1,000 GIFTS, #844…A New Granddaughter

October 2, 2012 1:03 AM 6
844. Miss Emery Caroline Morton
This entire post is dedicated to my new granddaughter…
Gran Jan’s JOY is over the top tonight with the JOY of a new grandchild, a little girl just four days old. The news began this past winter with a sweet little note from big brother, which is still hanging on my refrigerator…
Big Brother Jackson is such a precious grandson, Emery is going to love him!

We found out that our JOY was going to be PINK when they announced to us with the gift of a little pink onesie and then we visited the “First Glimpse” sonogram
 with the family a couple of months ago to see her sweet face.  What JOY!
I took this “little girl” outfit to the hospital with me back in the day when we didn’t know in advance what our baby’s gender would be. I brought a precious little boy home from the hospital in the Fall of 1984, so he came home wearing the “little boy” outfit. I kept this little pink rosebud outfit all these years and took it to the hospital with me as I waited for that little boy all grown up as he waited on his little girl’s birth…
My daughter-in-law is a champion – was still jogging last week!
She birthed that baby girl and looked beautiful the entire time!
My son has a daughter, how precious to my heart.
He was so very thankful for a safe delivery and healthy baby.
Sweet family time in the hospital. 
Beautiful yard art by Granddaddy Hutto.
Home at last, family of four. 
Jackson was meeting his little sister for the first time.
A little daddy-daughter naptime…
Pop and Gran Jan spent some time with the family too…
Dearest little Emery,
Gran Jan loves you so much. I can’t wait to be part of your life – I already love you and have been praying for you…that you would come to faith in Christ at a young age, and that you would love God and His Word, honor your parents, and be strong and healthy. This I know…God has a specific plan for YOUR life and I look foward to watching you grow into a sweet young lady. Your Mommy and Daddy love you so much and you are going to adore your big brother Jackson. He will be a great protector for you too!
I want to teach you so many things and I can’t wait for precious family times that we will all share together as God wills and blesses our lives. I love you Emery Caroline.
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October 2, 2012 1:03 AM 6

1,000 GIFTS, #827 to #843

September 25, 2012 2:14 AM 3
I’m worn out tonight, but my heart is wonderfully full. Weary in body, but joyful in spirit. I saw a tweet last week by Dr. Paige Patterson (President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX) that said:
“Be wary when you are weary…”
It really resonated with me because I know how I can “be” when I become weary. The first thing that tells on me is my not-so-good-attitude. I become critical and irritable. The only cure is spiritual rest and physical rest.  But tonight my weariness is physical and it is because I have gone wide open this past weekend…and it’s all good!

