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!
Tammy, Estelline SD
“In your anger do not sin,do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV
Anita, Lawrenceville
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
Alisa – Belhaven, North Carolina “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. ” Psalm 28:7-8 New International Version
Joy, Douglasville, GA
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 King James version
Marilyn Gadsden, ALabama
Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the author and perfect or of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.,scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD
Hebrews 12:2
Cassie Oring, Murfreesboro, TN. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Jedonne, Nashville, TN
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)
Tina, New Hope, MN
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11 NIV
Punky Tolson, Dallas, TX. “The Sovereign Lord has given me the capacity to be his spokesman, so that I know how to help the weary. He wakes me up every morning; he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me clearly; I have not rebelled, I have not turned back.” Isaiah 50:4-5, NET
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. – Romans 8:5 NIV
Donna Garvin, Eldorado, Texas Mark 12:30-31 (NIV ’84)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all mind and with all your strength.(31) The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Jen, Westland, MI
Psalm 91:4 NIV
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Leanna Reynolds, Southlake, TX – He who believes in Him will not be disappointed. 1Peter 2:6 NIV
Cara Roberts, Byron, Illinois
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7 NIV
sherry powder springs, ga
as for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in Your presence forever.
psalm 41:12 nasb
Amy, Dayton, Ohio
Throw your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be upended.
Psalm 55:22 NET
Psalm 127:1 NIV
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
Julia Petrie, Independence KY. “A gentle answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Christina Hixson, New Boston,Tx. The Lord will work out his plans for my life-for your faithful love,O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8 NLT
Denise, Winfield, Missouri. Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV
Tiffany Peterson, Jasper, TX
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Ruston Louisiana
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Janet Bell
Pinson, AL
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Love it!
Valerie Maddox
Dayton, Texas
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:1-2 NLT
Connie Tyler Texas, This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
Titus 3:8 NLT
Eleanor MacKay, Saskatoon,SK,Canada
“My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into it’s own in your weakness.”
2Cor.12:9 Message
Melissa Stevens, Kingwood TX
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8 NIV
Barbara Fenn, Medina, Oh
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Ps34:17 ESV
Karen from Carlsbad, CA
John 15:16 NIV
You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit-
fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Nancy Rottschafer in Holland MI. Psalm 28:7. The Lord is my strength and my shield,my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
Scherri, Calvert City, KY
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Jamie Marsh, Las Colinas, TX
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18, NLT
Jessica Hudson, Wyoming MI.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God- what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NRSV)
Bethany White, Pensacola FL,
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty had of God so that as the proper time He may exalt you”
1Peter 5:6 (ESV)
Brittany Watson, Marietta, GA
Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and laughs without fear of the future.”
Nancy Elliott, Coweta, OK “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
Rachel, Le Mars, IA – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 NIV
Carol Tippie, Cincinnati, Ohio
James 1:14-16 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. NASB
Marcy, Eagle Bridge, NY
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (NKJV)
Sarah House, Columbus, OH. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)
Dorothy Williams
Montgomery, AL
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Debby Conway Clinton Mississippi
1 Corinthians 6:12 GNT
Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes, but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave.
Amanda Jones, Austin, Tx.But we were gentle among you as a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you dearly – so dearly that we gave you not only God’s message, but our own lives too. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (TLB)
June Greenstreet, Bradford Ontario Canada ” 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)
Rebecca Brown, Cumming, GA
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Gatlinburg TN
Isaiah 41:13 ” For I am The Lord your God should takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV
Alice Hinckley, Dallas, Texas: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. -John 3:17 (NIV)
Michelle Wynne, Spokane,WA. “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50. NIV
Sara Weick, Jonesboro, AR
Pslam 126:3-4- “Yes the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.” (NLT)