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!
Alana McCullough, Lorton VA. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Heather Wilkinson
Springfield, VA
And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Rom 10:15 (NLT)
Teri Thompson, Bedias, TX
“The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.”
Psalms 135:6 NIV
Joy Schilli
Anna, TX.
So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
-Hebrews 10:35-36
Holman Version
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:20
New King James
Micah 6:8, KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT
New Albany, MS
Theresa, Glendale AZ, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” James 1:19 NKJV
Nirma,Boston,MA
What then shall we say in response to these things,If God is for us,who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV
Margaret
Jackson, TN
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV
Susan, Emmaus, PA
Song of Solomon 2:4 NKJV He brought me to the banqueting house and his banner over me was love.
Song of Solomon 7:10 NKJV I am my beloved’s and his desire is toward me.
John 15:9 NASB Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1John 4:18 NKJV
Good one! Praying for my Lubbock Siestas!
Kirsten Weaver- Rockford, Indiana
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95: 1-2 NIV
Tammy Burch, Austin, TX “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
I will be praying with you. That was my verse choice as well!
Melissa Vidor, TX
Alyson Watkins, Wake Forest, NC. ““So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” Hosea 12.6, ESV
Lauren Hoeltje, Cincinnati, OH: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
Beth Griggs Nelson, Minnetonka, Minnesota
Isaiah 40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Debbie, Huntsville, AL Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (NIV)
Candy Boyd Midlothian, Texas
In the same way, faith by itself , if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17 NIV
Jill Jones, Westerville Ohio
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly And to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Debra. El Dorado. AR. NIV
Ps 91: 2
I will say of the Lord , ” He is my refuge and my fortress, my God , in whom I trust.”
Ali Beanes (Houston, TX) “I am the Lord’s servant”, Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left. Luke 1:38
“He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be shaken. My salvation and my glory depend on God. God is the rock of my strength, my refuge. Trust him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts in his presence. God is our refuge. Selah” (Psalms 62:6-8 GW)
Susanna Greenville, TX
Debra T. from Madison, Mississippi
“And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39 (NASB)
Sabrina
Lincoln, Nebraska
Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
I have personal endearment for sweet Jan or
as I call her “mama moonflower” for life!
Angie Sarich, Deland FL
“You are the salt of the earth. If salt loses its taste,
how can it be made to taste like salt again? It is no good.
It is thrown away and people walk on it. ”
(Matthew 5:13 NLV)
Danielle, Wolcottville, Indiana. “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”. Romans 8:15 ESV
Carol Peavy, Jena, LA
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Breezy, Conway, AR
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13)
Jane Huckaby, Denver CO “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.” Prov 3: 5,6 ESV
Karen Shroyer Deer Park, WA
Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. NIV
Lee Anne, Deerfield Beach, FL “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Barbara Severns, Eagle, Idaho
For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you that they maybe ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you.
Proverbs 22:18 & 19 NASB
Robin Ridenour
Chambersburg, PA
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Michele from Miami
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV
Jennifer Jones, Coweta, OK
“Be very careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
Vickie Gainous, Cairo, GA The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still. Exodus 14:14 NRSV
Rebecca Jordan, Winston Salem, NC
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10 NIV
Peggy, Corpus Christi,TX
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB)
Melissa Dougherty, Skiatook, OK: “Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Galatians 6:4 NLT
Dumfries, VA
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will grant you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 NLT
Phil. 4:6 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Cindy Cannon, Otterville, IL Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6 (NIV)
Reba, Harleysville, PA
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12 New Living Translation
Lindsay Thomas, Dallas, TX.
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
Kayla Davisson, Fort Wayne, IN:
The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. -Psalm 147:11, NIV
Jessica from Chesapeake, VA
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Psalm 32:8-9
emily lorin//atlanta, ga
“with my whole heart i seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
i have stored up your word in my heart,
that i might not sin against you.”
psalm 119:10-11 {esv}
Beverly Smith
Pomeroy, OH
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46:5