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 Gantt from Athens, LA: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
Erin, Cheyenne WY:
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 41:10 NIV
Sarah Dashevsky. New Orleans, LA. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17. ESV.
Pearland, TX
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
Melody Strauser
Guthie Center, IA
Psalm 43:3 ESV
Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
Sue Starling
Modesto CA
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Chi, Manila:
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord ’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:6 – 16:7 NLT)
Scarlett Flynn, Round Rock, TX – “You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3, NLT
Penny from Alabama: Teach us to number our days that we might gain a heart of wisdom.
Ps 90:12 NIV
Jenna Cooley, Keller, Tx
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Chrissy, 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
Bethany Johnson, Burleson, TX
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
Amy Hicks, Billings, MT
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”
Philippians 4:13
Jodi Breaux, Thibodaux, LA
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Michelle Green, Fort Worth “And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)+
Elizabeth Arnold; Waco, TX
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ who is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NIV
Callee Wells
Kaufman, Texas
Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you O Jacob,he who formed you O Israel, “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
NIV
Janine, Ojai, CA “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'” Psalm 91:1-2, NASB
Melissa Evans, Lexington, KY
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 NIV
“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”
Ps 143:8 NIV Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I will lift up my soul.
Catherine Hurst, TX ” Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27 KJV
Shiffra Nimz, Kalamazoo, MI
Ephesians 2:10 For we are G-d’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which G-d prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Crystal from Everett, Ontario: I will say of the Lord,He is my Refuge and my Fortress my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust! Psalm 91:2 Amplified Version.
Jodee Walker, Mountain View, WY
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7
Donna Loyd, Murfreesboro TN
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV
Angel Turnbow from Haughton, Louisiana: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 KJV
Jessica Fearn, Massillon, Ohio
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 KJV
Diane, The Woodlands, TX
NIV Romans 5:6 ” You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain; for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Stephanie, Richardson, TX
Psalm 13:5-6 NASB
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord.
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Mary Thompson, Lynchburg, TN
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV
Lori, Lascassas, TN. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Phillipians 4:4 NIV
Tara Nelson, Carlsbad, California. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Suzanne Shannon
Fontanelle, IA
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
23 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. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Anita Thompson, Miami, FL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13 (NIV)
Stephanie, Sarnia, Ontario
“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)
Wheatridge, Colorado
I pray that out if his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being 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, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
Beverly, Shelby “And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria” verse 2 from Luke 1:20
Emily Kelley
Webb City, MO
Philippians 1:6 NASB
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Rhonda Smith Unionville, Tennessee. ” Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it’s own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
Sherri Zingarelli, Galena, OH:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, NIV
Kristen, Missouri City, TX
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Debbie Johnson Burleson, Texas Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, 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.
Fayette, Alabama- Anna Katherine- “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 NASB
Kathy Howe, Lexington, KY
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.
John 15:4 NKJV
Genelle Jones, Glasgow, KY. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:15 NIV
Cheryl Patterson, Orange, TX, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)
Alma Miller, San Antonio, Texas. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 AMP