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!
Cortez, CO There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Jennifer S, Peoria AZ
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the use of the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:15 ESV
Goddard KS.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV
Vanessa Brown, Anderson, SC.
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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 1:1-5 (NIV)
Lyndsey Williams, Ovilla, Texas
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
Teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me;
For you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5
Your verse was such a great reminder to me this morning. I am a teacher that is on a hiatus with God for this season. He has been very faithful to me leading me and guiding my path but recently I’ve felt a little stuck. This is a great reminder to seek Him more and to ask Him to teach me.
Sheri Larkin
Rogers, AR
My father taught me and said, “Hold on to my words with all your heart. Keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom and understanding. Don’t ignore or forget my words.” Prov 4:4-5 NCV
Jennifer, Westfield, IN: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Gal 6:9 NLT
Katie Gravens, Crawford, Tx – “Truly he is my rock and my slavation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2 NIV
Dee Karnes, Tallahassee, FL
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
I Jn. 1:9 NIV
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in a Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Hmm. I’m thinking this verse will need to be one of mine soon. Thanks for sharing it!
Melissa Elrod, Benton, KY. “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV
Annissa Hackney Canton, GA “The Lord is the One who will go before you, He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 HCSB
Hope Brantner Casper, Wyoming ”
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
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
1 Chron 16:11 NIV
Terri Simmons, Cypress, TX
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romand 12:1 NKJV
Randi Cain, San Diego, CA
Joshua 1:9 NIV84
“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.”
Sharon, Surrey, North Dakota: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24 KJV
April Travis
New Smyrna Beach
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7
NIV
I love this verse! I’m working on getting my trust in the Lord from my head to my heart. I love how this verse puts it so beautifully, “my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” I know God helps us in so many ways but I wonder if the more my heart trusts in Him the more He helps my heart trust in Him. I love your verse, thanks for sharing.
Emily Baughman, Elk Grove, CA
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 NIV
Genesis Eakes – San Antonio, TX
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 KJV
Stephanie B., Augusta, GA.
He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 ESV
Ginny Orlando, Washington, MI “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 HCSB
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” James 1:19
Allison, Raleigh NC
My soul is weary with sorrow;strengthen me according to your word. Plsam 119:28
Cindy Beam, Rogers, AR — “‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'” Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Bobbi Crucilla, Nutrioso, AZ
Lamentations 3:21-22 NLT
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: the faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Jane Swanquist, Lagro, Indiana Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23-24
Paola Hernandez-Hoffmann
Pinellas Park, Fl
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Myra, Johnson City, TN
“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 NET
Be still and know that I am God.
Leslie Warnick, Oakland, MD. Isaiah 55:12. NIV
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Jen Sterk, Tehachapi, CA
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 ESV
Nicole Christmas
Winnipeg, Manitoba
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”.
Exodus 14:14, NIV
Rebekah Gardner, Harrisburg, NC “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:1-2 (NLT)
June – Chatham, ON “So you won’t become lazy, but will inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.” Hebrews 6:12
Jackie Newell, Tupelo, MS. “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found: surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. Psalms 32:6 NIV
Melissa-Black Creek, Ga
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
Becky Frazier, Stromsburg, NE
Genesis 50:20 ESV
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Cyndi Hobgood, Chandler, AZ Lord, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your eyes. You are my rock and my Redeemer. Ps. 19:14 (NIRV)
Pat Jones, Springfield, MO – Who do have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25, 26 HCSB
Dickinson texas
“I, even I am the Lord; Apart from Me there is no Savior.”
Isaiah 43:11
Rachel Boyer, Whiteland, IN
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. “. Colossians 3:15 KJV
Tammy P, Jamestown, NC
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Donna Mayfield, Archdale, NC, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
Kimberley, Greensboro, NC. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
Norma from Kansas City MO
Colossians 1:10 “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,” NIV
“You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 ERV
Joy White, Newton, TX– “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth: For in these things I delight saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24 (KJV)
Ottawa Lake, MI
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14 NIV)
Reason***I was reminded recently of a promise I received from the Lord several years ago… And love always hopes, always perseveres.
Stacey Solomon, Palm City, FL
“And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” John 12: 44-46 (NIV)