Monday, February 28, 2011

5 One Thousand Gifts

My sweet friend, Rebecca, gave me this book after amazing women, whom we both look up to, recommended it to us! 
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
And it has been life changing. . .
In short, Ann Voskamp was challenged to write down one thousand blessings in her life and she documents how by writing those blessings, her life was changed.
For those of y'all who want to hear more. . . my whole book is underlined. . . I have not experienced losing a sister or two nephews, like Ann has, but I remember what it was like to lose a friend in college. . . .
"That that which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave." (p22) Are you like me?  Do you lean on God when life is hard far more than when everything is perfect? Father, let me glorify you in ALL aspects of my life and in ALL times. . .
She states that by thanking God for all the little things, when you live a life of thankfulness,  you grow closer to God by recognizing all the blessings he bestows on us daily! We are not guaranteed another second on this earth. . . so each one is a blessing! I love the example of the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. . ."Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:17-19) (p. 38) Christ had healed the ten but SAVED the one who came back to THANK him! Then she compares the parable to her own life. . . she "had said my yes to God, but was really living the no. . . [was she] taking everything in my life and returning to Jesus, falling at His feet and thanking Him." (p. 40) That is so convicting! Do I fall at his feet and thank him for the mundane chores that I do? Do I thank him for the opportunity to do dishes after a lovely meal?
There are so many more stories. . . God passing over Moses is another one of my favorites. . . (p.156) in which she compares how "God reveals himself in rear view mirrors." (p.157) I literally could go on for hours. . . but want you to read the book for yourself! ;-)
I encourage you to start a list of the blessings in your life. . . believe me. . . it will change it! :-)

1. The way my hand fits perfectly into Nate's. . .
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5 comments:

  1. ahhhh i just started this book because of YOU!!!!! LOVE YOU!!! Also, i thik i might need you to guest post on my blog about this post!

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  2. I've heard about this book. I'll have to pick it up!

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  3. I think I know what I need to be reading during these late night feedings!

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  4. So glad you are reading the book! It is so life changing! My list is not that far along, but already I find that I'm beginning to see moments. REally see them! Isn't it wonderful????

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  5. Thank you Cora for your encouragement! :-) God is so good!

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