In March 2011 I was blessed to read the book
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp
I don't know if you have heard of, or even read this sure-to-be classic book, but if you have, you know that it is not an easy read.
The author's life has not been an easy one, nor are the principles set forth in this book-about having gratitude and thankfulness no matter what your circumstances.
The author asks hard questions, and addresses the difficulties in life, while drawing us
to the conclusion that we are to imitate the life of Christ --and be full of gratitude in every thing.
This soul searching book which basis it's principles on scripture, shows us how we can
experience a life of JOY!
The book encourages us to start making a list of gratitude--actually 1,000 of them!
Today, I reached my 1,000th entry!
I chose God's Grace Gifts as the name of my list
What I didn't know when I started this, was how much my life was going to change during this time.
I didn't know that some of the hardest days of my life were going to be faced as I was writing this list.
I didn't know that I would face cancer, financial struggles, & a potentially debilitating illness.
But, God did.
What a perfect time to search my heart daily for gratitude.
For the blessings of that day.
Some days I just was happy to be drawing my next breath--so, I listed that.
This was such an excellent tool to train my heart to look constantly for things that bring joy.
(even on the days I was in pain, or afraid)
I learned to look more closely at the blessings that surround me constantly-that I might have otherwise overlooked!
A Butterfly
Tiny Violets
Motherhood
A smile from a stranger
An unexpected kindness
God's thumbprint on all of His Creation cries out His glory!
This journal helps me to see it--and note it!
I intend to keep on adding to my journal, and hope that I will continue to
cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude to God.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name.Psalm 100:4
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