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!
Brook Fiegel, Milford, OH 1 Corinithians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. NIV
Kim Kelley – Indiana “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Karoletha Longview,TX
2 Samuel 22:33 NIV
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
Traci, Stillwater, OK : Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. – Phillipians 4:6-7 NASB
Gabriella Houston, Rocklin CA, James 2:25 NIV Faith Girlz Bible
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
Rebecca Abshoff, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Psalm 25:20-22 (NASB)
Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all his troubles.
Lisa – Sugar Land, TX
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV)
Dawn Thompson, Lafayette, IN
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phillipians 4:6
Alice, Phoenix, AZ
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
1 Colossians 1:15
Rachel, Cleveland, OH
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)
Heather Cox, Easley, SC: “Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.” (Psalms 103:1 NLT)
Amy from St. Louis
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 ESV
Kathy Acton, Birmingham, AL “In my anguish, I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5 NIV
Susan Jobe, Knoxville, TN – “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.” Psalm 33:4 NIV
Pat, monument CO Isaiah 43:10 NIV
“You are my witnesses, ” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
Cory Anna, atlanta
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. (Job 9:10 NIV)
Lori, Ruston, LA — Fear and trembling have beset me;
horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest. — Psalms 55:5-6 NIV
Ericka Coronado Murfreesboro,TN
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Brittany Hart. Jefferson City, Missouri.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Susan Adams, Waddy, KY. ” A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11, NIV
Peacemakers who sew in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
Joy Elkins, New Braunfels, TX
You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am
He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
Isaiah 43:10
NIV
Cindy in Broken Arrow
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Tracie – Honolulu, HI “Brothers and sister, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, NIV.
Faith Tausch- Helotes Tx
6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:6 ESV
Michelle, Bolivar MO
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 42:10 NIV
Ramona- Stephenville, Tx. 1Peter4:8 NRSV
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.
Joshua 1:5
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Laura M. San Diego, CA
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
ESV
Lindsay, Terre Haute, IN
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
Letha Miller, Cullman, AL. “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so that we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Gal. 2:16 ESV
Manya-Katy, Texas
Revaluation 22:2 r
Through the middle of the street of the city. Also, on either side of the river
The tree of life with its 12 kinds of fruit yielding it’s fruit each month. The leaves
Of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Amanda Greathouse, Lawrenceville, GA
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:21-22 NKJV
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are they works: and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14 KJV
Anita Olson-Crookston, NE
“You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.”
Psalm 92: 4
New Living Translation
Nikki M – Marianna, Fl
Hebrews 6:19 NIV
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
“All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15-16 NIV
Susan – Carthage MO Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Col 4:5-6 KJV
Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Way to go sis!!! ❤️you!!
Charlotte Brown, Broken Arrow, Ok
He replied, what is impossible with man is possible with God. Luke 18:27 HCSB
Melissa, Walla Walla, Wa “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” -Psalm 119:130 NASB
Angela~Tempe AZ. “If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NLT)
Linda R -rockford, IL “You keep in him perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26.3. ESV
Makayla, Nixa, MO.
“The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all He has made.” Psalm 145:9 HCSB
Lili Potenza, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John16:33 NIV
Renee DeJarnette, Alexandria, KY
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. (selah)
Psalm 62:8
Sherie
The Woodlands, TX
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Luke 1:45 NIV
Juliet Wilkinson, Burgaw NC, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Colossians 1:28 ESV
Vanita from Houston, Texas: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. ” Psalm 28:7 NIV