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!
Amelia Moxon, Lubbock, TX
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 1:22 NLT
Kathie Francis, Portland Oregon
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Malinda, Hindsville, Arkansas. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Luke 12:25 NIV
Julie Grissett
Sugar Land, TX
“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
Stacy, Ruston, LA “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15 NLT
Lori Bilbruck, Deer Park, WA
“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:3 HCSB
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
Rosann from Berthoud, Colorado. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. The New Oxford Annotated
Debbie, Hattiesburg, MS
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (NKJV)
Becky from Arlington TX
The Lord is close to the broken hearted;and those who are crushed in spirit He saves. Psalm 34:19 (NAB)
Patsy French Reidsville, NC Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
LeaAnn Goodman, Lexington, KY
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Psalm 50:15 NIV
Donna K., Belton, KY “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy, and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept discipline and at the end you will be counted among the wide. NIV
That should read counted among the wise.
Leslie Westmoreland, Franklinton LA Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. NIV Jsmes 4:10
Michelle, Clarksville, TN
Joshua 1:9 HCSB
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
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Kristen – Houston, TX
John 8:15
“You judge by human standards;I pass judgement on no one ”
NIV
Ali from Cheney, Wa.
Psalm 116:2
Because he bends down to listen I will pray as long as I breathe.
Lynne Goldade, Seattle, WA “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 NASB
Crystal, Chandler, AZ
Prov 11:25 NLT
The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Beth Keasler, Concord, NC
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 NIV
Cindy in Raleigh NC
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ESV
Clearwater, FL
‘So do not throw away this constant trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you.’
Hebrews 10:35 (NLT)
Amelia Moxon, Lubbock, TX
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 1:22 NLT
Jasper, TX
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” KJV
Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:12 KJV
Shelby, Woodstock GA
Every scripture is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching and pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God’s approval. 2 Timothy 3:16 (God’s Word Translation)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Champaign, IL
Prob 4:23 NASB
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Kristine Penn, Benton, AR. “Then I will tell others about your justice and praise you all day long.” Psalm 35:28 NET
Jessy from Houston, Tx:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Meleah Spencer, Springfield, Missouri. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. NKJV
Katie, Edmond, OK
“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 10:3, ESV.
Gloria, Grove, OK
Philippians 4:13. NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Alise // Albuquerque, New Mexico
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you as an example, that you should follow in his steps” 1 Peter 2:21//NIV
Jamie Thrash, San Juan Capistrano, CA-
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:17 (NLT)
But thanks be to God who always leads us to triumphal procession in Christ and though us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Tricia Enfield, Gardner, KS: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:24-26 NASB
Ruth, Pokhara, Nepal
‘Liefde is geduldig en vriendelijk, liefde is niet jaloers; vervalt niet in grootspraak, eigendunk.’
1 Cor. 13:4 GNB (Dutch)
The Fruit of the Spirit is — Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-Control. Galatians 5: 22 – 23
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT
Psalms 118:5 When I was really suffering, I prayed to the Lord. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. CEV Angelicasized
Christa; Denver, CO
Be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. I Peter 5:5-7
Melanie, Bangkok, Thailand
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” – Hebrews 6:12 NIV
Michelle Hulsey, Flowery Branch, GA
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10, NIV
Deb ~ Avon, OH
“Rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope.” ~ Romans 5:3-4
Brenda McGurk, Medina, OH
When You said, “Seek My Face”, my heart said to You, “Your face,Lord, I will seek”.
Psalm 27:8 NKJV
Sara Fretheim, Liverpool UK
” you let people ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.” Psalm 66:12 (NRSV)
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, I will make them white as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 (NLT)