1,000 GIFTS, #347 to #369

October 10, 2011 2:13 PM 6

My spirit is overflowing with grace gifts, and it’s not just because my counting is overdue…it is because of the tender mercies of Christ in my life. Many of my blessings this week surround a wonderful time away last week at the beach. I am in a very good place right now, both physically and spiritually at rest. God has taught me so much this past year and I love HIM so, MORE every day. Thank you sweet readers for sharing life’s JOY with me.

347. Blueberry pancakes are sweet, but not as sweet as this grandgirl eating them…

348. Continuing to read The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. Every woman needs to read/embrace this book, no matter her age or season of life.

349. A movie date to see “Courageous” with my sweet husband. WE LOVED IT. Praying that God will use this movie for His glory (He already is). If you have not seen it yet – go go go.

350. Have I mentioned that my parents live “across the pasture?” Well they do, and I am blessed to have them so close – they are wonderful, loving, giving people. They dog-sat my younger sister’s two dogs week before last, and along with their dachsund, Dixie – they had a kennel. Here they are on an outing over to my house.  The dogs and the parentals needed a break.

351. My husband and I vacationed at the beach (Florida Gulf Coast) last week, and that in itself is a grace gift. There is something about being near the ocean that is restful to my spirit. Psalm 95:5 I’ve heard others speak of this peace, and it is certainly true for me. This year the weather was amazing, so cool and refreshing. We are thankful for the time to rest and spend time together – unbound by clocks and schedules. My favorite time is as the sun begins to set. Whether I’m home or at the ocean, I love dusk.

352. The sunrises are beautiful too. The ocean was as smooth as glass.
353. October 6, 1974 was a beautiful autumn Sunday night (a long time ago…). That “date” markes a “date” for me…the evening of my seventh date with my then new boyfriend. (Seven is the number of completion in the Bible – how fitting.)  We met at church, he was the young music minister. It was the summer before we each began our senior years of high school. That night was our first kiss and since we happened to be at the beach last week on the “37th anniversary of the first kiss,” I wrote it in the sand. The tide may have washed my sentiments away, but the sweet memory is forever etched in my mind. God surely blessed me when he brought my future husband into my life that night 37 years ago…
354. I love this man…thankful for God’s grace in bringing him to me (see #353).

355. I met a beautiful woman, Sybil, while shopping at the Destin Commons Mall day before yesterday. She assisted me in an Estee Lauder purchase at the Belks store. We shared more than mascara and lipstick…we shared Jesus Christ. When she was checking me out, she said “thank you Georgia Jan.”  Now Sybil had no idea that I use “Georgia Jan” as my blog name…she just knew I was from Georgia. Well that led into conversation about blogs, Bible study, and our favorite teachers…Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur. We discovered that she and I both attended the very first Deeper Still conference in Nashville four years ago and enjoyed sharing memories of that time.  I love random meetings like this. God bless you Sybil.

356. My youngest son and his wife and son joined us at the beach later in the week. Sweet family times. Pop was in heaven when Jackson fell asleep in his arms during a morning walk on the beach. We loved having lots of time with this little fella. He is SO smart!

357. We ate lunch twice at Dewey Destin Seafood. You could look through the planks in the pier and see the water below! We were able to get a choice seat…right at the very end of the pier. The weather was GLORIOUS, so was my Grouper sandwich.

358. Pumpkin spice coffee…on the balcony…with the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. The wind blowing, the waxing gibbous moon (almost full), sweet conversation, hearts in love, souls at peace, minds at rest. G-R-A-C-E.

359. New crocs for the grandchildren. Boys=camo, girl=pink. Simple as that and I’m not waiting until Christmas to give them to them.

