One Thousand Gifts

Last January my friend Polly gave me a book called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.  In October my friend Erika sent me the same book.  I decided maybe I should read it!  So, in February I started reading and I'm not going to lie...it is slow going.  I don't get many opportunities to sit and read these days!  But I'm plugging away at it and in the mean time telling everyone I meet about this book and the incredible help it has been to me as we wade through the uncertainty which is currently our life!  Now, I would like to preface this post by saying that I'm not a Voskamp disciple...she is just a lady, albeit with a profound knack for putting "feelings" onto paper, but nonetheless...just a lady.  I don't think she would choose to be uplifted to the pedestal some feel belongs to her and if she does I don't want to know...I choose to think her humble. 
I'm realizing that this book is hard to summarize, but if I could it would be this: through the hardships and the joy of life we are given good gifts every day from a good God.  When we intentionally look for these gifts and give thanks to the One who gives all things our lives will radically change.  Discontent and fear, anger and jealous cannot live in a thankful heart.  A good God cannot give bad things...although it sometimes feels bad it is only because our perspective is skewed by the here and now of this earthly home.  I'm trying to intentionally look beyond the pain and dispair of today and thank God for all of His good gifts to me.  Will you join me?
I would like to blog my list of 1000 gifts (don't worry, I won't share all 1000)!  I'm no photographer, but I may try to add some of that too!  I would love to hear from all of you!  What are you thankful for today?  Are you sharing it with those around you? There is no better way to spread God's steadfast love than to express the good gifts God has given you.  I promise your attitude will change when gratitude is your attitude!
OK...ready, set go!

1. Thick mist across my backyard.

4. The sight of a sleepy 3 yr. old first thing in the morning.

5. Baby Smiles!

15. A quiet house.

24. Dates with my hubby.

 

49. Green Latte' mug all skinny and tall bringing my morning "fix".

50. "There are no strangers, there are no outcasts, there are no orphans of God".

My goal will be one post a week...continuing my list!  What are you thankful for today?