827.  A letter from my Compassion child, Iduar. Nothing can bring me a sense of peace or “rightness” like knowing the JOY of sponsoring this young man in Colombia.
828. This is the week we are expecting our 4th grandchild, a girl…the JOY is amazing because there is a knowing in my heart – a knowing of just how incredibly wonderful it is to be Gran Jan.
829. I literally just finished a dress for her earlier this evening. It is a size “1” so she won’t be able to wear it until next spring/summer, but I just had to make something.  It was the smallest size on the pattern…and yes, there is monogram.
830.  I helped my oldest son with his two children this weekend as his wife attended a ladies retreat. I love being available to them. That is one of the reasons Gran Jan is weary this evening, but as I said, it’s a “good weary.” 
831.  My Dad wanted little Miss Madie to have an apple from his apple tree, so we complied of course.  She loved it and then didn’t want to come back to my house.
832.  Here she is with my mom, Gigi (for Great-Grandmother). My mom was singing “you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray…” My grandmother, Gigi’s mother, used to sing that song to me too…
833. My baby boy and his baby boy (can you tell???) having a popsicle picnic.  It won’t be long until he will be daddy to a daughter. We can hardly wait.
834. Homemade poundcake and a happy husband. He said, “you know poundcake is my favorite, don’t you?” Yes, we’ve only been married 35 years and I know these things…I did something different. I used a muffin tin and made “poundcake cupcakes,” and each one had it’s own little crust (which is the best part).
835. I have no idea if these pumpkins will bear before frost, but I am sure enjoying the vine. It is growing like Jack’s beanstalk…right before my eyes. So fun.
836. An incredible day of worship at church yesterday with songs of praise that focused on the Name of Jesus: “Be Unto Your Name,” “Something About That Name,” “Your Great Name,” and “Something Happens.”  WE HAD CHURCH and I am still processing the JOY.
837. Vance Pitman, a church planter from Las Vegas, NV preached in our services yesterday. I was so encouraged by his message of our purpose as believers, as a church. He was definitely a blessing and I am thankful our Pastor invited him to come be with us.
838. Being reminded that “Ministry is the overflow of intimacy with God.” God calls us to Himself, and as we spend time with Him through prayer and His Word, we realize that intimacy proceeds ministry. He calls us to BE and then we can DO.  A great message from Rev. Pitman.
839. One of the sweetest things Zeke (four years old) has ever said to me was this past weekend. As we were watching Disney’s Cinderella, he told me not to worry about the stepsisters being so mean to her because Cinderella’s “favorite grandmother” was coming to help. I know he meant “fairy godmother,” but he repeated “favorite grandmother” 3 times…and I will have to admit I liked it, a lot.
840. Sweet time of prayer with a friend who is grieving the death of her mom this past summer and all that ensues – her posssessions, the memories. I love how God graces us to learn from others and share with them at the same time.
841. Tickets already received for the May 31-June 1, 2013 Living Proof Live event with Beth Moore here in the grand state of Georgia! Planning with my Women’s Ministry Team is already underway. I love these ladies and I love how we love the ladies we serve. It is a GIFT of His Grace.
842. Being asked to teach Sunday School “at the last minute,” yesterday and finding myself with young ladies who are engaged to be married. The Lord prompted me to share Philippians 2:1-4 with them…great advice for us all, and most especially for those getting ready to become wives.
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,A)”>
if any tenderness and compassion,B)”>  2 then make my joy completeC)”> by being like-minded,D)”>
having the same love, being oneE)”> in spirit and of one mind.
 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.F)”>
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
G)”> 4 Not looking to your own interests
but each of you to the interests of the others.H)”>

843. Welcoming glorious Autumn this past Saturday, my favorite of all the seasons…
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
*Gran Jan*
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September 25, 2012 2:14 AM 3

1,000 GIFTS, #800 to #826

September 18, 2012 1:33 AM 1
WOW – I am really nearing the goal of counting to one thousand gifts. As I seek to reach that goal I can say with complete confidence that a greater goal has been achieved… that of seeing His grace everywhere at all times with all JOY.
800. I love moonflowers. I took this picture one night last week on my back patio. (They bloom at dusk.) One of my favorite authors, Jan Karon, wrote a book entitled “The Trellis and the Seed,”  which is a book of encouragement about waiting…
801. These next few pictures all show God’s bounty as we approach harvest. If these pictures bore you, I must say I will never get over the fact that “God planted a Garden,” (Genesis 2:8) and I love gardens and farms. We live in the country with farms all around. This past Saturday evening we took a drive and a farmer was harvesting his peanuts…I really love this picture.
802.  Less than a mile from the peanut fields are acres and acres of soybeans…
803. And about a mile from the soybeans were acres and acres of cotton. The cotton is just starting to mature. My paternal grandfather (who died before I was born) was a farmer who grew peanuts and cotton.
804. Cooler morning temperatures which mean my favorite season is almost here. Autumn brings me so much energy, and I’m going to need it as we await…
805. The birth of our fourth grandchild, a girl…due in about 10 days. Here we are celebrating at a baby shower two weekends ago. Gran Jan, Mommy-to-be, and Nonna. Love this picture.
806. We Southern girls love our monograms – and I loved these precious pink monogrammed cookies at the baby shower for Emery.

807. My little 2 year old granddaughter Madie also came to the baby shower with my daughter-in-law. She is precious. Having raised boys, I am really enjoying watching her “girl play.” She will sit in the little rocker in our den and rock her baby doll, patting her on the back and being the sweetest little mommy. It just blesses my heart.
808. And here is the finished dress I made her for fall. I really get excited thinking about all the little jumpers and dresses I can make for my grandgirls.

