My journey to ONE THOUSAND GIFTS will finish with this post, but the counting will not stop! I’m thankful for the discipline that this sojourning has grown in me. An intentional attitude of heart, mind, soul and spirit…to see His grace in everything. Everything! It has truly been so good for me, and I hope for you too!
985. The sound of rain as I type this post. Blessed rain on our tin roof. I love the sound of rain, the smell of a fresh rain shower, and the way my gardens look after God waters them. We’ve had several good long DAYS of rain. So thankful.
986. A text message from my friend and praise team member that says “WE HAVE A NEW SISTER IN CHRIST!” Her precious little girl came to faith in Jesus last week. God’s GRACE manifested in the most wonderful of all ways – salvation. By Grace we are saved through faith.
987. My sons serving together in ministry – Jeremy preaching at our church’s Disciple Now event this past weekend and Jonathan leading in worship. I love when Jeremy can “come home” to his home church, and that Jonathan still attends his “home church” with his wife and two of my grandchildren. I’m so thankful for the investment our church makes in young people called to full time vocational ministry.
988. A trip to Covington this past Saturday to honor Memama, the Morton family Matriarch and my wonderful mother-in-law. She will be 91 in four months – it was good to spend time with her. Here she is holding great granddaughter Emery. Priceless.
989. The Metro 2 Music Conference ended in a wonderful way last week as we were blessed to be led in worship by Christy & Nathan Nockels. It was pure joy to share a meal with them too. One of my favorite things is when she told us we were “her people.” Indeed we are! They are precious people.
990. I am not sure I can even share the JOY that this picture gives me. Jackson was standing on the steps to the stage (he wanted to be up there so badly) and he was “playing” his little guitar as he watched his daddy play his guitar. And bobbing his head in time with the music…
991. A quiet time place that calls to me. The privilege of prayer and God’s Word so readily available in several translations, a journal, pens, highlighters, and even the ability to be able to read and understand. Thankful for my Teacher, the Holy Spirit.
992. GRANDSONS. Gran.Jan’s.JOY! Can’t wait to see these two cousins grow up together. They remind me SO much of their daddies. 
993. LIVE OAK TREES. Savannah. Hearing Christy Nockels sing “For Your Splendor.” I love THIS CD and the lyrics about our roots deep in Christ and becoming branches bearing fruit. 
994. Being around young worship pastors and their wives – and being refreshed by them, and praying that they were encouraged by older worship pastors and their wives…like me and mine.
995. RIVER STREET in Savannah is a special place. Gary and I love to go there – we went to both Savannah and Charleston for our 25th anniversary. Walking River Street again this past week and thinking about how good God has been to us the past 10 years (as we’ve now been married 35 years) and our family has grown to include two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren this past decade! So very thankful!
996. I am especially thankful for my job and the good people I work with. As hard as my schedule is sometimes with family, work, and church commitments, God gives me the health, grace, and blessing to work. I’m thankful for His daily provisions.
997. Refreshing times that include a glass of good old Southern iced tea. I like mine “cut in half,” which means half sweetened/half unsweetened. I don’t like really sweet tea, so this is just right! I enjoyed this glass while sitting at the table at Paula Deen’s Restaurant. The sprig of fresh mint was just like the icing on the cake…that special touch!
998. And may I tell you how much I love coming home and driving down this driveway of oak trees? Especially on Friday afternoons when the weekend awaits! Time in the garden, time on the front porch, time to just be.
999. The Blessed Assurance of my faith in Christ that daily gives me the JOY, HOPE, and STRENGTH to live and abide in His love.
1000. Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that is greater than All our sin.
Thank you Jesus for this Journey.
Much Love,
JAN
I hopped over here after reading a comment you left on Melanie’s blog and I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed reading the items on your list. What a beautiful heart you have! Number 1000 says it all, and I am so thankful! I’ll be back!
Susan! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I AM SO HAPPY YOU WILL BE BACK! Don’t you just love Melanie’s blog??? I can’t wait to give her book to my two daughters-in-law. Take care – and yes, #1000 says it ALL!
Jan, I just love these posts and they have inspired me to think about doing my own over on my blog. I think it would be a good discipline for me. The picture of your little guy seeking to be like his daddy just warmed my heart. Blessings to you.
Leah – YOU DID IT! I love your list – and I love your heart. You will LOVE doing this and even though I reached 1,000 – I can’t stop the counting. EVER!
Jan,
I so much enjoyed all your blessings. Reading them makes me slow down my fast pace that has always been my way and just be thankful.
I’m blessed by your blessings
Love you,
Joan
I love you my sister. Your giving heart has been such a JOY to our family the past 2 months as we’ve walked the journey of dad’s illness. I love you too!!!