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!
Alicia, Hutchinson, Kansas. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8 ESV)
Sarah Winslow Durant, OK
So, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and in His own good time He will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern. – 1 Peter 5:6-7 PHILLIPS
Psalm 62:5-6 (NIV)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Kailah Brost
Leaving Woodland Park, Co in the morning to move to Auburn, Ca!
Isaiah 42:3 ESV
A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.
Holli from Corona, Ca.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Kari White, Fulton, SD “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” Isaiah 40:11
Wendi, Simi Valley, CA
Praise to be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
Heather C. – Cedar Hill, TX
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 ESV)
Sarah, Colorado Springs
Psalm 46:1-2 Amplified
God is our refuge and strength (might and impenetrable to temptation), a very present and well proved help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, tho the earth should change and tho the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas.
Susan, Corpus Christi, Tx “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 , NIV
Terri Sims, Orange TX
“And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
Psalm 9:10 ESV
Rachel, Rocky Ford, CO
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
Julie Myers, Rutledge TN
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
Wendy P. Milwaukee, WI “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8 NLT
Jana Dawn Bott in Wardsville, MO
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)
Kim Dugas, Corpus Christi, TX
Colossians 4:2 NKJV
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Sarah Mc.
Des Arc, Arkansas
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17-18 ESV)
Patti Oak Ridge, Tennessee
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 NIV
Cheryl O’Neal, Moss Bluff, LA
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
Raye, Benton,AR
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Misty from Melissa, TX–“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust The Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” Psalms 112:7-8 NLT
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
Sarah Meece – KY
“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
Carly Andrews, Grand Rapids MI
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
John 14:2
Tami G., Franklin, TN,
2.Isaiah 41:9-10 “I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” NIV
Shelly Verley Apache Junction, AZ
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3, NASB
Doris, Chesapeake, Va
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 KJV
Karen, upstate New York
Be still and know that I am God…
Psalm 46:10 KJV
Kim b cave city ar These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.John 16:33 KJV
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22 NIV
Lorra B., Anderson, MO
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
Tiffany, Nampa, ID
NLT – Acts 15:11
We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.
Lacey Thames, Kirbyville, TX
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 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 4:7-9 NIV)
Cassie Williams, Bells, TX
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. – Hebrews 6:12 NIV
Jackie Houser, Goldsboro, NC: This verse is taped to my desk at work and home: Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. Prov. 16:3 TLB
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 NLT
Robin, Leo, IN “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Romans 8:1-2 (niv) Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Because of the Lord’s great loved we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new EVERY morning. Great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Paula, Oklahoma City, “…these 3 men, Noah, Daniel and Job…by their own righteousness could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord God. Ezekiel 14:14, NASB
Vickie, Indio, CA
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
Psalm 119:2 NKJV
Jennifer Walker, Fort Worth, TX. “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:2
Whitney Zahnd, Springfield, IL
“Then he said to them all:’If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'”
-Luke 9:23, NIV
Lindsey Osburn, Hamshire, TX
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV
Candie, Beaverton, OR
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
Dena Finley, Fort Jones, CA
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Paula Hale, Brownwood, Texas.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the Word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16 ESV
Jenny, Chardon, OH
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV