Spring 2013 – Lots of Living Being Lived!

June 10, 2013 11:12 PM 10

So much “living has been lived” since I blogged a month ago! Life is good because God is good, He is always good. He continues to faithfully reveal His love to me in wonderful ways. I take pictures all the time with my iPhone camera, so I really want to let my pictures do the blogging for me…as I did when I was counting grace gifts to 1,000 here on my blog the past two years. There have been lots of celebrations this month in our family! My life continues again with familiar themes of faith, family, fun,  farm, and always of course…the flowers…

FAITH
June 1st marked a very special day for my husband and me – the 25th anniversary of  ministry at our wonderful church! Our church family gave us a love offering and a paid vacation trip of our choosing.  Last night (June 9th) we celebrated with a reception and so many memories flooded our hearts. They are precious people, a  loving and generous church family. God surely blessed us when He led us there with our two little boys 25 years ago…1989-MortonFamily25 Years

I was blessed to serve on the planning team for the recent Living Proof Life event in Atlanta. My church had 76 ladies attend and we had a wonderful time.  Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell make a great team as the Word was shared and the Worship was divine. The last session was a celebratory time of responsive reading, singing, praying, and dedication like nothing I’ve ever experienced – unprecedented for one of the LPL events.  So thankful for the time I shared with friends there.

This group of ladies with our fearless leader Mandy Parker were tremendous servants.
(Mandy is in the white blouse kneeling on the first row.)LPL Team

LPL2013

My friend Sophie Hudson, author of this book below, “A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet” was at the conference  (on the far right in the picture above).  She is a genuine, precious woman of faith.  I LOVE HER and this book is one I will re-read and go to often. She loves her family, her Southern heritage, and I so get her.  She is one of the blessings that have come to  me from “the internets.” Sophie'sBook

FAMILY & FUN
May is the month my two middle grandchildren celebrate their birthdays exactly two weeks apart! They each celebrated their 3rd birthdays with sweet parties planned by my daughters-in-law.  Madie had a “Bubblegum Party” theme (since she is now allowed to have bubble gum), and Jackson had a “Jake the Pirate Party.”  They each had so much fun at each others’ parties with family and friends, and Gran Jan had fun making the birthday shirts they wore at their parties.  Here are the hugging cousins at Madie’s party…it just doesn’t get any sweeter!HuggingCousins

Here is the Birthday Princess wearing her “#3 Bubble Gum Machine” shirt made with love by Gran Jan.  She is a sweet girl!Madie-3

Here is Jackson’s  “#3 Pirate Birthday” shirt made with love by Gran Jan.Jacksons3

My daughter-in-law Carrie took this picture of Zeke and Madie on their last day of playschool.  She couldn’t have captured a sweeter moment! It is perfection and I’m so thankful to have it here to share with you.  One of my favorite pictures ever. I pray these two will always be there for each other…nothing like siblings!ZandM

We also celebrated my nephew Payton’s graduation from high school on May 25th with a HUGE FAMILY GATHERING complete with matching “Maloy Family” shirts compliments of my sister Joan. We enjoyed delicious King Crab and all the trimmings at the “Crab Fest 2013.”  It was so great to have everyone together and my daughter-in-law Erin has great skills for setting up a photography shoot! Crabfest2013

Both my boys have celebrated wedding anniversaries recently…Jeremy & Carrie celebrated 9 years May 22nd and Jonathan and Erin celebrated 5 years on June 7th.  NO GREATER JOY for this mom than to see my sons and daughters-in-law building homes together!JandC

JandE

Zeke played tee-ball with Upward Sports Ministries at our church this Spring and we had a great time watching him “play ball!”
My son was one of the coaches and we enjoyed watching him too! 🙂Zeke-TeeBall

Little Miss Emery is now 8 months old and brings everyone JOY with her sweet and precious disposition. She is a GOOD GIRL!Emery 8 monthsEmeryandMe

Grandbaby #5, our gender tie-breaker! (We have 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.)
We love you already and can’t wait to meet you in just under  3 months. TieBreaker

Mother’s Day 2013 was special and I’m thankful for my boys’ wives who gave me great gifts – pretty red jewelry from Carrie and this photo collage flowerpot that Erin put together with all the grandchildren’s pictures around the whole pot! I love it!PhotoPot

