Gran Jan

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.”

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…

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

December 26, 2013 10:28 PM 0

Giveaway Winner – The Women of Christmas!

November 29, 2013 9:25 PM 0

Congratulations to comment #2 – “Heather.” YOU WON THE BOOK!

Please email me [[email protected]] your mailing address so that I may get your book “The Women of Christmas” in the mail!

Congratulations to Heather and God bless everyone! I thank you all so much for taking the time to leave a comment here.

Blessings, Jan

November 29, 2013 9:25 PM 0

Sisters and Mom Weekend on Tybee Island, GA

November 8, 2013 1:26 PM 1

I was raised in a houseful of girls…we had no brothers, and with just two males in the family, our Dad and our dachsund “PJ.” [My poor Dad has endured a lot through the years but I know he wouldn’t have it any other way (and he had eight sisters)!] Besides, he was a Career Marine, so we knew he was tough. Ooorah! A few weekends ago my mom and my sisters and I spend a long weekend in Tybee Island, Georgia with a day trip to beautiful historic Savannah, Georgia.

Right before we left Dad brought back an old tradition that we dearly love…he gave us some cash money for the trip! Woo-hoo! Here we are right before we began a long journey in my mom’s car with her wacko GPS. That’s another post for another time. Needless to say, we had some extra time in the car together (and a late night stop at the Dairy Queen in a little country town) which was actually okay with us. We made some pre-trip rules that began with “we are not on a schedule.” We settled in our room, ROOM I said – all four of us in one room. Actually we wouldn’t have had that any other way either. What’s the point of going away to spend time together and then staying in separate rooms? We arrived late due to the wacko GPS, so we went to bed and laughed and giggled like girls (grown women) do. My youngest sister Jo had us up early with requests for coffee and a walk on the beach. It was a beautiful morning and we walked a long way. We spent that Friday morning in Tybee Island visting some shops, did lots of walking, and had brunch at a great restaurant called “The Breakfast Club” that is wonderful (they even catered for JFK Jr.’s wedding). That afternoon we went to the Tybee Island Lighthouse and I am really proud to say I overcame a lifetime fear of heights and conquered climbing the lighthouse! I’m still scared of heights, but for that day…I made it! And here is my youngest sister Jo “mocking” me climbing said lighthouse. As you can see above, I didn’t step outside on to to the railing, I just peeped outside. Jo was actually pretty close to my “flair for the dramatic.” A nice older man on his climb to the top stopped and checked on me at one of the landings as I was processing (hyperventilating) my fears…I kept quoting Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ…”That evening we enjoyed some delicious seafood for supper at a local restaurant and we sat outside to eat, the weather was perfect. We walked back to our hotel and settled in early and planned our trip to nearby historic Savannah for Saturday. We were exhausted from climbing lighthouses and laughing at each other. Mostly from all the laughing.

Here are some pictures from Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, a city rich in history with beautiful old homes and moss-draped live oak trees. We took a trolley tour and it was really good. Even though I know most of the highlights of Savannah history, it was great to hear it again and learn some new things.

We went to River Street and had breakfast at Huey’s on the River. My mom and sister Jo had their wonderful beingets, while Joan and I had a delicious breakfast of grits and omelettes. I love Savannah’s “River Street.” It is really neat, especially if you love history as I do. It is centuries old. It was a bustling seaport that housed most of the cotton and tobacco grown in the South that was shipped from the plantations nearby all over the world from the wharfs there. My husband and I went to Savannah and Charleston, SC for our 25th wedding anniversary back in 2002, and we stayed at the River Street Inn which dates back to 1817. This is the view from the inside looking up at all three floors. Here is my mom beginning her descent down to River Street. I love the cobble-stone streets there. They were built from old ships’ ballast stones— as the ships would have to balance their cargo and would deposit the ballast stones there on the street – I love that little tidbit of history too. 13 - River Street Back last year when our father was in ICU for over 40 days (a hospital stay of 54 days), and my sisters and I came together to support our mother and each other, I grew to love them more than I ever had in the past. Even though we don’t see each other every day, we connect through texting, phone calls, Facebook, and e-mails. And when times are hard as they were during that season last winter, they proved what family means. THEY WERE THERE! It really was lots of fun to spend this weekend with them. It passed way too quickly…I love you Jo and Joan. You both have quick wits to go along with your big hearts and big blue eyes. I’m thankful to be your ~~big~~ older, brown-eyed sister. I really am. And I will leave you with one last picture of beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia. There’s just something special about the beach, time with family, and the JOY of knowing that God is very much in control of our lives.And I will leave you with one last picture of beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia. There’s just something special about the beach, time with family, and the JOY of knowing that God is very much in control of our lives.

The sea is His, for He made it…Psalm 95:5

Gran Jan

November 8, 2013 1:26 PM 1

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

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

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…This 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! This 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!)Here are the siblings holding him for the first time, with the protective arm of their daddy supporting him.There 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. Now 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. This 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. And 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! The 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

August 29, 2013 8:22 PM 5

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…

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.)

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.”

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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! 🙂

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

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.

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!

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!

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…

Daylilies…

Glorious gardenias and roses… My “Blushing Bride” Hydrangeas…

Blackberries…

Wonderful sweet-smelling Confederate Jasmine over the spring arbor…

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!

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.

June 10, 2013 11:12 PM 10

What A Difference A Day Makes

Giveaway Winner – The Women of Christmas!

Sisters and Mom Weekend on Tybee Island, GA

Triple Trials – Triple Triumphs

One Year Ago Today…Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Welcome to the Family Abraham Daniel Morton!

Spring 2013 – Lots of Living Being Lived!

GRAN JAN'S JOY!

My Three Men

MORTON FAMILY ~ ESTABLISHED 1977

Jan’s Journal by Topic

Jan’s Journal

Quilting & Sewing

I Support COMPASSION – Will You Too?

What A Difference A Day Makes

Giveaway Winner – The Women of Christmas!

Sisters and Mom Weekend on Tybee Island, GA

Triple Trials – Triple Triumphs

One Year Ago Today…Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Welcome to the Family Abraham Daniel Morton!

Spring 2013 – Lots of Living Being Lived!

GRAN JAN

GRAN JAN'S JOY!

My Three Men

MORTON FAMILY ~ ESTABLISHED 1977

Jan’s Journal by Topic

Jan’s Journal

Quilting & Sewing

Joyous Journeys

I Support COMPASSION – Will You Too?