1,000 Gifts > Chapter 3

This post is part of my Book Club Series

which was started by {this} and {this} lovely lady

To start from the beginning click {here}

SOUND BYTES:

"I may have known that change takes real intentionality, like a woman bent over her garden beds every day with a spade and the determined will to grow up something good to strengthen the heart. (p43)... I would have to DO something (p44)."

The idea first came from Pinterest. All those hours scouring that website for something that caught my eye. Pin after pin, minute by minute - re-pinning with the hope and dream that one day it would become a reality

 (even though 95% of it hasn't).
 But this pin - this pin caught my heart.

A Gratitude Journal

One thing you are thankful fore EVERY day

That is do-able. This was back in the fall of '11 and I hadn't even picked up Ann's book yet. So that following Spring, when I finally read what Ann was saying

the challenge of 1,000 excited me. 

It enticed me to look closer at my days. To carry my journal around with me and leave it open on my desk, pen ready to record the small gifts God was giving me daily.

Real Intentional.

It took me 4 months to complete my list - four hard months in which God ironed out of me not just thinking him for the good and easy,

but also for the good and the hard.

So that when the hardest comes 

I was in the practice of giving thanks.

And it has.

3 weeks ago I was given an early release* from my job. A job that I loved and that I was growing in. A job that God used to show me how present he was on the mission field and in the mundane tasks of office life. A job where I learned not just in my gift counting, in every part of life - what real intentionality looks like.

And I grieve for the reasons it ended.I grieve for opportunities that I feel like I'm missing from the next 5 months until I thought this job was planned to end.

I grieve...

And in my grief, I have learned the language of eucharisteo.
I give thanks

"I only deepen the wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks..." p58
"I name. And I know the face I face. God's! God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life - [especially] hurts in a life." p54

TRUTH TO WRITE ON YOUR HEART:

 "That is a secret worth spending a life on learning." p47
I have learned.
I am learning.
One moment of thanksgiving at a time.

GRATITUDE EVERYDAY:

Source: iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com viaHeather on Pinterest

{pinterest inspiration for my first "1-a-day" gratitude journal}

*(my list from the day I got let go)

5AM mornings with God, getting all prepped for summer trip prep, crock pot lunches, doors that slam in your face and shock you, Lou, Grace Bell, physical touch love language, Ben & Jerry's,wine & time to reflect

(my list from the day after)

For Grace, Doug & Angie, Dan Colwin, Robbie & Brandon, Abby & Amanda, big guy hugs that envelop you, puppy cuddling, Jody & Aaron - that life in Chicago is not JUST LeaderTreks

• sending crazy things in the mail with no boxes (like glow sticks, silly string & mini gumball machines)
• lazy movie nights and slightly burnt cookies
• Actually being in church and feeling at Home for a holiday (Palm Sunday!)
• Fruit Pizza!
• New Stories and the excitement that you don't know what's gonna happen on the next page
• reading 1,000 gifts aloud - Ann is just so poetic
• breakfast food anytime other than breakfast
• 7AM La Spiaza mornings and seeing "the guys"
• questions that make me doubt and seek peace
• The widow's reminder (2 Kings 4): start with the little faith you DO have

Words Provide Life

Source: strikingtruths.com viaDanica on Pinterest

1,000 Gifts > Chapter 2

This post is part of my Book Club Series

which was started by {this} and {this} lovely lady

To start from the beginning click {here}

Welcome to another step on the journey of daring to live fully in God's Grace right where He has placed you:

SOUNDBYTES:

"Isn't it here? The wonder? Why do I spend so much of my living hours struggling to see it? Do we truly stumble so blind that we must be affronted with blinding magnificence for our blurry soul-sight to recognize grandeur?" (p 31)

So this is actually my second time through this book and *spoiler alert* what Ann soon divulges that recognizing grandeur in ALL things means starting with the smallest easiest things. I initially challenged myself to counting 1,000 gifts all in the month of May (of 2012). I didn't actually accomplish that - but what I did find was that I went faster when I carried my journal with me and was willing to write things down in the moment. It became a continual LOOKING for grandeur rather than remembering grandeur from the day. We need the "blinding magnificence" when we are not looking.