360. My husband loves seafood. (He even teased some friends and told them he would have shrimp milkshakes if he could.) We took a seafood break and ate Chinese at P.F. Changs one day, and I called him “P.F.” the rest of the week. P.F. stood for “Platter/Feast” because every meal he ordered had either the word platter or feast in the title…

361. I found a twenty-dollar-bill on the floor at the CVS drugstore last week.  When I turned it in, I thought the manager was going to call a press conference. He said, “people don’t turn in money.”  I told him that the money didn’t belong to me, but that I belong to Jesus, and His Spirit in me enabled me to do the right thing. I will say however, that it was quite a rush to look down and see that $20 lying there  🙂

362. On our way home from the beach we had a tire going flat so we stopped at a Wal-Mart to get it fixed. We thanked the Good LORD that it happened exactly when it did and not on a remote road. We also thanked Him for His perfect timing and provisions. The GPS said there was no Wal-Mart or auto store nearby…oh, really? Yes there is/was.

363. While the tire was being repaired I meandered through the store and bought sewing machine needles and a new rotary cutter for some quilt fabric I have.  So thankful for my quilting JOY!

364. While walking back to the auto department, I saw an elderly gentleman in one of those little scooters going up and down the aisles. He seemed a little “out of sorts,” so I asked him if I could help him. He told me that he lived alone and was looking for a pot to cook in, to warm up food. I found a perfect one on clearance and he was so pleased. That little random act of JOY was a blessing to my heart. I thanked the Lord for our low tire and my divine appointment.  We also shared Jesus in that clearance aisle.

365. A great report, a super great report from my annual physical. Aside from my salvation, God’s grace gift of excellent health is so very precious to me. I thank Him daily.

366. Although I do not embrace “fortune cookies,” I loved this one…because he was sitting right to my left, the one with whom I shared a kiss 37 years ago…remember? 
367. The welcome sight of HOME…fall color and a field of white cotton across the street.
368. Collard greens and turnip greens growing growing growing…I love this garden.

369. Rainy days and Mondays do NOT get me down. This has been a glorious week and to have the blessing of a day off (Columbus Day Holiday) to reflect, count grace gifts, and reflect some more…
Thank you JESUS.
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October 10, 2011 2:13 PM 6

1,000 GIFTS, #325 to #346

September 27, 2011 1:07 AM 2
Multitudes on Mondays

My Monday recording journey of counting grace gifts continues…all from His Hand.

325.  Cotton fields are blooming and there are hundreds of acres of cotton right across the street from our home…fields white unto harvest as far as you can see.

326. Text messages that begin “what are y’all doing today?” and end with lunch around the table.
327. Preparing breakfast for my Dad and surprising him by riding next door on the golf cart to deliver it to him.  He was sitting on the porch and was so proud of his breakfast! My mom and I enjoyed our coffee together while he ate.  He shared his raisin toast with her…
328. Praying together and being of one heart.
329. Bible study class full of women eager to learn and “get wisdom!”  I love my Wednesday night ladies.
330. Answered prayer with successful back surgery for a friend’s teenage daughter. Praying for a full recovery.
331. A warm and dear hug for a friend whose father passed away 2 weeks ago and telling her that her loss had already touched my heart…prompting me to make breakfast for my dad and deliver it to him. Tears were shed.
332. The promise of lunch this week with two young 20-somethings, Taneea and Sarah. 
333. The joy that they would even want to spend time with me, a 50-something.
334. A life lived with the anticipation of splashing the Living Water with young women as I grow older, both in wisdom and in my walk of faith.
335. Cards in the mail, hand-written, full of love.
336. A Saturday afternoon all to myself…sewing…sewing…putting together a new quilt. These are some of the 5″ squares that will form the blocks. They are lying on my ironing board. There will be many more made before the quilt is finished. Guess what? The fabric is called GRACE and I love that – it is so fitting for counting GRACE gifts.

