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!
Sierra Westberg, Arkadelphia, AR
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy
Psalms 103: 1,4 ESV
Jenny Fridge, Richmond, TX
And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 ESV
Rachel Patterson – Clover, SC:
“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)
Jennifer R., Houston, TX, 1 Thes 1:4 “We know brothers and sisters loved by God that he has chosen you.” NET
Jodi, Grandville, MI
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Misti Robinson, from Houston , TX:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corthinians 10:31 NIV
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1John 2:15
4. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5. You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid your hand upon me.
6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too lofty for me to attain.
Psalm 139:4-6 NIV
What a wonderful choice. I may be choosing this for next month! Blessings!
Olivia Cox
Lenoir, North Carolina
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Lisa Howser, Louisville KY He has showed you, O man, 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
Ellen Brown Olmstedville NY 1 Thessaloians 4:9 Now for the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. NASB
Name, city, verse, reference (where it is found) and translation.
Haley Terry, Decatur, AL, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9:13 ESV
Cathy, Sierra Vista, AZ
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your request to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Kim Culp South Bend IN
and Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 ESV
Jamie Derouen – Pearland, TX
“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy” Zep 3:17 NASB
San Clemente, CA
ISAIAH 40:31 (NIV)
“But those who 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.”
Olda, Huntsville, AL
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
Angie, Hayti, Missouri- Casting the whole of your care on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1Peter 5:7 (AMP)
Teena, Cypress, TX
“Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NIV
Michele from Loveland, Colorado
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9
Amy King, Little Rock, AR
“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 14:4 NAR
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)
Rhonda Marlow Richland, Wa.
“God is light: in him there is no darkness at all.”
1John 1:5 NIV
Kimberley, Brisbane Australia
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
(Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Cara Baird, Fountain, Co
Hebrews 6:19-21a “this hope we have as an anchor for the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as forerunner for us,”
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)
Wow, I signed on to post my verse and noticed you had just posted the same verse right before me but in a different translation. So cool!
Lucinda Burris, Nashville, Tennessee He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 ESV)
Rebecca Threadgill, Cypress, TX ~~ Psalm 62:5-6 (NASB)~~ “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.”
Liz, Atlanta
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. (Proverbs 30:8 NIV)
Debbie Haramzian, New Port Richey, FL
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
NIV
Jill, Dunedin FL
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him ” Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed. ” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it ?
James 2:15-16 NIV
NIV Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Sandy Lewis Overland Park, KS
“for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
Missy-Sugar Land, TX “He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His names’ sake.” Psalm 23:3 NASB
Sarah R. Knoxville TN
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Mary-Hamilton Oxford, MS
If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 HCSB
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither Angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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
Dee Remick, Zeeland, MI
Psalm 139:2 “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” NIV84
Maria Oxford, MS
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we all ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Nicole Carpenter Delaware, Ohio “For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.” Psalm 94:14 NIV
Karen Harris, Wisconsin, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Lora, Colorado Springs, CO Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Yanna, College Station, Tx. ” These are the names of the sons if Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.” Exodus 1:1,2 ESV
Katie Allen, Fuquay-Varina, NC
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Noel Garcia, Andersonville TN
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 NASB)
April K., Lynnwood, WA, “I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name.” Psalms 138:2, NASB
Love this verse.
Lora Faircloth, Fayetteville, NC
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 NIV
Dawn Kornelson Airdrie Alberta, Canada
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:10-11 NIV