One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is one of those books.
About ten years ago I first read Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell. I have since reread it about twenty times. About five or six years ago I first read Created to Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. While I have only read the entire book, cover to cover, once, there are parts of it that I have read and reread numerous times. Both of those books are those kinds of books. The kind of books that you mark in, underline passages, carry around with you to read in your spare time....the kind of book that ends up with spills, water drops, and dirt on it and inside of it--all signs of a book that is really read.
I am about two-thirds through with One Thousand Gifts, and it is really a good book. My sister-in-law, Megan, sent it to me a while back, and I am ashamed to say that I did not make time to begin reading it until two days ago. (I am currently swamped with reading my children's Sonlight books). Already this book has changed my moment to moment thinking. Ann has put into words the struggles that I feel on a daily basis. I know that thanksgiving produces joy. I tell my children and other people this all the time. But, I from time to time forget to apply this principle in my daily life. But it is so true!
Thanksgiving produces joy.
Every time. Being thankful for every moment, every crisis (small or earth-shattering), every smile, every mess, every single thing.
I have much more to say about this book and this concept of being thankful. I hope to share my thoughts about One Thousand Gifts and my study of the book of James in the future.
Why don't you join me in looking for things to be thankful for today? All day.
Thankful that I made it through cardio power and resistance day before yesterday without stopping once or even putting my knee down for a moment during moving push-ups! : ) I agree, it's a great book! Glad you're enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteCelee
We do have so much to be thankful for in every circumstance we encounter! We continued to be so thankful that God saved Lauren's family for the tornado by having James plan a birthday trip for her. And even during the early morning hours today Chase came down with a bad case of croup! I am thankful that they are here and that I was able to take care of him. Otherwise Lauren would have headed to the hospital. He is much better this morning, but if they had been at home Lauren would have had to deal with this by herself....and all three little ones. So thankful!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this book. It has been life changing for me too, have you seen her blog? she has amazing stuff there too - lots of Momma encouragement. I am SO thankful today that despite everything - we are home, together, and the gorgeous birds that greeted our ears this morning upon waking. Sunshine
ReplyDeleteI feel that same way about Created To Be His Helpmeet. A friend just loaned it to me and I can see already that it is going to be a life changer. One Thousand Gifts was loaned to me during a period in which I was currently reading Managers of Their Homes and I fully intend on purchasing it for myself and reading it. Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit is also on my to buy list. I just love those books that are essential for motherhood and life in general. Have you bought Organized Simplicity? That is also another helpful book that I just encouraged Celee to buy and we are working on that challenge together.
ReplyDeleteTold you it would change you. :) I'm thankful for this infertility journey. Though it wasn't pleasant, I've never felt more loved and covered in prayer as we do now. I am beyond excited about what His plans are! Thankful for the simple apartment life. Thankful for freshly painted recycled furniture for the nursery. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm reading it now too. About halfway through. I need to remember that the Lord wants me to thank Him right in the middle of where He has me right now.
ReplyDeleteRoan,
ReplyDeleteI read back in the Fall and re-read with the online book club at (in)courage. This book had transformed the way I look at my everday. I've begun my gift list and am excited to be in the 800's. (I link my list weekly at Ann's blog). I definately have written, underlined, highlighted, etc. You will enjoy the rest of this book.