding place for me; You Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance.
Psalms 32:7
Everyday life bible
Jan, Fulshear
1-15-2015
1 John 1:5 Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at alL. NET
Dana Dorsey, Stillwater, MN (brrrrrrrrr). ‘I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.’ Psalm 34:4 (NASB). Tonight I will read it as….’I, Dana, sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from ALL my fears.
Carol Raley, Sandersville, Ga.
“Teach me your way O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11. NIV
Thank you Jan! That was my verse last time and I so enjoyed your commentary on it!
Fran, Opelika, AL
“Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43:18 NIV
Kari. Cypress, Texas. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord & not for men. Colossians 3:23 ESV
Staci Adams,Harrisburg,PA. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the father is not in them. For everything in the world -the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world. 1John 2:15&16.
Amy, Portland, Michigan: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5
Ann, Prior Lake, MN
“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 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Lorre Salem, IL 1Samuel 3:10-11
Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel” answered, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
Then the LORD said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Isreal at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”
Denise Wilkin
The Woodland, Texas
For from you has sounded forth the word of The Lord, not only in Macedonia and Acacia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we need not to say anything.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 (HNV)
Cathy Holland, Gastonia, NC
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2:6 NKJV
Kirsten Lofton, El Paso, TX
Titus 2:7 NIV
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity,
Susan, Overland Park, KS
“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” PS. 16:6 NIV
Helen Magana, San Bernardino, CA – Deuteronomy 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 before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven” (NIV)
Fort Walton Beach,Fl
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Nancy, Versailles, Ky
He has shown you, O Mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Amy Hudson, Jenks,OK
Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Nancy, Rhinelander, Wi
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. I Peter 3 11 NIV
Jen Hackler, Monroe, LA
The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 ESV
Ephesians 6:12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. HSC
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Terra Carney~ Rock Hill, SC
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Col. 1:10 – that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (NKJV)
Valerie Veen, Chandler, AZ. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV
AnnaMarie Lohr, Pittsburgh, PA “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
Carol King, Fort Worth, TX: Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 NIV
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2, NIV
But they that wait upon 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 The Living Bible Paraphrased
Natalie Malec, Grand Prairie, Tx
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Jessica, Cumming, GA:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.: (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Whitney Jarnagin from Russellville, TN
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38a, ESV
Tracy from Thomaston, Ga. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philipans 4:6 NKJV
Becky-Kentucky
Colossians 3:24 (NIV)
Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Texas, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8 NKJV
Karen Smith, Angleton, TX
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 (ESV) for my grand daughter leaving for the Marines soon.
Lori, Toledo – Proverbs 16:23, “From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.” (NLT)
Melissa Teakell – Wichita, KS
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV84
Suzie, Pennock, MN
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Lauren Pierce, College Station, TX. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. John 1:16, ESV
Lorri Sapp, Oak Grove, Missouri, “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant for I have not forgotten your commands.” Psalm 119:176, NIV
Julie, Lakewood, CO; “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” NIV
Jill, Newport, TN. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NASB
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIV