1,000 GIFTS, #595 to #614

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?

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 brevity of our lives. Rest in the assurance that our Blessed Controller has everything well in control.

Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow.

What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor

(a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while

and then disappears [into thin air].

 

596. I wrote my last post from the Metro Worship Conference. 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.

 

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."

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.

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 Keith & Kristyn Getty in concert. "The Power of the Cross," and "In Christ Alone" are two of my all-time favorites. The Gettys are modern hymn writers - what a grace gift.

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 Prestonwood Baptist Church 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...

 

601. We loved our time together at the Dallas Arboretum walking and enjoying the beautiful gardens. She planned so many wonderful things for us that week.

 

602. And a highlight for my soul was the JOY of hearing Sheila Walsh 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. 

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.

 

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.

605. Gardening joys as Spring continues...green beans, tomatoes, butter peas, cucumbers, green peppers, zucchini and yellow squash!

606. Jasmine blooming over my swing is especially sweet...

607. The first hydrangea - what an awesome Creator to bless us with such beauty...

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...



609. Jackson's JOY at every tractor, especially his Pop's...

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 her blog here.

611. Dinner out last week with the "Rincon Retreat" girls. Just sweet fellowship - no agendas other than celebrating the bond of women's ministry.

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!

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.

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...

A GIRL!

Praise God From WHOM All Blessings Flow

Praise Him All Creatures Here Below

Praise Him Above Ye Heavenly Host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen