tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950975791420417412024-03-12T20:26:19.424-04:00Gran Jan's JOYI am a woman who loves Jesus, my family, friends, my gardens, quilting, reading, and simplicity. I write to record the JOY of living...and because of Christ, I'm a sojourner on my way to Heaven.Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-9989260589910866492012-10-01T21:03:00.002-04:002012-10-01T21:03:26.199-04:001,000 GIFTS - #844...A New Granddaughter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong><em>844. Miss Emery Caroline Morton</em></strong></span></div>
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This entire post is dedicated to my new granddaughter...</div>
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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...</div>
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Big Brother Jackson is such a precious grandson, Emery is going to love him!</div>
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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</div>
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with the family a couple of months ago to see her sweet face. What JOY!</div>
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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...</div>
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My daughter-in-law is a champion - was still jogging last week!</div>
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She birthed that baby girl and looked beautiful the entire time!</div>
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My son has a daughter, how precious to my heart.</div>
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He was so very thankful for a safe delivery and healthy baby.</div>
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Sweet family time in the hospital. </div>
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Beautiful yard art by Granddaddy Hutto.</div>
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Home at last, family of four. </div>
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Jackson was meeting his little sister for the first time.</div>
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A little daddy-daughter naptime...</div>
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Pop and Gran Jan spent some time with the family too...</div>
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Dearest little Emery,</div>
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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!</div>
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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.</div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-54332167076508807582012-09-24T22:14:00.000-04:002012-09-24T22:19:30.938-04:001,000 GIFTS, #827 to #843<div style="text-align: center;">
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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 <a href="http://www.paigepatterson.info/">Dr. Paige Patterson</a> (President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX) that said:</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">"Be wary when you are weary..."</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;">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!</span></div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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." </div>
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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.</div>
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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...</div>
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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.</div>
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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).</div>
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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. </div>
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836. An incredible day of worship at church yesterday with songs of praise that focused on the Name of Jesus: <em>"Be Unto Your Name," "Something About That Name," "Your Great Name," and "Something Happens."</em> WE HAD CHURCH and I am still processing the JOY.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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 "<strong><em><span style="color: #741b47;">favorite grandmother</span></em></strong>" 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. </div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29393A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">if any tenderness and compassion,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29393B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-NIV-29394"><sup> </sup>2 then make my joy complete<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29394C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> by being like-minded,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29394D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-2">having the same love, being one<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29394E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> in spirit and of one mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-2"></span> <span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NIV-29395">3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29395F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-3">Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-3"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29395G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span> 4 Not<span class="text Phil-2-4" id="en-NIV-29396"> looking to your own interests </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Phil-2-4">but each of you to the interests of the others.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29396H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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843. Welcoming glorious Autumn this past Saturday, my favorite of all the seasons...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkxSXYQ-i4eOae6-RkmE-RUuYOZgwqOMbqhU4G_kzbLZ0PHkIBtC3T1Bai-EJ6Ew7-5Z1-nJcpYKsOqk4HbkxEPa8CmCeiOBPvUo3v8WBhu5zLPhqi8ewbiUdyPuGm2sRMX7kkzfjseo/s1600/Fall+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkxSXYQ-i4eOae6-RkmE-RUuYOZgwqOMbqhU4G_kzbLZ0PHkIBtC3T1Bai-EJ6Ew7-5Z1-nJcpYKsOqk4HbkxEPa8CmCeiOBPvUo3v8WBhu5zLPhqi8ewbiUdyPuGm2sRMX7kkzfjseo/s320/Fall+Road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">*Gran Jan*</span></div>
Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-84038580971721273002012-09-17T21:33:00.000-04:002012-09-17T21:36:54.771-04:001,000 GIFTS, #800 to #826 <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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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 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Trellis-Seed-Book-Encouragement/dp/0670892890">"The Trellis and the Seed," </a> which is a book of encouragement about waiting...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-cBnJJ8caHHcLvf5pCH7oxSAdPOr3ZDIy3T5_kuxo95HrPBDtc3LSr9rdA7t-QmT1a8YopImHRgb7EonNgJith5-2Ebhq1WXs2cU0Kt5_Seqwa0XPO608XhntMiD40w-fmPQH8X3nS8/s1600/Moonflowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-cBnJJ8caHHcLvf5pCH7oxSAdPOr3ZDIy3T5_kuxo95HrPBDtc3LSr9rdA7t-QmT1a8YopImHRgb7EonNgJith5-2Ebhq1WXs2cU0Kt5_Seqwa0XPO608XhntMiD40w-fmPQH8X3nS8/s320/Moonflowers.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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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 "<em>God planted a Garden</em>," (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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRItT98a590tlFB0YwfN_PH0Bl8EtS_8fIH0Pd6TVY5QHusSnnLgqN1Rp4PFeiuKIfKEBHeyQwNsAlVB0OryikO4uDlH3O1LHgoc3nFMWoSpbP1HQZ8ImQ0cXxVynLPswL8-LVZx7mbig/s1600/peanuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRItT98a590tlFB0YwfN_PH0Bl8EtS_8fIH0Pd6TVY5QHusSnnLgqN1Rp4PFeiuKIfKEBHeyQwNsAlVB0OryikO4uDlH3O1LHgoc3nFMWoSpbP1HQZ8ImQ0cXxVynLPswL8-LVZx7mbig/s320/peanuts.JPG" width="249" /></a></div>
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802. Less than a mile from the peanut fields are acres and acres of soybeans...</div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdfhN53gg30eLVjiYihoeWmFst4HvzbMN6k7V4n-IWXVJeOrw2-FCqGYkSQOf6wxRi5guOx1uIaj9pXDEmyNwaC3da1JwA5aHInfKXgl8dEiEqY_WmwbxpHa-XjJ-w5jmr1ssLwY9j9o/s1600/Cotton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdfhN53gg30eLVjiYihoeWmFst4HvzbMN6k7V4n-IWXVJeOrw2-FCqGYkSQOf6wxRi5guOx1uIaj9pXDEmyNwaC3da1JwA5aHInfKXgl8dEiEqY_WmwbxpHa-XjJ-w5jmr1ssLwY9j9o/s320/Cotton.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
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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...</div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTP3CDXAjeuQh_3kuLuZyX680JNtXNcXEWzUtkUQynAfno172sVig01Vq_36biPPDNzwMa4pPnOVY7keWhM-FfdGAIhnxG3vFndf9yv8mer6_hOKkhvRfIvcl9skeiN_oV_b7Mruu8hI/s1600/Nonna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTP3CDXAjeuQh_3kuLuZyX680JNtXNcXEWzUtkUQynAfno172sVig01Vq_36biPPDNzwMa4pPnOVY7keWhM-FfdGAIhnxG3vFndf9yv8mer6_hOKkhvRfIvcl9skeiN_oV_b7Mruu8hI/s200/Nonna.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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806. We Southern girls love our monograms - and I loved these precious pink monogrammed cookies at the baby shower for Emery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0vqeJE3gwRg7xO4Mysf4HGeZS7q3P9N8CdQnMMWaEGXgogLR5LWlDQ2dbBkcOStkOvkf18jcIQjLkVVq-yX6dk89ZinImIbIVirJiBYzVmg50KefI2fRUNFsJEiABn7hQbVwsBRwdug/s1600/Cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0vqeJE3gwRg7xO4Mysf4HGeZS7q3P9N8CdQnMMWaEGXgogLR5LWlDQ2dbBkcOStkOvkf18jcIQjLkVVq-yX6dk89ZinImIbIVirJiBYzVmg50KefI2fRUNFsJEiABn7hQbVwsBRwdug/s320/Cookies.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jyqIVpRf57hdzp0pH7aA3HDnYwSljacPogRCwJX0fQ2cSbVjOPU094Kdf5CeqLTCX08yqf77bCnYYgBdq5O61IwkoWZUSMIIi5n_aYPYS5QACRbMynGsIVK0SVqRsDOKk8F7yZoEGg/s1600/Madie'sdress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_jyqIVpRf57hdzp0pH7aA3HDnYwSljacPogRCwJX0fQ2cSbVjOPU094Kdf5CeqLTCX08yqf77bCnYYgBdq5O61IwkoWZUSMIIi5n_aYPYS5QACRbMynGsIVK0SVqRsDOKk8F7yZoEGg/s320/Madie'sdress.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAL1EK9WOhkKQkWLM7Z-kMe97VzfzVwVnyuWz4ZAYtjWSLDiZR_Ztkr543yo3iQkoY-HUsEY0nY5HWz8-8t_ii3dDRdZqhOQ-hpZXOoFc0Ulmb88AQQLx3E_pkDbyg07EGlIJ4BQsv-4/s1600/Pumpkinshirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAL1EK9WOhkKQkWLM7Z-kMe97VzfzVwVnyuWz4ZAYtjWSLDiZR_Ztkr543yo3iQkoY-HUsEY0nY5HWz8-8t_ii3dDRdZqhOQ-hpZXOoFc0Ulmb88AQQLx3E_pkDbyg07EGlIJ4BQsv-4/s320/Pumpkinshirt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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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 "<strong><em>Be Here, Be Now</em></strong>," 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 <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/she-lived-25-yearsshes-been-gone-25.html">in this blog post. </a></div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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813. Wednesday night Bible study with some faithful women. We are completing a study this week by Priscilla Shirer, "<em>Discerning the Voice of God</em>." It has been tremendous. </div>
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814. Looking forward to our next study by Kelly Minter, "<em>The Fitting Room</em>," (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. </div>
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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...</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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818. A Saturday spent making a memory with our oldest grandson. We spent the day together with Zeke and rode the <a href="http://samshortline.com/">SAM Shortline Train</a> to Plains, GA for the "peanut festival." Here is his with Pop after we had enjoyed the big parade. :)</div>
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819. A cup of hot tea soothes a scratchy throat. The tea <a href="http://www.bigelowtea.com/Catalog/Product/36/102/12/Constant+Comment%C2%AE.aspx">(Constant Comment by Bigelow)</a> <br />
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?</div>
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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...</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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...</div>
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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...</div>
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Thankful tonight for the simplicity of gifts seen in faith, family, and friends. It's all His grace. Blessed.</div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-82667346919862215702012-09-03T23:59:00.001-04:002012-09-04T00:11:35.950-04:001,000 GIFTS, #786 to #799<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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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...</div>
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786. Three-day weekends with Monday's off. Grateful.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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?</div>
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791. Homemade tomato pie - my husband loved it and it blesses me to cook for my happy hearty eating family. </div>
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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.</div>
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793. As my husband, youngest son and youngest grandson were leaving church Sunday, they were playing the "<em>one two three jump</em>" game and I grabbed my iPhone and snapped this picture...THREE GENERATIONS leaving church together. Thank you LORD.</div>
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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 <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/when-you-really-want-to-stay-in-love/">here.</a></div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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God is Good,</div>
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JAN </div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-68236125080791069882012-09-01T21:53:00.000-04:002012-09-02T16:38:46.755-04:00Beth Moore - Living Proof Live Charleston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This exact time last week I was just settling back in at home from an awesome weekend, talking as fast as I could re-living everything to my sweet husband. Fifty-one ladies from Second Baptist Church attended the <strong><em>Living Proof Life</em></strong> event (sponsored by Lifeway) in Charleston, SC. There were 9,000 women there and it was one of the best events I've ever attended. It will definitely be one of my favorite memories of 2012. I'm asking God to let His Word and the worship remain in my bones...to help me press in closely and retain all that His Spirit revealed to me. <br />
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Beth taught from Genesis 32-33, "<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><em>Embracing the Facing</em></span>," was her title. I've never heard the story of Jacob and Esau taught more powerfully/practically. Here are Beth's eight points (underlined) with notes added:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>1. <u>We're here to become more honest versions of ourselves</u> (get honest/get blessed).</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>2. <u>We cannot walk in our full birthright as part fraud</u> (desire full daughtership). </em></span><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Do we pray it then work it, or pray it then obey it? </span></em><strong><em><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-size: x-small;">Every independent action to work out a situation is an act of unbelief.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></em></strong><em><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">We work at our rest when we give situations to God then take them back. Our working on them is pure laziness - it is much harder to just leave the thing alone...</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>3. <u>We've got to stick a "WITH" back in the way we work people</u> (work WITH people, not WORK people). Are we heel grabbers or hand takers? Ask yourself these questions to see how they fit when you are "working with people:"</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> *What's in it for me?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> *Is there a single slice of insincerity? </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>4. <u>It's time to go face down and face up</u> (we want the healing without the dealing).</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">5. <u>Children of faith can't wrestle with people without wrestling with God</u>. </span></em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I will not let go until He blesses me" said Jacob - there IS a blessing coming. We are close to Jesus when we are wrestling with Him. The Hebrew for embrace (habaq) and wrestle (abaq) are very similar. [Intimacy with Jesus in both situations.] </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. <u>God can use a crippling defeat to bring about our greatest victory</u> (Jacob's hip being put out of socket crippled him - right before his victory and reunion with his brother.) </span></em><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Don't regret what He brings out of those regrets.</span> </span></em></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. <u>God can bring a shocking peace to our fiercest wars</u>.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. <u>We've grasped the blessing when we keep trying to GIVE IT AWAY</u>! (At that moment, Jacob had the full right of his sonship.)</span></em><br />
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<u>Here are some highlights of our weekend</u>...</div>
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We pulled out of the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning...</div>
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Very thankful for Mr. Phil Randall our excellent bus driver, </div>
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and Cindy Schult, our precious Women's Ministry Events Director. </div>
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We stopped for a wonderful picnic lunch at the SC Welcome Center...</div>
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We were blessed with RESERVED FRONT ROW seats...</div>
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I had appliqued a little shirt for Beth's granddaughter that said: "<em>No Place Like Bibby's," </em>(Beth's grandmother name). I gave it to Travis Cottrell on Friday night, and asked him to give it to her in case I didn't get to see her. She loved it and showed it to everyone as she was sharing about her family. </div>
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Here is a closeup of the shirt - I made one for my granddaughter too...</div>
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Travis sang my favorite song from his latest CD - "Thanks Be To Our God." You can hear it in the recap video at the bottom of this post. </div>
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I love these girls...they have fun everywhere they go...<br />
I love that women had time to fellowship with each other. </div>
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We posed for a group photo before having lunch and heading home...</div>
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I stayed afterward for a group photo with the "Siestas." Beth had made signs for us...mine says "Mayor of Siestaville," and her's says "Mama."</div>
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And finally, the amazing talents of Mr. Rich Kalonick...I am so very grateful to have this recap that he so beautifully compiled.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Speak Lord, Speak</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Jan</em></span></div>
Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-78554225080998339762012-08-27T20:41:00.000-04:002012-08-27T21:24:48.754-04:001,000 GIFTS, #770 to #785<div style="text-align: center;">
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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. </div>
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770. Something I don't talk about much here is my "<strong><em>day job</em></strong>," 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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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773. The birthday boy with the Spiderman cake. He is so precious. He thinks Spiderman kills spiders and we love him for it.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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...</div>
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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.</div>
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779. Fresh okra from the garden...one of the last vegetables of summer.</div>
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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? :)<br />
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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. </div>
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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 that that together.</div>
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783. Early mornings in the Word with song #13 on repeat. <em>"Thanks Be To Our God."</em> Actually counting His gifts of grace as Travis Cottrell sings them. These lyrics are a balm.</div>
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784. One of the best ladies events I have ever attended just this past weekend, <em><strong>Living Proof Live in Charleston. SC </strong></em>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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-55653554408197266732012-08-17T06:39:00.000-04:002012-08-17T06:39:07.319-04:00Happy 4th Birthday ZekeFour years ago today I became GRAN JAN. I received a new name, a new role, and began a new season of life that contains more love than I ever dreamed my heart could hold. I welcomed my first grandchild into the world on a hot Sunday afternoon, August 17, 2008; and life as I knew it has never ever been the same. Nor have I...<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>When a baby is born,</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>so is a grandmother...</em></span></div>
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Zeke...I love your zest for life, your tender heart, and sensitive ways. You are such a respectful young man and you love your family so much. You have a very vivid imagination and facial expressions to match (including sweet dimples like your momma). You love cheese sandwiches and fire trucks and going to church. You like to sing and make up songs. I love watching you play with your sister Madie Ruth. You remind me so much of your daddy when he was a little boy. So much. Sometimes when you don't know I'm coming to see you, or even when you come to see me here at the farm...and you run to me with arms open wide yelling, "GranJan, GranJan, GranJan," I literally think my heart will burst open.</div>
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Today I celebrate YOU Zeke! Your Gran Jan loves you and prays for you...and as long as the Good Lord leaves me here on this Earth I will be here for you. I'm in your corner buddy, and I always will be. </div>
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I loved you at ONE when the fun had begun...</div>
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I loved you at TWO and you know that is true...</div>
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I loved you at THREE and you filled me with glee...</div>
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And I LOVE you at FOUR and all God has in store... </div>
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I look forward to the day you become a believer in Jesus Christ and your daddy baptizes you...</div>
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I look forward to lots of ball games and promise I won't cheer too loudly (like I did at your daddy's and Uncle Jonathan's games)...</div>
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I look forward to many family times around the table here at the farm... </div>
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And as hard as it is to watch you grow up, I know that is part of God's plan. As I hold memories of two other little boys deep in my heart who are now grown men, I pray that God will bless me with the JOY of watching you and Madie Ruth and Jackson and Emery grow up too. I already know that God has blessed me to see my children's children, and I thank Him every day for that JOY. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Proverbs 17:6</em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged...</em></span></strong></div>
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Happy Birthday Zeke, I love you with all my heart.<br />
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P.S. I may not be able to hold out on the not cheering too loudly...</div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-8471570851510966982012-08-13T22:29:00.001-04:002012-08-13T23:01:11.288-04:001,000 GIFTS, #749 to #769 <div style="text-align: center;">
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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. (<em>Believers baptism is baptism by immersion after salvation - that is what my church practices and what I believe</em>.)</div>
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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.</div>
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752. A Saturday drive through the country with my husband unbound by an agenda and time to stop for peach ice icream at <a href="http://www.lanesouthernorchards.com/">Lane's Orchards</a>.</div>
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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. <br />
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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756. Three generations..."ready, set, go." Jackson looking back saying, "Gran Jan..."</div>
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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...</div>
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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. </div>
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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). :)</div>
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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. </div>
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761. Onesies. All for baby Emery. Gran Jan loves her embroidery machine.</div>
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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 <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/she-lived-25-yearsshes-been-gone-25.html">here</a>. I miss Jean every day.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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765. Beautiful pink sky and awesome Creator God. He speaks to me through sights such as this. I love living in the country.</div>
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766. We've been singing the song "<strong>10,000 Reasons"</strong> at church and I can't get the song out of my mind (and heart). I love the line that says "<em>whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes</em>." A mature walk of faith in Christ KNOWS that whatever does come - our God is in control. Thank you Jesus.</div>
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767. How about 100,000 reasons to be thankful? This was my odometer this past Wednesday night. When it turned over <strong>one hundred thousand</strong> 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. </div>
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768. This boy. Gran Jan's JOY = grandchildren.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Jan</span></div>
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Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-34772841120345058422012-07-23T12:06:00.000-04:002012-07-23T12:06:11.150-04:001,000 GIFTS, #729 to #748<div align="center">
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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...</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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734. The children of our Pastor and his wife. Precious...little stairsteps, so close in age. I look forward to watching them grow up. </div>
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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...</div>
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736. Little grandsons running through the sprinklers on a hot evening...JOY abounded.</div>
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737. Stepping outside before dawn with a good cup of coffee to see the MAJESTY of a sunrise...</div>
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738. Tomato bounty from our garden this summer. So thankful.</div>
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739. Extra responsibilty at work last week led me to seek strength from the Word of God.</div>
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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." :)</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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!</div>
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744. This recipe is so much fun. It comes from <a href="http://www.thepirateshouse.com/">The Pirates House</a> restaurant in Savannah. It is a fun and easy way to "make pickles." They are really good too.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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May God Bless You and Keep You and Hold You in the Palm of His Hand,</div>
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JAN </div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-85283867405765460192012-07-09T21:21:00.000-04:002012-07-10T18:34:49.726-04:001,000 GIFTS, #711 to #728<div align="center">
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Was it only just last week I was so excited about a week off to slow down? Well...my heart is FULL to overflowing from the JOYS of last week's slower pace. We enjoyed a simple <em>staycation</em>, a stay-at-home vacation, a concept I highly recommend...so restful for both body and soul.</div>
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711. So thankful for a wonderful service of patriotic music and powerful preaching at my church. I'm thankful to be an American citizen. Even with all the issues in our land today, there is still no place I would rather live as I sojourn this Earth...I'm praying for our country in this election year. (Daniel 2:20-23)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99zqPTGQposniAkXQZv8q6sUnJEe4JFAJdn1AVO07Q3SL2LVlQNGP-pwehFX67XMtKLIJoONRxp_SiGRyGnZz5THH7o5ylY9-fdFEqLQmwEJAPWWXxnzOQ04DcqrcK3kZy4511CcQGc8/s1600/SBCPatriotic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99zqPTGQposniAkXQZv8q6sUnJEe4JFAJdn1AVO07Q3SL2LVlQNGP-pwehFX67XMtKLIJoONRxp_SiGRyGnZz5THH7o5ylY9-fdFEqLQmwEJAPWWXxnzOQ04DcqrcK3kZy4511CcQGc8/s320/SBCPatriotic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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712. My friend Lanie and I had a "sew-in" last Friday. She brought her machine and several projects over and we also made dresses for our granddaughters. We laughed like only friends of many years friends can do. It was a day of JOY and soul therapy too...bonding and sewing and quilting.</div>
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713. Thankful to God for granddaughters. Lanie and I both raised sons, and now she has two granddaughters. I have one granddaughter and one on the way...God's wonderful gracious grace. Here are the dresses we made on Friday...complete with monograms.</div>
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714. And here is my sweet girl in her dress...my daughter-in-law Carrie sent me this picture just this morning...touched my heart.</div>
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715. A trip to the Farmers Market with my daughter-in-law Erin for fresh vegetables to "put up" as we Southern women call that process. We blanched butter beans, zipper peas, and crowder peas for our freezers. Hard but fulfilling work. I loved spending the day with her and one of the reasons is because...</div>
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716. ...she left Jackson with us to spend the night and we had such a wonderful time with him. He is our youngest grandson, reminds us so much of his daddy at that age.</div>
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717. Here he is on the front porch with Pop, watching down the road for his mommy and daddy to come...<br />
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718. Can you see why he reminds us of his daddy at that age? Herein is proof...<br />
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719. Time with my parents without the rush of a work schedule...we spent a day going to the local peach packing sheds and enjoyed fresh peach ice cream too. I love my parents. Did you know the first commandment with a promise in God's Word is found in Exodus 20:12? Honor your father and mother...<br />
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720. Garden time. Enough said.<br />
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721. An entire day spent with my husband...shopping, eating out, uninterrupted conversation, reconnecting. So sweet and so important for good marriages.<br />
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722. Praying daily for a missions team from my church in Ukraine. I love these folks - every one of them. They are gathered here on their way to the airport in the wee hours of the morning last Friday. They are awesome people on mission for Jesus. As our Pastor, Dr. Perdue says, his desire is that the sun will never set on the ministry of our church as we serve globally. We also have students in South Africa as well as down the street from our church this week, serving in a trailer park conducting Backyard Bible Clubs. I LOVE MY CHURCH FAMILY...<br />
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723. Celebrating the JOY of my spiritual birthday - July 7th. Reflecting on the day the Savior reached down for me...I.HAVE.NEVER.BEEN.THE.SAME. Half my life I have known Him. And Hallelujah, He's known me since before there was a me. (Psalm 139:16)</div>
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724. I know I often mention my fondness for sewing and embroidery, but I am especially happy to share these "crab shirts" I made at the request of my daughter-in-law Carrie for my grandchildren and some of their friends for a beach vacation. I loved doing this for them. I asked my daughters-in-law to save all the shirts I am making for the grandchildren because I think it would be fun to make a quilt out of them all one day...can we say Memory Lane?</div>
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725. Be still my heart. My little yet-to-be-born granddaughter's first of many monogrammed gifts from Gran Jan. TIny little Emery, we are praying for your arrival to the family in September. Can't wait to meet you...</div>
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726. The JOY of a rare opportunity to attend our son's church and hear him preach yesterday morning - a message from the fifth chapter of Mark where Jesus delivers the man possessed by demons. Jeremy made a strong, clear biblical application and this momma's heart was deeply moved and thankful.</div>
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727. My daughter-in-law Carrie's pot roast dinner on Sunday. Family around the table is one of God's sweetest gifts in my life. </div>
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728. One of my favorite delights from last week is this picture I took of an old fireplace out in the middle of the country. My dad stopped to let me get the picture (that in itself is a gift too). I can't help but wonder about the family that lived here long ago and the hands that built that fireplace. </div>
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What am I building that will stand the test of time? Am I investing in the lives of others for eternity and for Christ's Kingdom? God help me to see past the busyness of daily living that can so easily distract me from my true purpose here...<br />
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JanGran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-18291421966968872582012-07-07T09:11:00.001-04:002012-07-07T09:12:16.480-04:00Half My LifeToday, 7-7-12 is my 27th re-birthday and I am 54 years old...which means that I have lived <u>exactly</u> half my life as a believer in Jesus Christ. Everyone has a story. It all comes down to this, and I would love to share mine with you. Click <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2009/07/heaven-came-down-on-july-7-1985_07.html">HERE</a> for the story of the day my life was changed forever and eternity.<br />
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<em>I've found a friend Who is all to me,</em></div>
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<em>His love is ever true.</em></div>
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<em>I love to tell how He lifted me,</em></div>
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<em>and what His Grace can do for you.</em></div>
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<em>Saved by His power divine,</em></div>
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<em>Saved to new life sublime.</em></div>
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<em>Life now is sweet and my JOY is complete,</em></div>
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<em>for I'm saved, saved, saved.</em></div>
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<em>Blessings to you today,</em></div>