Today is Memama Morton’s 91st Birthday. She is the Morton Family Matriarch and the best mother-in-law this daughter-in-law could ever have.  She loved me from the start, she prays for our family, and she has never once “interfered” with our lives.  I pray I can be as good to my daughters-in-law as she has been to me. We love you so much Memama! Memama91


FLOWERS!
We’ve had a great Spring 2013. The weather has been cool and rainy, my flowers and garden are flourishing, and best of all
God’s tender mercies are new every morning…image

Daylilies… MidnightMagic

PurpleJoyJan'sTwisterGlorious gardenias and roses…GardeniasRedMrLincoln My “Blushing Bride” Hydrangeas…BlushingBrideHydrangea

Blackberries…Blackberries

Wonderful sweet-smelling Confederate Jasmine over the spring arbor…Jasmine

As I close this post tonight, I am thinking toward a very special day, the most special day a man and woman can celebrate.  Tomorrow is our 36th wedding anniversary.  Gary and I began our lives together 6-11-1977. God has blessed us with a wonderful family, a fruitful ministry, and a solid marriage based on trust and love. I am so thankful that 36 years ago as a young (way too young to be getting married) 19 year old woman that God knew what I needed and provided you for me when I didn’t even know He was taking care of me.  I love you Gary – and my love for you is stronger than ever. Being your wife has been my life’s greatest joy.  Thank you for taking such good care of me… even going to the blueberry garden early in the morning last week to pick blueberries for my yogurt.  You’re a fine man and I’m one spoiled, blessed woman!GaryPickingBlueberries61177

Love to all of you and thank you for reading all the way to the end…life’s SIMPLE JOYS are really the best,
and only made sweeter when surrounded by the love of Christ.

GRANJAN

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June 10, 2013 11:12 PM 10

1,000 GIFTS, #985 to #1,000!!!

February 11, 2013 11:03 PM 6

 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.Emery-Memama

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.Nockels

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…Father-Son

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. Jackson-Zeke

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. LiveOak

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!River Street

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!Tea

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.HomeDriveway

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

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February 11, 2013 11:03 PM 6

1,000 GIFTS, #967 to #984

February 4, 2013 9:24 PM 2

967.  MY DAD CAME HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL after 54 days! Praising God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow! Thankful for his healing, for this journey, and for the JOY of having him back home.  Thank you to everyone who prayed.  We are most grateful. Here he is with his little dog “Dixie.”  Dad-Home

968. I’m writing today from beautiful Savannah, Georgia while helping my husband host the Metro 2 Music Conference, an annual conference for worship pastors and their wives.  This conference has meant so much to me when I’ve been able to attend.  This year serving as one of the hosts has been very special.  It is good to serve. This is the view from our room on the Savannah River!Riverview

969.  It is really a blessing to be with a group of women whose husbands are ALL worship leaders. We have an immediate bond, and that bond is Jesus, but that bond is also music ministry.  I was in our room early yesterday wondering who will fill these chairs…Metro-Ladies

 970.  This dear lady, Mrs. Esther Burroughs, is speaking to the wives attending the conference alongside their husbands.  She is JOY!EstherandMe

971.  I enjoyed sitting at the registration table on Sunday afternoon greeting all the music pastors and their wives as they arrived with a big “Hey Y’all!” Metro-Books

972. I’m excited about another conference that is coming up May 31-June 1, 2013.  Enjoyed a meeting last week as the Planning Team met for a rally in Atlanta.  Click here for all the details for the Living Proof Live with Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell event!LPL

973.  I cannot imagine a trip to Savannah without a stop at Paula Deen’s “The Lady & Sons” Restaurant.  We had a joyful time here and the staff loved hearing all the music pastors “singing the blessing” as they beautifully lifted their voices to sing The Doxology. LadyandSons

974.  These grandbabies are the JOY of my heart – you all know that if you’ve read much of these gifts to 1,000…here are the oldest three atop a hay bale visiting with Pop’s cows…GrandsonHayBale

975. I worked in a different office a couple of days last week and was blessed beyond imagination when a lady told me at the end of the day…”You love Jesus and it shows.”  I cried and hugged her and thanked her for affirming me that way.  Oh God, may my light shine for You in all I do.

976.  A big, long, tight, squeeze around the neck from Zeke.  I know he loves me because he tells me and then hugs me so tight. I sometimes think my heart will just burst from  the JOY. 

977. The joy of watching sweet Madie Ruth talk and express herself with her eyes and face that lights up.  We had lunch at “flick-chil-a” last week.  I LOVE the way she says Chick-fil-a.  She is precious.

978. My mom with my granddaughter,  her great-granddaughter, Miss Emery.  Sweetness.EmeryandGigi

979.  And my mom has been an amazing pillar of strength during my dad’s illness.  She’s an old-fashioned strong woman, who endured long times away from my dad while he served in the Vietnam War.  Her faith was a testimony to her girls.

980.  Sweet fellowship and bonding with my sisters Joan and Jo while dad was so very critically ill.  I saw the goodness of their love for him and realized what my family “is made of.”  I know they will be there in the tough times – they proved that the past 2 months.

981.  Cards in the mail.  That someone took the time to write, address, stamp, and mail.  I love emails and I love Twitter and quick text messages, but nothing beats a card to read and hold in your hands.  I love how God graces us with perfect timely messages.

982.  Love stopovers at little restaurants in the country… Scotts

 983.  This is my son Jonathan (on the right) with his baby girl and one of our staff pastors (Dawson) and his baby girl Brylee.  The dads are the same age and the baby girls are the same age.  Delight! Dawson&JW

 984.  New mercies every morning…to count His gifts of GRACE, of family, of service, of healing, of ministry, of work, and knowing that they are ALL grace gifts from His Mighty Hand.NewMercies

 Blessings my friends,

Gran Jan

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February 4, 2013 9:24 PM 2

1,000 GIFTS, #928 to #948

January 7, 2013 8:54 PM 2

928.  Peace of heart and the truth of  Proverbs 13:12 A “longing fulfilled” after hope has been “deferred.”

929.  Today is a wonderful, marvelous, and happy day! First and foremost it is because it is God’s created day, planned before the foundation of the world, January 7, 2013.

930. Eight years ago today Rev. Rastus Salter, our Pastor of 50 years crossed over into Heaven. We love him and thank God for his life and legacy. He gave my son Jeremy his sermon library before he passed away.  What a treasure! We miss you Preacher…Rastus

931. MORE HAPPY DAY NEWS – Our family just got word that my dad is headed out of our local hospital to a rehab facility! He is on the mend and Lord willing, he will be coming home after this next portion of his journey. Please pray as God brings him to your mind.  He faces intensive physical therapy and we will appreciate your prayers.

932. I  talked to one of the nursing administrators and she told me that our family had really made a “connection” (JESUS IN US) with one of the doctors who was taking care of my father.  This doctor told her that he looked at dad’s test results and thought all was hopeless.  Then he looked at us and “purposed in his heart” that it would not happen on his watch. God intervened with His mighty healing power! So thankful we are under God’s watchful eye.

933. Thank you Laura – for your medical expertise and for your kindness. Both qualities make you a fine nurse. And thank you for your comments about my blog. I love you for it. Thank you for being there for us.

934. Medical staff who have tended to my dad the past 36 days, Dr. Lomboy, Dr. Sripathi, Dr. Assad, Dr. Ogunsakin, Dr. Morales, Dr. Patel, Dr. Kahn; nurses Donna, Amber, Lori, Joy, Brian, John, Beverly; respiratory therapist Dendy and so many more that I don’t know your names. But God does – and I’m asking Him to bless you!

935. A Saturday where I was graced to see all four of my grandchildren…the younger two in the morning and the older two in the evening.

936. Zeke is the oldest…here he is reading books to his new puppy, Copper. He is such a smart little tender heart. Z

937. Next is Madie in the tub surrounded by bubbles…I even painted her nails a lovely purple polish, a first for this “mom of boys!” She loved it and so did I.  God has graced me with sweet granddaughters.Madie

938.  Grandchild #3, Jackson…in his new Gator, just like Pop has…he is so very proud…Jackson-Gator

939. And the youngest, this little precious grandgirl is as sweet as sugar. She is SO good and content and we are absolutely smitten with Miss Emery Caroline…Emery940. Sunday afternoon naps. I’ve missed them. Had one yesterday. It was so nice.

941. Jackson is amazing with an iPad. He can use it better than most adults and I am not kidding. He loves the song “Where I Belong” by Building 429. Love to hear him sing it.  Love that he is being raised by parents that BELIEVE “take this world and give me Jesus…” Jackson-WhereIBelong

942. Zeke “preached” the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den the other night to our family. He didn’t miss a lick.  He is serious about it too, and he got it right – great perception for a four year old.  Thankful that he is being raised by parents that believe in the God who “shuts the lions’ mouths!”

943.  Elisabeth Elliot – Faith is not an instinct. It certainly is not a feeling – feelings don’t help much when you’re in the lions’ den or hanging on a wooden Cross. Faith is not inferred from the happy way things work. It is an act of will, a choice, based on the unbreakable Word of a God who cannot lie, and who showed us what love and obedience and sacrifice mean, in the person of Jesus Christ.Faith

944. Joy that really does come in the morning after a restless night.Vapor

945.  Pop and Jackson singing…precious.GaryandJackson

946.  I have a new route to work that includes a drive by this lumber yard.  I pulled over this morning to snap this picture of the American flag perched atop this crane. I love this!NewRoad

947.  And may we never forget the truth of this passage of scripture from Philippians 4:13.  My friend Patsy Randall took this picture in a little country church she visited recently.  In all we’ve been through as a family the past 5 weeks, I can testify that Christ in us gives us the strength and grace to bear up…in all things.Phi4-13

948.  And all things means “ALL THINGS.”  Romans 8:28 says,  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  ALL THINGS means ALL THINGS.  Embrace that glorious truth – no matter what your “ALL THINGS”  happens to be.

Love & Blessings,

Jan

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January 7, 2013 8:54 PM 2

1,000 GIFTS, #901 to #927

December 31, 2012 6:20 PM 7

On this last day of the year 2012, I am winding down to the last 100 gifts in my goal of counting 1,000 grace gifts.  This journey has been one that may not always “show up” here on my blog, but is ever before me in daily life.  The realization of His grace has never been more true or more near than the last four weeks as I realized a new journey in faith during my father’s serious illness and hospitalization. Dad is still in ICU, but I am most grateful that he is alive and beginning the long journey back to restored health.

901. Immediately on my heart is thankfulness for family time in times of pain.  I’ve spent more time with my mom and sisters the past four weeks than I have the past four years…or so it seems.  It has proven to me that we are there for each other when it counts. What a gift of grace.

902. I love this fun tweet that I sent on 12-12-12 at 12:12:12.  Silly me – but fun.12 12 12

903.  Christmas isn’t just a date on the December calendar – it is knowing in my heart why Jesus came, to be born to die for me, for you. For the first time in my entire life I didn’t spend Christmas Eve with my parents, and yet we had JOY.  My son Jonathan brought a little tree to Dad’s ICU room and it really brought  joy to us all.hospital tree

904.  Support from both my sons as they have texted and called me with “how is Papaw today?” Knowing how busy they both are with young children and still taking time to check in means so much to me.  I love my boys and their wives so much.

905.  Dolls under my Christmas tree – a first for this mom of boys! Both Madie and Emery got “Bitty Babies” from American Girl for Christmas.  Madie calls her doll a “Tiny Baby Bitty Baby.” Precious. American girl

906. An unexpected Christmas gift for me from my husband – totally a surprise with our schedules upside down with daily trips to the hospital…he gave me an iPad and I love it!

907. Christmas Day Night is the time our family gathers as we continue our tradition of blueberry pancakes and bacon. I love my family so much. SONY DSC

908. Prayer. Times of crying out to God with pleadings for Him to heal my dad. Intense, and yet comforting to know I can intercede and enter His presence. I will NEVER get over the privilege to pray. I’ve become more aware as people have told me they are praying for my dad that I am so grateful for their intercessions. I want to take requests for prayer from others way more to heart than I ever have. One person even stopped and prayed for my dad right over the telephone. That blessed me so much.

909. My sweet mom with her youngest great-granddaughter, my granddaughter Emery, celebrating her first Christmas. I’ve been so proud of my mom as she’s seen her mate of 56 years go through such a hard time…what a testimony of her faith in Christ.EmeryandGigi

910.  An email to tell us that the shoebox of toys and supplies we put together for Samaritian’s Purse ministries went to Central Asia. Oh I pray that the child who received our gift was blessed and heard the story of Jesus and received the truth of Christ and His love! shoebox

911. I harvested sweet potatoes from my garden – a first for me.  One afternoon I went to my garden and worked and dug and dug sweet potatoes and prayed and worked.  Gardening is and has been good therapy for me, physically and emotionally.taters

912. Most folks that know me well understand my love of gardening and birds too. This picture was on Twitter last week and I love it. Redbirds are my favorite!redbird

913.  My co-worker Brenda gave me this Christmas cactus two years ago and it was so pretty this year. I love that it knows just when Christmas is and when to bloom.  Isn’t God so creative?cactus

914. Oh the joy to attend the Christmas program at my son Jeremy’s church and see our grandson Zeke portray Joseph in the program! It just doesn’t get any sweeter than that… Joseph

915.  One morning before Christmas I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah on the radio and he shared a message on “strength in waiting.”  I needed that so much as we waited and waited for news of my dad’s health each day, I was growing weary. The wonderful passage from Isaiah 40:31 was so good as Dr. Jeremiah spoke that “those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and mount up on wings as eagles…”  On my way to work just minutes after hearing that message, I got a text message from my sister Joan who had a picture to send me…of this glorious eagle that was in a tree in her front yard!!! We both rejoiced as we received this special sighting as God being very near and very dear. I will never forget this as long as I live.  An EAGLE landed in that tree just for me and I shared with her my morning and we both REJOICED and thanked God that He sent His eagle that morning to visit her front yard! Eagle

916. My grandson Jackson sent his Papaw a get well picture…it is still hanging in his room at the hospital tonight.  get well from Jackson

917.  It’s garden greens time in my garden…and these cabbages and collards are huge.  I just cut a “mess” of collards to cook for New Year’s Day tomorrow.  This is a very Southern tradition and I am very Southern.  And thankful to be! 🙂greens

918. A new little donkey born on 12-12-12. He is too cute and has already been promised to a little boy at our church named Zack that wants him! He’s already been to visit “Jack.”  He doesn’t get too far from his momma, Ellie. new Jack

919. Especially grateful to my husband for keeping up around the farm with chores for my dad…and even more thankful for Gary being a rock to my family of women.  My mom and sisters and I have really needed his strength.  I am so blessed.farm chores

920. I really love this picture of Gary’s tractor and the reflection in our pond.  I snapped it from across the pond as he was driving back after giving the cows some fresh hay. May we all be “reflections” of Jesus in 2013. 🙂Tractor reflection

921. I love this group of young men and women so much!  They are all going to Passion at the Georgia Dome this coming week. Five  of them are planning a church plant in Florida in 2014.  They bring such hope to me as they serve Jesus. passion kids

922.  So blessed by the sweetest smile on this little face as she coos at her Pop on Christmas night.  I look so forward to making some dresses and fun little things for her next year!SONY DSC

923.  Hospital waiting rooms are difficult places, made more pleasant by my niece and nephews…I love y’all!waiting room

924. I made a book of pictures for my dad to see of things he loves; hopefully to encourage him and jog his memory of all he has to look forward to as he heals.  He was under sedation on a ventilator for 20 days…we “missed him” so much!

925. This prayer means more to me these days and I hope will stay with me in 2013…healty

926. The last sunrise of this year as I took this picture this frosty cold morning December 31, 2012…God be near in 2013  and I thank Him for His GRACE every day the past 365 days.sunrise

927. Thank you faithful blog readers for your support, prayers and love. I know this post was full of comments about my dad and all I’ve experienced the past month, but that is what this place in cyber space is…the ramblings of a woman who loves Jesus and her family and seeks to live each day to the fullest.  I pray God’s blessings on you and your loved ones this year.  Treasure every single day you have, they are ALL gifts of God’s glorious grace.me

In Christ,

Jan

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December 31, 2012 6:20 PM 7

1,000 GIFTS, #875 to #900

December 10, 2012 6:13 PM 5

It’s been a long month since I last posted, a long month.  We all have times of joy and times of sorrow; and then there are times where joy and sorrow meet. Even tonight as I write, my dad is in the Intensive Care Unit of our local hospital with a severe case of double pneumonia, a very sick man. Please pray for him. I sure love him and miss him and want him to be home soon.  So with that leading this post, I want to say…

