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!
Hickory, NC, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
Sharon McKinney, TX
Ps. 68:19 NIV
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, Who daily
bears our burdens.
Rachel, Pamela, Laci, Jami, Renee, Kelley, Kathy, Kasi, Mikayla, Hannah, Emily, Rowlett, TX- “looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 ESV
Carol Nelson, Oklahoma City, OK- “These things have I spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV
Lisa- Houston, TX
Romans 8:29-30, NIV
For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined He also called; those He called He also justified, those He justified He also glorified.
Mary Jo, Whitman, NE
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 7-8a NKJV
Shelley Rogers, AR Isaiah 4:10 NIV
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.
Emily, Glendale CA
“Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Ps 55:22 NIV
Brittany Kay, Daytona Beach, FL
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
-2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Emily Rose, Middlefield:
“The LORD will fight for you! You have only to be still!”
(Exodus 14:14)
Michelle H., Lansing, Michigan.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. KJV
Psalm 119:11 NIV I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Denise
Zionsville, IN
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippeans 4:13 (ESV)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (NLT) Mary TX
Oh God you are my God earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you in this dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1
Nancy Oliver, Centerville, Ohio
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? NIV
Wendy, Cary, NC, Matthew 11:28-30. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Deanna Roe, Maytown AL
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1 NIV
Jenny, Grand Ledge, Michigan
I corinthians 4:3-4 “But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby aquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.”
Amanda, Houston
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 entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 NIV
Casey, San Antonio, TX
“The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” Proverbs 16:23 (NASB)
Kristie Birmingham, Alabama Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. see I am doing new things. Is 43:18, 19a NIV
Heather, Lansing MI- “Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3
Muriel, Ontario 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Joanie
El Dorado Hills, CA
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2Thessalonians 3:16 NIV
Beth P, Roswell, GA
Isaiah 26:3 New Living
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.”
Jackie Richardson, TX
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Cyndi Shaver, Rancho Cordova, CA
Ps 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Pam Heath, Flint, TX
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
Sondra Harrington, Denton, Texas. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6 (NLT)
Alaina – Pittsburgh, PA
“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 CSB
Rose K., Oneida, TN–And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 (KJV)
Nancy Pierce, Latta, SC – “Therefore put away all wickedness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow. 1 Peter 2:1-2 MEV
Stephanie Reynolds, Austin, Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. Psalm 73;23, NLT
Danielle Wilbur, Clifton, VA
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Ps 32:8 NIV
Kelly Horne, Kingwood, TX
Stacey, Denham Springs, LA
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 ESV
Alaina Harrington, Denton, Texas. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJV)
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Sally, San Clemente, CA – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” – Psalm 23:5 NIV (Love the MSG version of the second part as well- You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing!)
“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
Lori Dixon, Abbotsford Canada
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV
Helen, Tillsonburg, Ontario
Come now, let us argue this out, says the Lord. No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18 NLT
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Oak Harbor, WA
Psalm 143:8 (NLT)
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7; NIV
Keri Reaney, Greenville, SC. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV).
Shalena, Jackson, MI
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8, ESV
I love you Jan!!!
Lora Osburn, Morristown, TN “The barley harvest was just beginning when Naomi and Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, arrived in Bethlehem.” Ruth 1:22 CEV
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in all unity.
This speaks to me of God’s love, to be careful of judging and how i should forgive.
MaryBeth Mechanicville, New York
But the wisdom from above is first of all
pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times
and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy
and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is
always sincere. And those who are peacemakers
will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of
righteousness. James 3:17,18 NLT