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<em>Jan </em></div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-61801129218644528922012-07-02T11:39:00.002-04:002012-07-02T14:37:20.766-04:001,000 GIFTS, #690 to #710<div align="center">
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I'm getting closer to the mark of the 1,000th gift, and as much as I anticipate reaching the goal, the greater JOY has been the journey. I mean that. I am thankful for this JOY and discipline, knowing that His grace gifts will not end even when I reach the goal...<br />
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690. Glory glory glory - precious TIME unbound by the clock or a schedule...time to just "be," as I'm off work this week. Lots of projects lined up, but I can't wait to get started on them all...one at a time, just like this counting. <br />
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691. I saved zinnia seeds from last summer all winter long and planted them in the Spring - they are bringing much JOY and I've enjoyed sharing them. They have grown exceedingly abundantly more than I could have imagined. <br />
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692. Fresh corn from my Dad's garden and his JOY in sharing it with so many folks.<br />
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693. I kept my oldest grandboy weekend before last, he even came to church with us on Sunday! I loved every single moment with him. It is very special to have one-on-one time with my grandchildren. I enjoy having them ALL, but the noise level and activity of three 3 and under is wild sometimes. He enjoyed playing on my mom's front porch as we visited with her. <br />
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694. He enjoyed helping Pop water the new pecan trees...his little tractor was a birthday gift to him when he was two. </div>
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695. Our children's ministry presented the musical, <a href="http://www.goldenrulemusic.com/store/detail.php?product_group=879">"What's Up Zak?" </a>, the story of Zacchaeus...Jesus Changes Everything... It was tremendous and there were souls saved that morning!!! God is so faithful. I am so thankful for all the workers who gave their time to serve our children and their families. We were blessed to have the author of the musical worshipping with us and she was blessed too - thank you for coming Mrs. Ingram.</div>
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696. Zeke loved climbing up in Zacchaeus's Sycamore Tree...</div>
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697. A very special surprise visitor to my office last week! My youngest grandson Jackson. Made my day...</div>
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698. The sweet voice of my little granddaughter Madie Ruth. She spent the night with us this past Thursday and I loved having her...she said, "I love you Jan-Jan." Made me smile every time. </div>
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699. My first garden tomato ripened on the first day of summer...and now they are bountiful. Enjoyed a tomato sandwhich for supper Sunday night, a Southern delicacy.</div>
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700. A nest of sparrows in my mother's fern on her front porch. His Eye is on the Sparrow...and is also on you...do you know that truth? </div>
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701. Peaceful times at dusk, reflecting Psalm 92:2 - "His faithfulness at night..." These two geese have taken up here at our pond and the female is injured - she doesn't fly. The male stays by her side. They mate for life - isn't that wonderful? </div>
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702. Our church's annual "Family Night Spectacular" was just that - spectacular. Sweet sweet sweet fellowship and fireworks! The Family of God. What grace is this?<br />
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703. Zeke and Jackson enjoyed the games at the church family fun night...</div>
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704. Hay cutting at the farm...I love the smell of freshly mown hay. That is my dad in his tractor. </div>
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705. A "twister pinwheel" quilting class day before yesterday and time with my friend Lanie that began with pancakes at IHOP and much fun and laughter around the sewing machines at a new quilt shop in Macon we discovered...<a href="http://www.couturesewingcenter.com/">Couture Sewing Center</a> that is run by two sweet sisters. </div>
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706. The wedding of my sweet young friend, Ashley (see blessing #676)...Jesus was lifted high at this wedding...</div>
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707. A beautiful sunset one night last week...</div>
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<em>For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,</em></div>
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<em>And Your truth unto the clouds.</em></div>
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<em>Psalm 57:10</em></div>
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708. A new bluebird house that my sweet husband put up for me...in my beautiful garden which he built for me too. I love you Gary. We have so many bluebirds here at the farm and I can't wait for the ones who come to this little house...</div>
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709. I got outside very early this morning to beat the record heat we've been having the past few days and pruned my hydrangeas. There are many many spiritual applications in the garden, and none stronger to me than pruning...I prayed as I pruned that the Master Gardener would prune my heart too. It's painful but necessary. </div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text John-15-2" id="en-NKJV-26702"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup><span class="woj">Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;</span></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text John-15-2"><span class="woj"></span><span class="woj">and every branch that bears fruit He prunes,</span></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text John-15-2"><span class="woj"> that it may bear more fruit.</span></span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><span class="text John-15-2"><span class="woj">John 15:2</span></span></span></em></div>
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710. This beautiful Swallowtail butterly was enjoying the zinnias in my garden, and I had my iPhone with me outside so I captured the moment...<br />
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<em><span style="color: purple;">I hope you will find time this week to capture the moments He sends your way each day as you stop and count the gifts of grace that surround you - hard gifts, sweet gifts, tangible gifts, gifts unseen...all from His Hand.</span></em></div>
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<br />Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-82337978657363737372012-06-18T07:06:00.000-04:002012-06-21T17:17:28.467-04:001,000 GIFTS, #675 to #689<div style="text-align: center;">
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The tag line under the <strong><em>One Thousand Gifts</em></strong> book states "<strong>a dare to live fully right where you are</strong>." Well...right where I am is at home, at church, at work, in the garden, in my car, at the grocery store, sharing a meal with my family, in the choir loft, riding my bike over to visit my parents, in my quiet time place, in my sewing room, in my kitchen or laundry room, in a doctor's office with a friend... All of these are simple places, nothing exotic like a fancy cruise ship or a remote tropical island. Yet in all these places my heart's desire is to be <strong>fully there</strong> so as not to miss one single JOY He has for me. I often pray and ask the Lord to make me focused and fruitful. In the busyness of life, the simple joys are what keep me on center, and this week has been one of just that---blessed simplicity.</div>
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675. We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary last Monday on June 11, and about mid-morning the receptionist called me to the front of my office building...<strong>be still my heart</strong>. My sweet husband sent me 35 of the most beautiful pink roses I have ever seen. I counted every one! Thank you sweet man of mine. God graced me when He brought you into my life...</div>
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676. Let me tell you about Ashley. I had 30 guests at my home this past Tuesday as I helped hostess a bridal shower for this sweet young woman. When I first met Ashley I noticed her blue yarn bracelet and was prompted in my spirit to ask her if she was going through the <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/bg/">Beth Moore "Believing God" Bible study</a>. (If you've done the study, you know what the blue bracelet represents.) She was, and we bonded instantly - sweet mercy it was wonderful. She and a group of cheerleaders from the University of GA (she was Captain) didn't have the accompanying DVDs which are such an asset to the study, so I loaned them to her from our church's women's ministry library...and we bonded even tighter! I love her - she gives me hope for the future generation of young women who are believers in Jesus Christ.</div>
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677. Zeke came for a visit and a heavy rain the night before left the most wonderful puddle, so we "ripped and romped" as my Granny used to say. Yes we did. There was no mud, just a big deep puddle over a low grassy spot...pure JOY!</div>
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678. A day of celebration spent with my dearest friend Lanie. I accompanied her to the oncologist who gave her yet another good report. She is two years free from ovarian cancer. Hallelujah to our Great Physician. We celebrated and shopped all the way to Atlanta and all the way home...with a stop at our favorite quilt store, <a href="http://www.ascarletthread.com/">A Scarlet Thread</a>.</div>
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679. Our little Jackson Boy spent a week at the beach with his parents (my youngest son and his wife) and his other grandparents. They had a wonderful time together and my daughter-in-law got some great pictures - she always takes the best pictures and I'm so thankful she shares them with Gran Jan.</div>
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680. So blessed by simple family time over pizza and salad and fun around the table. Could these two be any cuter? Cousins born 2 weeks to the day apart. I can't wait to see all God has in store for them as they grow up together...Jackson and Miss Madie Ruth.</div>
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681. A visit to the farm always includes some time seeing the moo cows. I love it that the boys were dressed alike. My daughters-in-law have great minds and they are great moms. :)</div>
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682. It's magnolia time in Georgia. If you've never inhaled the scent of a magnolia, I can tell you that our Creator did as HE said, "He saw everything He had made, and it was good." I have two trees and they were gifts from some of the women in my church. I love that.</div>
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683. While driving home from my day in Atlanta with Lanie, a thunderstorm was brewing as I got closer to home. I am so thankful for the much needed rain. I could see this one coming and we ended up with 2 inches of rain and some great puddles...for little grandboys and Gran Jans.<br />
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684. This picture in our blueberry garden is of all five of my men: my husband, my two sons, and my two grandsons. We have certainly had a great harvest this spring, and not just in blueberries...</div>
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685. Jackson and his Pop. Sweetness.</div>
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686. I enjoyed some time with my youngest sister Jo this weekend. She is also the mom to two sons and a great mom she is. I really enjoy her company and it was good to sit on the porch with her and with our parents. She loves to come get fresh vegetables from the gardens. More simple times, family times.</div>
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687. Thankful for my Pastor and the wonderful Father's Day message he preached yesterday. Counting gifts of grace in my life include my own father, my husband who is a wonderful dad to our boys; and my boys, who are wonderful dads to their children. Blessings to the next generations.</div>
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688. My husband and I had a sweet time of prayer yesterday at the end of our church service...hearts full, thankful for our two sons and the fathers they are becoming. They are raising our grandchildren up to know and love Jesus and His Word. We were just pouring our hearts out in praise to the Lord for this week of celebrating 35 years of marriage and God's Grace in our lives with our boys and their wives and our grandchildren. Gifts of JOY.</div>
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689. And I am most thankful to report that my church family sponsored all 80 of the children that <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion </a>sent to me for our Compassion Sunday two weeks ago. I love my church family so much. Thank you all for helping release children from poverty in Jesus' Name.</div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><em>Love and Blessings,</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><em>Gran Jan</em></span></div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-2052670741609885932012-06-11T06:20:00.000-04:002012-06-11T06:20:19.038-04:001,000 GIFTS, #660 to #674<div align="center">
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Along with the daily gifts of God's goodness in our lives, this past week has been one of milestones in our family, of birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Family is everything to me and I only wish I had more time to spend with all of them. We are busy in ministry, jobs, and taking care of day-to-day responsibilities. Just like you and your family. But taking the time to stop and count the gifts of grace Jesus gives makes the pace a bit slower so you can truly focus on what is right here and now, gifts from His hand...<br />
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660. <strong><span style="color: purple;">Today is our 35th wedding anniversary</span></strong>. I have been a tad emotional about celebrating this milestone. Why does it seem that events that end in "0" or "5" are more special? God has certainly blessed my sweet Gary and me all these years. We were so young and so in love. Then...and now...<br />
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661. The very first time Gary and I laid eyes on each other was when my family and I visited the little Baptist church where he was leading worship at the age of 17. We were high school sweethearts and began dating the summer before our senior year of high school.</div>
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662. Here we are on our wedding day, <strong><span style="color: purple;">June 11, 1977...</span></strong>when <em>35 years ago today I took his hand in mine and promised before God and friends to love him for all time</em>...</div>
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663. June 10th marked a milestone in my mother-in-law's life too - her 90th birthday. She is a precious woman and if I can be the mother-in-law to Carrie and Erin that she has been to me, I will be a mighty blessed woman. We celebrated with a big family party - 70+ family members came and honored the Morton Matriarch. </div>
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664. Here she is as a young bride herself...I love this picture, and I'm very thankful for her faithful love to me and her testimony as a woman who loves the Word of God. She has 5 brothers and four of them were preachers. What a wonderful family I married into...her maiden name is Moody and the family tree has lines to the famous evangelist, D.L. Moody. One of her brothers is named after him. <br />
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665. My Dad made his famous passed-down-many-generations-recipe Brunswick Stew for the Maloy Family Reunion this past weekend. He recently shared the recipe with my youngest son Jonathan. I love to hear my parents share stories of their growing up years. I sent this picture to both my sisters and for some reason we all got teary-eyed. For all his gruff "former Marine" ways, our father still has a big old tender heart. This making of the stew is a special memory for him of his own father and grandfather. </div>
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666. Baptism at the beach. Our young people just returned home from their annual beach retreat and they celebrated this year with something never done before - baptism on site in the ocean...what a testimony. I pray the foks who witnessed this will be touched and blessed. So proud of Pastor Mike and his wife Julie, and Pastor Ben and his wife Leia.</div>
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667. I planted these while calla lily bulbs last year and then forgot about them - they blessed and suprised me this year. I love white flowers.</div>
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668. We have been blessed with wonderful rains the past week. I love the way the water drops look on this daylily, it seems refreshed. My blog header has the verse from Isaiah 58:11...may your soul be as a well-watered garden. A favorite passage of mine.</div>
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669. An impromptu visit to my office last week by my little granddaughter Madie Ruth. She stayed with me for about 20 minutes while her brother finished his swimming lesson. It was a mixup in schedules for my son and his wife, but a pure delight to me. Living close to my boys and their wives and grandchildren is a DAILY blessing that I count. (I got this picture from Facebook, it was taken while she was at her other grandma's house, and I know Mrs. Catharine is happy to live close to the grandchildren too...)</div>
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670. While driving home from Memama's 90th birthday party we went through a town called <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~porterdale/porterdale/historical-buildings/porterdale_mills.htm">Porterdale</a>. Many of my dad's sisters worked in this old cotton mill. It was a thriving mill for many years and my dad's father worked there too. I love the history of this town. My Granny attended the Porterdale Baptist Church. I was born not too far from this little town.</div>
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671. My youngest son and his wife celebrated four years of marriage on June 7th. When your children are blessed and happy in the homes they leave yours for...there are no words adequate enough to express the JOY this brings. Pray for your children's spouses...no matter how young your children are. </div>
