I have to admit, I don't read every word Ann writes (unless it happens to be about Compassion). She's a little too poetic for my taste.
I did read her book, though. I haven't read it many times like some, nor do I plan to read it every year like some, but her presentation of that one concept has made a big difference in my life.
What is that one simple concept?
Giving thanks.
In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann unwraps the mystery and theology of giving thanks to God in all things. It started as a dare. Could she list 1000 things she was thankful for? During the experiment, she discovered the beauty that all is grace.
After reading her book last spring, I started my own list. After a couple weeks I got lazy and threw it away. Then a couple weeks later I started again.
1438 entries later, my paradigm has been shifted.
I've realized that God wants my thanksgiving in all things. In the sweet. In the ugly. In the fun. In the hard. In the good and in the bad.
Ann has issued a Joy Dare for 2012. Will you join? Each month Ann will post suggestions for giving thanks in three ways each day. You can find a free printable download in this post.
Yesterday's prompt was....something you're reading, you're making, you're seeing.
Here are my answers....
reading ~ Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
making ~ material covered composition books
seeing ~ breathtaking sunsets
What are you waiting for? Get a journal or notebook and begin counting your gifts.
Jill SERIOUSLY...I just brought this book in from the library!!!!!! I haven't read it yet..but am looking forward to it :) Love how you and I seem to be on the same page...but on different coasts of the US :)
ReplyDeleteGalya...
ReplyDeleteI find her writing style very hard to read. Sometimes she draws me in, but most times I find myself tuning out. Still, the message of the book is good. I bought the book when it first came out and then passed it on to a friend. Then I ran across this copy at my library's sale. It was only $1.50 so I snatched it up. I do plan to read it again, just not right away. Still, the practice of counting gifts has been such a, well...gift!
Great Would love to read her book. Chelly gave me a JOY book to write down things I am thankful for this year!!!! PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteI was actually wondering if you followed Ann Voskamp! I agree...I like her but her writing can get a bit too flowery for me as well. I've been trying to work on being intentionally grateful as well...have a long way to go but I'm making some progress :)
ReplyDelete