337.  Here’s a picture with the “Grace” tag…I hope my life is “tagged by Grace.”

338. Lots of sweet tweets from my friends who attended Dot.Mom in Birmingham, a Lifeway conference for mothers – a time of great encouragement for them. I love you Sophie, Melanie, Robyn, Fran, Dedra, Dori, Amanda, Heather…I pray God blessed you deeply!
339. Sweet emails back and forth with my oldest son. He is a good man, a good husband, father, pastor.
340. A phone call from my youngest son who is out of state on business…he is a good man, a good husband, father, and he misses this little pumpkin, will be home very soon!
341. The little pumpkin with the yogurt-covered-smile. He misses his daddy too, but my sweet daughter-in-law said he has been a trooper.

342. A text message from my daughter-in-law that included a little video of my 16 month old granddaughter talking and making the cutest face as she talked, crinkling her nose.
343. Back-to-back nights at home with just my husband that included supper and then long conversation on the front porch swing, enjoying the cooler weather. Simple grace gifts.
344. I’ve been the wife of a minister for 34 years, 3 months, 15 days. Have I shared how much JOY there has been? Well there has. And heartache and sorrow too – but mostly joy, and I’m grateful. The joy of serving in one church for over 23 years, raising our boys here.
345. Having said that, I’ve been singing in my husband’s choir for 34 years, 3 months, 15 days. I love that with all my heart. Each week the anticipation of being part of corporate worship under his leadership blesses me. I know he is a man of integrity and his personal worship enables him to lead in public worship. I know better than anyone else.
346. And this is our church choir. I love these people so much. It’s hard to see me, but I’m on the very back row (always have been) on the far right as you face the choir.  This recording was made just yesterday morning by a man sitting in the congregation. Revelation 1:8 – He is Alpha and Omega.
 

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September 27, 2011 1:07 AM 2

1,000 GIFTS, #288 to #304

September 13, 2011 1:53 AM 4
Grace gifts, still counting along the way; very thankful and very blessed.
288. A blessed Women’s Ministry Conference this past weekend on 09-10-11 with the wonderful Mrs. Esther Burroughs. She is a precious mature Christian woman who shares from her life’s experiences and all who listen benefit. She taught from John 4 and encouraged us to “splash the Living Water” as we “Go OUT of our way while ON our way…” It was glorious!
289. This is a picture from the Conference with Mrs. Esther (she is in the black and white stripes). I call it “Generational Joy.” The two young women on the left are in their early 20’s and are DELIGHTFUL! Esther encouraged us to pour into their lives.
290. Helping Hands at the Women’s Conference…how blessed we are to have a church where people serve with JOY. Thank you Cindy, Sarah, Taneea, Teresa, Pam, Doris, Lisa, Kathy, Susan, Natalie, Lanie, Mindy, Lynn, Barbara, Rounette, Karen, Charlene, Patti, Jeanette, and Cheryl.
291. Sharing a recipe for Tomato Pie with my sweet friend Lanie.
292. Moonvines…this picture was taken just a few hours ago at dusk. I love these flowers. They will bloom all night and close up in the morning…
293. Another quilt class and girl’s night out with Lanie. We learned techniques for “half-square triangles,” but we learned much more than that…quality time in the car during a road trip helps you learn each other’s hearts and prayer needs…what a gift from God.
294. Driving through this allee of trees as I leave home each morning and returning each evening and celebrating His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night.  (Psalm 92:1-2)  So grateful for my job and the people I work with and for. Grace.
295. Looking up from my desk at work just in time to see my oldest son and his son coming in the door to see me. Zeke gave me the sweetest hug ever. He said, “I’m your boy, Gran Jan.”  He knows that blesses my soul.
296. Another great practical message from Rev. Joel Southerland as he preached from the book of Job on the value of our families.
297. Finding a long-lost receipt. Thankful. Needed it.
298. Collards and turnip greens planted in my fall garden.
299. Attending a wedding with my husband this past Saturday of a young woman named Julie who we’ve known since she was 5 years old. Her groom was injured in an accident 14 months ago. Seeing her speak vows that she has already lived by standing true to him gives me such hope for young people and marriage.
300. Two big bags of fresh peas from a friend at church – thank you Mrs. Rhoda! I love to sit and shell peas – it is so soothing.
301. Jasmine. In my garden.
302. Long bike rides with my husband down country roads, cool weather. Good exercise. Weight loss success! So thankful. 
303. Spending time with my youngest son and his son tonight. Getting to play with little Jackson, feed him, bathe him, and tuck him in was so tender for me. My daughter-in-law is taking a class and was not home. I missed her, but love seeing the home she is building for my son and grandson.
304. New books and the anticipation of reading “The Resolution for Women.” The book is by Priscilla Shirer.  Excited about participating in her on-line book club this Friday.  Details will follow on my blog.
Nighty-night sweet friends,
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September 13, 2011 1:53 AM 4