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672.<span style="background-color: white;"> <strong> <span style="color: purple;">Peaches, peanuts and pecans</span></strong></span> - I love these homegrown Georgia products. The farm across the road from us is growing peanuts this year. We took a basket of peaches to my mother-in-law on Saturday, at her request. :)</div>
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673. And I'm growing green beans and they are so plentiful. You know I can't have a post without something from my garden...I've shared the green beans with many already.</div>
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674. There is a part of me that wonders if I am old (or thought to be "old") since I've been married 35 years? Most days I don't feel old, and I certainly enjoy being around people of all ages, so I'm not "set in my ways" (yet). This I do know - growing old is a gift from our Lord and our lives are in His Hands. <em><u>Eternal life is the greatest grace gift I will ever count</u></em> and I hope you know that He is yours and you are His. I want to grow old gracefully. I pray about that often. </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em>Blessings,</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em>Jan</em></span></div>
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<br />Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-46790009918737951302012-06-04T16:56:00.001-04:002012-06-04T16:56:38.166-04:001,000 GIFTS, #639 to #659<div style="text-align: center;">
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Jumping right in this week, with a heart at peace and a mind that is FULL...of His grace gifts.</div>
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639. Sweet time with some sweet ladies Thursday evening - sharing, walking, and picking fresh blueberries right here at the Farm. Kindred spirits, His gifts of friendship. </div>
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640. My sweet husband and I made some hospital visits on Saturday. I love going with him and hearing his strong voice pray for the folks we visited. I love that I have a praying husband, I'm thankful for his prayers. Grace. </div>
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641. We visited this sweet baby girl, less than 24 hours old...her name means <em>"My God Has Answered"</em> in Hebrew. Many folks prayed for this baby for years and He indeed answered in a wonderful way. </div>
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642. My quilting brings me JOY...and the JOY multiplies when I finally get to give the quilts to the ones for which I make them. Below is Eliana's quilt from the front...she's all wrapped up in it above.</div>
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643. Talking with the man who is helping paint our farm fence, and hearing Hector's story, how he came to America and knowing once again how God's Grace is sufficient.</div>
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644. Compassion Sunday at my church yesterday. A young high school girl and I planned the event together. Her name is Mary C. and God melded our hearts together beginning when I use to pick her and and take her to Awana at church on Wednesday nights, when she was still in elementary school...</div>
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645. Mary C and I shared our JOY in sponsoring children through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a> on Sunday morning and as of last night, 49 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN SPONSORED!!!</div>
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646. Memories of first hearing about Compassion at a Live Concert when Travis Cottrell was recording his "JESUS SAVES" project. <a href="http://shaungroves.com/">Shaun Groves</a> told his story that night and I just came away being mesmerized by him and his love for this organization.</div>
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647. Picking up a packet after hearing Shaun speak and becoming the "sponsor" of a little boy who lives in Colombia, South America - and now feeling like Iduar is a part of my life...because he is.</div>
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648. Following the prompting of my husband a year later to "sponsor" another child through Compassion, a little girl named Gloria who lives in Uganda, who is also a part of our lives. </div>
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649. Sharing the good news with Shaun by way of Twitter yesterday and having him respond blessed me. I'm thankful for his ministry and it has been multiplied now at my church with 49 more children released from poverty in Jesus' Name...</div>
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650. Praying that God will make a way for me to one day go on a Compassion bloggers trip. That is a dream of mine. </div>
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651. The grace of long-time friends. Sharing a meal with Jack and Lanie after church on Sunday. Easy laughter that comes from spending a lot of time together. </div>
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652. Praying for my boys and their families. Seeing them be good husbands and daddies. Not a day passes that my husband and I don't thank the Good Lord above for His grace in blessing us with these sons. </div>
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653. Planning two bridal showers for later on this month. Both couples love Jesus and are serving Him, one couple will be in full-time ministry. Thankful for these young people and the joy of blessing them blesses me. </div>
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654. Little grandboys with sunglasses on...</div>
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655. Cool weather to sit on the front porch and have coffee and conversation. One of our favorite things to do. Reconnecting after a busy day. </div>
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656. Ministering to long-time friends of 23 years who have had a death in their family. We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Thankful for the ministry of the Word.</div>
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657. Thankful for a pastor who says "The Power Is In the Word," and then he preaches like he believes that.</div>
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658. Thankful for a youth pastor and his wife who are at the beach this week with hundreds of young people...pouring into them...making a difference.</div>
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659. Thankful for you who take the time to read this blog. Would you consider leaving a comment? Thank you if you do. </div>
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God bless you ALL,</div>
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Jan</div>
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<br /></div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-15258905300224789552012-05-28T13:47:00.002-04:002012-05-28T13:57:33.691-04:001,000 GIFTS, #615 to #638<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a> </div>
Multitudes on Mondays (and knowing that His Grace abounds every other day too). Just keep counting...just keep counting...just keep counting...<br />
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615. Mercy - His Mercy. Mercy that triumphs...still relishing the <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/n/product-family/james:-mercy-triumphs/?type=products&intcmp=iTeam1-MerchText-BiubleStudy-JamesCallOut">Bible study on James </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YCUvK3R2PrSwrhfRUnSdy-I3BDUIaQtz_XPHARD0h5W0FwlYL8_4cOw2N4zzb7jfZ6i3YV9zpcL1G3hFYOJR2sg_ruJc7LkBjKzLUBCt_ssnnOWT_PN8cZIydhTfeyU2yOjrVlrhEdQ/s1600/Mercy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YCUvK3R2PrSwrhfRUnSdy-I3BDUIaQtz_XPHARD0h5W0FwlYL8_4cOw2N4zzb7jfZ6i3YV9zpcL1G3hFYOJR2sg_ruJc7LkBjKzLUBCt_ssnnOWT_PN8cZIydhTfeyU2yOjrVlrhEdQ/s320/Mercy.PNG" width="212" /></a></div>
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616. Granddaughters...turning two. TWO years of Madie - of JOY. A Gift from His Hand.</div>
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617. Grandsons...turning two. TWO years of Jackson - of JOY. A Gift from His Hand.</div>
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618. Praying and believing God for a special word and then when my Pastor gets up to preach and reminds us that "<em><strong>the Power is in the Word</strong></em>," and then being blessed as God delivers that special word to my heart. <br />
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619. Anticipation...<br />
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620. Delight...</div>
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621. My oldest son and his children, (my two oldest grandchildren) came and stayed with us for a week while my daughter-in-law was out of the country visting her sister who is a missionary. He shared at church that Sunday that "you always need your mom." It was <em>Mother's Day</em> and I was blessed by that. </div>
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622. Getting to hear my son preach the Word. I can't adequately convey what that does to my heart. It stirs me up and I'm thankful for the grace that abounds in our lives.</div>
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623. Especially thankful for my mom and my two sisters who are also moms...</div>
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624. Picking blueberries and eating them right then...</div>
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625. The Super Moon this month.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><u>Psalm 8:3-4, Am</u></em></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><u>plified Bible</u></em></span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>3 When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,<br />the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established,</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>4 What is man that You are mindful of him, </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><strong>and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?</strong></em></span><br />
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626. Dusk, my favorite time of day. This evening was especially nice with a cool breeze and these two to enjoy the pond with us...</div>
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627. The Garden...for me, it is always the garden, and only because of the Master Gardener who makes it grow, and that He knows my name...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7uSdAHykAaxtQ4S4CMTboKTehbV774QD9KKDxZ7xhGezR1hkUdX7KpigqT19GRWj3dLYmsGsCvsJ4geUpc1nHl740J4574Ld36GRD21Vuq5B-WbbwY-hwpGSZM0ao9OUfwjcRloUeko/s1600/Gardencollage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7uSdAHykAaxtQ4S4CMTboKTehbV774QD9KKDxZ7xhGezR1hkUdX7KpigqT19GRWj3dLYmsGsCvsJ4geUpc1nHl740J4574Ld36GRD21Vuq5B-WbbwY-hwpGSZM0ao9OUfwjcRloUeko/s320/Gardencollage.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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628. Sod...yes, sod for my garden. It was a gift to me and I am very grateful to my hard-working husband who has built my dream garden for me. </div>
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629. Dirt roads in the country...</div>
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630. Praying for a little girl not yet born as I sit to work on a baby quilt for her. She is a long-awaited, much prayed for baby girl...due next month...always in His time.</div>
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631. Seeing my Dad get much joy from restoring a farm tractor, and much more importantly, seeing him grow in his faith. Zeke had to try out the tractor too.</div>
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632. Thankful for a husband who knows how much I love to see the birds come to my feeders. He took this picture of a goldfinch through our kitchen window and sent it to me...JOY</div>
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633. It's fence painting time at the farm. The wood has now cured enough to receive the paint...it is a process - just like everything, it takes time (Ecclesiastes 3). Thankful to our son Jonathan for his help. </div>
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634. Last day of preschool - seeing my son Jeremy with his son Zeke...stirred memories of my boys and their JOY at the last day of school...</div>
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635. Eight years of marriage celebrated by my oldest son and his bride, Carrie. Thankful for their commitment to each other and to their family and their ministry. </div>
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636. When the weatherman says "scattered showers," I always hope that the scattered showers water my flowers...so thankful for the random rain and a quiet evening at home.</div>
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637. These old-fashioned reseeding petunias had their beginnings in my maternal grandmother's garden. I am grateful for a gardening Granny who passed her love on to me.</div>
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638. On this Memorial Day Monday I am very grateful for a day set aside to honor our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives. I was raised in a military family with a Dad who served 3 tours in Vietnam. We live in a military town and are blessed to see and worship and fellowship with living heroes. With all the problems that abound, I'd still rather live here in America than anyplace else I know. This picture was taken just this morning here at our farm. Those are my father's flags. He is a living hero too. </div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Gran Jan</div>
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<em></em>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-39197413984964638552012-05-12T21:33:00.000-04:002012-05-12T21:33:29.302-04:00Consider the Lilies<br />
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I love gardening very much, I always have. Although it can be hard work, it is very relaxing to me. My earliest garden memory is planting some corn when I was a very little girl, about 4 years old. I remember how proud I was and how I tended it and how it grew tall over my head. I've always found solace and peace in the garden. There are many garden themes all throughout the Bible - and of course we know that God is the Master Gardener. </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 2:8</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east...</span></em></div>
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Can you just imagine God planting a garden? I absolutely love to think about that. May and June are my favorite months in my flower garden because of the daylilies. This song has been running through my mind the past few days...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Consider The Lilies</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Joel Hemphill)</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Consider the lilies, they don’t toil nor spin</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And there’s not a king with more splendor than them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Consider the sparrows, they don’t plant nor sow,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But they’re fed by the Master who watches them grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We have a Heavenly Father above</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">With eyes full of mercy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And a heart full of love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He really cares when</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Your head is bowed low.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Consider the lilies and then you will know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">May I introduce you to this friend of mine,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Who hangs out the stars and tells the sun when to shine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He kisses the flowers each morning with dew,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But He’s not too busy to care about you.</span></div>
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No matter what you are going through or dealing with - Our Father is not too busy to care about you. The Master Gardener who creates such beauty knows every detail of your life and every desire of your heart. Just talk to Him - He knows and He cares. </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em>Consider the Lilies...</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em>Jan</em></span></div>
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<br /></div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-30233813522803650262012-04-30T23:07:00.000-04:002012-04-30T23:11:21.978-04:001,000 GIFTS, #595 to #614<div style="text-align: center;">
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This Multitude Monday finds me at peace and I can say with confidence this counting has much to do with my restful countenance. Twenty Twelve is passing quickly to me, how about you? </div>
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595. My Wednesday night Bible study class completed our study of the book of James. We were a weepy mess that last night...what a gift that study was to us. I love this fourteenth verse from the fourth chapter (this is the Amplified version). Read it and ponder the <em>brevity</em> of our lives. Rest in the assurance that our Blessed Controller has everything well in control.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. </strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor </strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>(a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while </strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>and then disappears [into thin air].</strong></span></em> </div>
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596. I wrote my last post from the <em>Metro Worship Conference</em>. It was a gift from God to be there and I am thankful for our church that supports that time away for my husband. Texas was wonderful - great weather and great hospitality from the host pastors there. These next round of counted blessings were truly that to me, unexpected gifts. </div>
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597. The days were long and full as we went from "daylight to dark" every day - but there was time for fun too, like when I got up close to this TX Longhorn. When he turned to walk through the gate, he tipped his head to get his horns through. It tickled me. We all need to "adapt." </div>
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598. I loved seeing these young people who put on a "private rodeo" for us. They were so gracious and lined the fence and wished us all well. So refreshing.</div>
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599. Hymns have been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. I have memories of my parental grandmother singing hymns and playing the piano. We were blessed to hear <a href="http://www.gettymusic.com/">Keith & Kristyn Getty </a>in concert. "<em>The Power of the Cross</em>," and "<em>In Christ Alone</em>" are two of my all-time favorites. The Gettys are modern hymn writers - what a grace gift.</div>
