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!
Houston, TX
“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 NIV
Mallory Fanara, Independence, MO
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”
Lamentations 3:22-23 HCSB
Jessica Goney- Nashville, TN Galations 2:20 NASB “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. “
Rachel- Cumming, GA
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
Crystal S.- Andrews, NC “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matt. 7:7 KJ
Eph 1:3 NLT
ALL praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every
Spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ!
Pam Sims- Conway, AR
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the task the Lord Jesus has given me. The task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24
Jami Johnson, Ponchatoula La
But Gods grace has made me what I am, and His grace to me was not wasted. 1 Corinthians 15:10 NCV
Angie Keeting, Lees Summit, MO
“I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
Indiana. Philippians 4:5. Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Leslie Jordan
Rochester, MN
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8 NIV
Alisha in Ripley, TN
Likewise the spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning a too deep for words. Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Vanessa Lipsit, San Antonio, TX
Ephesians 2:10 – NIV
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ps. 86 : 11. (NIV)
Teach me your way, Lord, that I mY rely on your faithfulness,
Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Noema, Burke VA. “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.” Romans 6:9 NIV
“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.” Romans 12:2 NLT
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:4
Rosa – Plano, Texas: “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.” Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Lauren Kennedy, Denham Springs, LA – If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.” Isaiah 30:21, GNT
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Kelly Fleck, Morehead, Ky
Romans 6:23 NIV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Vonda, Thorntown, IN
Prov 12:18 (NASV)
“There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tounge of the wise brings healing.”
Hilary in Orlando, FL:
This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet[a] acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 1 John 4:2 (NLT)
Diane, Front Royal, VA- But nothing is impossible for God. Luke 1:37 (GWT)
Lori Edney
Vicksburg,MS
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time,
because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
ESV
Jennifer James~Katy,TX:”Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
Jenni Johnson, Murray, KY
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 ESV
Pam from Jefferson City
“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.” Proverbs 3:1
Sherry Lee, Owensboro, Ky.
Luke 6:38 NLT
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ”
Kristen Gardner, NC
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” NIV
Pam, Sioux Falls, SD
“I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
Psalm 34:4-5
ESV
2 Corinthians 12:9New King James Version (NKJV)
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Jen Koning, Mattawan, Michigan. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 ESV
7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 1:7 NLT Cassie Williamson Knoxville,TN
Greenwood, SC
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3 NIV
Lisa from Little Rock “6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NRSV
Pam Clark Nixa, MO
1/1/15
2 Timothy 2:16
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. NIV
1/15/15
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. NIV
Kathy Land, Shattuck, OK. “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:2 (NIV)
Beth B., Andover, MN. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Angelia J. Poole, Charlotte, NC
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”
Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV)
Meagan, Wenatchee, WA “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Meagan, Burke, VA, “You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.” -Isaiah 26:3
Billie, Franklin, TN
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 NIV
D’on Waltermire from Nampa, ID
Prov 25:11~ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. ESV
Allyson Flack, Wichita Falls, Texas
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, NLT
Dora Robles-Harlingen, Tx.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs19:21 NIV)
Melissa | Lancaster, PA
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is 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)
Susan – Murfreesboro, TN
Now go; I will help you speeak and will teach you what to say. Exodus 4:12 NIV
Erika Morgan, Signal Mountain, TN
“But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV
Jan, Amarillo TX
If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. (1 John 4:20-21 MSG)