What A Difference A Day Makes

December 26, 2013 10:28 PM 0

My daughter-in-law Carrie recently tweeted about the significance of December 10th to her heart and my son’s heart…because December 10th is the day that “hope deferred became a tree of life.”  

Zeke-Dec 10 Tweet

The day Carrie discovered she was expecting a baby…after years of waiting and after a failed adoption.  More than a failed adoption, actually a scam. My son wrote about this event in their lives, and I ran across his writing the other day and have been wanting to share this story of hope and answered prayer!  The story never ceases to bless me and amaze me! We give  ALL praise to God for His miracles in our lives.  The story of Zeke…

WhatADifferenceADayMakes

Merry Christmas and may God continue to be near and dear and prepare us all for His Mighty workings in our lives in 2014.  I am believing God!

Gran Jan

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December 26, 2013 10:28 PM 0

Thankfulness Giveaway!

November 22, 2013 8:59 AM 23

ThankfulPumpkinThanksgiving is very special to me – so wonderfully uncluttered…if you don’t count my kitchen while I’m in there cooking up a storm! (I’m a messy cook, but a good one…according to my husband and sons).  I treasure the simplicity of what Thanksgiving stands for: thankful hearts, grateful hearts, family time, and delicious food. Thanksgiving isn’t ruined with commercialization by the media (only because marketing for Christmas begins in August and that is where their focus is). I love to celebrate one holiday at a time – and I want to savor Thanksgiving before I begin the countdown to Christmas.

I celebrated my birthday last Saturday (November 16) and it was a good one! While counting my blessings I decided to host a giveaway here on my blog! The gift is a wonderful book by Liz Curtis Higgs entitled “The Women of Christmas.”  I’ve given copies to my mom, by dear friend Lanie and I have one for YOU too!TheWomenOfChristmasTo enter the giveway, all you need to do is leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite Thanksgiving tradition or food.  I will take comments through Thanksgiving Day.  A winner will be randomly selected, and I will get your book in the mail right away! I want you to be able to savor this joyous time of year that we celebrate Emmanuel, God With Us.  I’m so thankful He is with us every moment of every day.  Another reason I love Thanksgiving: EVERY DAY is Thanksgiving when you live with a grateful heart and count your blessings and realize it’s all grace.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room,

Thankful

 

 

Jan

PS: Make sure to leave your email in your post so I may get in touch with you if you WIN!

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November 22, 2013 8:59 AM 23

Triple Trials – Triple Triumphs

October 14, 2013 4:38 PM 1

I’ve been reviewing 2013 often in my mind lately. When this year began, I had great anticipation for the new year. I always do.  Many people do! There’s something cathartic about a new calendar, a fresh start. Conversely, there may be apprehension as we wonder what will come to pass, what lies ahead.  Hopefully as believers, we’ve been taught to rest in the truth that our God is in control. However, in the emotion of waiting and wondering about what may happen or what actually does happen, we can get “trials, tests, and temptations” mixed up.

Trials are difficult life events that inevitably come to everyone as we sojourn here on earth.
Tests are difficulties God sends to reveal the depth of our character and increase our faith.
Temptations come from the enemy of our souls in an attempt to destroy us, our faith and our peace.

What lay ahead for me came in three events, in this order: my father’s bout with life-threatening pneumonia, my husband’s cancer, and my oldest son’s (and his wife and 3 of my grandchildren) physical move 3 hours away from us.  Right now this very day my dad is well and playing golf, my husband is cancer-free and fully recovered in every way, and my son preached in his new church yesterday. God’s grace multiplied thrice.

I really want to share some things I’ve learned  (and quite possibly have just been “refreshed” with) on my journey so far this year…both spiritual lessons and practical ones.

  • God is good, always good, and I know without a doubt He loves me with an everlasting love.
  • Grace isn’t stored up. You don’t receive grace for tomorrow’s trials. His grace is sufficient and always on time. Always.
  • God doesn’t bring about temptations, but He does allow trials and tests.  Even Jesus endured testing (God’s Word sustained Him.)  You’ll be the better for whatever it is because God can and will use it for His glory in your life.
  • Don’t be hurt when people go on with their lives even though you feel your world crumbling. We can’t be all things to all people and shouldn’t expect that of others.
  • If you do need something, ask for help specifically and then let people help you.
  • A strong marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts.  Keeps me centered. I’m so thankful God healed my sweet man.
  • Lifelong friends are wonderful.
  • A card in the mail is a balm to the soul in a world of email, Twitter, and Facebook.
  • Praying is a lifeline.
  • Worship is wonderful – you worship from a different place.
  • A book entitled “The Power of Crying Out, When Prayer Becomes Mighty,”   is powerful.
  • Your emotions will lead you astray.  Vain imaginations.  Conjured up conversations.  Stick to the truth. God’s truth. Walk in the Spirit.
  • Stay focused, get alone with God.
  • Remember who the real enemy is.  Remember that he is defeated.
  • Get some rest.  You can’t take care of others when you’re fatigued.
  • A church family is another one of God’s greatest gifts. I really mean it when I ponder “what do people do without a church home?”
  • It is pure joy to have a family that will come through and show up and help and be there. My sons and their wives and sisters are the best.
  • Life is but a vapor (James 4:14), enjoy God’s daily gifts, pick your battles.
  • Grandchildren remain pure therapy for my soul.  Even though three of the five are no longer close by, they are alive and healthy and their daddy and momma are following God’s call. What a legacy of faith.