875.  Thank You Jesus for the grace of a normal day, where we go to work and school and do our chores and come home again in the evening with everyone in full health. I’ve missed that so much the past week since Dad has been in the hospital…

876.  Thankful for another year of LIFE – I celebrated 55 years on November 16th. My husband, my parents, my sons and daughters-in-law and four grandchildren came over for dinner.  It could not have been sweeter and I am very thankful.55 cake

877.  A dozen pink roses…delivered in person to me at my office by my husband. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this man. God graced my life 35 1/2 years ago with Gary.  He is a gift straight to my heart.bday roses

878.  55th birthday blessings continue with the sweetness of my card inscription from my husband.  It was his BEST EVER and I mean that! (And of course I don’t have the energy of a 25 year old or the wisdom of a 75 year old…but I want to keep believing he thinks I look 35!) bday card

879.  Here are the FOUR JOYS of Gran Jan’s Joy.  This picture is everywhere now, on my iPhone, my computer…I love these grandchildren.Fou

880.  My first “senior discount” at a restaurant. I was truly excited and my sister-in-law thought I was “crazy.”  I am…crazy about being older and healthy and blessed, and not ashamed to get the discount!

881.  My oldest son Jeremy is a pastor. He preached the doctrinal sermon at our denomination’s state meeting on 11-13-12. The state convention happened to be held at our church, the church where Jeremy grew up. It was a full circle moment for me. If you’d like to hear a glorious message on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, go to a video of him preaching  the message here.  JD at GBC

882. My husband is a hunter – he especially loves deer season.  He was pulling out early one morning and I snapped this picture of him, his truck, his Gator, his “stuff.”  It made me happy to see him getting to do something he loves so much. Gary- hunting

883.  Gary and I love the fall foliage of  our  local Hickory trees. We found a couple of dozen on our land in the woods and spent one afternoon “tagging” them. We hope to transplant them around our home and pond one day soon…Tagging Hickorys

884. My three oldest little turkeys on Thanksgiving Day at Gran Jan’s house.  I made their shirts…they made my day!SONY DSC

885. My daughter-in-law Erin made a delicious Paula Deen banana pudding…it was so good, and the best part was she left it at my house on Thankgiving Day!  The recipe is Not Yo Mamas Banana Pudding and is very very good.

886.  Four little reindeer shirts for my four grandchildren. I really love creating things for them. I know the “season” for this is short (especially for the boys) and I want to enjoy every moment. They do grow up so quickly.Reindeer shirts

887.  A new little calf on the farm…with the perfect markings of his mother. So fun to me!cows markings

888.  Last week before my dad was moved to ICU, he and I had a heart-to-heart talk that I will treasure forever. He wanted to apologize for his shortcomings as a father and I was reassuring him that I had no memories of those.  He was still in the hospital, but was awake and alert, and it was a moment of such peace for this daughter.

889.  Firepits on the patio and coffee and conversation.  We always say…”this is why we live in the country.” Firepit

890. First Thankgiving…First Christmas…precious granddaughter Emery, with a Gran Jan embroidery design 🙂Emery Christmas Design

891. Sitting outside on the patio and cracking pecans for the freezer.  Time to be busy and time to think…at the same time.  I love that.Pecans

892.  I snapped this picture from my car window while sitting at a traffic light a few days ago.  In fact, a lot of folks were pulled over taking pictures of this gathering of crows on the water tower.  It was so noisy and quite a sight…made me smile!crows

893.  Every other year Living Proof Ministries hosts a “Scripture Memory Team” where you memorize 2 verses a month for a year and post them on their website for accountability.  It is WONDERFUL.  Watch for all the details at the http://blog.lproof site in the next week or two.