809. And of course I still have to make things for the little grandboys too…here is Jackson’s fall shirt….with a manly monogram. 😉

810. Texting with my niece Amy who lives in California. I love that we can “connect” at a moment’s notice. She shared with me “Be Here, Be Now,” and that little saying sometimes comes to my heart and helps me focus. Amy is the daughter of my sister Jean who passed away when she was only 25 years old, and Amy was 23 months old. I wrote all about my sister Jean in this blog post. 
811. My other niece Melissa got married this past weekend in beautiful Savannah, GA. Here is the beautiful bride on the arm of my father, her grandfather. She is as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside.
812. My parents – God’s grace in my life. I am one of those blessed daughters that has sweet childhood memories and now much love and support as a grown woman. They are simple people who value family and hard work.
813. Wednesday night Bible study with some faithful women. We are completing a study this week by Priscilla Shirer, “Discerning the Voice of God.”  It has been tremendous.
814. Looking forward to our next study by Kelly Minter, “The Fitting Room,” (Putting on the Character of Christ). I am thankful for the way God is raising up these young women that teach and hold true to the Word of God. Thankful for women like Kay Arthur and Beth Moore that have paved the way for them.
815. Grandparents Day at my grandchildren’s preschool. They are both in this picture (Madie is in the middle in the yellow blouse), and that tall little fella in the red shirt on the far right caught his Gran Jan’s eye. He ran to me and gave me a hug that carried me the rest of the day…
816. Every Sunday after morning worship we wait for our grandson Jackson to come to “big church” to see us before we all leave. Just yesterday he sat right down at the pastor’s pulpit and my son took this picture. I love seeing my family at church.

817. And even though I don’t see my oldest son and his family at church each week, I know their influence for Christ in their church is strong.  My son pastors a great church in a neighboring community and I drove by this sign just this past week on my way into work. Joy for this mother’s heart, multiplied grace.
818. A Saturday spent making a memory with our oldest grandson. We spent the day together with Zeke and rode the SAM Shortline Train to Plains, GA for the “peanut festival.” Here is his with Pop after we had enjoyed the big parade. 🙂
819. A cup of hot tea soothes a scratchy throat. The tea (Constant Comment by Bigelow)
was tasty (my favorite flavor of spice and oranges) and the honey stirred in was sweet, but what was especially good was that my sweet husband prepared it and brought it to me as I was working on my Bible study…I am spoiled rotten. Grace?
820. He also makes a mean pan of jalepeno cornbread…which he has done a lot lately. I will post the recipe soon – it is very good. He called me as I was leaving work one afternoon and said “the cornbread is in the oven.”  God surely graced me by bringing Gary into my life all those years ago. God’s gift of grace in my marriage has grown exponentially over the years as my love for my husband has grown too…
821. Looking foward to the Georgia Quilt Show next month with my friend Lanie. Tickets and reservations are made. We call it the QTT (Quilting Think Tank and Quilting Time Together). Good friends are God’s sweet grace. Lifelong friends are priceless.
822.  My youngest son works on our local Air Force Base as a Project Manager. I’m not quite sure what he does but I know from reliable sources that he is very good at his job. He had to go TDY (temporary duty) last week to Nevada…and sent me this picture as he visited Hoover Dam. I’m so proud of him and his work. He is a great son, brother, husband, father, and worship leader.
823. There is a very quaint public place in downtown Perry near where I work that is especially nice to have lunch.  My friend Sharon and I did just that last week. We took our Subway sandwiches and sat outside ane enjoyed the glorious cool weather.
824. I am most thankful for our pastor’s series of messages in the book of Joshua on Sunday mornings. He is an awesome expository preacher – and the Word of God is so rich. He began a series just like night on Zephaniah. It’s going to be a hard word, but the hard words are just as needed and show His grace to us strong.
825. One of our staff pastors and his wife have been serving in Kenya the past 2 weeks. Can’t wait to hear from Pastor Matthew and Kathy as they return home this week.  May the sun never set on the ministry of Second Baptist Church…
826. Rejoicing with another of our staff pastors in the birth of a daughter. We love you Dawson and Taneea and celebrate this gift of God to your family…
Thankful tonight for the simplicity of gifts seen in faith, family, and friends. It’s all His grace.  Blessed.
Jan
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September 18, 2012 1:33 AM 1

