One Thousand Gifts.

A few weeks ago I was talking with my friend and teammate Anna. During our conversation she handed me a book. One Thousand Gifts; A dare to live fully right where you are {Ann Voskamp}. I haven't finished it yet, in fact I'm probably only about half way through. But I already have to tell you about this book, so you can pick up a copy and start reading.

I love this book for so many reasons. Ann is a poetic writer. Her words speak straight to my heart. This book is brutal but beautiful. It is challenging me to seek God in new ways. It asks those hard questions and makes me think.

"Life is not an emergency, life is a gift! Just. Slow. Down!!!" -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

I also love this book is because I am a list person. I love making them. I love crossing off items. I love completing them. I love everything about lists. But this is no ordinary list. It's a dare. A dare to find beauty in a cruel and dying world. A dare to give thanks...in ALL things. A dare to fall in love with Jesus all over again. To see his character in a way I have never experienced. To put myself aside and bask in the good that He is.

"The only place we need to see before we die is this place of seeing God, here and now." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

This book has completely changed my perspective. I can't help but see life in a new light. Slowly but surely, it's transforming my mind and my heart to see the beauty all around me. To experience true JOY.

"Thanksgiving makes time. Give thanks, slow down time with all of your attention and time multiplies." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Eucharisteo. It means Thanksgiving...and inside of this word we find Chara or Joy. I'm learning how to find Joy inside of Thanksgiving! It's a process and it's hard. But it's so worth it.


"Every breath is a battle between grudgery and gratitude. Give thanks, and you win JOY!" -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

I want to experience the fullness of who God is. I don't want to miss out anymore because of my ungratefulness or a bad attitude.

"The way to give thanks in all things: give thanks in this one small thing. The moments add up." -Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

I want to give thanks for the gifts God has given me. I want to notice the beauty all around me, in the big things and the small. I desire to know more of Him.

I've started my list of 1,000 things...1,000 gifts. I'm ready to live fully, right where I am. Starting today I will be participating in "Multitudes on Mondays" and sharing some of my list!

• Reading, understanding and having a new found joy through this book.
• A quiet room in a coffee shop.
• A new journal waiting to be filled with thanksgivings and blessings.
• An unexpected check. {God's provision}
• A Beautiful, sunny, breezy day.
• Poolside, reading a book.
• Ping Pong with friends
• Walking barefoot in soft sand.
• "Sometimes I worship God myself! I'm worshiping God already!" -Daniel {4 years old}
• Made up songs.
• Childlike worship. Honest worship.
• Worship in a living room.
• Dancing wind.
• Packing hats for the very first Krochet Kids Peru shipment.
• A clean bathroom, new rug, new shower curtain.
• Fluffy pillows.
• Having more than enough.
• Game night/pizza with the leaders.
• Sitting on the roof with coffee, bible and journals.
• Rugby sitting at my feet.

I encourage you to join me! What are you thankful for?