894.  Prayers and prayer support from friends.  Today I have received emails, text messages, and voice mails from friends praying for my dad’s recovery.  They are such a strength to me, and I hope when we are through this journey that I will remember the “comfort with which I was comforted,” and do likewise.  II Corinthians 1:3-4

895.  The most glorious Christmas worship music ever presented by our choir and orchestra.  It was so wonderful to have the support of our Pastor as he presented the gospel and 12 folks joined the Family of God and trusted Christ as their Savior.  He is the greatest gift of all.Choir

896. My best friend Lanie has a new little grandson, born a couple of weeks early, little Levi is doing well.  Can’t wait to see him grow up in the Lord as he is raised to know and love Christ.Levi

897.  My little grandson Zeke practicing his letters.  My son said he chooses to do this at bedtime as a stalling tactic.  He tells his parents he “needs to write his letters.”  His dad was a staller too.  He still doesn’t require much sleep…like father, like son (like Gran Jan).Zeke - letters

898.  The full moon and this cross of clouds on my way to work caught my eye one morning last week.  Creator God.morning moon

899.  Health care providers, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, food service workers, janitors, technicians – everyone – working, serving, caring.  God bless them all.  Reminded this week how much we all need each other.  Thankful, so thankful.

900.  Roses in December. These are my Mr. Lincoln roses showing off. I needed them to do so – and I am enjoying this promise of springtime, both here, and in my heart.  Mr Lincoln

Love and blessings –

Gran Jan

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December 10, 2012 6:13 PM 5

1,000 GIFTS, #860 to #874

November 12, 2012 5:13 PM 1

Writing today from a wonderful place…HOME, in a wonderful mood (day off from work), and with a thankful heart for all the reasons below…and many more…

860.  Thankful first of all today for our veterans and their families.  My Dad served in the Vietnam War and was a career Marine. I’m so proud of him and I love him very much.   I love his patriotism and the way we fly both the American flag and the USMC flag here at the farm every day…

861.  I love this time of year, and I love planting little violas in my strawberry jar.  By the time spring rolls around and they have covered the jar, it is time for the begonias…

862. Last week on Election Day morning before we left for work, my husband was in the back of the house, and I was in the kitchen. We both tweeted at the same time (not knowing that we each were doing so) and our hearts were in tune.  God is our HOPE – always, no matter who resides on Pennsylvania Avenue.  TwitterSametime

863.  My church is hosting the annual state meeting of our denomination. Last night our choir and orchestra led in worship for the pre-convention “rally.”  It was glorious, simply glorious.  So good to see lots of our friends in the ministry and to be a church that leads the way in this state.  The theme is “The Great Commission…My Mission.”  Lord help us share Christ with others…

864.  This little sweetheart fell asleep when I was holding her.  She is a sleeping beauty for sure.Madieasleep

865. Fall gardening greens.  Thank you dear Lord for being our Master Gardener.FallGarden

866.  I pulled up all my zinnias in late summer and they have re-seeded.  What fun to have these summer flowers right here in fall. Sometimes God brings things to us in what may seem the wrong time to us, but His ways are best. Zinnias

867. This little grandgirl is 7 weeks old and is as sweet as she can be. Bright eyed and alert and so pretty.  She surprised me with a visit to my office last week…Emery

868.  My friend Lanie and I attended a class together to learn a technique combining quilting and embroidery.  We had the best time. I’m thankful for God’s grace in my life to give me such a wonderful lifelong friend. EmbroideryClass

869.  Today was a beautiful warm day. My youngest son brought Jackson to the farm for a while this morning.  He’d been sick and needed some fresh air…Jonathan caught this cute picture of him climbing the fence.  I enjoyed their visit.Fence

870.  So thankful to teach these beautiful senior adult ladies yesterday morning in Bible study.  They were such an encouragement to me.  I love my church family.SSClass

871.  One of the most wonderful seasons of the year is Autumn.  I love the colors of fall, the cooler air, the spicy scents of candles, the anticipation of the holidays, the uncommercialized holiday of Thanksgiving, and God’s grace as people pause to count their blessings…

872.  This Red Glory Maple…OctoberGloryMaple

873.  This gorgeous purple pansy…PurpleJoy

874.  I made this little “first Thanksgiving” onesie for my newest little granddaughter…you can be sure we are counting her life and addition to our family as one of God’s greatest gifts this year. ThanksgivingOnesie

I’m nearing the end of this 1,000 gifts journey and I’ve enjoyed every moment.  Would you consider beginning your own journey of counting His gifts of grace? You don’t have to put them in a blog.  There are apps for your smart phone, and guess what? A paper and an old-fashioned journal work just as well. But the greatest place to treasure these gifts is deep in your heart, where you can recall them without the aid of the internet or a computer…

Blessings to you,

Jan

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November 12, 2012 5:13 PM 1
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