1,000 GIFTS, #786 to #799

September 4, 2012 3:59 AM 0
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, 2012 3:59 AM 0

1,000 GIFTS, #770 to #785

August 28, 2012 12:41 AM 2
Life is good because God is good. I’m very thankful (currently overwhelmed by His grace) as I sit here on a rainy Monday evening continuing this compilation of counting gifts to one thousand. I’ve scrolled back through these gifts several times and it brings me so much JOY to do so. To see His Hand, His faithfulness to undeserving me.
770. Something I don’t talk about much here is my “day job,” but I’m grateful to have one. I will testify that it has not been easy to be a pastor’s wife who works full time outside the home. His Grace has kept me going. In the early days I did it to help meet financial needs in our family. Even then God provided a job to this momma so I could be close to my boys and not miss any of their activities as I’ve worked in our local school system. They’ve long been out of school, but I’m still there…by God’s grace.
771. Two young couples I know expecting babies this winter each found out their unborn babies are boys…exactly the desires of their hearts. I’m happy with them.
772. My blog title is Gran Jan’s JOY, so it should be no secret by now that my grandchildren are just that. And most especially when one of them is enjoying a cupcake at her big brother’s Spiderman party. Delight. Miracles all of them. His Grace.
773. The birthday boy with the Spiderman cake. He is so precious. He thinks Spiderman kills spiders and we love him for it.
774. So thankful for my new Serger and looking forward to the sewing I want to do for my granddaughters. It finishes seams like a dream.
775. I came home from a women’s ministry team meeting one night and my husband had made jalepeno cornbread. From my recipe. It was delicious. It is now his job.  I love him so much.
776. Going to choir rehearsal and working on this music…JOY as I think about God sending His Son to earth…His Grace coming down.
777. Yesterday was one of the sweetest days in our church. Our pastor preached a powerful message from the book of Joshua on the power of a changed life – Rahab. Then last night we came together and witnessed the baptism of 16 people as they each shared  testimonies ending with “I am Not Ashamed.” It was tender and emotional and a night of praise. I love my church. Thank you David Falldine for this photo…
778. Music is such a gift of His grace. Being married to a worship pastor is pure JOY to me. I love what Gary gets to do and he loves what God has called him to do. This song has ministered to our church family so much in worship…Ten Thousand Reasons.
779.  Fresh okra from the garden…one of the last vegetables of summer.

780. Pickled okra made from my friend Lanie’s recipe. My friend Leah in North Georgia and I love making squash pickles – wonder if Leah makes okra pickles? 🙂

781. Looking forward to Fall and the sweet potatoes growing in my garden and wishing the little bunny that keeps eating the green vines would seriously stop it.
782. A phone call from this sweet saint, Esther Burroughs. She is planning to come speak to a group of worship pastor’s wives next February 2013. We were talking about the event as my sweet husband is helping sponsor the Metro II Conference in beautiful Savannah, GA. I can hardly wait for our time together.
783. Early mornings in the Word with song #13 on repeat. “Thanks Be To Our God.”  Actually counting His gifts of grace as Travis Cottrell sings them. These lyrics are a balm.
784. One of the best ladies events I have ever attended just this past weekend, Living Proof Live in Charleston. SC with 50 ladies from my home church and 9,000 total in attendance. This event requires a blog post all it’s own. Soon. “Embracing the Facing” was Beth Moore’s teaching topic from Genesis 31-32 – Jacob and Esau. It was strong and good.
785. Hearing my little grandson Jackson telling the story of Adam and Eve, of Naaman, and Jonah from his Jesus Storybook Bible. One of the blessings of this season of life is seeing the spiritual development of my grandchildren and being thankful for their parents (our children) raising them up in the LORD.
Count your own blessings my friends – whether you record them this way or use the iPhone app that Ann Voskamp has or whether you treasure them in your heart…keep counting His goodness to you. He is a Great and Mighty God.
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August 28, 2012 12:41 AM 2

