One Thousand Gifts

Ove the past week I read this book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I had heard about the book from a friend of mine who shared an excerpt with our small group.  In a nutshell, the author shares her story of writing a list of one thousand things she is thankful for in the course of a year. But it is so much more than that.

She has experienced many things in this world that should leave you with a broken spirit, closed and hard hearted. But she has turned toward God and pursued Him with a passion spurred on by an empty and thirsty spirit. She knows he offers her more than what she has . . . and she desperately wants it.

But how do you experience more of God and His gifts when you are up to your elbows in laundry (for her six children), cooking, cleaning, parenting and everything else life squeezes in.

She shares her story. She opens herself up to you as you read of her past, her hurts, and her fears. The language she uses can only be described as "beautiful" and "heart-language." She speaks to your soul - because your soul is thirsting for more of God too (at least mine is). She shares how making a list of gifts turned into an attitude of thankfulness and joy -- even in the midst of the hard times.

I wish reading this would mean I obtained this same thankful spirit she now has. But unfortunately, there is work I have to do in my own heart and mind to achieve it. But at least I know it's possible now! I really enjoyed reading the book and hope to work toward cultivating my own heart of thankfulness.

Ove the past week I read this book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I had heard about the book from a friend of mine who shared an excerpt with our small group.  In a nutshell, the author shares her story of writing a list of one thousand things she is thankful for in the course of a year. But it is so much more than that.

She has experienced many things in this world that should leave you with a broken spirit, closed and hard hearted. But she has turned toward God and pursued Him with a passion spurred on by an empty and thirsty spirit. She knows he offers her more than what she has . . . and she desperately wants it.

But how do you experience more of God and His gifts when you are up to your elbows in laundry (for her six children), cooking, cleaning, parenting and everything else life squeezes in.

She shares her story. She opens herself up to you as you read of her past, her hurts, and her fears. The language she uses can only be described as "beautiful" and "heart-language." She speaks to your soul - because your soul is thirsting for more of God too (at least mine is). She shares how making a list of gifts turned into an attitude of thankfulness and joy -- even in the midst of the hard times.

I wish reading this would mean I obtained this same thankful spirit she now has. But unfortunately, there is work I have to do in my own heart and mind to achieve it. But at least I know it's possible now! I really enjoyed reading the book and hope to work toward cultivating my own heart of thankfulness.