The last two weeks, I’ve finally got my fingers on the book One Thousand Gifts–A Dare to Live Fully, Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience, and started the journey of reading through it. Wow! It’s powerful, but it’s not an easy read. I’m not saying it’s not good–it’s excellent. But it’s deep. And poetic. And raw. All at the same time. I’m quite the avid reader, but I find that it’s not a book I can hurry through. I haven’t been able to read it cover to cover quickly because I find myself stopping and crying, stopping and praying, stopping and chewing over her words–feeling completely convicted to PUT THE BOOK DOWN and get back to living fully in my moments.
Perhaps it’s because she’s a busy mother…perhaps I enjoy identifying with her farm lifestyle a little bit…perhaps it’s because I think that everyone should search for answers and that God and the Bible have them…or perhaps I just know that part of her journey has also been my journey…but I recommend it. And her blog, which is equally rich. I’m thankful for every page I turn. But I encourage you to read it slowly, carefully, fully.
I am thankful for long phone conversations and back-and-forth email chats with loved ones far way.
I’m thankful for new blog and Twitter friends that share my interests and hobbies and encourage me to try new things. I’m thankful for the new Wednesday Windings, crafty-creative ladies I’m meeting! (I’m thankful for a husband that encouraged and supported me getting a new cell phone so that I could participate in all this fancy communicating!)
I am thankful for brothers and sisters and run-of-the-mill, everyday family time that makes me laugh.
And laugh.
And laugh.
I’m thankful for each day that is another day. We are guaranteed none, but blessed with many.
And I’m thankful for the work my parents did, raising me up to have the power of confidence and conviction. Will I do things differently? Yes, some. Because they taught me that I can.
I’m thankful for overalls, and muck boots, and bright pink pants. I’m thankful for shining blond hair and bright blue eyes and dimples.
What do you find yourself most thankful for this week?
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