One Thousand Gifts

This is just a glimpse of the beauty around the boat. I think this is my favorite time of day, watching the sun go down and seeing the changing colors of the sky. It's very somber, very peaceful. It's different when compared to the lively sunrises, filled with bright colors and sea birds chattering away! I love the new start of mornings, thank the Lord for new days! And the peaceful, almost protective covering that surrounds us in the evening. So much to be thankful for.

Things I have been reading have me thinking on thankfulness more and more. And no, this is not planned because Thanksgiving is next week, it really was on my heart. More specifically, in regards to marriage. How does thankfulness have effect in my marriage? How does it affect my joy? Joy will come when the heart is thankful. Am I lacking joy? Have I bouts of discontentment?Maybe I should consider how thankful I am.

This is an area I desire to grow in. I have found inspiration in a review of (I have not read the book or know the author) One Thousand Gifts, a book written by Ann Voskamp. It is about savoring the gifts in every day, the things we often overlook. It's an encouragement to train our minds to take notice, to see the gifts we've been given everyday. Or in maybe we notice but are too 'choosy' with our gifts. Maybe I need to choose to cultivate thankfulness rather than unthankfulness. All that said, I am starting my trek to 1000 gifts. Going to pencil down the gifts in my life. I am excited to become more purposeful in seeing God. He is there. He gives and he gives. But often I am too busy to notice. Something I'd like to overcome! So here goes.

1. For the sweet cuddles of my nephews
2. The sound of my nieces singing the books of the Bible or the Pledge of Allegience
3. New mornings with my husband
4. The cool breeze of fall
5. Nelson's new job working with his hands, full-time hours, and all with a brother-in-Christ

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18