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600. One of the sweetest gifts of all for me was meeting the sweet Mrs. Sheri Bell. Her husband is the Worship Pastor at the amazing <a href="http://www.prestonwood.org/plano/ministries--missions/ministries/music--worship/">Prestonwood Baptist Church </a>in Plano. He was our gracious host all week. Sheri and I just "hit it off," and had so much in common (besides being married to music men). We both love gardening. Because of that... </div>
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601. We loved our time together at the <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/">Dallas Arboretum</a> walking and enjoying the beautiful gardens. She planned so many wonderful things for us that week. </div>
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602. And a highlight for my soul was the JOY of hearing <a href="http://sheilawalsh.com/">Sheila Walsh</a> as she spoke to us worship pastors' wives. She is so genuine and so kind. Her message really stirred me up and I'm thankful for the stirring and the tender mercies of Jesus. </div>
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603. Our last night at the Metro Conference was a "NIGHT OF WORSHIP." Have you ever seen such a choir? They sang and then Pastor Jack Graham called all the worship pastors and wives down to the front of the church and prayed over us - it was one of the sweetest times ever. His Grace was thick in that place. </div>
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604. So blessed to attend the wedding of the son of long-time friends at our home church when we returned home. Thankful for Christian & Olivia as they start their lives together in Christ. Hope and grace for the next generation. </div>
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605. Gardening joys as Spring continues...green beans, tomatoes, butter peas, cucumbers, green peppers, zucchini and yellow squash! </div>
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606. Jasmine blooming over my swing is especially sweet...</div>
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607. The first hydrangea - what an awesome Creator to bless us with such beauty...</div>
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608. A Blueberry bounty and my grandchildren LOVE them. It is so fun to go out to the garden with them and pick fresh blueberries. A simple JOY, but that is what I love. I picked a quart just tonight...</div>
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609. Jackson's JOY at every tractor, especially his Pop's...</div>
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610. I am so thankful for my pastor and his family. They began their ministry with us on the first day of this year and I can truthfully say that God graced our church when He brought them into our lives. I made these little ladybug shirts for his girls this past weekend. His wife has a blog that blesses me so much! Visit Stephanie at <a href="http://seperdue.blogspot.com/">her blog here.</a><br />
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611. Dinner out last week with the "Rincon Retreat" girls. Just sweet fellowship - no agendas other than celebrating the bond of women's ministry.</div>
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612. Farm and country living is grand - critters everywhere. The "farm cat" brought us a surprise day before yesterday...her kittens. There are four of them and they are wild as can be, but oh so cute...they are hiding behind my hydrangea bushes. I need a cat whisperer. I know where the term "hissy fit" comes from now...we will NOT keep them!</div>
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613. Thankful for the gift to celebrate my Dad's birthday yesterday. My sister Jo had us all over for Sunday dinner, it was so good. I'm thankful for my Dad. He is a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A proud Career Marine, Vietnam War Veteran and my dad. </div>
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614. My last gift to count on this Multitude Monday is so dear to my heart that I can barely contain my excitement. I began this blog "Gran Jan's JOY" almost four years ago while awaiting the joy of becoming Gran Jan. We found out last week that grandbaby #4 is...</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">A GIRL!</span></div>
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Praise God From WHOM All Blessings Flow</div>
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Praise Him All Creatures Here Below</div>
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Praise Him Above Ye Heavenly Host</div>
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Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.</div>
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Amen</div>
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</div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-89299475771206707242012-04-16T13:28:00.001-04:002012-04-30T21:05:04.153-04:001,000 GIFTS, #579 to #594<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Another <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Multitude Monday</span>, and I am having a "<em>memory lane</em>" moment right this very moment. I began this journey of counting His grace gifts to 1,000 last year while attending a conference for worship pastors with my husband. My very first list is <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2011/02/1000-gifts.html">right here </a>and here I am again...attending the <a href="http://metromusicconference.org/">Metro Worship Pastor's Conference</a> right now in Texas. GRACE.<br />
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579. I'm sitting in the lobby of the conference hotel and I love the sounds I'm hearing right now...the booming voices of the worship pastors all around me shouting greetings to one another as they are arriving..."hello brother," "how are you," "how is your family," "good to see you." I love the family of God and I wish you could be in the meetings when these guys sing...a foretaste of glory divine. (Music people are wonderfully loud...in my observation.)<br />
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580. Just this morning my husband was in the conference hotel lobby talking to <a href="http://www.praisecharts.com/">Ryan Dahl,</a> the founder of Praise Charts Publishing. Gary shared an email with Ryan that our son Jeremy had written him (Gary) recently about the blessing of being raised up singing hymns...which led to Ryan writing a blog post on the spot - it was one of those God-ordained moments that has already set the tone (pun intended) for this week. You can read the email and the blog post by clicking <a href="http://www.praisecharts.com/hymns-and-honor-for-all-generations/">here.</a><br />
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581. The great joy to worship yesterday morning at <a href="http://www.prestonwood.org/plano/">Prestonwood Baptist </a>Church. What a church! They celebrated 797 people saved on Easter Sunday last week. WRAP YOUR HEART AROUND THAT! The preaching by Dr. Graham was great (a message on leadership), the worship was amazing, and the people were so friendly. We sat with our dear friends Jack and Sharon Price <a href="http://www.prismmusic.com/">(Prism Music)</a>. When you never get to sit in church with your husband, it means so much to just sit WITH him in a worship service.<br />
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582. It was a blessing to celebrate our Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday - and the GREATER JOY is that we are able to celebrate His Victory over death, hell, and the grave every single day. Hallelujah what a Savior. These are my three grands in their Easter finery...Zeke in his "theer thucker thuit" and Madie and Jackson. Gran Jan's JOY!<br />
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583. This is my family...the "Real Maloys." My parents, me, my sisters Joan and Jo. I love these people with all my heart. We were all together Easter weekend (Jo's birthday).<br />
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584. I often write and share about the joy and blessing of being a country dweller, but I'm very serious when I say it is a gift of God's Grace to come home to the quiet of the country. Yes, we drive a bit further, but the solitude is worth the travel time...it's peaceful here with front porch time;</div>
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585. Peaceful with garden time (which happens to be therapy to me - honestly it does);<br />
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586. <strong><u>Genesis 1:29</u></strong></div>
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And God said, “See, I have given you every herb </div>
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that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, </div>
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and every tree whose fruit yields seed; </div>
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to you it shall be for food. </div>
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587. Chicken yard time...I love all their various clucking "sounds" and funny ways.<br />
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588. And I love their contribution to our family breakfast time...who knew a dozen eggs would fit in my husband's John Deere cap? :) I forgot to get the basket from my mom.<br />
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589. I'm working on a baby quilt for a long, long, awaited baby. God is good and Heather and Bubba are going to be wonderful parents to their baby girl...due to arrive in June. I'm thankful for my new found love of quilting and the gift of grace in their lives too.</div>
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590. There is a willow tree on the banks of our pond that Zeke and I like to sit under and have picnics when he comes to the farm. I am calling it the Picnic Willow and I love to spend time with my grandchildren. </div>
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591. My friend Lanie made a quilt to raise funds for cancer research. She herself is an ovarian cancer survivor. God is so good - she brought this quilt to our James Bible study last week and we were talking about the power of prayer and healing from James 5.<br />
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592. This past Friday at work was wear purple for "Military Child Appreciation Day," and these are some of my wonderful coworkers - my work family. We live and work in a military town and are blessed and thankful for our armed forces and their contributions to our daily lives. This is a great bunch of purple-wearing folks! </div>
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593. This is my Dad and his great-granddaughter, my granddaughter Miss Madie. My dad had 8 sisters (he is lone survivor in his family of origin, which included 11 children, 8 girls and 3 boys), and he is the father of four girls (I am the eldest), so it didn't take too much for this sweet little girl to win his heart. <br />
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594. This is the first of my daylilies to begin to show signs of blooming. I can't wait and love to "come to the garden alone..." like the old hymn says. </div>
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Speaking of "showing signs of blooming and growth," I am asking the Good LORD to be with all of us at the Metro Worship Conference and I need to log off and take care of some things...I am praying for all that God has in store for me, that I will BE a blessing to others and that God will speak to my heart in the deepest places...I am so thankful for His grace. <br />
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Jan <br />
<br />Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-36908618082457803792012-04-02T23:10:00.000-04:002012-04-30T21:04:44.361-04:001,000 GIFTS, #562 to #578<div style="text-align: center;">
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It is with great JOY I begin this Monday journey of counting to 1,000 as it is Spring Break here and I'm off work this week. Holy Week and time at home, His grace multiplied.</div>
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562. This beautiful pecan grove is part of an old home place. I love the way the trees arch toward each other across the road. Around these parts we always say that spring has officially arrived when the pecan trees leaf out...a bit early this year.</div>
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563. I love time in the garden and I was there most of the day today getting ready to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, and squash later this week. I pulled up the remains of my winter garden and got one last batch of collard greens. There's something about the hard work and solitude there that brings me peace of heart. </div>
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564. My sweet North Georgia friend, Leah of <a href="http://www.leahadams.org/">The Point Ministries</a> shared some of her beautiful miniature hosta plants and mailed them to me. I love that girl, she is a gift of grace to my life. She has a heart for God and she loves and teaches His Word.</div>
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565. I received my love for gardening from my maternal grandmother. She loved to share cuttings from her garden. Not only did I receive some plants this week, I mailed a dozen daylilies from my garden to my friend Beth Moore in TX. She got them planted on Saturday - I know she will enjoy them. Made my heart happy to share them with her. </div>
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566. I love the night sky and especially loved this showing of the moon, Venus, and Jupiter last week. (The moon is in the center, Venus is in the middle and if you look <u>really</u> hard you can see Jupiter at the bottom of the picture, just above the tree line.) What a wonderful Creator God.</div>
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567. I had the wonderful honor to sing our country's "<em>National Anthem</em>" at the retirement ceremony of an Air Force Lt. Colonel last week. I had a blast - the McElwain family is precious and they honored Christ in every way. What a delight that was - I love living in a military town - as the daughter of a Career Marine I feel right at home.</div>
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568. Two Saturdays ago, me, my mom and my dear friend Lanie spent the entire day participating in a "quilt shop hop" across Georgia. (We were celebrating my mom's birthday too.) We made it to six of the 10 shops and had an absolutely delightful day together. I bought a pattern for this Twister Quilt:</div>
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569. Friday night pizza at our favorite family pizza place. Fun times when we can all be together. <br />
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570. Gran Jan has a new car tag...I love it. Being a grandmother has blessed me in so many ways. I'm advertising the JOY. </div>
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571. Look at this little sweetie helping his daddy wash his truck. Grandchildren are God's grace for raising your own children. Grandparenting is absolutely wonderful and I'm getting so excited about #4 on the way this fall.</div>
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572. A rainy Saturday at home and candelight - two of my favorite things.</div>
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573. I potted new ferns on my front porch during that cool morning rain this past Saturday. These are the <em>Kimberly Queen</em> variety - very hearty and heat tolerant. </div>
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574. Fresh green beans smell so good when they are cooking. And here in the South we cook them a long time and then a little longer.</div>
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575. I sat outside with my James Bible study homework one evening last week and enjoyed a nice fire in the fire pit. It was so peaceful. This study has really touched my heart and stirred me up. That's a good thing. </div>
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576. This past Sunday evening our pastor served the first Lord's Supper since he became our pastor on January 1. He brought a great message - he is a great Bible expositor and has the heart of a pastor too. We are so thankful for his ministry - God has brought such love and peace to our midst. He is doing a work as we are growing and new families are joining each week. </div>
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577. Ladies Night Out last Thursday with some special friends as we attended an event sponsored by Covenant Care Ministries, a Christian adoption agency. I have several friends who have adopted children through their ministry. God is so good.</div>
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As Easter approaches this weekend I am ever mindful that without Christ's death on the cross there would be no hope of Heaven. He paid my sin debt with the shedding of His blood. I received His gift of grace almost 27 years ago and I have never been the same. </div>
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SO thankful that...</div>
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HALLELUJAH WHAT A SAVIOR!</div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-53757844353173534292012-03-19T20:30:00.001-04:002012-03-19T20:45:56.494-04:001,000 GIFTS, #538 to #561<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After ending my last post with the wonderful news of grandchild number four on the way, His grace gifts continue to bless and astound me. He is a Faithful God.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">538. And these three precious gifts from the Good LORD bring Gran Jan's JOY to great heights. We had fun this past Saturday at our monthly family breakfast at the farm:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPpWOj5AchyphenhyphenQ_m2OjBZHwZo4f-Y0_MvmwFb3C_42WosaTeVsHHIouehysSRUZcA8YrCMOfuduTkPXHFaCAffVzSp4UOWVSLu0-yIVTrMbPTn1csx0LqTVv_7ZggXww7MnE7QfudZUQq0/s1600/Popsicles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPpWOj5AchyphenhyphenQ_m2OjBZHwZo4f-Y0_MvmwFb3C_42WosaTeVsHHIouehysSRUZcA8YrCMOfuduTkPXHFaCAffVzSp4UOWVSLu0-yIVTrMbPTn1csx0LqTVv_7ZggXww7MnE7QfudZUQq0/s320/Popsicles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">539. So thankful there was a single blue popsicle in the box when the request is made by my grandson, "I want a blue one Gran Jan." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">540. Fresh brown eggs and <a href="http://store.callawaygardens.com/callaway/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&pf%5Fid=712937">stone ground grits from the Callaway Gardens Country Store</a> make breakfast so good (and butter - never forget the butter).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu6vkrS1-Faywpp3yY29F9qzADFHBO1Um1sjclpkAVjis5SN2ITcpUy0yKSiqeNZpr6gQ_nYRvA1tF1JdxEMFCV9HPcnMvoZyy2zvBzEknpS7KSyx0A671fabmNxRxunnZWSNEHcSdfE/s1600/BrownEggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu6vkrS1-Faywpp3yY29F9qzADFHBO1Um1sjclpkAVjis5SN2ITcpUy0yKSiqeNZpr6gQ_nYRvA1tF1JdxEMFCV9HPcnMvoZyy2zvBzEknpS7KSyx0A671fabmNxRxunnZWSNEHcSdfE/s200/BrownEggs.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD5OI7BEDxHRzAiwwdNbdZieS3CIOmLF7Q-bixz-ZEoaiGeDNRG57TdFARlkFQehYIzGA8juj-T4M1a6TnIndU3nUyWbfu0vm-mTJLCMZ0PxB0C1amBXlbC8zZ4a1WUsfHIaT-2MDaPg/s1600/Grits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD5OI7BEDxHRzAiwwdNbdZieS3CIOmLF7Q-bixz-ZEoaiGeDNRG57TdFARlkFQehYIzGA8juj-T4M1a6TnIndU3nUyWbfu0vm-mTJLCMZ0PxB0C1amBXlbC8zZ4a1WUsfHIaT-2MDaPg/s200/Grits.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">541. A morning spent dividing daylilies in my mom's garden - made especially easy by a good hard rain the night before. </div><br />