1,000 GIFTS, #270 to #287

September 5, 2011 10:52 PM 4
My heart is so full of JOY from counting blessings, the wonderful Grace of Jesus! Thanking Him today for this Multitude Monday, a rare and peaceful day off from work, a restful day.
270. A new season of Fall Bible study begins tomorrow and a kickoff brunch was held 2 weeks ago with lots of women attending – excited about studying God’s Word.
271. Two littlest grandchildren sliding down slides…they are strong and healthy and I am so thankful.
272. A pretty little cat has taken up at the farm…I hope she stays…outside for sure! 🙂
273. My daughter-in-law Carrie sent a video of grandson Zeke singing a song he wrote, “Every Day We Go to Church…”  I’ve watched it dozens of times. So thankful she shared it with me!
274. Another video sent to me by my son of Zeke asking “Gran Jan, can I spend the night with you? I really want to…”
275. Zeke spending the night…pizza, popcorn and Charlotte’s Web… I really wanted him to!
276. Celebrating my son’s 30th birthday last Monday with this post.  Lots of memories of a fine son. God’s Grace multiplied.
277. Thankful for Jeremy’s wife, who also celebrated a birthday last week…she is a gift to our family.
278. The whole family for lunch on Saturday. I love to cook for them and we had grilled pork tenderloin, hasbrown casserole (recipe here), butter peas, collard greens from my garden (frozen last winter), and these delicious cheese muffins from The Pioneer Woman. I left out the sugar and used self-rising flour. My Dad ate two plates full and that blessed me so much.
279. My two sweet daughters-in-law blowing bubbles for the babies after lunch. They are both so tall and thin…beautiful…one blonde, one brunette, both long prayed for…

280. Three sweet grandbabies chasing those bubbles…it just doesn’t get any sweeter!

281. My daughter-in-law Erin worked so HARD to get a picture of these 3…it is nigh impossible…but I love her for trying!

282. Chocolate-face Jackson…eating his momma’s mini cupcakes!
283. A pot of chili simmering on the stove all day on this wonderful Monday off from work…my husband said it was the best ever.  I love to cook, have I mentioned that? 🙂
284. More material for more quilts…these are called “Charm Packs,” and every square is 5″ and represents all the fabric in a particular line. They make quilting fun and easy because all the fabric blends together…the pink butterflies will be for my granddaughter Madie.
285. I finished Erin’s quilt and gave it to her two weeks ago. She loved all the colors and I hope she enjoys some long naps this fall and winter under her cozy quilt.
286. Just finished Jackson’s “John Deere” quilt top about 3 hours ago. I rode my bike next door to my mom’s house and hung it on her clothesline so I could take a picture. I can’t wait to quilt it. (Zeke picked out the fabric for his John Deere quilt while he was here…)
287. Yesterday our interim pastor Bro. Joel Southerland, brought a message from Job 1:20-22 and I loved this quote…”In the storms of life, our REACTION determines our RECOVERY.” I want my reactions to be right, Spirit-filled, and for His glory. It was a great message.
Count your blessings,
 name them one by one…
and it will surprise you
what the Lord has done!

