Six years ago my very favorite relative went home to the Lord.
My grandma was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. The last time I went to visit my grandpa he gave my mom a list that my grandma had written after her surgery. My grandma was so worried that she would lose her ability to read and write after having her surgery. The very first thing my grandma did after having brain surgery was to write down what she was thankful for.
I don't have brain cancer. The very least I can do is to write down a list of the graces He has given me. I'm sure my grandma never thought that anyone would keep that list. But we did, and it is a testament of both her faith and His faithfulness.
And the gifts just keep on coming...
1282) my brothers and their girlfriends all home- everyone together
1283) wonderful co-workers
1284) date nights with my lovey
1285) dark clouds and distant rainbows
1286) cute fabric for a new skirt
1287) surprise summer showers
1288) little old woman in wheelchair at Disneyland wearing sequiny red ears
1289) blue moons
1290) staying up late watching tv and laughing with my brothers
1291) handwritten recipes
1292) new baby-sitting opportunities
1293) getting to work with one of my favorite students
1294) little boys and hatss
1295) memories of my grandma
1296) her gratitude list
"Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breathe in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes, and cricket symphonies, warm winds, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion." John and Stasi Eldridge
Showing posts with label 1000 Gifts List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1000 Gifts List. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Monday, August 22, 2011
1,000 gifts list #1027-1043
I just got home from a week long stay at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. John Muir writes, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike." That is what this trip was. A time to get away from the business of every day life, to breathe in clean fresh air, to laugh and fellowship with friends, to marvel at the beauty God has created.
The gifts continue, at home or away on vacation. In the jungle of a city that I live in or the rawness of wild land hundreds of miles away. It is beautiful, the way my Father coordinates things. :) One of the most memorable moments of my trip was a night in which I had just finished doing dishes and felt such a longing to worship. All of a sudden I heard music from a couple of campsites away and it was worship music! I gathered up my courage to go ask complete strangers if I could join them and they kindly said yes. It was a beautiful night singing praises to my Jesus under a blanket of stars and in the shadows of magnificent Redwoods. J
1027) mist on tree tops
1028) warm camping breakfast
1029) his little "I love you" touches
1030) shafts of light through giant Redwoods
1031) late night campfire chats
1032) study Bibles
1033) boys and their walking sticks/staffs
1034) feathery ferns
1035) banana slugs in jars
1038) bundling up close to him during campfire chat
1039) mug of hot tea
1040) spider webs across trails
1041) worship songs around campfires
1042) universal believers, the binding tie of Jesus
1043) trees that take your breath away and the blood that was shed on the Tree that took my sins away
Sunday, April 24, 2011
1,000 gifts list #895-905
Monday, April 11, 2011
why thankfulness really matters (1,000 gifts list #s 876-885)
It was April fool's day that the heartbreaking news reached our ears. My parents and I had just gotten home from Bible study, a study about giving thanks in every season of our life, no matter what the circumstance. The message machine was beeping and my mom pressed the play button and our world changed. The voice of my Grandpa filled the room and his straight forward words, "I have some pretty bad news. I have stomach cancer." felt like a punch in the gut. The mind races to four years ago when a similar call from my Grandma, his wife, came and we learned she had brain cancer. She went to be with Jesus not six months later.As my mom and I held each other and cried she whispered these words to me, "give thanks, give thanks."
In that moment giving thanks was the last thing I wanted to do. Giving thanks was no where on my radar. I felt bitterness and anger welling up inside of me, my own cancer, eating away at my soul. We cried. We talked a bit. My parents went to bed.
I know the cure to bitterness and anger. I know it because I've been practicing it for over a year. But you see, the cure is not a magic pill you take once and the cure lasts forever. No, it's a practice. A daily practice. Much like physical exercise once you stop the muscles lose their strength. It's a cure that only works if it is practiced daily.