And just as surely as God has given three of the best outcomes to my three trials, He would still be God and He would still be good if there were different outcomes. Yesterday at church we had a guest pastor preaching, Dr. Ron Lynch.  He shared a quote by Major Ian Thomas:

 “You can’t—He never said you could—He can, He always said He would. So let Him.”

God gave Major Thomas this message through Galatians 2:20 (Amplified Bible):

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Lord Jesus, I can’t—You never said I could—but You can, and always said You would. That is all I need to know.

ALL I need to know.

Jan

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October 14, 2013 4:38 PM 1

One Year Ago Today…Great Is Thy Faithfulness

September 4, 2013 11:16 AM 1

I was looking around my blog this morning, and noticed in my Google stats that someone from INDIA (Mumbai, Maharashtra) had landed on the following archive post.  I have no idea why or what they were looking for, but I decided to re-read the post myself, and then realized it was posted exactly one year ago today! I love that. God’s faithfulness is just POURING over in my heart and mind right now. Even with the hard season last year during my dad’s serious illness, my husband’s cancer, and my oldest son and his sweet family moving away next month, I have celebrated the births of two new grandchildren this year (a little girl and a little boy) since this post.  Morning my morning new mercies I see, Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

It has been a wonderful long 3-day weekend filled with time at home, time in worship, time with family, and time with friends.  Those gifts are all wrapped up in my list this evening…
786. Three-day weekends with Monday’s off. Grateful.
787. Celebrating my oldest son’s birthday. He’s a fun-loving, passionate preacher – but he was sweet enough to wear this “chick-fil-a hat” for his children. My husband and I met Jeremy and his family for lunch on his birthday last Wednesday – August 29th.  Fun times.
788. Counting one of my life’s greatest JOYS and blessings, being a mom. I’ve been one for 31 years now…and I’m grateful for my two boys, two daughters-in-law, and precious grandchildren.  I love being a mother.
789.  And I LOVE being a grandmother too, this is my oldest boy’s boy. When he came running to me at Chick-fil-a last week and gave me that big hug I thought my heart would burst open. God’s grace.
790. Getting ready for my fall garden planting this morning, and I found this praying mantis on my lemon thyme…he really struck a prayerful pose for me, now didn’t he?
791. Homemade tomato pie – my husband loved it and it blesses me to cook for my happy hearty eating family.
792. I’ve spent a lot of time in my sewing room this weekend and made four ”burp cloths” for my little Emery…September is her birth month!  Can’t wait to meet her. Won’t be long now.
793. As my husband, youngest son and youngest grandson were leaving church Sunday, they were playing the “one two three jump” game and I grabbed my iPhone and snapped this picture…THREE GENERATIONS leaving church together. Thank you LORD.
794. Ann Voskamp – who is the inspiration behind 1,000 Gifts, retweeted a tweet of mine last week and it just made my heart happy. She wrote a beautiful post on marriage…you can go read it here.
795. I love fall the best of all and I’m making a cute little fall jumper for Miss Madie Ruth…complete with a fall scarecrow. This applique was 25 steps and I had a lot of fun picking out the colors and fabric scraps to design it.
796. A little hummingbird flew into our garage and I was able to hold her while she caught her breath – then she zoomed away…and I caught my breath. I loved that.
797. Sending a quart jar of pickled okra to my mother-in-law because I know she loves it and making it for her brought me a special joy.  She’s been such a good role model for me all these 35 years I’ve been married to her baby boy.
798. Breakfast is my husband’s favorite meal of the day. We enjoyed good conversation this morning over delicious jalepeno cheddar sausage made at a local shop called M & T Meats.
799. My daughter-in-law Erin is great with child and we are counting the days to Emery’s birth later this month.  She and Jonathan have prepared the most beautiful room for this baby girl…I am so thankful for my boys and their wives – they are great parents and it brings me such JOY to know my grandchildren are being raised up in love and being taught the ways of Christ.
My grace gifts lists have a common theme – faith – family – friends. I am thankful for the joys of simple living and counting these gifts makes me realize even more that my JOYS are those simple treasures of daily living. I am very thankful and counting my blessings makes me even more aware of how blessed I am.  It’s a good discipline and it will keep your mind and heart focused on what really matters…faith – family – friends.
God is Good,
JAN
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September 4, 2013 11:16 AM 1

Welcome to the Family Abraham Daniel Morton!

