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!
Donna K
San Antonio, Texas
NIV
Psalm 138:8
The Lord will fullfill his purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands
Susan Atkinson, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 7:30 NLT
Marie in Roselle, NJ
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Kelly Sonderby, San Clemente, CA “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Leslie Standerfer from Shamrock, TX
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Ali C., Pleasanton, CA- 5“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6 ESV)
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)
They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Anna Cate, Murray, KY
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.
Luke 1:45 NIV
Debbie
Portland, OR
Grace C., Ohio
Ephesians 3:20
“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 imagine.”
Shelby Johnson, Glenville, NC
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Susie Handy, Swampers, LA. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 NASB
Pam Pickett, Signal Mountain, TN. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17 NIV
Jennifer, Peoria IL
Psalm 40:17 ESV
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
May the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer.
you are my God, do not delay.
Kaitlin W. Rockwall, Tx. “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Ephesians 1:11 NIV
Jennae England, Clovis CA, Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Amanda F.
New Orleans, LA
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this not from yourselves it is the gift of God. Not by works so no one can boast.
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,(A) 3 because you know that the testing of your faith(B) produces perseverance.(C) 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature(D) and complete, not lacking anything.
Jen Lesak, Richmond, TX–May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NIV)
Deb Singleton, Lexington, KY Jeremiah 17:14 “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (NIV)
Ashlyn Bowen, Pendergrass, GA ” for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 NIV
Barb Wisconsin
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:2 ESV
Lisa – Castro Valley, CA
See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.
Deut. 32:39 NIV
Alicia Marks, Oregon, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any way and in every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Elaine, Greenville, SC
Ephesians 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. NIV
Kayla Smith
Denton, TX
“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’ So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:24-27
Jenna, Franklin, TN. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV
Debbie Norris, Hoover, Alabama. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
Psalms 62:3. NIV
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Corpus Christi, TX:
“Cast all your worries upon Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7. NAB
Blue Springs , MO
Therefore , since we have been justified through faith , we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand . And we rejoice in the hope and the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2 NIV
Teri in Brandon, FL
Numbers 6:24-26 “‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” NIV
Wendy Fischer, Milo, IA
But you have upheld me because of my integrity and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 ESV
Kyla, Arlington, VA
“and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)
TCobb
Luke 6:45, ESV
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Kerri York from Spokane WA “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 NIV)
Becky-Madera Ca.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good,pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2
NIV
DallasAshley Tausch
Helotes, TX
Micah 6:8 NIV
“He has shown you, O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Beverley Hart
Johannesburg, South Africa
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
Sandra Kelly, Laramie, Wyoming
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Fruita, CO
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Julie Dunham, Johnston, IA, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3, NIV
Vanessa Arrington, Inwood, WV
Psalms 27:15 (NLT)
A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.
Grace Niceville, FL “for God so loved the world that he gave his one andonly son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16(NIV)
Ryann Slegers, Oregon “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any way and in every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Mindy Humphrey, Astoria, Oregon
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Laura D. San Antonio, Texas “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NASB
Kaylee, Springfield MO
“The Lord is good to everyone; His compassion rests on all he has made.” Psalm 145:9 HCSB
Amy 7634
“Because you got a double dose of trouble
and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled
and your joy go on forever.”
Isaiah 61:7 (The Message)
Isaiah 11:2 mic
And the spirit of the Lird will rest on him. The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of council and if power, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. NIV
Moneta VA