542. Thankful for the good health of my parents and that they live next door. Yes, of course, families can get out of sorts with one another, but His grace is sufficient. And we are family. <br />
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543. Firewood gathered by my husband for sweet times around the firepit. (Gift #520).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrJ4rwQ3bvo4F9zSdGVJOXCZL4xUeinqh2UbC4DNcVrqegjqREZfkJJ2k8jnWoqpYs7LfQHRKOC5d6vkDx_Kvt-XtMtGTkmyfmZfCyRIm5ZLWHxrwrlpTZ51K6vTwMJWmsHT7WKeCJo8/s1600/Firewood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrJ4rwQ3bvo4F9zSdGVJOXCZL4xUeinqh2UbC4DNcVrqegjqREZfkJJ2k8jnWoqpYs7LfQHRKOC5d6vkDx_Kvt-XtMtGTkmyfmZfCyRIm5ZLWHxrwrlpTZ51K6vTwMJWmsHT7WKeCJo8/s200/Firewood.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE63QjF3q-bRUlntk25iWgqlWZZJUz_Javy9iXGDT7S93xeJ74yb9AGy_RUKuVEwga_K5anQrrRtkHKGL2kqbbahbbd8HN1_z1Xt_yn8eAdl-MllS5j2TKWpxS2ROgluADKU2mR41VlM/s1600/Firepit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE63QjF3q-bRUlntk25iWgqlWZZJUz_Javy9iXGDT7S93xeJ74yb9AGy_RUKuVEwga_K5anQrrRtkHKGL2kqbbahbbd8HN1_z1Xt_yn8eAdl-MllS5j2TKWpxS2ROgluADKU2mR41VlM/s320/Firepit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
544. I love a "series" of preaching messages, so I love that our new pastor, Dr. Jim Perdue is preaching through a series each Sunday morning. Right now he is taking us through the Beatitudes from <em>The Sermon on the Mount</em> (Matthew 5). The series is called "<strong><em><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Blessed</span></em></strong>," and we certainly are...beyond measure...to have him as our pastor. His wife and children are so precious to us and they've only been with us 3 months. <br />
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545. I love my church - if you've been around this blog very long, you know that I love my family and my church. It was a special delight to help hostess a shower recently for a young man that I've had the pleasure of watching grow up. Christopher Alford is marrying a fine young woman and I'm thankful for his godly parents and extended family. The blessing of community - the family of God - and a local church = God's grace indeed.<br />
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546. My oldest son Jeremy celebrated 10 years as Pastor of <a href="http://discovercrosspoint.net/about/staff/jeremy-morton">Cross Point Baptist Church</a> the first Sunday of March. We thank the Good LORD for that special milestone and blessing of God. But when you note that he is only 30 years old and has been pastoring that same church one-third of his life...that is God's Amazing Grace. I love you son, and yes, I am proud - I am your mother. <br />
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547. My youngest son works at our local military base (a Project Manager) and we received the greatest compliment last week from someone who "just wanted us to know" that Jonathan is a man of great integrity and already respected in his field at his young age. I love you son, and yes, I am proud - I am your mother.<br />
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548. Having both sons and their wives and our grandchildren within 20 minutes of home is one of the greatest blessings of my life. God's grace and goodness multiplied. I praise Jesus for that grace gift in this day of families on the move.<br />
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549. The response to the new Bible study by Beth Moore, "<strong><em>James, Mercy Triumphs</em></strong>" has been wonderful. God is using His Word to touch lives. The power is in the Word of God. May He continue to speak and may we be "swift to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." (James 1:19)<br />
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550. My <a href="http://www.boomama.net/">friend Sophie (Boo Mama) </a>shared the most wonderful app on her blog last week and I am LOVING it. It is FREE and is called <a href="http://www.redstamp.com/">Red Stamp</a> You can use it to create wonderful e-cards like this that can be texted, emailed, tweeted, sent to Facebook, printed, mailed, whatever. It is so much FUN.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQF-1o5eGcqxTpxfSkLpI9VF9JokWcCGhTimeBQINxrcM62MwWOzbbntqFq7Zziq1n1YqSAzuD6zBSWiVM4BWS5lVvlF00xOF6k5-tjxx5_MYJKw2oFmlasLawAiQEcQ6QZV5OJt2DRg/s1600/GJJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQF-1o5eGcqxTpxfSkLpI9VF9JokWcCGhTimeBQINxrcM62MwWOzbbntqFq7Zziq1n1YqSAzuD6zBSWiVM4BWS5lVvlF00xOF6k5-tjxx5_MYJKw2oFmlasLawAiQEcQ6QZV5OJt2DRg/s320/GJJ.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>551. I have driven by this little white country church ever since we moved to the country almost 5 years ago...to my dismay I discovered last week that the church was MOVING, literally. It has been empty for some time now. I would love to know the history. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vn6MRklkXRHSRT0ZKQK836zVyB6SWKEdIVZv9p9ePPmt43tdebAJAxjovJkTRL5RE7GYYVih-WCi3fvbq_9pzf8xkh3SXAmLfjx6Ofm_IlC3fNkrreHLPmRzx42tjscoqXuu3HxAy4Y/s1600/Church-Moving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vn6MRklkXRHSRT0ZKQK836zVyB6SWKEdIVZv9p9ePPmt43tdebAJAxjovJkTRL5RE7GYYVih-WCi3fvbq_9pzf8xkh3SXAmLfjx6Ofm_IlC3fNkrreHLPmRzx42tjscoqXuu3HxAy4Y/s320/Church-Moving.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">552. But imagine my delight when I saw this sight the very next morning, about 1/2 mile from my office...someone obviously cared enough to restore this church. I am so glad that not only can churches be restored, but because of HIS Grace, we may be restored too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTMo45Zf77UjvarwdCTlyqbDck44hTTMsTM1mr7gD7hXizfdwKA_9rSBNg8VtAZUkrkUdrSEZG11mJ_ldEKOTNVRkX64B4b06qJKxmMajwPlRurUJTUhVj_h58dV3fytsBCiI7MR8VXs/s1600/Church-Moved.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTMo45Zf77UjvarwdCTlyqbDck44hTTMsTM1mr7gD7hXizfdwKA_9rSBNg8VtAZUkrkUdrSEZG11mJ_ldEKOTNVRkX64B4b06qJKxmMajwPlRurUJTUhVj_h58dV3fytsBCiI7MR8VXs/s320/Church-Moved.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>553. Spring cometh - tonight when you are asleep - at least if you're in the Northern Hemisphere. March 20, 2012, at 1:14 A.M. (EDT). I can't wait because I love to garden. These gorgeous flowers were in the garden center last week. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VFU7bCJwBIWqnhOgaaleBER4mSDIdcrYSvF2lsmv8nBbnHcycYjSylDo3zeAGePrXloqPKF9EHV9d8Q6Cmyb3f13KdSTleQzyxWwkP92rp0WKSmrKkLwiAzzHw1wf4iWf6Q5F-acOus/s1600/Gerbera+Daisies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VFU7bCJwBIWqnhOgaaleBER4mSDIdcrYSvF2lsmv8nBbnHcycYjSylDo3zeAGePrXloqPKF9EHV9d8Q6Cmyb3f13KdSTleQzyxWwkP92rp0WKSmrKkLwiAzzHw1wf4iWf6Q5F-acOus/s320/Gerbera+Daisies.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">554. These two little sweethearts made a trip to the chicken house Saturday morning and were so proud of their findings...more brown eggs. They have NO FEAR!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn5TWiB5K0BnS0ES2MQDtCrbDcBhBrIOi6KDcRPUfUqSRZLxEl37beIr1I-4_eTHXi6JfjI2LXGlBDxQrVCIOVgTQZDFhlg__PM2nVDczZJJvvk4IfExEvlJLok_Umi-nMEBia-Dxyn8/s1600/Madie-JacksonEGGS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn5TWiB5K0BnS0ES2MQDtCrbDcBhBrIOi6KDcRPUfUqSRZLxEl37beIr1I-4_eTHXi6JfjI2LXGlBDxQrVCIOVgTQZDFhlg__PM2nVDczZJJvvk4IfExEvlJLok_Umi-nMEBia-Dxyn8/s320/Madie-JacksonEGGS.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">555. The most beautiful full moon this month...I took this picture on my way home from Praise Team practice, after James Bible Study...my heart was as full as this moon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJWBQ3Jk813Py_NvVRVNkhpjmL1mJ9_Wld5hy57RA7h7fIAPLpggEBcY9F6SflWMQ2WrUWNU5NrkgxXEYKf3RO9DAaEL3PnU3qJrVlaXugNCm3K3PxRVL31uZLuXxhZyfpaU7BhQ-qBA/s1600/Moon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJWBQ3Jk813Py_NvVRVNkhpjmL1mJ9_Wld5hy57RA7h7fIAPLpggEBcY9F6SflWMQ2WrUWNU5NrkgxXEYKf3RO9DAaEL3PnU3qJrVlaXugNCm3K3PxRVL31uZLuXxhZyfpaU7BhQ-qBA/s320/Moon.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">556. This little sweetheart is the son of a couple on our Praise Team. He sits right there at the pastor's podium while we are rehearsing. I love little church boys. So thankful to God for young couples raising their children up to love Him and His Word. Thankful for a church where the Word is preached and where families can grow in grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos8DQfyPKHBpEXAzbj_oaGFVF-xO5D6iutyHTkNDNNgtfZpg5QpSe-wzXbqcQuNt7svkALTVx2a8xtfCFBJ5IYrwBfxHLxtBjYmyJTtqDmxy7JkwfMJ-ULMTK7IK5JbvxjPt_ROxVbQk/s1600/PraiseTeam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos8DQfyPKHBpEXAzbj_oaGFVF-xO5D6iutyHTkNDNNgtfZpg5QpSe-wzXbqcQuNt7svkALTVx2a8xtfCFBJ5IYrwBfxHLxtBjYmyJTtqDmxy7JkwfMJ-ULMTK7IK5JbvxjPt_ROxVbQk/s320/PraiseTeam.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">557. These right here is the Women's Ministry Leadership Team at my church. We had one of the sweetest meetings last week - planning and praying for God's Will as we seek ministry opportunities. God is doing a great work among us. I love you ladies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60iCPDrEbalQJrX0Dk52n2hj65N1rwfBhLami5gBSGPzclPErzYHRExga_OZQ6OssEtLGg6ctKa0pDgdLwBKIXKDOVgXXeP7aaSiT64JWoZsC7EtEmUGBr3pYzg0X_ro81qE8gB24rXM/s1600/WMLT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60iCPDrEbalQJrX0Dk52n2hj65N1rwfBhLami5gBSGPzclPErzYHRExga_OZQ6OssEtLGg6ctKa0pDgdLwBKIXKDOVgXXeP7aaSiT64JWoZsC7EtEmUGBr3pYzg0X_ro81qE8gB24rXM/s320/WMLT.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>558. This picture is from a women's leadership planning retreat held back in January (see gifts #485-#489). We have decided to get together again next month just for fellowship, because I'm telling you this...we had one of the best retreats I've ever been on. Kindred hearts united to serve our Great God. More Grace.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QoPTADbV-u9bpjm1QidJWA2Gsvmvuf2eLnj1kvuzGUn7Of_s3zmueEr35Cunvlc6MBP6lCuicu72YBAyZVILpzIAXrXTUS9uh7pqV-irFBDp36vJ-ZtYUUzdTOj6UtvMjRgLAA28dmk/s1600/Rincon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QoPTADbV-u9bpjm1QidJWA2Gsvmvuf2eLnj1kvuzGUn7Of_s3zmueEr35Cunvlc6MBP6lCuicu72YBAyZVILpzIAXrXTUS9uh7pqV-irFBDp36vJ-ZtYUUzdTOj6UtvMjRgLAA28dmk/s320/Rincon.JPG" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
559. I picked this little man up to come spend the night with me, and on our way home we passed the local fire station and lo and behold they were washing the fire truck. He was beside himself. I'm thankful for the firemen who let him see this truck up close. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Lp74sm6zJuZHTIgVCfQP8K7aneI7ViDgaArxRD7Rt2NMeH38GoABL046mzXvU7QYlCEcgArtPqafRnprPiySqLnqxcJnXfZrDmN4Ww6dl68hUq8ng1geHKY5AuGzn1utoLoSrEaOWY/s1600/Zeke-FireTruck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Lp74sm6zJuZHTIgVCfQP8K7aneI7ViDgaArxRD7Rt2NMeH38GoABL046mzXvU7QYlCEcgArtPqafRnprPiySqLnqxcJnXfZrDmN4Ww6dl68hUq8ng1geHKY5AuGzn1utoLoSrEaOWY/s320/Zeke-FireTruck.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>560. A joint project by two grandmothers - how special is that? Me and Mrs. Catharine, Madie's maternal grandmother. She is making the dress and I put the bunny applique and name on the front. Catharine is an accomplished quilter and seamstress. I'm having a blast. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GOsO_sx-rrhbxvo15hzxEoLPAmuMskbCCHdXCNW4uWPy_25VTnzQkyPPiMlKWWGbO4QYz_eN-I6yZKb5_EaCkHoIAr25rYEvoeqOQEdfb9hMIUaDrMPOE5Bw8PoeWaR6fLKLB1ZWxUM/s1600/Madie-BunnyDress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GOsO_sx-rrhbxvo15hzxEoLPAmuMskbCCHdXCNW4uWPy_25VTnzQkyPPiMlKWWGbO4QYz_eN-I6yZKb5_EaCkHoIAr25rYEvoeqOQEdfb9hMIUaDrMPOE5Bw8PoeWaR6fLKLB1ZWxUM/s320/Madie-BunnyDress.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>561. Lastly tonight I want to share the beautiful sunrise from this very morning, the last full day of winter. I don't know where you are right now in your spiritual life, but tomorrow is Spring and you can begin anew with Christ. I'm so thankful that God's grace and mercies are new every morning - whether you are in a "winter" season or on the brink of something fresh and new, He will meet you there. I know this for sure because He's done it for me. He is our Redeemer, oh Praise His Name!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTMwTJq9kR_k4YD66NptWh4OwQHoXdFekIA_wIRukufuNv50g7XGhDIqhbePfBuzPrzEEMePH_MOtOxQaq3ytKKGoiazl7l5mYHobWhkMdTPVbeeTQvNViD3xCDZQeWCs419bt51aVRU/s1600/Sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTMwTJq9kR_k4YD66NptWh4OwQHoXdFekIA_wIRukufuNv50g7XGhDIqhbePfBuzPrzEEMePH_MOtOxQaq3ytKKGoiazl7l5mYHobWhkMdTPVbeeTQvNViD3xCDZQeWCs419bt51aVRU/s320/Sunrise.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-1844113855826821472012-03-05T21:24:00.003-05:002012-03-05T22:21:34.910-05:001,000 GIFTS, #524 to #537<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">His grace gifts abound and I am so very thankful. Life is busy - and my blog of late has basically been all about the counting. This counting sums up my life these days as I live and love to see His gifts of grace. This living <em>intentionally</em> to see His Hand carries over to eyes open wider to see His grace everywhere. Will you consider leaving a comment about His grace in your life? I would love to hear from you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">523. My wonderful dentist <a href="http://www.dralexbell.com/OfficeInfo/AboutOurDoctors.aspx#dr1">Dr. Alex Bell, Jr. </a> Yes - my dentist. I had a great appointment 2 weeks ago. Dr. Bell has been my dentist for almost 24 years. His sons and my sons grew up together and his wife Sandy is one of the sweetest ladies I know. I'm thankful for their attentive care to our family. We use to be neighbors and the memories of that time are so sweet to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">524. Grandson Zeke spending the night and then staying the WHOLE next day. We were literally inseparable for 24 hours. We made cookies and we watched movies and we laughed and played and took a nap together and had popcorn and he makes me forget anything except what I'm doing right at that moment...which is enjoying him...Gran Jan's JOY. He has begun to tell me that "<em><strong>he loves me with all his heart</strong></em>." Gets to me every single time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL6hoIJf9yd8X_7QYHGAp5GRQzV2C3i60JWrK2NAKCWMaEQXydhbCvxWcnxOGqn6l7kPg-zCSGAveVldzixkgKHqhOzVkkzp9GoN9pOaYNcEpC_-5VX-JOkq2ppMUYueHAcvHjK5eWK8/s1600/0-Cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL6hoIJf9yd8X_7QYHGAp5GRQzV2C3i60JWrK2NAKCWMaEQXydhbCvxWcnxOGqn6l7kPg-zCSGAveVldzixkgKHqhOzVkkzp9GoN9pOaYNcEpC_-5VX-JOkq2ppMUYueHAcvHjK5eWK8/s320/0-Cookies.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">525. Special delivery to my many birdfeeders with sunflower seeds. Pure joy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp3MgoFCN-afXw4ZNl25W-pM2u4Ivakoljq6E0wGO8-ku78CulEBuyp4GvE4tTXaB9vkwRzhD9CxuciEZE7HXDTYiuHY3Z5zYSfjM9Tn8JUfUiIqF9zBGqPewSnGkhyphenhyphen4-xqMLye80-lk/s1600/0-Birdseed1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp3MgoFCN-afXw4ZNl25W-pM2u4Ivakoljq6E0wGO8-ku78CulEBuyp4GvE4tTXaB9vkwRzhD9CxuciEZE7HXDTYiuHY3Z5zYSfjM9Tn8JUfUiIqF9zBGqPewSnGkhyphenhyphen4-xqMLye80-lk/s320/0-Birdseed1.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">526. Special help filling the birdfeeders...more JOY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJLsEtVX184geDCNPBHZuLy0-X-CvAeY4cF5tAK-ERVwe4nzn-LEDvhlnC5cP6o1V5dN4LWxjEQ1t0iS77uzlAiEh4uH_Wv2Nt6_2jD-XfskNtZJctDJf8epckaH0r2DWhyMxESWyK2w/s1600/0-BirdseedZeke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJLsEtVX184geDCNPBHZuLy0-X-CvAeY4cF5tAK-ERVwe4nzn-LEDvhlnC5cP6o1V5dN4LWxjEQ1t0iS77uzlAiEh4uH_Wv2Nt6_2jD-XfskNtZJctDJf8epckaH0r2DWhyMxESWyK2w/s320/0-BirdseedZeke.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">526. A trip to Atlanta with three sweet coworkers for a School Board conference. We girls had a great time. I am blessed to work with some wonderful people - supportive and kind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">527. Leap Year Wednesday - February 29, 2012 was the night we began the new Beth Moore study - "James, Mercy Triumphs." We had 35 for class and just yesterday at church there were more women buying books...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CVD_4XBFTYbI2-MIXAZBO8z2ZtXe-_nisKDalBH9_9njMEljB15RKbW41zfgnuBaFFJ52i1R2kdcaAoMktDnBCe2vUymZG69GMiqOXOYOfe5dAX-WBUrcNJouDW-vOKEYD7y76inCXY/s1600/0-Jamesbooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CVD_4XBFTYbI2-MIXAZBO8z2ZtXe-_nisKDalBH9_9njMEljB15RKbW41zfgnuBaFFJ52i1R2kdcaAoMktDnBCe2vUymZG69GMiqOXOYOfe5dAX-WBUrcNJouDW-vOKEYD7y76inCXY/s320/0-Jamesbooks.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">528. Happy faces of women in Bible study...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHdhS1Bfnt2STRwv59LXj4n1qh6dqaIcHzWiVNlPppww_GZ8IXYz6oWpc3sAYhPJoVKTbjfKfz83sNxmh8bU93SwMNELb2z7CmQNL6W0WFLWgythAtqhVLlpa8rmXZI-SzD-gkBEbiB8/s1600/0-JamesClass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHdhS1Bfnt2STRwv59LXj4n1qh6dqaIcHzWiVNlPppww_GZ8IXYz6oWpc3sAYhPJoVKTbjfKfz83sNxmh8bU93SwMNELb2z7CmQNL6W0WFLWgythAtqhVLlpa8rmXZI-SzD-gkBEbiB8/s320/0-JamesClass.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">529. Spring is still two weeks away and we've barely had winter here...on a walk last week during my lunch hour I saw dogwoods blooming...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKGnSdsLo7dT5tZIIktShfbgrilVThY69tdAqMMGWxSOonej3FXhHXeZWxXhPylzuWlWS2MThl-OWbbAYuZ41V_A3qdvfgX3NLgsvi8p10mGWbiZ7Zah3nO6CC_NHXp-cwW6mTNMAIOg/s1600/0-Dogwood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKGnSdsLo7dT5tZIIktShfbgrilVThY69tdAqMMGWxSOonej3FXhHXeZWxXhPylzuWlWS2MThl-OWbbAYuZ41V_A3qdvfgX3NLgsvi8p10mGWbiZ7Zah3nO6CC_NHXp-cwW6mTNMAIOg/s320/0-Dogwood.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">530. This is a beautiful flowering shrub that blooms in the winter in our part of the state...<a href="http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/430/taylors-perfection-camellia.php">Taylor's Pink Perfection</a> The color is divine and so is the JOY of this plant during the winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AW1APyFAWV_DmOW-1rdP8D21PbBG7n6r2gmtsypIL6Afur-vA8eSaNSzJieSn1v9JtW8ohqqu8IVMS5cG7gmM7REwpZxafQ6w-3jLVX1C5619iuXIoxUVPJVpVPq4tPr9C-xw9Vq9AA/s1600/0-PinkPerfection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AW1APyFAWV_DmOW-1rdP8D21PbBG7n6r2gmtsypIL6Afur-vA8eSaNSzJieSn1v9JtW8ohqqu8IVMS5cG7gmM7REwpZxafQ6w-3jLVX1C5619iuXIoxUVPJVpVPq4tPr9C-xw9Vq9AA/s320/0-PinkPerfection.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">531. The JOY continues with making things for my grandchildren...