My mom and I had both just finished reading Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 Gifts. We each have a gratitude journal but I knew that this practice would help everyone in our family, not just my mom and I. I also knew that there was no way that my brothers would just start writing in a journal if I gave them one. I needed somewhere where our family could practice eucharisteo together. Iron sharpens iron and this practice of giving thanks with each other can only help to heal the broken pieces inside of us and isn't life just easier when we do things together?
So I choose a spot in our house where everyone frequents and I take a long roll of butcher paper. I choose a verse that fits where my family is in the here and now and write it on top, along with some quotes from Ann and these simple instructions, "giving thanks, all of us, together, one by one."
I scratch out a couple of gifts on the list, mostly just to demonstrate what I mean, and as I write, as I am forced to think of the ways He loves my heart is lightened. I think I am beginning to see that all IS grace. With that recognition I am able to understand more fully the words of that famous song, "amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."
I am overjoyed as I watch the list grow. I love that it is on our fridge and I also love that those who are not in our family feel free to add to the list.
I replaced the paper last night. Collectively we had recorded 49 gifts and it was time for a fresh start. I put up a new piece of paper, a new verse and a new quote. And the journey continues because we can never out thank God for the many gifts He's given us!
My list continued, looking forward to breaking 1,000!
876) the face that the size of the tumor does not determine the presence of the Savior!
877) Jared's music filling the house
878) clean microwaves
879) blustery days!
880) roses in bloom, everywhere!
881) rain and sun together!
882) Daddy home :)
883) modern day technology
884) grace, grace, always grace
885) so many different people's handwriting on the list :)
In that moment giving thanks was the last thing I wanted to do. Giving thanks was no where on my radar. I felt bitterness and anger welling up inside of me, my own cancer, eating away at my soul. We cried. We talked a bit. My parents went to bed.
I know the cure to bitterness and anger. I know it because I've been practicing it for over a year. But you see, the cure is not a magic pill you take once and the cure lasts forever. No, it's a practice. A daily practice. Much like physical exercise once you stop the muscles lose their strength. It's a cure that only works if it is practiced daily.
My mom and I had both just finished reading Ann Voskamp's book 1,000 Gifts. We each have a gratitude journal but I knew that this practice would help everyone in our family, not just my mom and I. I also knew that there was no way that my brothers would just start writing in a journal if I gave them one. I needed somewhere where our family could practice eucharisteo together. Iron sharpens iron and this practice of giving thanks with each other can only help to heal the broken pieces inside of us and isn't life just easier when we do things together?
So I choose a spot in our house where everyone frequents and I take a long roll of butcher paper. I choose a verse that fits where my family is in the here and now and write it on top, along with some quotes from Ann and these simple instructions, "giving thanks, all of us, together, one by one."
I am overjoyed as I watch the list grow. I love that it is on our fridge and I also love that those who are not in our family feel free to add to the list.
I replaced the paper last night. Collectively we had recorded 49 gifts and it was time for a fresh start. I put up a new piece of paper, a new verse and a new quote. And the journey continues because we can never out thank God for the many gifts He's given us!
My list continued, looking forward to breaking 1,000!
876) the face that the size of the tumor does not determine the presence of the Savior!
877) Jared's music filling the house
878) clean microwaves
879) blustery days!
880) roses in bloom, everywhere!
881) rain and sun together!
882) Daddy home :)
883) modern day technology
884) grace, grace, always grace
885) so many different people's handwriting on the list :)
Monday, February 14, 2011
1,000 Gifts list #801-810
I am big sister to two younger brothers. I've been blessed to see them learn, grow, and mature, both physically but spiritually as well. My youngest brother, Jared, is turning into an awesome young man for the Lord. I'm so proud to be his sister. He is extremly funny, talented, and kind. He is such a big part of my family's life and he is a hoot. He's always doing or saying something that can make us laugh. He's easy going and fun to be around. I blogged about how he tried to tame while squirrels a while ago. He made a sock puppet Thursday night...and thought it was the best thing ever. And, just last week, he gave a picture of a wizard that he drew to an In'n'Out employee while going through drive thru. He's something else... :)
801) Jared going to Haiti on his first mission trip!
