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!
Laura Han, Tyler, TX “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 ESV
” Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden , and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28
Yvonne
Ckeburne Texas
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 ESV
Psalms 121: 1-2 “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” NASB
Karen Foster, Warsaw, IN
keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2,3 HCSB
Lori, Salem, VA
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NIV
Come and see what the Lord has done, his awesome deeds for mankind. Psalm 66:5 NIV
Riche L. Irving, TX “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”Philippians 1:6 HCSB
Eposi
Houston, TX
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:2 (ESV)
P.S Memorizing 4:1-12
Boise, Idaho
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:14 NASB
marla San Antonio, texas NIV
I John 4:19 We love, because he first loved us.
Marie Bond. Marietta, OK. Isaiah 1:16-17
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (ESV)
Minnesota
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Gail
McDonough, Ga
Be joyful in hope,patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Ankeny, IA
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Sarah Woodard, Kansas City, MO
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 NASB
Valerie Baxter ~ Shawnee, OK
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
Psalm 116:5 NIV
Melody Smith, Jefferson Ga.
Ephesians 1:18(MSG)
“…ask the God of Our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent & discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused & clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do…”
Gina Armistead, Fayetteville, NC
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Jennifer, Grove City, Ohio
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 weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10
Pamela
Knoxville, TN
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 ESV
Amy Jo Nokes San Antonio, TX
Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Ecclesiastes 7:3-4 NIV
Faye Tronsgard, Calgary Alberta, Canada
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:13-14 NLT)
Christine Jackman, Denham Springs, LA
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Be strong and courageous, do no be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you or forsake you.
Kristin Gragan, Marietta, OH
Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (NKJV)
Whitney Hazzard, Little Elm, Tx
Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindess and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 34: 6-7 NASB
Tonya(Pineville, LA) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5, NIV
SariLane -Tacoma, Washington-
Romas 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is Life and Peace♡
Kelly Davis, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 Amplified
Joyce Faler, Hagerman Idaho. “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 NASB
Heather G, Aberdeen SD
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Kara Collins, Hot Springs, AR
Forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13 KJV) This is needed as a reminder to me specially to my own household!!!
Wichita, KS
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 NIV
Sine Kerr, Buckeye AZ “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is you faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV
Jen Lovelace, Ridgecrest, CA
“For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16, ESV)
Ashley, Kentucky
To everything there is season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
Sally Heilinger, Port Orchard, WA
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (Psalm 119:133 ESV)
Natalie Turnage, Hattiesburg, MS
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Pat, Portland, TX
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:2 (NIV)
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:11-12
Let you light so shine before men, that they may seeyour good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
Jessica Lance, Shelby, NC
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Jessica McIlwain, Starkville MS
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:4
Because I need to remember that it is for FREEDOM that I have been set free!!!
“For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.”
Galatians 5:13 (New Living Translation)
Haley Frederick, Grain Valley, MO
Debbie Slone, Raleigh, NC
Psalm 143:8 Amplified
“Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.”
Annie
Dallas, TX
“But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
God’s special possession,
that you may declare the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
I Peter 2:9 NIV
Susan, Houston, Ecc. 3:1 – For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. ESV
Susie McIlvaine, Mission Viejo,CA\
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Martha Ashland,Ky.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
And not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things. Psalm 119:36,37
Frances Quigley, Borger, Tx. Eph. 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear it.