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJYxR5SYkvYQmz8fA7M7eBlVj9BL6QM7N6L3Qzw2FGc1DLdsfUdaVgh7t-3arxNsUAWj74soh578QzhcLHKvW2ZlnwbhkCT67WtzA4eyzHek6gNiN479VCSVBkFSfQ0rUmmKGVW3oYGk/s1600/0-Embroidery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJYxR5SYkvYQmz8fA7M7eBlVj9BL6QM7N6L3Qzw2FGc1DLdsfUdaVgh7t-3arxNsUAWj74soh578QzhcLHKvW2ZlnwbhkCT67WtzA4eyzHek6gNiN479VCSVBkFSfQ0rUmmKGVW3oYGk/s320/0-Embroidery.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">532. Yellow violas blooming in an antique bucket hanging on my garden fence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT4pn7Kg7MOi5uyfdrvmryy9bNyP9BM3pAMchk542R2PIyMXsaX5o0LasDuW8ptu9iTLAD8w8uEreqvHAFVNWpA6d-3zPund1WmM_vR6pquZYrpTk0DkDtvJ2UGl6aFRzrfAlfgwz3JA/s1600/0-PansiesFence.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT4pn7Kg7MOi5uyfdrvmryy9bNyP9BM3pAMchk542R2PIyMXsaX5o0LasDuW8ptu9iTLAD8w8uEreqvHAFVNWpA6d-3zPund1WmM_vR6pquZYrpTk0DkDtvJ2UGl6aFRzrfAlfgwz3JA/s320/0-PansiesFence.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">533. Tomato soup and crackers at my desk...quiet lunch times during a busy day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjlIbrRzOlNAfvBI-PNVkbOx8Gs-g1aUgaabxf1zeM2nI3bQ__v27EsbGUT0NvaYEJ9UMukTcyJy-jWIW553GYwKXrm2DoRicjn5mGr8Usfs2VM7VqzA401wWEEDCO3J0-30lU5S9HMk/s1600/0-TomatoSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjlIbrRzOlNAfvBI-PNVkbOx8Gs-g1aUgaabxf1zeM2nI3bQ__v27EsbGUT0NvaYEJ9UMukTcyJy-jWIW553GYwKXrm2DoRicjn5mGr8Usfs2VM7VqzA401wWEEDCO3J0-30lU5S9HMk/s320/0-TomatoSoup.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">534. I dearly love <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/pimiento-cheese-recipes-00417000072327/">pimento cheese</a>. So does my oldest son. It's a Southern thing. My friend <a href="http://boomama.net/">Sophie (BooMama)</a> and I texted about our pimento cheese love recently when we saw new recipes featured in the February Southern Living magazine. Sophie's blog and her writing is another favorite of mine. Pimento cheese and bacon...my my my.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRf2NnY0D0nCaDbqQApFEO_Ak0hZVJ-_kHSsX75yuXp7Y2acjv28LI1MDijbEeTsBN1D4Wh49SoN0DkXNWgxMpJIEwWAhEaKZAgJTxp-LU0knA8IEXj4dhCB_RBPI5Ki2UoV1DQKyvfo/s1600/0-PimentoCheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRf2NnY0D0nCaDbqQApFEO_Ak0hZVJ-_kHSsX75yuXp7Y2acjv28LI1MDijbEeTsBN1D4Wh49SoN0DkXNWgxMpJIEwWAhEaKZAgJTxp-LU0knA8IEXj4dhCB_RBPI5Ki2UoV1DQKyvfo/s320/0-PimentoCheese.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">535. The blessing of driving country roads to and from work each day. Lord bless the farmers. Thank you for sending the rain this weekend and greening up the landscape. Thousands of pecan trees have been planted in the distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpnjAQ8Bref-xh7YXJIHgMd3BnSMwevCS_DvNPRO91N8Fp9Tl8BNcIEo_OK7WHtjsI5dm9o83ZQFyiqO5lVE-TH6BOVj6g_eusSIcPO96x8QpfLWxTGjd9VImVOYy94Yc_QTKcmmu6R0/s1600/0-GreenField.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpnjAQ8Bref-xh7YXJIHgMd3BnSMwevCS_DvNPRO91N8Fp9Tl8BNcIEo_OK7WHtjsI5dm9o83ZQFyiqO5lVE-TH6BOVj6g_eusSIcPO96x8QpfLWxTGjd9VImVOYy94Yc_QTKcmmu6R0/s320/0-GreenField.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">536. Look who was at my supper table tonight...eating two helpings of Gran Jan's chicken and rice. God's tender mercies - blessing me with three grandchildren...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTATffaZlcRLsHoiz8YGnPQHtx_muNOGYHh7IW9d3qUflMpFvjvF_ZZot3MqF8Y6R17F2s6YA6KJhnbgZWJ2x2xp1-bJKOi-_PG9l2lC7KrTTAWbq6MQRlrtLWIXsITdHtxTXnPLaBJOM/s1600/0-JacksonSupper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTATffaZlcRLsHoiz8YGnPQHtx_muNOGYHh7IW9d3qUflMpFvjvF_ZZot3MqF8Y6R17F2s6YA6KJhnbgZWJ2x2xp1-bJKOi-_PG9l2lC7KrTTAWbq6MQRlrtLWIXsITdHtxTXnPLaBJOM/s320/0-JacksonSupper.JPG" uda="true" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">537. AND NEWS OF ONE MORE GRANDCHILD ON THE WAY! Gran Jan times four...in late September. Thank you Jesus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHsMji6yntxn1WU1fl09WmEe9Xz_AZtc-4iwQjYUWTbVUChY0x-iJGqBW_wmJ8W0Ay9Wkv1n6K4ZTSTc1T8c9m6SQ2sLfMq033iPuCIOi_6XNvvk6pdp8ZiM0leV5IrpjeMwo9TrheYI/s1600/GRANJAN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHsMji6yntxn1WU1fl09WmEe9Xz_AZtc-4iwQjYUWTbVUChY0x-iJGqBW_wmJ8W0Ay9Wkv1n6K4ZTSTc1T8c9m6SQ2sLfMq033iPuCIOi_6XNvvk6pdp8ZiM0leV5IrpjeMwo9TrheYI/s1600/GRANJAN.png" uda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-44062424364792478452012-02-20T13:17:00.002-05:002012-02-20T17:04:31.917-05:001,000 GIFTS, #509 to #523<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As I begin this second half of counting His gifts of grace all around me, I've thought about this journey that was begun last February. I'm not the same person I was, all glory to Jesus. I have been stretched in my faith and I wouldn't trade the lessons learned for anything. I absolutely love this season of life I am in...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">509. The deep contentment that comes from a long, steady marriage. I love what my friend Beth Moore has said before that applies to this joy: <em>"a long walk of obedience in the same direction." </em> That long walk of obedience can apply to many areas of our lives...by God's grace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1uEiWsCkgD5MZsJiWiBpjgljls-uiDWddBFsxSVYsJ_XtwF3BZReJ4vHMXV2ntK3cCZSDA0zKfbCX_KCy5GciHOeaoqtTNgefjtFlsVASj-KPqqXZD7UbC-kaQK1nj8V2wZ_lvIBJS4/s1600/20-VdayCard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1uEiWsCkgD5MZsJiWiBpjgljls-uiDWddBFsxSVYsJ_XtwF3BZReJ4vHMXV2ntK3cCZSDA0zKfbCX_KCy5GciHOeaoqtTNgefjtFlsVASj-KPqqXZD7UbC-kaQK1nj8V2wZ_lvIBJS4/s320/20-VdayCard.JPG" width="255" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">510. The joy of family. I love Saturday morning breakfasts with everyone around the table. There are four generations here...my parents, me and my husband, my sons and their wives and our grandchildren. I was sitting by my mom and Zeke before I stepped away to take this picture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl_ZrU4q7AR-W3dF-jTqgpLjtPPsQrHHojKT6NyU_uWotcs56ewRoEB_x35knP0pHmSeLpoxen-q2hrBSFDL7oHNXlpOkrmS6eE6iOCWL9MNctBIpXNq-_SXw2VCxKqXo4xgYtd89M20/s1600/20-FAMBREAKFAST.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl_ZrU4q7AR-W3dF-jTqgpLjtPPsQrHHojKT6NyU_uWotcs56ewRoEB_x35knP0pHmSeLpoxen-q2hrBSFDL7oHNXlpOkrmS6eE6iOCWL9MNctBIpXNq-_SXw2VCxKqXo4xgYtd89M20/s320/20-FAMBREAKFAST.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">511. Impromptu gatherings. This Valentine's night supper last week at a local pizza restaurant was so much fun. I love my boys and their wives & the grandchildren so much - thankful to spend this "day of love" with them for a meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bWHnnGBodR8kX7-FilOG89yzd5huqaBmQbDt4hz-Jd3PUr1VCyH_J889BPVxLoYL6npboT7jtfVklL3MhVe32-sbeCfYJJ0gGxtLYYXk9Mmc5FtKKZ8OwS3CL16eEasyXkkI7JrQ8LU/s1600/20MFP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bWHnnGBodR8kX7-FilOG89yzd5huqaBmQbDt4hz-Jd3PUr1VCyH_J889BPVxLoYL6npboT7jtfVklL3MhVe32-sbeCfYJJ0gGxtLYYXk9Mmc5FtKKZ8OwS3CL16eEasyXkkI7JrQ8LU/s320/20MFP.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>512. Kissing Cousins. Sweet Madie grabbing a kiss from sweet Jackson... She had just told me to "take her picture." These two grandchildren are 2 weeks to the day apart in age. JOY!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3mAadmz7iF5MJ8phA_SFKbGkFzTn5JYlG1ujnoHjQIjBbJ_E7onAgckysmaRRcqBf3PPtfH5kRMP06_gQ6yJADBsKFbjtDsO5tWiyoC6On8CDOojHoA_YXse7_G1yMHSAIfBKnN33cs/s1600/20-kissingcousins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3mAadmz7iF5MJ8phA_SFKbGkFzTn5JYlG1ujnoHjQIjBbJ_E7onAgckysmaRRcqBf3PPtfH5kRMP06_gQ6yJADBsKFbjtDsO5tWiyoC6On8CDOojHoA_YXse7_G1yMHSAIfBKnN33cs/s320/20-kissingcousins.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">513. Blueberry pancakes are always on the table. Looking forward to June when our blueberries are in season again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPF8t6ytEqDKOIFAOSreF_YtQnGf-9KnTPZR05cvgglfz4mhM3XI482pfU4-CSDhXg1oc-WWV9htNrfUp0QJbh1xJpid7OTQnS8_dA16myehA1SHotYfLvKpxdoIxafe89CnLozhMlSg/s1600/20-PANCAKES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPF8t6ytEqDKOIFAOSreF_YtQnGf-9KnTPZR05cvgglfz4mhM3XI482pfU4-CSDhXg1oc-WWV9htNrfUp0QJbh1xJpid7OTQnS8_dA16myehA1SHotYfLvKpxdoIxafe89CnLozhMlSg/s1600/20-PANCAKES.JPG" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">514. Today...a holiday from work called "President's Day," is so welcome to me. I am committed to pray for this election year as we seek a new President. This scripture from <strong>Daniel 2:20-22</strong> comforts me in these days of uncertainty in our country...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong>Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>For wisdom and might are His.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>And He changes the times and the seasons;</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>He removes kings and raises up kings;</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>He gives wisdom to the wise</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>And knowledge to those who have understanding.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>He reveals deep and secret things;</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>He knows what is in the darkness,</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>And light dwells with Him.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">515. Late afternoon sun breaking through the clouds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Y0j1VoxZkKPTILxfDkzqS3DyzQomKGCTKguSEYWCAlbmBmzPP_mfEtcI0WPvBbVhfooCnHeIqhjwHJTfsyy0BQ3-qmt2Zx8cgpi4t_lPRSJZCi62jiBGhOnN7DTfQ8Z91xz5kw_0MI/s1600/20-KlondikerD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Y0j1VoxZkKPTILxfDkzqS3DyzQomKGCTKguSEYWCAlbmBmzPP_mfEtcI0WPvBbVhfooCnHeIqhjwHJTfsyy0BQ3-qmt2Zx8cgpi4t_lPRSJZCi62jiBGhOnN7DTfQ8Z91xz5kw_0MI/s320/20-KlondikerD.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">516. When our former minister resigned (December 2010), our church went through an interim time in search of a new senior pastor. [I wrote about our new pastor <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2011/11/meet-my-new-pastor.html">in this past last November. </a> We are so blessed by the awesome expository preaching of our pastor Dr. Jim Perdue. He is a shepherd to us.] Before Pastor Jim came, God blessed us with a wonderful interim pastor - Rev. Joel Southerland. We honored the Southerland family at church yesterday and then had a big old churchwide fellowship last night! EVERYONE was talking about the sweetness of the Spirit in our midst. This is Brother Joel & his precious wife Sherryde. God blessed our hearts with this couple and their girls Savana and Mikayla. They will always be part of our lives as they were instruments of love and healing in our church. We love y'all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H-vjYgMbBnMM1qGF2awbM0OCOye_CC3bgP-Q0C2UP1RkZR-4sbKtVvBY4Qf3aAiHlx-cCmwGrHrHjj6L4UIcQTKiFl6Ww0Wd7SdyPttu0FDrvpOoFKBGFCrzjDC-aSNMwTn3kSo5VIY/s1600/20-southerlands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H-vjYgMbBnMM1qGF2awbM0OCOye_CC3bgP-Q0C2UP1RkZR-4sbKtVvBY4Qf3aAiHlx-cCmwGrHrHjj6L4UIcQTKiFl6Ww0Wd7SdyPttu0FDrvpOoFKBGFCrzjDC-aSNMwTn3kSo5VIY/s320/20-southerlands.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wall to wall fellowship at SBCWR...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxcl6CBS7nLC3tf_b0K-k-uQVkFMFHo1sFpAiJDOEkY4NuCEN8eGMyNm-QocMzAsvYPfe7vy9OCa3wbLjffAF7DBWnZGAfrDYn5IBsD9-C7QqQ2EVrfwQLrW9Ylp4bzLN3Djgl_rHAH0/s1600/20-sbcfellowship.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxcl6CBS7nLC3tf_b0K-k-uQVkFMFHo1sFpAiJDOEkY4NuCEN8eGMyNm-QocMzAsvYPfe7vy9OCa3wbLjffAF7DBWnZGAfrDYn5IBsD9-C7QqQ2EVrfwQLrW9Ylp4bzLN3Djgl_rHAH0/s320/20-sbcfellowship.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">517. Sweet Miss Madie and her Hollywood entrace to the family breakfast this past Saturday...this girl does not meet a stranger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7Q1ifFIyP2P17uwuHIxc02q91S_4KFguJ1w_abrcFJ2hA5jgISll5gmblWf7lxH2AeyHdki4Y6ibC972tpnz5NKuvwe9BuucIe6Yy1wKZAwyF7ZMzvZrOq4BPSNQx1-shdfqb7OKsgg/s1600/20-moviestarMadie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7Q1ifFIyP2P17uwuHIxc02q91S_4KFguJ1w_abrcFJ2hA5jgISll5gmblWf7lxH2AeyHdki4Y6ibC972tpnz5NKuvwe9BuucIe6Yy1wKZAwyF7ZMzvZrOq4BPSNQx1-shdfqb7OKsgg/s1600/20-moviestarMadie.JPG" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
518. Jackson loves loves loves tractors, big trucks, motorcycles, anything with wheels. This is my Dad's big John Deere out in the hay barn. They stopped there on their way out this past Saturday. Jackson has to see the moo cows and chickens...and the tractors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0cgpCBZhxPYNIWe51g0b-q9yH7PzFNDgXWPQyJrN5cCUQH3xUGzdTtcrI9FWSmAz6YZNDJHu9qjwWDcgp73EjUViKrDqzDT__PWBYly8o9ozEsK1dlwmYYbMGsDl_ZGM5BKJHMiH-Ms/s1600/20-Jacksontractor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0cgpCBZhxPYNIWe51g0b-q9yH7PzFNDgXWPQyJrN5cCUQH3xUGzdTtcrI9FWSmAz6YZNDJHu9qjwWDcgp73EjUViKrDqzDT__PWBYly8o9ozEsK1dlwmYYbMGsDl_ZGM5BKJHMiH-Ms/s320/20-Jacksontractor.JPG" width="160" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">519. My best friend Lanie is making a quilt called "What Cancer Cannot Do." I wept tears of joy and thankfulness to God when she showed the finished quilt top to me last week. This is the quilt label...how I praise God for sparing her life. (Teal is the color for ovarian cancer.) She encourages all women to have their annual physicals. That is when her cancer was discovered. One of the quotes on the quilt top says, "Cancer cannot destroy friendship." Amen my sweet friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0pdctrGeypldcBPhrjpF4h0mF1w6o7KEB-w8ZENa-k_nJtY2kqRx8vQlVMBOp200VQHrKLECuNIIiFWBsOpWrz2Hnb-y0UX3X0iW-LGi8IQtuBXvrD7_TWUnpJ19tA-3iASWh3qN3FY/s1600/20-cancerlabel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0pdctrGeypldcBPhrjpF4h0mF1w6o7KEB-w8ZENa-k_nJtY2kqRx8vQlVMBOp200VQHrKLECuNIIiFWBsOpWrz2Hnb-y0UX3X0iW-LGi8IQtuBXvrD7_TWUnpJ19tA-3iASWh3qN3FY/s320/20-cancerlabel.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">520. Right now as I type this, there is a big fire in this new firepit my husband purchased. It has 3 Willows Farm cut out on the rim in two places. We love living in the country with redneck firepits made from big old recycled propane tanks...we are going green here at the farm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq78M7hmPtWTpfQ7i7fDnIegbUov9vbw7cN_vzxnQf6hKX5Ni0fZ65SbkVgXFSgln40nXLcJCaZldZz6ty41SOu9bsxXObx3iCCVRFrZe6DUpnXrUOkRvMIH1XuV8y0qf2n26uallzfE/s1600/20-firefit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq78M7hmPtWTpfQ7i7fDnIegbUov9vbw7cN_vzxnQf6hKX5Ni0fZ65SbkVgXFSgln40nXLcJCaZldZz6ty41SOu9bsxXObx3iCCVRFrZe6DUpnXrUOkRvMIH1XuV8y0qf2n26uallzfE/s320/20-firefit.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
521. My oldest son Jeremy and his wife Carrie took their two children, Zeke and Madie, to go see Memama Morton this morning. She is their great-grandmother and my precious mother-in-law. She will be 90 in June and is the matriarch of our family...a godly woman who has taught me so much. I love her dearly. We enjoyed a long visit with her this past Friday evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGerBNwY_f6WDwm0Hr67yJmvut8gVL61N6Bad94bWEo_RcoPRKBJLs-MdZsRsnbnWKIVYzexswg0iA5uUJi3ENZXbXWmf-IlUHE9sgAGSqnuVNmBLgbZJXAldWXLmbfEiyTAaeme15slM/s1600/20-memama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGerBNwY_f6WDwm0Hr67yJmvut8gVL61N6Bad94bWEo_RcoPRKBJLs-MdZsRsnbnWKIVYzexswg0iA5uUJi3ENZXbXWmf-IlUHE9sgAGSqnuVNmBLgbZJXAldWXLmbfEiyTAaeme15slM/s320/20-memama.JPG" width="215" yda="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">522. For some reason my 3 grandchildren love my pantry. Maybe it's the Spiderman and Dora snacks that I keep there. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHV-qV4eVtEoi_XIKgIbY7HfnPygRjbHZgFm0Bqop8X05Eu48nZQ9uVOQAw12_hqdvzdbd2IMuGtzvW1Hj4gG2Sw0eF9OQiL2jTWV2-Ew3VuGx7nb1-ypWXCHyThAHtVQJqWk5qc9EmE/s1600/20-pantry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHV-qV4eVtEoi_XIKgIbY7HfnPygRjbHZgFm0Bqop8X05Eu48nZQ9uVOQAw12_hqdvzdbd2IMuGtzvW1Hj4gG2Sw0eF9OQiL2jTWV2-Ew3VuGx7nb1-ypWXCHyThAHtVQJqWk5qc9EmE/s320/20-pantry.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">523. I love to browse seed catalogs and think of the delicious fresh vegetables we will enjoy from my garden this summer. In fact, I need to head outside now and <span style="color: purple;">PRUNE</span> back the rosebushes and crepe myrtles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PMX8hyCB-URXx1DrPxvjdclln6dwVJN_RKf-kzvzx2ITN-07rI-WJvWdppoHK_RXPrNZgxAeziklrKK1Xq6RWRqGuqFzEvk2FqE80qK3xexXEGPp9-AQdy4cq_S8rBCWL5OY-JIq-8/s1600/20-seedcatalog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PMX8hyCB-URXx1DrPxvjdclln6dwVJN_RKf-kzvzx2ITN-07rI-WJvWdppoHK_RXPrNZgxAeziklrKK1Xq6RWRqGuqFzEvk2FqE80qK3xexXEGPp9-AQdy4cq_S8rBCWL5OY-JIq-8/s320/20-seedcatalog.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post - I wouldn't take anything for the journey of my life this past year, the <span style="color: purple;">PRUNING</span> has been hard, but oh so necessary for growth. Thank you Jesus.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> <u>John 15:1-2 (Amplified Version)</u></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing]</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> repeatedly<span style="color: purple;"> prunes</span> every branch that continues to bear fruit, </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
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</div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-15358743511261535912012-02-13T21:03:00.000-05:002012-02-13T21:03:32.830-05:001,000 GIFTS, #500 to #508<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">500. Home. A wonderful place to be on this cold wintry night. I love that this 500th gift - a tribute to my home - is right in the middle of my counting to 1,000. Our home is also a centerpiece of grace for our family, our ministry, HOME. A place to just be - a respite from busy lives. So very thankful for HOME. A gift of His grace, it belongs to Him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">501. A time of sweet fellowship in our HOME for the pastors and their wives from our church. We enjoyed time around the table for a meal, and then time just sitting together, laughing and sharing stories. A gift to be together - to serve together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">502. The <a href="http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/index.php?option=com_page&key=book">Jesus Storybook Bible</a> where "every story wispers His Name." We love this Bible for children and enjoy reading it to our grandchildren. I LOVE reading it for me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">503. This book, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/new-bible-pictures-for-little-eyes/kenneth-taylor/9780802430571/pd/30571?kw=30571&en=froogle&p=1013824&cm_mmc=CBDfeeds-_-froogle-_-books-_-30571">"The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes" </a> was a favorite book to read at bedtime with our boys when they were small. My grandchildren have it and I gave a copy to our pastor's wife and student ministry associate's wife too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGujVxi-IwKM1cf0WkkSv6YhR26MyNDPd9cdvnkszpoupU6P4HCOKjLFSohjte9IHZDS52XSJoqmVrxE3fX9QpdLpl1l2fsU7XhsZSF4HxlkCLVdcnlPhA65MBz_QLY_pNFF0nTKjXI8/s1600/V-BibleinPicturesforLittleEyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGujVxi-IwKM1cf0WkkSv6YhR26MyNDPd9cdvnkszpoupU6P4HCOKjLFSohjte9IHZDS52XSJoqmVrxE3fX9QpdLpl1l2fsU7XhsZSF4HxlkCLVdcnlPhA65MBz_QLY_pNFF0nTKjXI8/s1600/V-BibleinPicturesforLittleEyes.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">504. An awesome time of prayer and planning with Cindy, Teresa, and Jennifer last week. I am so blessed to serve with these precious ladies in women's ministry. Our hearts are knit together in His love and we had one of the best meetings in years. We are planning some missions projects and also some special events for the women in our church. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">505. Wednesday night Bible study is so special. I look forward to spending time with some very special ladies each week. We are almost through with <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Product/duty-or-delight-knowing-where-you-stand-with-god-member-book-P005429354">Duty or Delight</a> by Tammie Head. I would have loved to have had this material 30 years ago when I was a young pastor's wife caught up in "spiritual performance." Thankful to say today that my delight is in Him and serving Him is not a duty. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">506. A very special time Saturday morning with my whole family here for breakfast. I really enjoy simple times the best and we surely enjoy each other's company. My three grandchildren are beginning to play together and it is delightful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wnibUzD8REs62cY52XLdyhWb_fCyQejdOeLXT9WImmfsbBZxmNDZuPsQyFU-mPo7DUiE9Nt1w9yoXxga9jz87m0bn5TRuPlr7Kn-yKQtuVVvOlziMX0r_l2LUe6kZYpq6y0z6x9wh0/s1600/V-grands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9wnibUzD8REs62cY52XLdyhWb_fCyQejdOeLXT9WImmfsbBZxmNDZuPsQyFU-mPo7DUiE9Nt1w9yoXxga9jz87m0bn5TRuPlr7Kn-yKQtuVVvOlziMX0r_l2LUe6kZYpq6y0z6x9wh0/s320/V-grands.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">507. It was a joy to attend my church's "<em>Anna's Banquet</em>," this past Saturday. The banquet is for widows. Our pastors and deacons serve the widows a meal and then we just enjoyed each other's company. I loved sitting with Sarah, Sara, Aileen and Frances. PRECIOUS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xdreA6Ma2AQn-iPPRLICb-jVTmzn_MZQHlC1JLuZEkzEJo_3249kjMfyZEzRW6xhOPIP0REneMgNW5QWQ0Mc-JLOZbEhWYm4qG9usvBw0eNexqhvFinznkLdhq9FTvB2YjUULgJZYfY/s1600/V-Widows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xdreA6Ma2AQn-iPPRLICb-jVTmzn_MZQHlC1JLuZEkzEJo_3249kjMfyZEzRW6xhOPIP0REneMgNW5QWQ0Mc-JLOZbEhWYm4qG9usvBw0eNexqhvFinznkLdhq9FTvB2YjUULgJZYfY/s320/V-Widows.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>508. I began my list with thankfulness for my earthly HOME, but I am very aware (and very sure) that my real HOME is Heaven. But until I take up residence there, I want to treat every day as special - precious - gifts of His grace, because as James 4:14 says...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">For what is your life? </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: purple;">and then vanisheth away.</span></strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilknRoawUMVZ5_u29ay92z9SrZ_YReFYBz2cTMYpDlWp82w08MsN3CjqjEqvPxKLpY176-WBXYj5vtDpQa0jdwk_kt373u0AJ9uU0MsFBwGlQjrv3xHeAl3_pld9d0x-ADQymDFUgXG4A/s1600/V-Fog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilknRoawUMVZ5_u29ay92z9SrZ_YReFYBz2cTMYpDlWp82w08MsN3CjqjEqvPxKLpY176-WBXYj5vtDpQa0jdwk_kt373u0AJ9uU0MsFBwGlQjrv3xHeAl3_pld9d0x-ADQymDFUgXG4A/s320/V-Fog.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3S-i2KZCE12vRagBJcAfU6BKDChuSekctr-6NSB1d0zz6J3fk2m14jI-qG1TcyzwkUatPQR7bMVTcFzt6Wa3vMyXYYxFqPXk1f848C1NMgAorBqvB2pYwsv8Z3ObQuKZ5DOTcv20i74/s1600/GRANJAN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3S-i2KZCE12vRagBJcAfU6BKDChuSekctr-6NSB1d0zz6J3fk2m14jI-qG1TcyzwkUatPQR7bMVTcFzt6Wa3vMyXYYxFqPXk1f848C1NMgAorBqvB2pYwsv8Z3ObQuKZ5DOTcv20i74/s1600/GRANJAN.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695097579142041741.post-27121430138269399112012-02-06T21:30:00.003-05:002012-02-13T21:14:12.789-05:001,000 GIFTS, #479 to #499<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">479. Hymns - glorious hymns about God's blessings. <em>Showers of blessings, showers of blessings we need...mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead</em>. So thankful for His tender mercies as I continue this journey to 1000 gifts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">480. Beautiful glorious pink sunrises through the pecan trees on the farm. Welcome morning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15gSgtxuNKL3LDZEH886U1crreJhyQpT_KVxt2u2_aT5pqYBfsysxCaZO6TH9hE6N6BzUrciKAJnVJpFF-phnthzPwvlsZ8okwi1CArOMFSz1pNSRlC3_uQQIF1jBWE7BjIsIhyD9BiY/s1600/Feb-pecansunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15gSgtxuNKL3LDZEH886U1crreJhyQpT_KVxt2u2_aT5pqYBfsysxCaZO6TH9hE6N6BzUrciKAJnVJpFF-phnthzPwvlsZ8okwi1CArOMFSz1pNSRlC3_uQQIF1jBWE7BjIsIhyD9BiY/s320/Feb-pecansunrise.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>481. This gorgeous tree is in full bloom...although Spring is still 6 weeks ago, this big tulip magnolia (magnolia lilifloria) is a JOY and sight to behold (downtown Perry, GA).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfaSlLEzHFO_6bEBs4rdg-E7S76b-20CKUklx2Le6jD3Ozm4XUUXRUsqlpoZaJrfXME5XndrAyBUMd-aJ8yf8nNuWMwmyBu7ecBkDAVLcYOkXCzgz-drMi6lj8rvaiJlVXqv4mHtMkig/s1600/Feb-TulipTrtee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfaSlLEzHFO_6bEBs4rdg-E7S76b-20CKUklx2Le6jD3Ozm4XUUXRUsqlpoZaJrfXME5XndrAyBUMd-aJ8yf8nNuWMwmyBu7ecBkDAVLcYOkXCzgz-drMi6lj8rvaiJlVXqv4mHtMkig/s320/Feb-TulipTrtee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">482. Sweet grandgirl Miss Madie wearing her new shirt Gran Jan made for her (see gift #477). She calls me "Jan Jan" instead of Gran Jan. Melts my heart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzDsKLvrCk63WnKr-h455JSWNvZ95GoPOzb6FDiuok7g0nAPzVTnV_o_HHjmCr_WsUhldxXZvvQ_CjyS0K614ulqlSDpRE3Ft8VNUYr8p0x50lJKfwbBEl3Y7FtSYfwEP88wootThy4Q/s1600/Feb-MadiePigTails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzDsKLvrCk63WnKr-h455JSWNvZ95GoPOzb6FDiuok7g0nAPzVTnV_o_HHjmCr_WsUhldxXZvvQ_CjyS0K614ulqlSDpRE3Ft8VNUYr8p0x50lJKfwbBEl3Y7FtSYfwEP88wootThy4Q/s320/Feb-MadiePigTails.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">483. I am loving the JOY of my embroidery machine - this is a little "dot font" monogram I put on a shirt for my sweet grandgirl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCRiRTTRMo5nE5Fm_E6S3YWutWh_kRe5tLXNP293h3QNXFwbpK41bZWTU1Ph_oUhy4quoc3QjG5Mq2z2zbdn4XGowmeQslCjfFsBYw3ZiGqR9ufvFLMZ8xvy3wHBECW8RxAMRa9r8ERk/s1600/Feb-MMR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCRiRTTRMo5nE5Fm_E6S3YWutWh_kRe5tLXNP293h3QNXFwbpK41bZWTU1Ph_oUhy4quoc3QjG5Mq2z2zbdn4XGowmeQslCjfFsBYw3ZiGqR9ufvFLMZ8xvy3wHBECW8RxAMRa9r8ERk/s320/Feb-MMR.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">484. A big beautiful LIVE OAK tree in Savannah, GA...the official state tree of GEORGIA and one of my favorite trees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-EdAnrtiLP6AAu3hqwKC7aXjnyE-B5ukSGf8vzvAGevtTnNJGaAY684KMXbZUl85fpuJsctnPbmB4uhLL2Ue6yLHKrg6ZZbUcSYx2FFfc68ocRWedBqfBMTzEPSZqQIC2ppLAWDMsbU/s1600/Feb-Oaktree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-EdAnrtiLP6AAu3hqwKC7aXjnyE-B5ukSGf8vzvAGevtTnNJGaAY684KMXbZUl85fpuJsctnPbmB4uhLL2Ue6yLHKrg6ZZbUcSYx2FFfc68ocRWedBqfBMTzEPSZqQIC2ppLAWDMsbU/s320/Feb-Oaktree.JPG" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">485. Sweet times with sixteen of the most wonderful women as we planned and prayed together at our annual women's ministry team retreat last weekend. God is so good to give JOY and FELLOWSHIP and KINDRED HEARTS as we shared around the table. We went to a neat place called <a href="http://www.newebenezer.org/">New Ebenezer Retreat Center</a> that was a delightful respite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">486. Bunk Beds, delightful bunk beds in our retreat cabin. It has been YEARS since I climbed a ladder to the top bunk. We laughed until the late night (early morning). Our youngest team member is 24, the oldest is 71. Pure therapy for the soul...girl time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHgFi_T_GoYl_ZckTh9yeIIe2DmLyb-YDPaCluYA6T0ijGpQfVTP2s4o8kC7Vi5BQDhNBV1kVf4lDJqXhqyKRpmd1M2FzT1Pl6plaUQNDe_Ueys7WaS3gUB6o-wCJrC8wu5jS5cWGoU8/s1600/Feb-bunkbeds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHgFi_T_GoYl_ZckTh9yeIIe2DmLyb-YDPaCluYA6T0ijGpQfVTP2s4o8kC7Vi5BQDhNBV1kVf4lDJqXhqyKRpmd1M2FzT1Pl6plaUQNDe_Ueys7WaS3gUB6o-wCJrC8wu5jS5cWGoU8/s320/Feb-bunkbeds.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">487. A long walk Saturday morning to the bluff of the Savannah River which is where the retreat center is located. Came across this old church that has been "in continuous worship of God since 1734." Amazingly serene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnAokBqwAZGm5J5fpL8HDIgE1xbCXlMHiXUbp136XLnMTjFlR8f6slDGkAjR33Mlvi5sy4DcMdRobrSucY5FskAERcqcMJjt619Y1NFfEFiMT3l5gU6_LQy6if3COC-ZBA7Rnpg_lgBw/s1600/Feb-1734church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnAokBqwAZGm5J5fpL8HDIgE1xbCXlMHiXUbp136XLnMTjFlR8f6slDGkAjR33Mlvi5sy4DcMdRobrSucY5FskAERcqcMJjt619Y1NFfEFiMT3l5gU6_LQy6if3COC-ZBA7Rnpg_lgBw/s320/Feb-1734church.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">488. Lunch on River Street in Savannah before we headed over to the Retreat Center!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Melissa, Stephanie (our new pastor's wife), Julie, Joy, Debbie, Jennifer)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FcvaWjj2qIRyVTdfhxvbG9KWVlVjT57bro9ONSOn7CfITn0pxIFzp47vtebtsnfIcwy4VZpSTWDcSjfkxpOHuUTag9iij1JVHUWbyB00Cp7LNhveOLbcA2l8tNt6RDnqMMKttZTotl4/s1600/Feb-wm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FcvaWjj2qIRyVTdfhxvbG9KWVlVjT57bro9ONSOn7CfITn0pxIFzp47vtebtsnfIcwy4VZpSTWDcSjfkxpOHuUTag9iij1JVHUWbyB00Cp7LNhveOLbcA2l8tNt6RDnqMMKttZTotl4/s320/Feb-wm1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Leia, Cindy, Teresa, Doris, Charlene, Kathy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-4Nbyqt7J1fOpACE1CrryYzWPaPmckbXuNGVf1cdK-x870kfdaC-nYNQ0bfgN3DKNhl5v1e1VJro5stvDpj-2ZC2sfq1FcCcImVMOtLucLL6fQFzId7reLG1D8DsKfhG_2vNBsA-Zo/s1600/Feb-wm2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-4Nbyqt7J1fOpACE1CrryYzWPaPmckbXuNGVf1cdK-x870kfdaC-nYNQ0bfgN3DKNhl5v1e1VJro5stvDpj-2ZC2sfq1FcCcImVMOtLucLL6fQFzId7reLG1D8DsKfhG_2vNBsA-Zo/s320/Feb-wm2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Taneea, Lanie, Patsy, me)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFzHmfvoeJylVvqQPevkXGCIg1VIdKGl5Nzh3u_byhJz83A3MXRcdlrgdSrxy3eRTalc04i5bhM5c4LlPtMIY8M7OgpUVI5wSEqaDbcrcgkKSsiQFvcWjkBotwB3hNtdhfao71sruI8Q/s1600/Feb-wm3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFzHmfvoeJylVvqQPevkXGCIg1VIdKGl5Nzh3u_byhJz83A3MXRcdlrgdSrxy3eRTalc04i5bhM5c4LlPtMIY8M7OgpUVI5wSEqaDbcrcgkKSsiQFvcWjkBotwB3hNtdhfao71sruI8Q/s320/Feb-wm3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">489. Someone built seats and a pulpit overlooking the river bluff. I can just imagine sitting here for a glorious Easter morning sunrise service.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZIu6ATIWQ16B3IX0K9t1L78DwdiYKUkb5T-vRSkmx6QrLXOmTkNUu7Qo77Zmy7TdYBqvOjI_Gy9NnlNepMxod6h287GRnfI54PG_mzMBW-BtwUotqOkZdBESq35M1XvVaiGQWcqUJjk/s1600/Feb-riverchurch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZIu6ATIWQ16B3IX0K9t1L78DwdiYKUkb5T-vRSkmx6QrLXOmTkNUu7Qo77Zmy7TdYBqvOjI_Gy9NnlNepMxod6h287GRnfI54PG_mzMBW-BtwUotqOkZdBESq35M1XvVaiGQWcqUJjk/s320/Feb-riverchurch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">490. Sweet surprise visit from Jonathan and Jackson this past Saturday - another winter day that felt "just like Spring." And a visit to the farm always requires checking out the cows and chickens...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwbocThAhFRVgX7J0tF9hzTpehyphenhyphenGMQj_e26tHcuyCTg4er6ZW94PlCc7a_HO0VZFtylyBvgEWPWLKPr3sDpktvzRhD_lfnPn9GCbzxEDS_RwY3pv2Xhwy6Dhf_bYB_vya_3hmSUl6_hw/s1600/Feb-JacksonSatatFarm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwbocThAhFRVgX7J0tF9hzTpehyphenhyphenGMQj_e26tHcuyCTg4er6ZW94PlCc7a_HO0VZFtylyBvgEWPWLKPr3sDpktvzRhD_lfnPn9GCbzxEDS_RwY3pv2Xhwy6Dhf_bYB_vya_3hmSUl6_hw/s320/Feb-JacksonSatatFarm.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">491. The sight of these daffodils blooming in my garden always brings me joy - God's glorious creation, gifts of His grace...the promise of a "new season."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHfRgAqx_yHtHzPUdQKjT8t-n6Js0KbfbFL77dd0Z6o42eeIepl_CzhO6EFYYcI26k80eD_PxNB-jlPb1rGX-CpdM8JFGTbZ5nhmmAEe2QoByXlQEjUK6FtbDBk6VWybsvB8BVI9UwJ4/s1600/Feb-daffodils.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHfRgAqx_yHtHzPUdQKjT8t-n6Js0KbfbFL77dd0Z6o42eeIepl_CzhO6EFYYcI26k80eD_PxNB-jlPb1rGX-CpdM8JFGTbZ5nhmmAEe2QoByXlQEjUK6FtbDBk6VWybsvB8BVI9UwJ4/s320/Feb-daffodils.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">492. I've enjoyed watching this beaver dam being built (about 2 miles from our home). My husband pointed it out to me recently. He knows how I enjoy all things "outside by God's creation."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUzGUyy9VFnrYXj4cDF1pDwmOrju3hlOEDxWywj_Eaw2ndcCJzlYCPGQbgUM_u_lYjVaS9bby9cyjDG6QHMgKRogL2yxVJaqbrzbWMAb6DkNG5yP1LuT6WALdjt1bJl8abxfp3BCNVSU/s1600/Feb-beaver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUzGUyy9VFnrYXj4cDF1pDwmOrju3hlOEDxWywj_Eaw2ndcCJzlYCPGQbgUM_u_lYjVaS9bby9cyjDG6QHMgKRogL2yxVJaqbrzbWMAb6DkNG5yP1LuT6WALdjt1bJl8abxfp3BCNVSU/s320/Feb-beaver.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">493. Just finished a baby quilt yesterday for some dear friends awaiting their first grandchild. His nursery is a "John Deere" theme. Yes - yet another John Deer quilt...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBesxjGHweNcx4X3Roo9bc12iLwtaIesQxjHqOi1VIBkKWUxXHwUewXEdr-vwuYiJ9d_50DbxcatneIpUJxL0sOmLOKqhVJJ8eoKE-NysU7nlij4cTkHROB6yC0gZjkBloxCt5ssc1Sk/s1600/Feb-Brycequilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBesxjGHweNcx4X3Roo9bc12iLwtaIesQxjHqOi1VIBkKWUxXHwUewXEdr-vwuYiJ9d_50DbxcatneIpUJxL0sOmLOKqhVJJ8eoKE-NysU7nlij4cTkHROB6yC0gZjkBloxCt5ssc1Sk/s320/Feb-Brycequilt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">494. Have I mentioned how much Travis Cottrell's music blesses me? Can you tell by this iTunes list on my computer? Thankful for his ministry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV2iFfsA6bXS0MgGDOEM2ctnbMFzl1XP_QKNs3OBtVL2QJQr4syezCB8ChwxU6VrDT1F99uMcHfIHsaRmTtrU08tJPNW2UOVMx7LWMDA6MyZN51YSKf8RIrkNa-1XuLjttMfIJOLleC4/s1600/Feb-Cottrellipod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV2iFfsA6bXS0MgGDOEM2ctnbMFzl1XP_QKNs3OBtVL2QJQr4syezCB8ChwxU6VrDT1F99uMcHfIHsaRmTtrU08tJPNW2UOVMx7LWMDA6MyZN51YSKf8RIrkNa-1XuLjttMfIJOLleC4/s320/Feb-Cottrellipod.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">495. Speaking of music, this is little Jackson sitting on the floor near his daddy in the back of our church's worship center listening to his Pop (my husband) leading worship...generational joy! Grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqagpx-vxljUlU0N22FyTIJ-1EHa3csLw3zy0Wc7V38IgtdROigJKkb1M9eRKF7oOXH0J2wIDSnJiaY7WIyLB8O43qq5chyag0RAMDzMe7uFBiDZ3SFIu3_vMh-YstwfEUv-GBIHOZSI/s1600/Feb-JWandJE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqagpx-vxljUlU0N22FyTIJ-1EHa3csLw3zy0Wc7V38IgtdROigJKkb1M9eRKF7oOXH0J2wIDSnJiaY7WIyLB8O43qq5chyag0RAMDzMe7uFBiDZ3SFIu3_vMh-YstwfEUv-GBIHOZSI/s320/Feb-JWandJE.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">496. A wonderful chocolate covered sweet cream-filled heart-shaped donut - yes, I took a picture of my donut and got caught doing so. Didn't bother me one bit. Enjoyed every sweet bite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4t94I_RxYGU9vgnjvYDMruNEiQkSpALUcldV3ZLanAgQOlqnkT6nr8I1xkKutRpJzg44SGSdaHxpFek8xreLBnUviUhmpl-hWgdGKqMwhOKrKPT1cZEHOlK62QV2QboF3tRe8kF_TbY/s1600/Feb-HeartDonut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4t94I_RxYGU9vgnjvYDMruNEiQkSpALUcldV3ZLanAgQOlqnkT6nr8I1xkKutRpJzg44SGSdaHxpFek8xreLBnUviUhmpl-hWgdGKqMwhOKrKPT1cZEHOlK62QV2QboF3tRe8kF_TbY/s320/Feb-HeartDonut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">497. Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs. Springtime cometh. Oh the joy in each of those little planters. It was all I could not to get one of everything. But I restrained. For now. It's still winter. But not for long!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbmW_Psb9cFljwd4qbkpV-CEucSYjCJN5YxY6Z-59ZhaH0LTMuUlW_xyuQ3wmOHNf3c3PEoIxZQkz37UFMw1pMDxL77jus6DubKFkqEOGAa7zwld5liKzUmGYWem6-CJA7pG7top5zYM/s1600/Feb-bulbs-spring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbmW_Psb9cFljwd4qbkpV-CEucSYjCJN5YxY6Z-59ZhaH0LTMuUlW_xyuQ3wmOHNf3c3PEoIxZQkz37UFMw1pMDxL77jus6DubKFkqEOGAa7zwld5liKzUmGYWem6-CJA7pG7top5zYM/s320/Feb-bulbs-spring.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">498. My sister Jean would have celebrated her 52nd birthday this past January 18. I wrote a blog post about Jean's brief life <a href="http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/she-lived-25-yearsshes-been-gone-25.html">here </a>. Her daughter, my niece Amy, is so much like her. Amy was just 3 weeks away from her 2nd birthday when Jean died. She looks more like her momma every single day, especially in this picture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWSp7w8FzT5vz2ae-i-0TV1GDzWC7pKAv5CyAQ4uUYi9Z7BotbFdMBBkqYdI7MWjAV9wlRrO3P0JaIFVLW5Ghj5BB6nPltQZMXjDWJpHTv71OGam21NjKkN3XiXYs4O9y4MmT7DaXLFc/s1600/Feb-AmyJean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWSp7w8FzT5vz2ae-i-0TV1GDzWC7pKAv5CyAQ4uUYi9Z7BotbFdMBBkqYdI7MWjAV9wlRrO3P0JaIFVLW5Ghj5BB6nPltQZMXjDWJpHTv71OGam21NjKkN3XiXYs4O9y4MmT7DaXLFc/s320/Feb-AmyJean.JPG" width="172" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">499. And here is the silly side of me (I am actually silly on all sides) from a trip to Wendy's for lunch...it makes me smile every time I look at it, so I saved it. I love to laugh and be silly, which I hope will help me grow old gracefully. I really pray about that. That I may never lose the wonder of each day. Counting His gifts to 1,000 is sure helping me on the journey. Amen?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaepgh0ChEwIQEUk-zMYcVL-k3kqt24kQ5CpMAb5-BA0Jqx4SFwmGhfTwQUEyl70mcww_jmn-KWLlzol0t8cgm1-2Z_FIQQn-6Z9z869B5KXy7XS9JolVwAwrd91Q7150bJmRA9IuraSM/s1600/Feb-Wendys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaepgh0ChEwIQEUk-zMYcVL-k3kqt24kQ5CpMAb5-BA0Jqx4SFwmGhfTwQUEyl70mcww_jmn-KWLlzol0t8cgm1-2Z_FIQQn-6Z9z869B5KXy7XS9JolVwAwrd91Q7150bJmRA9IuraSM/s320/Feb-Wendys.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May God bless you and hold you close,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI852ZcAzIGyQvCBiCsjymlJ-cx2e_NE6U-l_fjCA7wCesGZo5Rc2HEgMtWBdscpdqjnnN6R5TzugiSsiuO4AZnanjwmd_FWm_qIB52Z-C4A1maxXvzSnFIxtNYyyU-NGLTK2YqjV685o/s1600/GRANJAN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI852ZcAzIGyQvCBiCsjymlJ-cx2e_NE6U-l_fjCA7wCesGZo5Rc2HEgMtWBdscpdqjnnN6R5TzugiSsiuO4AZnanjwmd_FWm_qIB52Z-C4A1maxXvzSnFIxtNYyyU-NGLTK2YqjV685o/s1600/GRANJAN.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Gran Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01510575841672130803noreply@blogger.com3