802) playing his songs for me on the piano and asking my opinion
803) buttons and socks and thread
804) crazy laughter
805) his wizard pictures taped up everywhere
806) his music constantly filling the house
807) him and his trend setting ways
808) always making me laugh
809) finding his Bible all around the house, pages highlighted
810) his fascination of all things Indian
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder
801) Jared going to Haiti on his first mission trip!
802) playing his songs for me on the piano and asking my opinion
803) buttons and socks and thread
804) crazy laughter
805) his wizard pictures taped up everywhere
806) his music constantly filling the house
807) him and his trend setting ways
808) always making me laugh
809) finding his Bible all around the house, pages highlighted
810) his fascination of all things Indian
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder
Monday, February 7, 2011
1,000 Gifts List #779-789
It's been nearly five years ago that I sat on stage in a gold robe and graduated from highschool. It's been five long years or studying, papers, and test taking and I recently just transfered to a four year college.
I sat across from my advisor last week and listened to her list off all the classes that I was told to take that now don't count for anything once I actually reached my end goal. And I felt myself crumbling inside. The voices start popping up inside my head, "What a loser. Look at all your friends who are already done. You're never going to finish. What a let down you are."
I count the classes I have to take, four in total, before I can actually start the core of my major. Four more classes. I am frusterated, but I can do this.
I look online for the classes I need, determined to get them done and out of the way, and my heart sinks even further. All general education classes. All offered during the time that I work. I can't graduate without these classes, but I can't quit my job for a ten week course either. I come up with a plan that involves switching work shifts with a co-worker on certain days for ten weeks and just hope that my co-worker will be willing to do so.
I approach my co-woker and explain my situation and her response is a brief, "I'm sorry, I don't want to." She walks away and I feel the panic rising and I begin to panic more because it is such a struggle to keep myself calm.
In an act of desperation I ask my last resort, another co-worker, who I know it will be a sacrifice for her to switch. She looks at me and with such grace says these simple words, "Yes. I'll switch with you. I don't mind." And I find myself bursting into tears in the middle of an elementary school lunch room as all that pent up worry is relieved. I am humbled by the sacrifice and the tears just keep streaming and I feel ridiculous for crying over a biology class and in the middle of work, none the less.
And Ann's words pop into my head and I remember. "Life is not an emergency." And I know that if I am full of grattitude I am not full of stress or worry...and I count...continue to count, to hang onto these God graces, my life line...
779) Brenda and her grace
780) the gentle reminder that "life is not an emergency!" and the truth behind those words!
781) each class taken means one less to do
782) long chats with Dragica and her encouraging words
783) understanding teacher at work
784) tears of relief
785) innocent and sincere thank you's from a sweet thrid grade girl
786) hands holded completed cross stitch- months of hard work coming to fruition!
787) dreams of a beautiful friend's beginning to take shape
788) baby blankets to make!
789) items crossed off of a check list- just focusing on one thing at a time!
I sat across from my advisor last week and listened to her list off all the classes that I was told to take that now don't count for anything once I actually reached my end goal. And I felt myself crumbling inside. The voices start popping up inside my head, "What a loser. Look at all your friends who are already done. You're never going to finish. What a let down you are."
I count the classes I have to take, four in total, before I can actually start the core of my major. Four more classes. I am frusterated, but I can do this.
I look online for the classes I need, determined to get them done and out of the way, and my heart sinks even further. All general education classes. All offered during the time that I work. I can't graduate without these classes, but I can't quit my job for a ten week course either. I come up with a plan that involves switching work shifts with a co-worker on certain days for ten weeks and just hope that my co-worker will be willing to do so.
I approach my co-woker and explain my situation and her response is a brief, "I'm sorry, I don't want to." She walks away and I feel the panic rising and I begin to panic more because it is such a struggle to keep myself calm.
In an act of desperation I ask my last resort, another co-worker, who I know it will be a sacrifice for her to switch. She looks at me and with such grace says these simple words, "Yes. I'll switch with you. I don't mind." And I find myself bursting into tears in the middle of an elementary school lunch room as all that pent up worry is relieved. I am humbled by the sacrifice and the tears just keep streaming and I feel ridiculous for crying over a biology class and in the middle of work, none the less.
And Ann's words pop into my head and I remember. "Life is not an emergency." And I know that if I am full of grattitude I am not full of stress or worry...and I count...continue to count, to hang onto these God graces, my life line...
779) Brenda and her grace
780) the gentle reminder that "life is not an emergency!" and the truth behind those words!
781) each class taken means one less to do
782) long chats with Dragica and her encouraging words
783) understanding teacher at work
784) tears of relief
785) innocent and sincere thank you's from a sweet thrid grade girl
786) hands holded completed cross stitch- months of hard work coming to fruition!
787) dreams of a beautiful friend's beginning to take shape
788) baby blankets to make!
789) items crossed off of a check list- just focusing on one thing at a time!
Monday, January 31, 2011
1,000 gifts 760-770
It is the simpliest things in life that bring the most pleasure. Counting them as they happen, one after the other...
760) sweet boyfriend offering to take out the trash for me on a day that I'm exhausted
761) delicious chai tea latte
762) streamers waving in the air as child runs with homemade kite
763) braclets that jingle
764) raindrops on window pane
765) community
766) health
767) coupons
768) shoes with bows
769) life, full, and abudant!
770) new board games
"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise." Robert Robinson
760) sweet boyfriend offering to take out the trash for me on a day that I'm exhausted
761) delicious chai tea latte
762) streamers waving in the air as child runs with homemade kite
763) braclets that jingle
764) raindrops on window pane
765) community
766) health
767) coupons
768) shoes with bows
769) life, full, and abudant!
770) new board games
"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise." Robert Robinson
Monday, January 24, 2011
1,000 gifts list 743-753
I just finished reading Ann's book, One Thousand Gifts, and she writes about combating emotions in like stress and anger with the emotion of grattitude. Up until now I've never done that. I've simply gone through my day looking for His graces during the good times. I laugh in wonder now, have I been missing the point the whole time? Of course I can see his gifts when I am happy, laid back, relaxed, ready to look. But when I'm angry, upset, anxious, or stressed? Does that mean that God's gifts are now gone? Of course not!
So as I've gone through these past couple of days and I'm starting to feel any of those emotions I stop, wrack my brain, and say...
Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Thank you for...
743) memory work laminated and on a metal ring
744) wet erase markers that don't stain lamination
745) hide-and-go-seek in the house and sqeals of laughter
746) socked feet slipping and sliding on hard wood flors
747) sitting close to him to keep warm while eating outside on a January night
748) Mario's eyes wide with adoration for sweet boyfriend
749) secret valentines at work
750) prayers whispered in the dark
751) automatic candles that are programmed to come on every night and flicker in the dark
752) shoes piled high in entry way of Cindy's house for Friday night Bible study
753) words gobbled down and then available to re-read and savor
"Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God's creation, redemption, and gift of heaven." Alexander Schmemann
So as I've gone through these past couple of days and I'm starting to feel any of those emotions I stop, wrack my brain, and say...
Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Thank you for...
743) memory work laminated and on a metal ring
744) wet erase markers that don't stain lamination
745) hide-and-go-seek in the house and sqeals of laughter
746) socked feet slipping and sliding on hard wood flors
747) sitting close to him to keep warm while eating outside on a January night
748) Mario's eyes wide with adoration for sweet boyfriend
749) secret valentines at work
750) prayers whispered in the dark
751) automatic candles that are programmed to come on every night and flicker in the dark
752) shoes piled high in entry way of Cindy's house for Friday night Bible study
753) words gobbled down and then available to re-read and savor
"Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God's creation, redemption, and gift of heaven." Alexander Schmemann
Monday, January 17, 2011
1,000 gifts list 716-726
Seven hundred and thirty seven gifts. That is what I have recorded so far. And seven hundred and thirty seven gifts later, I am still blown away. This practice of soaking in, looking, waiting, eagerly anticipating, what is to come has made me more aware and alive then I ever thought possible. It is those quiet, unexpected moments, that captivate you, make you stop and stand still and I regret not starting this practice sooner, regret all those gifts that I wasted, un noticed, flown by, never able to fully appreciate. But that was then and this now and I am trying to force my eyes open, to take a deep breath and look around and truly see what is before and around me, His love continously pouring over me. And the graces continue...