August 29, 2013 8:22 PM 5

I began this blog five years ago while awaiting the birth of Zeke, my oldest grandchild.  I named it GRAN JAN’S JOY!  Today that joy was multiplied again!  This morning at 9:02 AM, little Abraham Daniel Morton was born, third child to my oldest son Jeremy Daniel Morton and daughter-in-law Carrie! He is a beautiful baby boy, and this Gran Jan is so thankful.  He is my fifth grandchild, and was our “tie-breaker baby.”  The boys are now ahead by one! Prior to this day we had two grandsons and two granddaughters. Oldest grandson Zeke said “I got what I wanted, I got what I wanted!”  It is safe to say we ALL got way more than we deserved. 

Here is little Abe at just a few minutes old…love those little “peep eyes.”  If he only knew…Abe - WelcomeThis picture is very special.  Carrie’s father was on Skype with her sister (his daughter) Sarah who serves as a foreign missionary. What a precious moment for her.  We all stood at the window as the nurses weighed Abe and swaddled him in a blanket to take to his mommy. Zeke and Madie enjoyed every moment, and Zeke had so many questions, mostly as to whether or not they were hurting him.  He’s already a protective big brother! Abe - Skype with SarahThis little video (Abe – Announcement) is so special and the execution of a sweet plan! Big sister Madie announced “It’s a BOY,” while big brother Zeke shared his name! I was so proud of them for carrying it out so well.  You see, we didn’t know his gender or name.  He was a blessed surprise and I am so thankful Jeremy and Carrie chose not to find out the details. Since they already have a son and a daughter, they were happy to wait, and it made for a very sweet day. (This is a picture of Jeremy bringing them to the waiting room to announce to us grandparents!)Abe - Siblings AnnounceHere are the siblings holding him for the first time, with the protective arm of their daddy supporting him.Abe - Zeke and Madie holdingThere is something very special about this family of five.  Dad and Mom…two boys and a girl.  Before Jeremy and Carrie became parents five years ago, they were told they may never have children of their own, so they began the process to adopt.  Early on they were selected by an agency and were in line to adopt a set of triplets (two boys and a girl).  Through a series of events they discovered that the birth parents were not ethical and the adoption unraveled.  On that dark day when hope was all but gone, we felt such despair.  The very next day, less than 24 hours after the depth of sadness, Carrie discovered she was pregnant.  Well, on this day, August 29, 2013 they have their own TWO BOYS AND A GIRL!  His timing. Abe - Morton 5Now my heart is overflowing tonight for another reason.  On this day 32 years ago, I became a mother when my son Jeremy was born. Now he is here today celebrating the birth of his son on his birthday.  It’s been a full circle day for so many reasons.  God is faithful, always good, and His timing is amazing.  I praise His Great Name.  Abe - GranJanThis is me and Jeremy from his birth 32 years ago. It was a difficult birth and a 10 day hospital stay. God’s plan continues to unfold today. Abe - me and JeremyAnd here are the birthday boys, Jeremy Daniel at the top of the picture, and little Abraham Daniel below.  I have a feeling that these two will be joined more tightly than with just middle names and birthdays! Abe - Jeremy and Abe - babeisThe happiest days are when babies come! I love you FIVE – Ezekiel Timothy (Zeke); Madie Ruth; Jackson Evan, Emery Caroline, and Abraham Daniel (Abe).  GRAN JAN’S JOY!

Gran Jan

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August 29, 2013 8:22 PM 5

Priscilla Shirer Live – Coming to Second Baptist, Warner Robins, GA

August 14, 2013 11:18 AM 3

I am very excited to announce that my church (Second Baptist, Warner Robins, GA) will be hostessing PRISCILLA SHIRER LIVE…and it’s a YEAR away! However, our Women’s Ministry Team (Cindy, Teresa, Jennifer, and me…love these girls!) are getting geared up and prayed up and fired up! We will be putting together a BIG CORE TEAM as well for this event, so stay tuned here on my blog, and on Facebook and Twitter! Priscilla is a tremendous teacher of the Word of God and is so genuine. WE LOVE HER BIBLE STUDIES! I’ve given her a title that to me fits her so well. “Queen of Analogies.”  She can make a concept so clear and plain by the wonderful way she weaves a day-to-day analogy to the spiritual teaching she is expounding upon.  So mark your calendars and save the date for August 22-23, 2014!  To attend, you must register through the LIFEWAY EVENTS link.

