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!
Wanda
North Canton Ohio
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Robin Murray, Arlington, TX.
for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16 NIV
Krissy Jones, Houston, TX. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
Julie Charlton, Hermitage, TN
“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.”
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Jill Knight, Fort Ashby, WV
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4 (KJV)
Lori. Cedar Springs, MI. Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Natalie, San Diego, CA. “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3(NKJV)
Caitlin, Demopolis, AL
“So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5 ESV
Emily Milliner, Hesperia, CA
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Angie Myers, Loganville, GA “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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Tatiana, Houston, TX: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV84)
Lisa Parker, Arkansas. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Gerry from Costa Mesa, Ca. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Debbie Sullivan – Springfield, MO
Psalm 34:4-5 (NLT)
I prayed to The Lord and he answered me. He freed me from
All my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with Joy,
No shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Candi, Springfield, VA
“Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness.” John 1:16, HCSB
Erin Seaman from Heath, TX
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:9 NIV
Jeri Lawrence, Seymour, 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)
Shelly Wilson, Fort Worth, Texas
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) – If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen.
NLT-“And let us not neglecct our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
Heidi Lakenan, Daphne, AL
“…not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit…” (Zechariah 4:6 – KJV)
Judy Conn, Ashland, KY “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galations 6:9 NIV
Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Lauren Hillis Nashville, TN
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater that he who is in the world.” 1 John 4.4 NIV
Tracy, Missouri – Proverbs 23:18 (NASB) Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Kristi Law, Midland, TX. “The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” Is. 51:3 NIV
Karla, Katy, TX
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Ps: 37:4 NIV
Kristie Mallory Goshen, KY
“And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.”
Luke 11:9 (NLT)
Hannah Lakenan (age 10), Daphne, AL
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – KJV)
Lydia Moon
Savannah, Ga
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near”
Emily Lakenan (age 9), Daphne, AL
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – KJV)
Christy N. Armstrong-Lucas, St. Louis, MO:
“Clap your hands,
All peoples!
Shout to God,
With loud songs of joy!”
Psalm 47:1 ESV
Elise Engberg, Lakeville, MN
“Or 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
Charlene P. Norcross GA
And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge : And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not charity I am nothing
1Cor 13:2. KJV
CeCelia O’Connell from Houston, Texas.
“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 transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 KJV
Sandra, Columbia,sc
“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfected 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
Patiences Teague, Madison, AL
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 NIV
Jamie Buchanan, Wausau, WI
Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; Je has injured us but He will bind up our wounds.
Hosea 6:1
Jill Sanders, Leachville, AR
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:2
OOPS! Romans 12:9 Sorry for the confusion. I have tried memorizing Romans 12:2 as well. :/
Psalm 73:26 ESV My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Tracy Pratz, Las Cruces, NM
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8 NIV
Kathy Poole, Fleming, GA
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24 NIV
Margaret from Summerfield, FL
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5 – NIV
Karen from Goodyear, AZ. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Katie in Webbers Falls, OK – Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Cindy Burdine, Magnolia, AR
“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
Joretta, Woodstock, GA
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NASB
Tracie, Bristow
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to NOTHING, so that we would NO LONGER be enslaved to sin.”
Romans 6:6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 5&6 NKJV
Ellen K., Chester, VA
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV