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!
Brenda Cousino, Frisco, Texas
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2 NIV)
Martha Parrish, Irving, TX
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22 NIV
John 15:4, NIV “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me”
Ann Gardner, North Canton, Ohio.
Brittny Vizzi from Melbourne, Fl “Search me oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23-24 NIV)
Cheryl Swanson – Tulsa, Oklahoma – But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13 – NIV)
Lauren Upstate NY Romans 12:2 NKJV
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Connie Kirstein Ocean City, Maryland “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it;but I found no one.” Ez.22:30
sheila Ketner Terre Haute, Indiana So do not fear,for Iam with you;do not be dismayed,for Iam your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Kristy, Louisiana “She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27 NASB
Brenda Gerber, Grafton, Ohio, Genesis 4:7 NIV
“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Fayetteville nc Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy, peace,forbearance,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,and self-control. Against such things there is no law. NIV
Rachel, North Attleboro, MA. “It’s not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you. A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.” (Proverbs 25:27-28, MSG)
Laura–Wetumpka, AL
“Now may The Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
Ashley, Alexandria, La. “To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.” Psalm 119:96 NIV
Romans 12:2-3 NIV do not confirm any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve the will of God his good and perfect will.
Catherine, WIilmington, NC
God, who has called you into fellowship with his son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
1Corinthians 1:9 NIV
Climax, Ga
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV
Becky Scudder, Broomfield CO. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 NIV
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things; And revive me in Your way.”
Psa. 119:37
NKJV
Pauline Richardson, Cornville Az “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”says the Lord who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 ESV
Cathy Koski, Fridley, MN
My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15, NIV
Joanna Birchfield, Euless, TX – “Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, bur of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
Nanette, St. Cloud, FL “Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it”, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 NKJV
Nancy; Hamilton, Ohio.
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)
Kateri Bowe Albuquerque,NM
And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation
Psalm 35:9 KJV
Lindsey Krauss – Hudson Valley, NY
Psalm 5:11 ESV
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Donna Huneycutt, Mt. Pleasant, NC
Then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him. Psalm 45:11 NASB
Melody Cox, Whitmore Lake, MI
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6(NIV)
Camille Benson – Knoxville, TN “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)
Catherine Lesley, Waterdown, Ontario
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Jo Ellen Chance. Shawnee, Kansas.
You may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.
Phil. 2:15-16a. ESV
Amy from North Wales, PA:
“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 NIV
Megan Putnam, Lyman, SC
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV)
Sarah C, lino lakes mn
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. Acts 3:19-20 ESV
Houston, 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 15:13 (NIV)
Christina Hernandez Orlando, Florida
“Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 24:14 NIV
Vanessa from Victoria, TX
If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:20 NIV)
Gwyn Tidwell, Haslet, Tx
“You are worthy,our LORD and GOD to receive glory and honor and power” for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11 (NIV84)
ANN CREMAR TOLEDO,OHIO
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 NKJV
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”
Ella Claire Beard, Cullman Alabama
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21 (KJV)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 ESV
Connie, Whidbey Island, WA
I John 3:18
“Little children, let us not love in word or in talk, but in deed and in truth”. Amplified
Christina, Valley Center, CA Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4 KJV
Heather, Simi Valley, CA – Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1 NIV
Tracy
Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16. NIV
Stephane Bolton, Florence, Alabama: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Veronica from Atlanta, Georgia Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you says the Lord and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. the living bible
Kerrilyn, E. Hampstead, NH.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7 NKJV
Melanie Wyatt, Knoxville, TN
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Katie, Augusta, Ga: But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37 (NASB)