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).
____________
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!
Ruth Augustine, Sparta,Michigan: 2Chornicles16:9a “For the eyes of the Lord Range throughout the Earth to Strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (NIV)
Melissa, Sacramento, CA
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Jen, Colorado Springs, CO
“For I know the plans I have for you, delcares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ESV
Shelbyville, TN
1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Becca Williams
Irvine, CA
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Proverbs 14:29 NIV
Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for The Lord, rather than for men, knowing that from The Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is The Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 NASB
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Chris Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)
Melanie, Farmington, MO
Let all bitterness and slander and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31 ESV
Fort Mill, SC
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Lisa, Arp, TX
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them.
Ezekiel 36:27 KJV
Tamara Wetsit, Las Vegas, NV (NKJ)
Psalm 71:2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me and save me.
Lori Fisk, Springdale, Ar
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. But only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Angela Scott from Lexington,Tn
Let the beloved of the Lord rest securely in Him, for He shields Him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His Shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV
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 New Living Translation
Deb Oakes Alliance, Nebraska
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ”
Romans 8:6 KJV
Laura Gray, Greenbrier, AR “Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 ESV
Wendy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
John 3:8
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (NIV)
Shelley Iorio, New Smyrna Beach, FL
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11 NKJV
James 3:2 NKJV “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”
Natalie Snow, Katy TX: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest of we do not give up.
TaWanna, Denver, CO
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8 KJV
Ashley Phillips, McKinney, TX: “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”(Colossians 3:2 NLT)
Janice, Slidell, LA Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28 KJV)
Sue Wagenaar, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
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.
NIV
Cheryl Couperus, Redlands, CA: Psalms 126:3 (NIV)
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Hannah H., Branch, AR
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Yahweh is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the whole earth.
He never grows faint or weary;
there is no limit to His understanding.”
-Isaiah 40:28 HCSB
Jane from Calgary, Alberta: “Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Sherrill N. Cleburne,Texas 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. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV
San Bernardino Ca.
the Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear
the Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be
afraid. .Psalm :27 :1 Niv.
Deb,Leoti KS “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT
Amanda, Riverside, CA. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
Barb Israel, Eagle, Idaho
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
Samantha Anderson, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 NKJV
Philippians 4:6Amplified Bible (AMP)
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Dawn Tolley, Appomattox VA. “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)
Jodi Potter, Torrance, CA Matthew 5:15-16 NIV You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Lisa O. Naperville, IL “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
John 1:16 ESV
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure. Eph. 1:5 (NLT)
Dawna,Bethany
Philippians 4:6Amplified Bible (AMP)
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Pam Mayer, Apple Valley, MN. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” 1 Peter 1:6 NIV
Jacque, Corona, CA
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Psalm 27:2 (ESV)
Erryn, Ridgecrest CA
“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart: and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Juley Metcalf, Spicewood, Texas. “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
Shannon Callahan, Lexington, KY
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Courtneay, Scottsdale, AZ
“Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will pick you up.”
-James 4:10 (NIV)
Claire Anderson, Cedarville, Ohio
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 ESV
ustina, Fort Saskatchewan, AB Canada
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Valerie, Louisville, Kentucky
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8 NIV