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!
Joanna Chung, San Ramon, CA
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21
Hi there, I am from Cape Town, South Africa,my name is Chantelle Miles, I’m late in posting but committed to keeping up!-Hebrew 2.18 AMP
For because He Himself (in His humanity) has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried) He is able (immediately) to run to the cry (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried (and therefore are being exposed to suffering)
Lynn, Rock Hill, SC
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:14-15 NIV
Rachel Mason. London UK. Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers letting God know your concerns. Philippians 4:6 Message.
But I trust in you, LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
Deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
From those who pursue me. Psalm 31:14-15
Natalie Jeffcoat
Camden,SC
Tanya, Lorton, VA
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 NIV
Dawn Jenkins
Childress Texas
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You. (Psalm 143:8 AMP)
Christi
Bavaria, Germany
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of other.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Beth Lesesne, Sumter SC
Above all my brothers do not swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.Let your “Yes”be yes and your “No,” no or you will be condemned. James 5:12 NIV
Jennifer Jackson, Tulsa OK
For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 AMP)
Reyne
Erie,pa
I cor13.7 NIV
(Love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Judy – Fountain Inn, SC
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
Psalm 139: 23-24 (NIV)
Jennifer Adams, Canton, Mississippi
“Great peace have they who love Your law; and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165 ESV
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Kathy,Queen City, TX, “Be ready for service and have your lamps lit.” Luke 12:35 HCS
Sue, Maryville, IL
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
Jennifer Hargrove, Ardmore TN
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” 1 John 3:18 NKJV
Stancy, Coppell, Texas
You have searched me O Lord and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down: you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you Lord know it completely.
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)
Pam D., Hendersonville, TN “I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (CEB)
1Peter 2:9-10
But you are a Chosen Race,a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people for God’s own Possession, so you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into the marvoulouos light; for once you were Not. People, but now your THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had not Recieived Mercy but now you have Recieved Mercy.
Rene L. Seminole, Florida Hosea 6:6 NRSV “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Colo.; Romans 8:31b If God is for us, who can be against us?
Nikki – Nashville, Tn.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)”
Niki Mull, Leland NC
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
Sorry I’m so late!
Becky – Edinburgh, IN
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Fort Bridger, WY.
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. NKJV
Dawn Deare, Lafayette, LA
1 Samuel 12:24 HSCB
Above all, fear the LORD and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.
Ali – Huron, Ohio
Psalm 51:12 NIV
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Your word, Lord, is eternal! It stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119. 89
Michelle Pritchard
Okeechobee, Florida
Kirsten, Manhattan “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Holli from Jacksonville Alabama
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Mary Anne- St. Catharines, Ontario Canada
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 care for you.
John 15:9 ESV As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.
Heather
Birmingham, AL
Morgan Roberts, Brandon, MS. “…knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.” Romans 6:6-7 NASB
Holly Bailey – Benton, AR
“Let love be genuine. Adhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10 ESV
Sandy Keesee, Amarillo TX
The Lord is my strength and my song he has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2 NIV
Marisa, Knoxville, TN. Romans 8:37 NIV. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
“If anyone considers himself religious, but does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
James 1:26 (NIV)
With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments. Psalm 119:10
Houston, TX
The Lord is near to all who call on him to call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV
Sheila Johnson, Beckley, WV By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NKJV
Sissy, Waycross, GA
Psalm 56:3 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 “When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.”
Jill – Germantown, TN
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Laura Maddox, Rhineland, MO “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.Colossians 1:18 NIV
With my whole heart i seek you: let me not wander from your commandments. Psalm 119:10
Kimberly – Burlington IA
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Brenda, Greenville SC
Ps. 20:7 NIV
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Sonya Dickerson, Chesterfield, VA
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Barbara, Fisherville, KY: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29 NIV.
Rita Brown Midland, TX
As for God, His way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30 NIV