1,000 GIFTS, #749 to #769

August 14, 2012 2:29 AM 1
In the rhythm of life, the ups and downs we all experience…spiritually, emotionally, and physically – the gift of seeing His grace gifts all around brings a balance that centers me. I am so thankful. The counting continues and it blesses me way down deep.
749. My sister Joan celebrated a birthday on July 27 – she is one of the most generous women I know. She loves to give and because of that, God has entrusted her with a lot – because she knows where her blessings come from. I love you middle sister.
750. I love my pastor. He is so genuine and kind. I was so happy when I got to church on July 29th and he was preaching a message on “believers baptism.” It was the anniversary of my own baptism 27 years ago…I felt God’s love in a special way as I remembered my baptism. (Believers baptism is baptism by immersion after salvation – that is what my church practices and what I believe.)
751. An absolutely amazing gift – to see the face of my unborn granddaughter through the miracle of a 3D sonogram. She is beautiful and we are thrilled that she will be joining our family late next month.  Praying for a safe and easy delivery for my daughter-in-law.
752. A Saturday drive through the country with my husband unbound by an agenda and time to stop for peach ice icream at Lane’s Orchards.

753. As often as we’ve driven the backroad home, we’ve never seen this old cemetery before. It’s amazing when you see when you take the time to slow down and really look…like counting His gifts. The dates were pre-Civil War – 1850s.

754. A new baby quilt for a little girl who is also due late next month. I love that she and my granddaughter will grow up in church together. Her daddy is Dawson Hull, one of our staff pastors, and he directs our church orchestra and is a gifted musician. His wife Taneea is also a talented musician. They are a sweet couple and I loved making this quilt for their little girl. This is just the quilt top – I hope to begin quilting this weekend.

755. Rain. Thunder rumbling. Approaching summer storm. Sitting on the front porch enjoying the cooler air with my husband and son Jonathan and his son Jackson.  Hearing Jackson say his mommy was at a “girl party” and laughing…he is only 2. She was attending a baby shower…indeed.
756. Three generations…”ready, set, go.” Jackson looking back saying, “Gran Jan…”
757. Singing an old gospel song at church “When the Savior Reached Down For Me,” and having the senior citizens talk about remembering that day in their lives too…
758. A working dinner with my Women’s Ministry Leadership Team – Cindy, Teresa, Jennifer. Words can’t adequately express how much they mean to me. They embody servant leadership.
759. A new Bible study and personal messages (tweets) from the author Priscilla Shirer the very day we began. The class was so tickled. So was the teacher (me). 🙂
760. Running into my son Jeremy’s 2nd grade teacher at the grocery store and having her remember what a special little boy he was. She knew God had great plans in store for him. She said he impacted her life in a great way. I love the gift of being in a community so long that your lives intersect like this.
761. Onesies. All for baby Emery. Gran Jan loves her embroidery machine.
762. My niece Amy celebrated a birthday August 8th. Amy  is the daughter of my sister Jean who passed away at age 25. Amy never knew her momma but she is so much like her. I wrote a post about Jean that has had more response than any I’ve ever written… If you haven’t read it, please visit here. I miss Jean every day.
763. My other niece Melissa is getting married next month. She and her momma (my middle sister Joan) came down and visited last week and my sister brought some of her favorite salsa.  Here she is being silly with my mom, her grandmother…I love my family so much.
764. My daughter-in-law Carrie put together this photo collage of Zeke and Madie Ruth’s first day of school at their church playschool.  Delightful.
765.  Beautiful pink sky and awesome Creator God. He speaks to me through sights such as this. I love living in the country.
766. We’ve been singing the song “10,000 Reasons” at church and I can’t get the song out of my mind (and heart). I love the line that says “whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.”  A mature walk of faith in Christ KNOWS that whatever does come – our God is in control. Thank you Jesus.
767. How about 100,000 reasons to be thankful? This was my odometer this past Wednesday night. When it turned over one hundred thousand SAFE miles, I stopped and pulled over to the side of the road and thanked the Lord for keeping me and every single passenger safe during my travels.
768. This boy. Gran Jan’s JOY = grandchildren.
769. I love Elisabeth Elliot. I’ve had a little daily calendar by her on my desk for over 10 years. It is called “Keep A Quiet Heart.” I especially loved this quote from last Friday – and I was praying hard about a situation.  This is true.
Blessings to you all who stop by to read these gifts. I hope you are counting your own blessings each day too.  God is so faithful.
~Jan
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August 14, 2012 2:29 AM 1