716) acorns and acron hats
717) co worker you really, truley, enjoy
718) first four verses of Colossians- almost memorized!
719) tech savy boyfriends
720) thick interfacing
721) fabric sales
722) flint and steel and tinder and a brother who loves those things
723) Jared on the piano and Jason on the guitar
724) bonfires in the back yard
725) very imperfect trial run of a sewing project- lessons learned
726) sparking apple cider in single serving sized bottles
"People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea,
at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular
motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering... Now, let us
acknowledge the wonder of our physical incarnation— that we are here, in these
particular bodies, at this particular time, in these particular circumstances.
May we never take for granted the gift of our individuality."
— Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
716) acorns and acron hats
717) co worker you really, truley, enjoy
718) first four verses of Colossians- almost memorized!
719) tech savy boyfriends
720) thick interfacing
721) fabric sales
722) flint and steel and tinder and a brother who loves those things
723) Jared on the piano and Jason on the guitar
724) bonfires in the back yard
725) very imperfect trial run of a sewing project- lessons learned
726) sparking apple cider in single serving sized bottles
"People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea,
at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular
motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering... Now, let us
acknowledge the wonder of our physical incarnation— that we are here, in these
particular bodies, at this particular time, in these particular circumstances.
May we never take for granted the gift of our individuality."
— Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
Monday, January 10, 2011
1,000 gifts list 705-715
Only in January, in California, can my list contain images of snow covered mountains and fall leaves... I suppose there are some simple joys of living here after all :)
705) pink snow covered mountains from setting sun
706) heart shaped crimson leaf
707) cute dollar notecards
708) new faces at smallgroup
709) nachos
710) thick, creamy, lotion
711) good home made carmel recipe
712) trip planning
713) cute, free, tutorials
714) three day weekend and fun things planned
715) sweet boyfring taking care of me when I'm sick
"I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground
For His love that's all around
That's why I say thanks everyday!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cuz He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!" - Annie from the Veggie Tales movie "Madame Blueberry"
705) pink snow covered mountains from setting sun
706) heart shaped crimson leaf
707) cute dollar notecards
708) new faces at smallgroup
709) nachos
710) thick, creamy, lotion
711) good home made carmel recipe
712) trip planning
713) cute, free, tutorials
714) three day weekend and fun things planned
715) sweet boyfring taking care of me when I'm sick
"I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground
For His love that's all around
That's why I say thanks everyday!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cuz He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!" - Annie from the Veggie Tales movie "Madame Blueberry"
Monday, January 3, 2011
1,000 gifts list 684-694
A new year, a new day, new graces. It's a beautiful thing to know that His mercies are new every morning. I am looking forward this year to continuing on this journey, eyes open and aware of the love he lavishes on me daily. Just some of the few gifts that were poured out upon me during this holiday season...
684) cami's with lace
685) possible snow on Christmas!
686) mom coming to Arkansas with us
687) crackling of a good fire
688)Grandpa and his wheel of fortune comments
689) seeing something I know I can re-create cheaply
690) Jason and "second dinners"
691) lots of iced tea
692) blue wintery Arkansas sky
693) drip drip drip of rain
694) blankets piled high on my bed
Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness
is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.
Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.
John Henry Jowett (1864-1923)
684) cami's with lace
685) possible snow on Christmas!
