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 Hicks, Franklin TN
Psalm 56:3-4 (HCSB)
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
Tara McCann, Pleasant Plains, Illinois.
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.” Lamentations 3:22 New Living Translation
Proverbs 17-22
A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones
Vickie Davis, Foxworth, MS
1 John 1:5, NIV
“This is the message we have heard from him and declared to you: God is light- in Him there in no darkness at all.”
Melissa, Sulphur, LA
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
Kandy Hall, Huffman, TX
Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return empty to me, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (ESV)
Jami Carey, Fishers, IN
I have old note-cards full of scripture verses but today, I could not find this verse. I asked the Lord to show me where it’s located in His word, and as soon as I asked Him, I came across your post:). He is so cool!!!! Thanks for posting this verse!
Kathryn from Pawnee, Texas: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3: 1, 2 NASB
Sarah from Pasadena, TX
The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 NIV
Hallsville, TX
Philippians 4:14-15 HCS
14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.
Celeste- Austin, Texas
“Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (God’s Word Translation)
Lacey D, Oakwood, OH,
2 Peter 1:3 NKJV
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.
Stephanie Siegel, West Milford, NJ,
“And now, God, do it again – bring rains to our drought-stricken lives. So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.” Psalm 126:4-5 The Message
Patty EB MA
Philippians 4:13Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me
Carla Fix, Greenbrier, Arkansas. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 NLT
Mande Brightwell, Longview, Texas
My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 NIV
Kristie Lovely, Van Alstyne, TX
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5 NIV
Alicia Casady, Columbia, MO
“Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love, for U have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Catherine Thomas, Texarkana, TX.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
“Cast your cares on The Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Kristi, Richmond, TX
The LORD himself goes before you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Diana, Round Hill, VA, Psalm 145:18 NRSV The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Anita Wilkes Glen, MS, The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the Devil’s works. 1 John 3:8 HCSB
Kenzie, From Tulsa
Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV
Deb, Lancaster, Pa
Isaiah 43:19 NKJV
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert
Melissa, Augusta, GA
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1 Timothy 1:12, KJV
Cassia in Spring, TX
Behold, I will do a new thing; Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NKJV)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes. 5:23
Connie, Moss Bluff, LA
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
Claire Veronie, Tomball, TX.
“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 NASB
Shelley Meyer, Katy, TX
Psalm 18:3 ESV
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Lindsay, Cumberland Furnace, TN
“I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26, NASB
Sarah B
Bonaire, Georgia
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.”
Amanda, Chesapeake, VA, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 NIV
Amy, Laurel, MS, “For Everything these is a season and time for every matter under heaven. ” ESV
Connie Windham
Trout, LA
Psalm 119:18 ESV
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.
Jordan LaRoche, Kingwood, TX
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)
Cynthia, Union City, OK
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings-and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Jeanette Plummer, Mesquite, TX
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Abby Winkelman- Akron,Ohio
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4 (ESV)
Shandra, Greensboro, NC
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 NIV
Sonya Ryder, Baton Rouge, LA: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness, delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalms 37:3-4 (NASB)
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of the body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” NIV
Kim K., Lancaster, OH
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17 NKJ
Becky-Cheryl Hershberger from Middletown, PA.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.
Psalms 139:13-18 NIV
KItty Bennett, Bend, Oregon
Romans 12:2 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Change is my word for the 2015 year!
Good one kitty
Krystina Lee’s Summit, MO
1 Peter 1:7 NASB
“so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”
Kyra, Tecumseh, Okla.
“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” Romans 14:13, NLT
Marney Hand, Mize, MS
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV
Deanna Ellis, Lexington, SC, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
Lainey Riley, Daphne, AL
“Therefore,as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col. 3:12, NIV