1,000 GIFTS, #729 to #748

July 23, 2012 4:06 PM 0
This counting continues, and as I near the goal of 1,000 GIFTS, I know in my heart I will always love this discipline. When you live with your eyes wide open and a heart full to see and receive God’s Hand at work all around in everyday living, your perspective changes and it is for good. I realize too that a pattern has emerged…JOY that centers around my church, my marriage, my family and friends, my home, and my love for gardening, Bible study, women’s ministry, and sewing and quilting. That in itself is a gift…
729. The sameness of a routine that is peaceful…work, church, family, chores. No one is sick, everyone has a job, we all are serving our Savior. It doesn’t get any better than that.
730. The peace that comes from knowing beyond any shadow of doubt that if the peaceful routine is interrupted…my Heavenly Father still reigns…and He is well in control.
731. A shopping Saturday with my friend Lanie. There’s a peaceful JOY that comes from spending time with a close friend…no agenda, just shopping and a nice lunch.
732. Zinnias. I plant them each summer by saving the seeds of the current season’s flowers. I gave this bouquet to the receptionist where I work. 
733. Teaching young women in Sunday School while their teacher (my sweet young friend Natalie) was in Ukraine on a mission trip. What a delight to my heart. These young women encourage me so much with hope for the next generation.
734. The children of our Pastor and his wife.  Precious…little stairsteps, so close in age. I look forward to watching them grow up.
735. Our pastor taught through the book of Philemon the past few weeks. He preached a message on forgiveness that was the best I’ve ever heard. I’m going to share those notes soon. Life-changing for some folks. I’m thankful that Christ forgives and I’m thankful that others are willing to forgive me when I ask them…
736. Little grandsons running through the sprinklers on a hot evening…JOY abounded.
737. Stepping outside before dawn with a good cup of coffee to see the MAJESTY of a sunrise…

738. Tomato bounty from our garden this summer. So thankful.
739.  Extra responsibilty at work last week led me to seek strength from the Word of God.
740. These two grandbabies sporting their shirts Gran Jan made them for their vacation. I’m looking at Miss Madie and thinking she is saying “Jan-Jan.” 🙂
741. My dad and my grandson in the garden this past Saturday. I love having my family close. So many families live far away from each other, and I don’t take for granted that mine are close, both physically and in the love we have for one another.
742. Thankful for a new quilt to finish – this one is for my husband. It is from the class I took last month with my friend lanie. It was so much fun to make.

743. Our fourth grandchild is due in late September…her room is being made ready. Our hearts are getting ready too. I can hardly wait to meet her. Let the monogramming begin!
744. This recipe is so much fun. It comes from The Pirates House restaurant in Savannah. It is a fun and easy way to “make pickles.” They are really good too.
745. Attended a beautiful wedding this past Saturday, 7-21-12, as David and Kelli exchanged vows before a big group of family and friends. (I thought this cake was beautiful.) It always really touches me to attend the wedding of a couple who are both active in their faith. David is called to ministry and will be planting a church in Florida some time next year.
746. Late one afternoon last week these big old thunder clouds rolled in while the sun was still shining. I love this photo so much.
747. The JOY that comes from worship – worship with my church family. United in heart and so at peace in our church family as we serve together.  Thankful beyond words.
748.  The JOY in anticipating a women’s ministry event.  We are planning on a “road trip” to Charleston next month to a Living Proof Live event.  Can’t wait to see Beth Moore and worship with Travis Cottrell and thousands of my sisters in Christ. There will be much JOY on the way over and back “on the bus” too. Fellowship sweet. 
May God Bless You and Keep You and Hold You in the Palm of His Hand,
JAN
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July 23, 2012 4:06 PM 0
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