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!
Ginny – Atlanta, GA
“The Spirit of Adonai is upon me;
therefore he has anointed me
to announce Good News to the poor;
he has sent me to proclaim freedom for the imprisoned
and renewed sight for the blind,
to release those who have been crushed,
Luke 4:18 (CJB)
Tammy,
Lusby, MD
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
Naomi Stewart, Stanton, Texas, 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly, of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Lauren Gross, Alexandria, LA
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Hebrews 10:23 NASB
Hendersonville, TN
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you…”
1 Thess 4:11
McCall Norton
Atlanta,TX
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 21:20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? For God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Meg from Shelbyville, KY: “They will see the glory of The LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! Say to the cowardly: Here is your God!” (Is. 35:2-4 HCSB)
Nancy Wagaman Waynesboro Pa
John 3:8 ESV
The wind blows where it wishes and you hear it’s sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the spirit.
Nancy Kourmoulis, Birmingham, Al
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6niv
Audra Hines, Jackson TN
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
And Jesus said to Him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him down the road. — Mark 10:52 NASB
Jan, I didn’t know who the first guest blogger would be, but I’ve been praying for you. 🙂
For where your treasure is, there your Heart will be
also. Luke 12:34(NKJV)
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
But those who wait on 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.
Karen Collier from the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Ellen Hollenshead, Albuquerque, NM. The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 (ESV)
Shelby McGill, Frisco, TX – “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:2 (NIV)
Jules Lane
Foothills of the Rocky Mtns, Colorado
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” ~ Psalm 103:1 (KJV)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Tracy Stokes, Loganville, GA. “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalms 3:3 ESV
Jessica Wagel- Fort Wayne, Indiana
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 NKJV
Katie Brown
Greenfield, IN
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
Exodus 20:4 NIV
Paula Rutherford, Decatur, Tx
Philippians 3:3-4 KJV (working through 3rd and 4th chapters of Philippians)
“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:”
Kim Mason, Broken Arrow, OK
For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:14 HCSB)
Amy Nafe, Vero Beach, FL “Let no harmful word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for building others up according to the need, so that it gives grace to those who hear it.” Eph 4:29. TLV
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
So thankful He does because I would/am tripping over my own feet!
Bonnie From Bradenton, FL
Philippians 4:7 NIV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ.
Stephanie Tucker Southside, AL “You will seek me & find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Kelli Furgason, DeWitt, MI
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NASB
Jodi, Doylestown, Ohio
Jesaja 55:12, Luther Bibel
Denn ihr sollt in Freuden ausziehen und im Frieden geleitet werden. Berge und Hugel sollen vor euch her frohlocken mit Jauchzen, und alle Baume auf dem Felde in die Hande klatschen.
Darcy Arnold, Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1: 7-10 ESV
Kim Carver, Fredericktown, MO
Psalm 34:18 HCSB
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
John 20:2 (NASB)
So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
Cathy Moody, Newark, OH
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility concider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 NIV
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“For the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.” Prov 24:20 NIV
Lisa Atkinson, Chappell Hill TX
“He is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and He helps me.” Psalm 28:7 (NIV)
Noralee – Bryan. …through Him you believe in God who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21 NASB
Patti, Tampa, Florida
1 John 3:16-17 (NKJ)
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us, and we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
Suzy Adams, Wheelersburg,OH – Ephesians 3: 17b-18 And I pray that you bring rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ NIV
Rachel Wingerd, Kilgore, TX
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)
Amanda Keith, Houston, TX
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious
1 Peter 3:4 ESV
Ariana McKee, Boise ID. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV.
Jill T. Bristol, TN
Psalm 119:37-38 (NKJV)
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
Who is devoted to fearing You.
Kathryn W, Lone Tree, CO Then you will call on me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. Jer 29:12
Karen H., Stephenville, TX
John 20:2 (NASB)
So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
Angela Huffhines, Marshall, Tx
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)
Sheila, Houston, TX James 3:17 NIV 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.
Lora Leftwich, Indian Land, SC ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’ 1 Samuel 3:9 (HCSB)
Janice, Sumner, IL
2 Corinthians 5:9b (Amp)
…we are constantly ambitious and strive earnestly to be pleasing to Him.
Tonya Moorhead Cleora, OK
My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself!
So I will bless you as long as I’m alive; I will lift up my hands in your name.
Psalms 63:3-4 CEB