"Is the height of my chara joy dependent on the depths of my eucharisteo thanks? [...] As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible. Joy is always possible. Whenever, meaning - now; wherever, meaning - here. [...] The only place we need to see before we die is this place of seeing God, here and now." (p 33)

This is the whole basis of her book and the beginning of her practice. I LOVE this moment in her story when she so clearly hears God telling her something and in faith must go out and try it.

"Thanksgiving is the EVIDENCE of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the MANIFESTATION of our Yes! to His grace." (p 39)

Evidence - an outward symbol

Manifestation - Christ's work in our lives

{in reference to the communion table} "And too... it's the most common of foods, bread." (p 34)

If I could eat bread and only bread, I would. And I do "indulge" in it daily - often multiple times of day. Do i indulge in thanking my God is such continual ways?

TRUTH TO WRITE ON YOUR HEART:

GRATITUDE EVERYDAY: 

• list making of all things I want to do with my free time AND getting to cross some off
• Rosemary Bread Pizza Crust! *Brilliant idea Amanda Salsbury*
• REI Garage Sales and God giving me the backpack I'd be praying for!
  
  (I'll show pictures and share the story soon!)
• Witty quotes: "Or we can just get together and eat some caramels... Because if you think about it it's just as arbitrary as drinking coffee" - Good Will Hunting
• Getting opportunities to live as a Living Sacrifice (Rom 12:1)
• Breakfast for lunch and great friends from work!
• Staying out past midnight with friends - which I haven't done in MONTHS!
• snuggling with sleeping babies
• Boy Meets World Episodes (I absolutely LOVE this show and yes I own all 7 seasons on DVD)

Oh Blessed Morning

I'm one of those people who growing up just liked to be a part of the party - if people were out late, I'd be up for it. Something on the schedule early in the morning, I'd be there no problem.

But I discovered in college that I actually am

A MORNING PERSON

This morning one of my new favorite bloggers I follow posted this that just connected with my morning side so well:

There’s something magical about new beginnings. We look forward to New Year’s Day with hopeful resolutions—expecting our lives to change with a toast of champagne and a kiss. School years are the same, brought in with new clothes and perfectly sharpened pencils.

Sometimes we just need a fresh start. Our years, and weeks, and moments become messy—full of confusion and stress—running fast ahead of us as we sprint to catch up. Some seasons are full of hurt and sadness and loss. And beneath the weight of the season we long for newness, wanting to close that story and begin afresh.

I think this is why we love makeovers—whether it’s our home, our hair, or our heart. We desire renewal, a fresh start, a new beginning. And this is why I love mornings.

I used to be a night person—loving the mystery of the dim lights and the late hour. But now I’m decidedly a morning person and I think it has to do with this idea of newness. Mornings are the new beginnings that come every single day. They’re a chance to start over—our slate cleansed with a hot shower and warm coffee.

But mornings, like anything else, take intentionality. They’re only a fresh start if you make them that way.

I began what I call “quiet times” several years ago. It is my way of starting the day, staving off the busyness until my heart is good and ready. I protect this time fiercely, carving it out even in the busiest of seasons.

They start slowly, the morning cool, the grass glistening with dew. The house is quiet as I pad to the kitchen to start the coffee—the rich aroma warming the sleepy air. I settle in with my journal and a book, soft music keeping me company like a confidant.

It’s the time before the world has woken up—my time to process and think and imagine and dream. It’s my time to understand my life in the fundamental ways that get lost in the hurriedness of the day. It’s before anyone has asked anything of me—before requests have been made or stress has knocked on the door, begging to be let in.

It’s the time where my mind is emptied—free of all of the worrying thoughts that build up over time. And where it is filled, threaded through with sweet thoughts—tender, inspiring, and understanding. It’s the time when my most tender prayers happen, my mind not awake enough to try to be eloquent. It’s the time when I feel little, innocent and calm, protected by a thick blanket of sleep and lingering dreams.

This is the way I’ve begun each morning for the last three years and it’s my favorite part of the day.

In our busy, fast-paced world, we lose parts of ourselves when we fail to be quiet. We lose perspective and our ability to take life as it comes. We get caught up in the swirl of lists and responsibilities and fears. But with a few quiet moments… everything is renewed.

How do you wake up in the morning?
Where does your renewal come from?

Click here to see her original post

Check out Stephanie's Blog The Lipstick Gospel. She's an amazing writer with an open heart.

Spring Come Quickly

Half way through March and it's snowing
AGAIN!

