I started the list January 1st. I’ve counted 247 gifts. I’ll keep listing them out one by one until I reach one thousand.
Writing down gifts crowds out darkness and depression. It keeps my focus on the One who has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. I want gratitude to crowd out any ungratefulness in my heart.
Each gift a symbol of His grace.
#221 Witnessing the sun bursting through clouds from the airplane window.
#226 A vibrant red bird – a speck of glory in the pines.
#234 More daylight hours.
#235 An encouraging email from a blog reader at exactly the moment I needed it.
#238 When his little hand reaches for mine.
#242 The fizzing of a Dr Pepper poured over ice.
Ann Voskamp says, Our fall is always first a failure to give thanks….First, I thank my God…that’s what it reads in Romans 1. The Farmer readers it slow, what should always come in the beginning.”
Counting gifts brings heart change.
When you write them out, no matter how big or how small, you stay connected to the heart of God.
**Today I will give away two copies of Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. For your chance to win, simply leave a comment and share the gifts God has blessed you with today.
** I am linking up with Lisa Jo for Five Minute Friday. You can join the fun and get a dose of encouragement here.
What an interesting concept. I love it. I am presently try to focus on all the positives around me and you have encouraged me to make it a definite list.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Heather
Heather – I have really enjoyed making the list! Have you read Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts”? If not, maybe you will win it today! It’s a great read.
Glad you were encouraged today.
Thanks for stopping by!
Love this idea!
Gift #1: access to quality medical care when I need it
2) my super cute lunch date
3) having a super flexible schedule as a SAHM
Jenny – Have you read “One Thousand Gifts”?
Lovely post and perspective on this week’s FMF prompt. I too used “crowd” as a verb, not even realizing it until a fellow FMF participant pointed it out. I have to say that my heart overflowed with gratefulness as I witnessed a giant pumpkin orange moon setting over the bay this morning as I drove back in darkness over the three mile bridge after dropping my husband at the airport. The heavens were declaring His glory and, at your prompting, so will I! Thanks….
Lisa – I love your description of the pumpkin orange moon. What an amazing reminder of His splendor. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Jennifer
So, I actually bought 1000 Gifts (I love Ann Voskamp’s blog!), but haven’t read it yet. That said, every November I do this- count the little ordinary blessings of the day (I’m a Coca Cola girl, but over ice? mmm…). I wonder why I limit myself to just that month, though. Next time I get in a funk, I think I’ll starting counting away and praising the Father!
Sarah – counting gifts this year has totally shifted my perspective to the things that truly matter and to God’s amazing grace in my life. I encourage you to count gifts all year long. I hope you enjoy reading Ann’s book. It’s super great!
Thanks for stopping by my blog…
This is so great! I love this idea. I am going to have to incorporate this into my daily journal. It’s so easy to only see the negatives.
Kelly –
It’s really an awesome thing. It keeps your mind and heart focused on all the positive . All the blessings we have. Speaking of that, I have some items to add to my list! 🙂