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September 5, 2011 10:52 PM 4

A Mother’s Memories – 30 Years

August 29, 2011 5:11 AM 1

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY Jeremy! There are days it seems like only yesterday since that hot August Saturday night of 1981 when you entered this world and I became a mom. (You were 19 days overdue, but you haven’t been late since, and have been busy making up for lost time.) I love your name! Jeremy is a variant of Jeremiah and means “may Jehovah exalt, appointed by God.” I believe on August 29, 1981, God appointed you and blessed me by allowing me the privilege to raise you and be your mom. To celebrate your 30th birthday today, I poured over lots of pictures and chose some of my favorites to share.

Four months old…still a UGA fan!
Six months old and you STILL love books…
You still have a winning smile.
You were a great big brother…
and you still are…
You love to tell a story…no matter the location.
You love to fish,
hunt,
and play golf.
You still drive a truck (this was the day you got your license and
I cried when you drove yourself back to school).
You were a good student in Kindergarten…
and high school, and college, and seminary,
and hope to be Dr. Morton in the next year or so…
You’ve always had great friends…
You still do…
You married the girl of your dreams and we adore her!
You have a precious son and daughter…Gran Jan’s JOY!

So on this your 30th birthday…I want to thank you for being a good son, a blessing to our family, a man of integrity. Your energy and zest for life are a delight. Thank you for being a son who honors the LORD, your calling as a Pastor, your wife, and your family. You are a JOY. Please never forget that for all of your days I’ll see my little boy in the man you’ve become. I know you’re grown, but I can’t help it, don’t want to, don’t plan to…because I’m your Mom and don’t you ever forget it…I love you son!

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August 29, 2011 5:11 AM 1

1,000 GIFTS, #216 to #230

July 26, 2011 12:16 AM 4
Although I’ve never met Ann Voskamp, her heart for Jesus shines through cyberspace – her blog, her books, her tweets…and she blesses me. This discipline or holy habit or awareness, or whatever you name it…this way of counting grace gifts to one-thousand is a wonder! The consciousness of intentionally seeing God at work all around is uplifting. Some of the gifts are divine and spiritual, some are tangible “things,” some are His glorious creation seen around the farm, some are just in my heart, but ALL are from His Hand, Grace.
216. Singing “I Bless Your Name” at church with our praise team. I love singing with Melissa, Meredith, Tammy, Megan, Gary, Lou, and Gary R.  God is knitting our hearts together more each time we sing.
217. A heart that is healing, sweet victory, answered prayers, awareness of true friends, health, peace of mind – these have been mine in abundance the past few weeks.  I am so thankful.
218. Our long-time pastor, Rev. Rastus Salter always talked about how good the “late peaches” are, the Elberta peaches. He was right – they are the best.  He passed away in 2005 and is certainly enjoying the fruit of his labors. In the presence of Jesus!
219. An impromptu pizza party with my husband, our boys, their wives and our 3 grandchildren. Sometimes unplanned is more fun.  Just “y’all come,” and let’s get together.  And when it ends up that Zeke spends the night, well that is just icing on that sweet cake!
220. Could she be any cuter? This is sweet Miss Madie with her first pigtails. She is talking up a storm and holding her own with big brother Zeke.  She and cousin Jackson are precious to watch together.

221. Front porch rocking chairs, hummingbirds zooming by, and long talks with my sweet husband.  We always say to each other, “it just doesn’t get any better.”  I pray we will be blessed to grow old together (Gran Jan & Pop pillows were made by our daughter-in-law Erin!) I love that man. I love to hear people speak of his integrity… and I’ve heard that spoken often these past months, and it blesses me every time!

 

222. Fig preserves. Delightfully Southern.  One of my Dad’s sisters (he had eight) taught me how to make them.  Aunt Jimmie Lou.  Even her double name is delightfully Southern! There is nothing better on a hot buttered biscuit than fig preserves.