686) mom coming to Arkansas with us
687) crackling of a good fire
688)Grandpa and his wheel of fortune comments
689) seeing something I know I can re-create cheaply
690) Jason and "second dinners"
691) lots of iced tea
692) blue wintery Arkansas sky
693) drip drip drip of rain
694) blankets piled high on my bed
Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness
is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.
Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.
John Henry Jowett (1864-1923)
Monday, October 4, 2010
1000 gifts list 589-599
589) house full of family visiting
590) picture coming out better than expected
591) pumpkins on the vine
592) corn stalks high
593) weather finally cooling off
594) him in his sweatshirt
595) getting to share an exciting new time with Shan
596) almost time to add a new blanket to my bed
597) Christmas present ideas
598) sitting close to him and feeling his body shake with laughter
599) talking to Lizbeth on the phone for over an hour
From David learn to give thanks for everything. Every furrow in the book of Psalms is sown with the seeds of thanksgiving. -Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667)
Monday, August 16, 2010
1,000 gifts list 494-502
494) all my quilt stuff baught!
495) raspberries blown on legs and laughter that follows
496) wisdom of 4 year olds
497) songs sung in Italian
498) advil working on headaches
499) baby talking in his sleep
500) halfway to 1,000!
501) buzz of cicadas on a hot August day
502) Wal Mart ice cream
Gratitude is a living reality. A seeker has to know that his most powerful capacity is gratitude. What God has is infinite Compassion and what we have is gratitude. God's gift to man is infinite Compassion and our gift to God is an iota of gratitude to be placed at His Feet. Gratitude-power can never be surpassed. It is the only satisfaction we can offer God. This is not because God needs our gratitude but because He needs ample opportunity to enter into us in a more effective way, and gratitude increases our heart's receptivity.
(From A God-Lover's Earth-Heaven Life )
(From A God-Lover's Earth-Heaven Life )
Monday, May 24, 2010
1,000 gifts list 350-360
350) Palmer style cursive
351) old typewriters
352) history
353) pajama days
354) planted flowers, still alive!
355) birthday pies
356) unread books
357) swollen, pregnant bellies
358) misty May mornings
359) mama and papa goose with little gooslings
360) boyfriend in jeans
"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you." Sarah Ban Breathnach
Friday, April 23, 2010
1000 Gifts List 295-305
295) old men playing traditional music
296) sky mirrored on lake
297) lambs in spring
298) Dingle Peninsula
299) rows of different colored buildings
300) web cams
301) blue skies
302) big towels
303) Irish wit and humor
304) yellow wildflowers on country roads
305) laughing with best friend
"The unthankful heart...discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day, as the magnet finds the irons, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" Henry Ward Beecher
296) sky mirrored on lake
297) lambs in spring
298) Dingle Peninsula
299) rows of different colored buildings
300) web cams
301) blue skies
302) big towels
303) Irish wit and humor
304) yellow wildflowers on country roads
305) laughing with best friend
"The unthankful heart...discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day, as the magnet finds the irons, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" Henry Ward Beecher
Monday, March 22, 2010
1,000 gifts list 250-260
250) orange poppies sprouting up through a crack in the concrete
251) black and white photos
252) flourishing flowers
253) new carpet squishing under bare feet
254) sight of boyfriend changing his oil
255) packing and planning for trips
256) birdfeeder full of seeds
257) pretty toes
258) lots of people at funeral celebrating Kay's life
259) building a family tree
260) amazing architecture
"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present whithin it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize Him...see [your life] for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredome and pain of it no less than in the exciemtnet and gladness: touch, taste, and smell your way to teh holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." Don Stephens
251) black and white photos
252) flourishing flowers
253) new carpet squishing under bare feet
254) sight of boyfriend changing his oil
255) packing and planning for trips
256) birdfeeder full of seeds
257) pretty toes
258) lots of people at funeral celebrating Kay's life
259) building a family tree
260) amazing architecture
"There is no event so commonplace but that God is present whithin it, always hiddenly, always leaving you room to recognize Him...see [your life] for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredome and pain of it no less than in the exciemtnet and gladness: touch, taste, and smell your way to teh holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." Don Stephens
Monday, February 22, 2010
1,000 gifts list 157-161
On this sunny February morning I turn to my once a month post of my 1,000 gifts list. My heart is overwhelmed as I look at the pages of gifts, listed one by one. And I am even more overwhelmed as I contemplate all the missed gifts, the glossed over gifts, gifts that were lovingly placed in my life in which I was just to busy, to jaded, to lazy to notice. But here are some I did notice and I will continue to look and see the abounding gifts from the Father.
