1,000 GIFTS, #1 to #10

February 8, 2011 4:28 AM 2

I have wanted to join the ranks of gift counters for a long time now, ever since I discovered Ann Voskamp’s wonderful blog, A Holy Experience.  Every time I visit it truly is…a holy experience. Her words are anointed, her writing so fresh and free. I love this young woman’s heart and would love to meet her one day and give her a big old southern girl hug around the neck!

Since I’m just beginning my list of 1,000 gifts and it is a “Multitude Monday,” I’m going for it. I am in a good place to do this – away for a conference with my husband that is very specific…for just worship pastors and their wives. It’s good to be with like-minded folks and those who are seeking to have the mind of Christ. It’s been a good day. 

1.  to be a pastor’s wife, specifically to one whose calling is to lead in worship
2.  to share the joy of time away to refresh and renew
3.  hearing over 50 “music men” sing together in worship…glory voices!
4.  a text from my daughter-in-love this morning
5.  the joy of mentoring a young wife tonight about raising boys
6.  reading Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts” this afternoon in the quiet of a beautiful retreat center
7.  fellowship this evening with a fellow garden enthusiast, specifically a lover of daylilies
8.  roundtable discussions with other ministers wives…talking shop and occupational “hazards”  😉
9. typing this blogpost while my own music man sleeps next to me…weary from a long day of taking in so much with his peers
10. connecting with a young steward at this retreat center named Daniel…and sharing with him about the Daniel of the Bible…JOY!

Thank you Jesus for the JOY of this day…a gift…the beginning of thousands.

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February 8, 2011 4:28 AM 2

A Winter’s Walk Around the Farm

January 10, 2011 10:34 PM 15

What a peaceful Monday I’ve enjoyed today. It started off great with a call from my boss saying, “stay put, don’t come to work, you HAVE to stay home.” What a delight! After a late breakfast, my husband asked me if I would enjoy a long walk, so we bundled up and I grabbed my camera…and off we went! Come for a walk around the farm with us…

Unlatching the gate, here we go…
 We started back at the 12 acre woods…
 The trees were covered with ice from the freezing rain.
 The pine trees were bent over, heavy from the ice.
 Our donkeys, Ellie and Little Bit…
The sheep…
 Out of the woods, headed to the pastures.
 One look back at the beautiful woods.
 Headed up to the front of the farm, near the “road.” 🙂
 Our farm home in the country…I love this place!
 An icy lantern at the front gate.
 Willow Oak Lane
 We walked around the pond…
 Past the cows near the woods…
 Saw more sheep…
 My icy bird feeder that was covered with
birds before I took the picture…
 Our frozen patio…
 My vegetable garden…the collards survived!
 Home again…
These boots were made for walking…
If you were blessed enough to be snowed in (or “iced in” like we were), I hope you’ve enjoyed your day off.  Days like these are so welcome in our  fast-paced busy lives…
I’ve just heard from my boss again! Guess what?  I HAVE TO STAY HOME AGAIN TOMORROW!!! Yee-hah!
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January 10, 2011 10:34 PM 15

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Sister!

January 2, 2011 3:38 AM 11

Good Evening Friends…
Today is almost over.  It’s been a good day with family and friends. Yes, being the Georgia girl that I am, I’ve had my collard greens and black-eyed peas twice today…both at lunch and then again at supper! And guess what? I grew the collard greens myself in my backyard garden.  What a simple pleasure!

Since this is the first day of a new year and the first day of a new decade as well (with a marvelous number pattern…1-1-11), I wanted to post a quick note.  I am getting older, thank you Jesus. I am loving this season of my life.  I’ve learned to pick my battles – to know the difference between the energy expended on events that amount to no more than an ant bite or serious enough to be considered a snake bite!  Wisdom comes with age and experience and it is oh so sweet. Tough, but sweet.

I’m not one to set unrealistic goals or make “new year’s resolutions.”  I’ve been there before and failed miserably and dealt with the self-imposed guilt that most always follows.  However, I do dearly love a fresh start and thank God for His mercies new every morning and His sweet amazing grace; so I am going to attempt to “KISS” this year which stands for Keep It Simple Sister! With the Good Lord’s help and in keeping His will for my life, I am going to filter requests for my time through my family’s needs and the women’s ministry I so dearly love.  Did you know that “no” is a complete sentence? I am going to slow down a bit and take better care of myself…so that I may take better care of my family.  This will mean regular exercise and smarter food choices.  I want to enjoy every single minute of my grandchildren and be able to keep up with them! (Zeke is not happy that he had to share his Gran Jan with the babies…)

Thank you for your love and support and for stopping by to visit my blog. One more very important thing…I’m going to do something wonderful for my soul this year, and that is to participate in Beth Moore’s Scripture Memory Team again.  What a JOY and DELIGHT!  If you haven’t heard about this, visit her web site here for instructions.  It is not too late to get involved and you will be blessed beyond measure for hiding God’s Word in your heart.

Remember, KISS 2011 by “Keeping It Simple Sister.”

*Gran Jan*

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January 2, 2011 3:38 AM 11

Christmas 2010 Family Photos

December 20, 2010 10:11 PM 13
Merry Christmas
from the Mortons!
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

*Gran Jan*

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December 20, 2010 10:11 PM 13

Cookbook Giveaway Winner!

December 2, 2010 2:06 AM 2

Congratulations to Terry of the Ater-Price Family Blog!  Your cookbook, “Christmas in the Country” will soon be on it’s way to you!

Thank you to those of you who shared your thankful thoughts.

I am also very thankful to each of you who visit this blog, which is basically the rambling thoughts of a blessed woman…

So thankful!
Gran Jan

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December 2, 2010 2:06 AM 2

My First Giveaway for You!

November 16, 2010 11:36 AM 11

Good Morning!  While the coffee is brewing and I’m listening to the wonderful sound of the rain coming down on the metal roof of my home…

and while thanking the Lord for all His goodness, I decided to celebrate with a giveaway on my blog.  It’s my first one and since today is my birthday, I wanted to give something to someone else.  I am a blessed woman indeed!
So…all you have to do is:
  1. 1.  Go here to “The Gooseberry Patch”  and pick out a cookbook you would like to own. I love this website and their products are great, and I love to cook! I had a cookbook published in one of their cookbooks…this past year. It’s the recipe for “Gran Jan’s Chicken Pie.”  Go here to read the post!
2.  Come back and post the 5 things you are most thankful for.
3.  Also tell me which cookbook you would like to receive.
4.  Do this by Tuesday, November 30th, two weeks from today!
5.  I will randomly select a winner on December 1st and have your cookbook sent to you in time for Christmas if you want to give it to someone else!
Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Giveaway to YOU!
*Gran Jan*
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November 16, 2010 11:36 AM 11

HIDDEN IN MY HEART

November 6, 2010 3:04 AM 3

Oh.my.word. I have found some of the most blessed and peaceful music I’ve heard in a long time. Breakway Music is a record company devoted to producing quality Christian music for children.  They say on their website that their “goal and passion is for kids to have a relationship with Jesus.”

If you need a gift for a wee one in your life, or if you just want a blessing for your own quiet moments, order this CD, Scripture Lullabies, Hidden In My Heart, a beautiful lullaby journey through scripture.  You can even get a free download here.  (About the time I have decided on a favorite, the next song begins.)

I bought one for each of my two precious grandbabies (Master Jackson and Miss Madie Ruth), who will both be celebrating their very first Christmases this year! I will be placing a CD in each of their stockings.

Your word
have I hidden
in my heart,
That I might not sin
against You.
(Psalm 119:11)

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November 6, 2010 3:04 AM 3
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