223. My moonflower vine has blooms. I can’t wait to share the first flowers with you.  One of my favorite authors, Jan Karon, has a book entitled The Trellis and the Seed that is about encouragement…using these wonderful flowers. I grow them from seed each spring and give away all but a few plants to enjoy for myself.
224. I finished the quilt top from the beautiful jelly roll* of batik fabrics.  I can’t wait to quilt it. *By the way, a “jelly roll” is an entire fabric collection that has been laser cut into 2 and 1/2″ strips, then rolled up like a bakery confection and tied with a bow.  Each pack contains one 44″ long strip of each fabric in the group. I LOVE THEM! The possibilities are endless.
225. Which leads to this…the next quilts I’m planning! I bought a lot of John Deere fabric to make quilts for the boys – the big boys and the little boys!
226. New life on the farm just today – this Monday.  A new calf, and three new lambs – one a set of twins…this wee one is but hours old.
227. Twins – the momma is black and white like this baby.  These are just a few hours old…
228. Hearing the reports from the mission teams that went to Brazil and to Ukraine from my church. Seeing people I know and love light up and come alive when others are won to Christ – of seeing them “love to tell the story.”
229. A letter from my Compassion child, a daughter in Uganda. We wept. I am so thankful to partner with Compassion International to sponsor a boy in Colombia, and a girl in Uganda. I so love this ministry.
230. My magnolias are blooming again. I have two trees – they were given to  me by the women of our church at the Women’s Ministry Christmas Brunch, 2007.  I love that!
Blessings to you on this summer Monday,
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July 26, 2011 12:16 AM 4

1,000 GIFTS, #207 to #215

July 12, 2011 2:08 AM 4
 I have had one of the absolute BEST weeks in a long time! It has been very peaceful and quiet – and this wafted over to the same PURE Joy in my spirit – all from Jesus. This JOY will be reflected in my list of counting grace gifts to 1,000:
207. Nowhere to go last week…off work…reconnecting with all things H-O-M-E…stillness.
208. Celebrating my re-birthday this week, the day I became a born again believer in Jesus Christ, on 7-7-85. I’m 26 years old in the LORD, and I wrote my story here.
209. Lots of garden time last week and the daily delights of fresh tomatoes.
210. A “sew-in” with my friend Lanie. I had a pattern for a “sewing mate,” and we made them together. So peaceful and fun, more JOY. This creation holds all your sewing notions close at hand. The bag on the far right is a little trash container for threads, etc.
211. My son is fishing in Canada this past weekend, and he is so proud of this Walleye, the biggest catch at the Lodge this summer. He is a JOY to my heart.
212. On my backroad drive to go to my friend’s for our sew-in, I saw this hay bale. I loved it and was reminded to pray for my friend Beth Moore as she wraps up her study on the book of James.  The other side of the bale said “James 5:16.” 
213. Plans are being made for a baby shower in a few weeks, and I’m one of the hostesses. The baby girl we are celebrating will be born into a family of strong women of faith and she will mark the Fourth Generation!  I sure love y’all – Mrs. Mary (great-grandmother), Pat (grandmom), Pam (great Aunt), Jennifer (mom-to-be), Lindsey (aunt), Allison (aunt), Stephanie (aunt), and little miss Taylor Kate (baby girl due in August).  The joy of long-time friends from serving in one church for over 23 years…PRICELESS!
214. My mom and I spent most of Saturday morning painting our front gates…the fellowship was so good and I really did enjoy spending that time with her.
214. The reference of Habakkuk 3:17-19 has come to me from many sources the past month. Again this morning while listening to David Jeremiah and his new series entitled “The Joy of Encouragement.”  He did.
215. My daughter-in-law Erin saw this bookrack in a magazine and that smart girl duplicated it! Her Dad made the rack and I sewed the fabric that made the “shelves.”  Jackson loves it – he loves books. So did his daddy. 
Counting my blessings, naming them one by one – all the way to one thousand!
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July 12, 2011 2:08 AM 4
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