157) the hum of a sewing machine
158) raw material turning into something beautiful
159) soft glow of a candle
160) cute fabric
161) Nikki howling when jared plays the piano
157) the hum of a sewing machine
158) raw material turning into something beautiful
159) soft glow of a candle
160) cute fabric
161) Nikki howling when jared plays the piano
Friday, January 22, 2010
1,000 Gifts list 146-150
146) the sound of the school bell ringing
147) the rythmic slap of a jump rope hitting the ground
148) a new reader sounding out words
149) waking up to rain and thunder
150) sunset reflecting off of waves
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:26
147) the rythmic slap of a jump rope hitting the ground
148) a new reader sounding out words
149) waking up to rain and thunder
150) sunset reflecting off of waves
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1 Corinthians 10:26
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
1,000 Gifts List
It has been a while since I have written, and I must say I have missed it dearly. Writing does something for me that nothing else can. To pour thoughts from head onto page and see the jumbled mess inside my head neaty written on paper (or computer screen!) is a wonderful thing indeed.
As things start to settle down, with finals done and on break from work I hope to write more regularly once again. And, while I have not been writing, those that I follow have been.
I am constantly blown away by Ann Voskamp and the wonderful way in which she finds Jesus in the every day, seeks Him, yearns for Him, and then so eloquently and beautifuly puts into words what she is feeling, seeing, hearing, experiencing.
She had written about a list that she has, the 1000 Gifts List. It is quite simple really, the goal is to find Jesus in the ordinary, the every day. For, isn't it written, "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights..." It is about quieting yourself and and taking the time to recognize those gifts.
I, along with many others, have decided to join Ann in this gift recognizing. I have always loved lists, and have been known to make lists of things I am thankful for before, but never to this extent. I have a beautiful little journal that I am keeping record of them in and today I reached 100. Here is a glimpse of just a few of the many gifts I recieve daily.
55) warm blankets
56) biscuits and gravy
57) long car rieds with wonderful boyfriend
58) Godly women that blog
59) Christmas songs that speak of Jesus' birth
60) music that moves my soul
61) Apples to Apples
62) shared laughter
63) good pictures
64) my mom who helped me clean before I had guests over
65) jackets lovingly sacrificed for my comfort
And you? What would be on your list?
As things start to settle down, with finals done and on break from work I hope to write more regularly once again. And, while I have not been writing, those that I follow have been.
I am constantly blown away by Ann Voskamp and the wonderful way in which she finds Jesus in the every day, seeks Him, yearns for Him, and then so eloquently and beautifuly puts into words what she is feeling, seeing, hearing, experiencing.
She had written about a list that she has, the 1000 Gifts List. It is quite simple really, the goal is to find Jesus in the ordinary, the every day. For, isn't it written, "Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights..." It is about quieting yourself and and taking the time to recognize those gifts.
I, along with many others, have decided to join Ann in this gift recognizing. I have always loved lists, and have been known to make lists of things I am thankful for before, but never to this extent. I have a beautiful little journal that I am keeping record of them in and today I reached 100. Here is a glimpse of just a few of the many gifts I recieve daily.
55) warm blankets
56) biscuits and gravy
57) long car rieds with wonderful boyfriend
58) Godly women that blog
59) Christmas songs that speak of Jesus' birth
60) music that moves my soul
61) Apples to Apples
62) shared laughter
63) good pictures
64) my mom who helped me clean before I had guests over
65) jackets lovingly sacrificed for my comfort
And you? What would be on your list?
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