A little unknown fact to many people is very special to us at Second Baptist.  We heard Priscilla speak at a retreat we attended at Callaway Gardens, Georgia about 12 years ago.  We loved her so much we invited her to come share at an in-house women’s retreat at our church.  She came and we loved her even more…and especially when she told us she was three months along in her first pregnancy.  Now she is the proud momma of three sons!  God is so good.

This following description is from the Lifeway site:

Ever feel like you’re in a rut? Whether you need inspiration or a challenge, Priscilla Shirer Live will snap you out of routine faith. Priscilla’s ministry to women around the world focuses on the expository teaching of the Word of God. She desires to see women come to a full understanding of who they are in Christ by hearing the uncompromising truth of Scripture. With passionate Bible teaching from Priscilla and worship by Anthony Evans, you don’t want to miss this intimate and inspiring event for women of every age, culture, and background.

Thankful, blessed to serve, and praying for Priscilla Shirer Live! 

Jan

 

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August 14, 2013 11:18 AM 3

Sisters are Different Flowers From the Same Garden…

July 19, 2013 6:46 AM 0

Life as we knew it in our family was FOREVER changed on July 19, 1985 when my sister Jean died in a car accident.  I wrote a tribute to her on the 25th anniversary of her death in 2010…I am re-posting today in her memory and honor.  I still miss her.

Sisters are Different Flowers From the Same Garden…

I am the oldest of four girls all named by our parents with ”P.J.” inititals, Pamela Jan, Phyllis Jean, Patricia Joan, Peggy Jo; all called by our middle names. This picture was taken back in 1981 as we celebrated our parents’ 25th wedding anniversary.  (We are standing in birth order, with me on the far left.)

This past January 18th would have been Jean’s 50th birthday if she had lived. But God had other plans, and my sister died on July 19, 1985, 25 years ago.  She was only 25 years old when a tragic car accident took her life instantly.  She’s been gone for as long as she lived.  Some days it seems like only yesterday…and other days I mourn every one of those 25 years. 

I have scanned in some photos from our early years.  Every memory I have of my childhood includes my sister Jean as we were so close in age.  This could well be one of our first photos together.  I was 2 years, 2 months and 2 days old when she was born in January of 1960.

 This photograph is one of my favorites of Jean and me with our mother.
I was a brown-eyed brunette (still am), and she was a blue-eyed blonde!
 Here we are on Christmas Day – I especially love my memories of Christmases with Jean.  We loved this kitchen set, and always played “house” with our baby dolls.
We played outside for hours with this old dog.
Even though I am older, she was often my defender in squabbles.
Here we are all decked out for Easter with matching hats and dresses. 
I was 7 years old, Jean was 5, and our baby sister Joan was 9 months old.
Jo was born the very next year on Good Friday.
 This is Jean and I in front of our home in Hawaii.
Our Dad was a career Marine, and our family lived in Hawaii during
his duty there. We loved our years in Hawaii and the timing was
great as we were teenagers and we loved the beach!

A few months ago when the thought resonated in my heart that Jean had been gone as long as she had lived, I asked my mom if us girls could spend the day togther to remember Jean and celebrate her life. So that is what we did this past July 19th.  My sisters and our mom went to the cemetery and put flowers on Jean’s grave. 

There is a quote that Jean always loved, so her sweet husband had it carved into her beautiful pink granite tombstone at the bottom.  It says:

With each rising sun,
think of life as just beginning.
Show kindness and love today,
for tomorrow’s chance may be lost.

It was extremely hot that day, and we didn’t tarry too long.  But we did what we came for. We talked about how much we miss Jean, and we shed some tears. We visited our paternal grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ graves, and many of my Dad’s siblings’ graves too.  After we left the cemetery, we had lunch together and did a little shopping.  It was good to just be together.  We wanted to remember her, but not to mourn as those who have no hope! Jean had a little girl, our sweet niece Amy, who was not quite two years old when her momma died.  I texted Amy and told her what we were doing, and she was so glad.  She lives out of state or she would have joined us.  She is so much like her momma.  It is absolutely uncanny when I watch Amy and see Jean’s hand motions and facial expressions.  She did not get the privilege to raise her girl, but she lives on in her every day.  Amy is so beautiful.

This picture of Jean and Amy was taken not long before Jean died.
I cannot tell you how Jean’s death devasted our lives. The morning of her funeral was the darkest day I have ever known.  My heart was broken for my parents more than anything. Jean’s death remains the greatest loss in our family.  But this I know! Jesus gives grace and He is so faithful.  We turned to Him for comfort and He met us every time.  We miss her every day, and when the family is together, we are not complete.  But I know beyond doubt that a day is coming when we will be together again in Heaven!  Because of the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross and our faith in Him as Lord and Savior – we will see her again one day, alive and whole.  Blessings to you all.  Love your family every day, for tomorrow’s chance may be lost…
Jan
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July 19, 2013 6:46 AM 0
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