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!
Abi Moore, Apopka, FL “Before they call, I will answer. While they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaish 65:24 NIV
Tracy – Wausau WI
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 NIV
I love this one.
Julia, Oregon
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 (NIV)
Greenfield, IA
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4:7
Haley Dill, Cypress, TX
12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
13 for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:12-13 ESV
Samantha M, Morristown, NJ. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair. Persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
Romans 8:26-27 in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness: for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And HE who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. NASB
Courtney Bowden, Annandale, VA: “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19 (AMP)
Linda Kern, Littleton, Colorado
NIV Romans 12:1 ” therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.
Tamara Lane, Spokane, Washington
He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Linda Ahearn, Bossier City, LA
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 KJV
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NASB
A very reassuring promise! Thank you for posting that verse
Vicki Hipp, Arcadia, FL
NKJV Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet▪smelling aroma.
Tiffany Myers Mount Joy, PA
Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of sword and of spirit, of joint and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Melissa
Waco, TX
“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of sword and of spirit, of joint and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Caroline
Waco, TX
“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of sword and of spirit, of joint and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
Jenna
Waco, TX
Dannette Gora, Westville, Indiana
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he laavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:8-9 NIV
Debbie Cox, Fort Collins, Colorado: Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head ,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first”,
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
But those wh hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint
Isaiah 40:31
Darlene J., New Carlisle, Ohio
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Tina, Cincinnati, Ohio – Psalm 63:3 NASV Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Diana Robbins, Cincinnati, Ohio. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Shawna Pelatari, Houston
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and get it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set a flame by such a small fire!” James 3:5, NASB
Edie Bartz, Hesperia, CA
Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I trust your commands. Ps. 119:66 NIV
Numbers 6:24-26(NIV)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Shylo, Gail, TX
“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
Adelina, Fort Wayne, IN. “”For My thoughts are not your thoughts,and your ways are not My ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth,
so My ways are higher than your ways,and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 HCSB
Mary Beth, TN Isaiah 43:18 NIV, Forget the former things do not dwell on the past.
Aubrey H. Spokane, WA
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast in the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 2: 14-16 (NIV)
Lisa, Fredericktown
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror
and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:23-24, NIV
Jo Harris, Cary, NC
Psalm 31:3-5, NKJV-“For you are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For you are my strength. Into your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.”
Karen Helms, Largo, FL, “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:4 NIV)
Stephanie, Garner, IA “Then you will call and The Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:9-10 NIV
Charlene, Waterloo, ON
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Stacey Jeannett from Austin, TX
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all [d]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Cindy Moses, Henrietta, TX
You have kept record of my days of wandering;
You have stored my tears in Your bottle
and counted each one of them.
Psalm 56:8 CEV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gentleness, self-control, Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23. NKJV
Ann Ft Lauderdale, FL
This is just a comment, not a verse… Hope it doesn’t go right to the post, as I don’t want to be “noncompliant”. Just wanted to say to Gran Jan that she writes an excellent post. I am just learning about blogs, etc. Gran Jan, your style of writing is very enjoyable, concise, and sprinkled with a few of the small-enough phrases that the reader can carry them away, repeating them throughout the day. (“Embrace your season”).
Just wanted to compliment you on your style. You’re stylin’!
Laura S.
Gail Jones Decatur, TX
Galatians 5:16 NIV
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratigy the desires of the flesh.
Penny Burke. Cincinnati, OH “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” Proverbs 16:3, NIV
Collisians 3:13 (NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Mara, Milton, FL
Psalm 57:1 NIV
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster had passed.”
Karen, Beech Island, SC
New Living Translation
Proverbs 17: 6, Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children
(Sorry for it being late, I chose this verse in honor of being at Disney World with my children and my grandchildren for the past week! A wonderful time with my wonderful family!)
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”
Hebrews 11:6 (amplified version)
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Roswell, NM
Now to Him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NET
Corinth, TX
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1 NIV