I'm praying Spring comes quickly and am egging it on with some spring colored nail polish







But for now, if you're suffering from the Crazy Cold Spring Blues
warm up with this great crock pot recipe

Mexican Lasagna

Here is what you need: Makes about 6-8 servings.

- 12-14 tortillas (I used small corn tortillas)

- 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese

- 1 tbsp of fajita seasoning

- 28oz can of tomatoes

- 15.5 oz can of black beans

- 15.5 oz can corn (or frozen)

- 2 cups of salsa

- 2 cups of shredded chicken (or veggie chicken)

- 1 small onion, chopped

1. Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Lay down layer of tortillas. Each crockpot will vary in size. Mine took 4 small tortillas to cover the bottom.

Next, spread a layer of tomatoes.

2. Sprinkle some chopped onions & black beans on top of the tomatoes.

3. Cover beans with a layer of salsa & apply a generous amount of fajita seasoning.

4. Next layer on your chicken & corn.

5. Top corn with a layer of shredded cheese.

Like I said, all crockpots are different shapes and sizes. So keep layering until you are a couple inches from the top. I was able to repeat the layers 3 times.

When you do reach the top, for the final layer, do a later of tortillas, topped with the rest of your tomatoes and cheese. 

6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Top with sour cream of avocado 

Happy Monday Everyone!

1,000 Gifts > Chapter 1

This post is part of my Book Club Series

which was started by {this} and {this} lovely lady

To start from the beginning click {here}

Last year before I ever picked up Ann Voskamp's book I heard great things from friends who were reading through the book - but one comment has stuck with me.
A friend told me:

"I didn't really connect with the writing style of the first couple of chapters. It felt disjointed and messy, but I decided to keep reading - and it definitely got better. I'm glad I stuck through the mess. This book really helped me!" (my paraphrase because this was from a conversation about a year ago)

This thought came back to me as I re-read chapter one. It is messy. Life searching for God's grace is messy and disjointed and painful.

But it is also good.

And that's what I'm seeking right now > God's Goodness.

SoundBytes:

"Doubting God's goodness, distrusting His intent..." (pg14)

I think the key word here is DISTRUSTING - we doubt when we do not trust.

"I open a Bible, and His plans, startling, lie there barefaced." (pg 17)

Truth - the cornerstone of trust in God is found in Scripture. I've been struggling this week to remain in that trust and so I've been very intentional in spending time seeking God's voice and His truth to fill my thoughts and bring me back into that place of Thankful - Grace Filled - living.

"Farmers, we think we control so much, do so much right to make a crop. And when you are farming you are faced with it every day. You control so little." (pg18)
"There's a reason I am not writing the story and God is. He knows how it all works out, where it leads, what it all means. {...} Maybe, I guess, it's accepting there are things we simply don't understand. But He does." (pg21)

It's not just farmers folks! I am so guilty of this and moment by moment God is reminding me that He is actually the one in control. And RESTING in the fact that I don't understand - I don't have to understand - because he does!

Truth to Write on Your Heart:

God says to fight the lies of Satan by standing in his truth - no better way to do that then memorize the truths he's laid barefaced before us. So each week I'll pull out a verse Ann talks about and work on memorizing it.

Gratitude Everyday:

Last year after reading this book I counted 1,000 gifts in my prayer journal. I "finished" my list in September and have continued to make lists in that journal without numbering, but for my birthday, my brother and sister-in-law got me a grateful journal. I end every day filling up the lines with gifts small and large that God has given me - these are some of the things that made the list this week.

• chocolate, tea and a chick flick
• SKYPE and talking to time travelers (my friend Lindsey lives in China, so when we talk, she's a morning ahead of me)
• Phone Conversations with college besties
• prayer meetings - church family
• AVACADOS!
• Mid-week Girl's Night
• Chinese take-out and friends who watch ridiculous reality TV Shows
• Being a regular at a coffee shop
• Serve Sundays - physically being the church (and 34 loads of laundry at the laundry mat)
• Dream Sessions in REI
• My Church Family

A Song for the Soul

This song has been on repeat in my car for the past 4 days
I love it's simplicity
God is using that stolen CD so well in my life
(my friend - I promise it will be returned soon ;D )

Lord I find You in the seeking
Lord I find You in the doubt
And to know You is to love You
And to know so little else
I need You
Oh how I need You
Oh how I need You
Oh how I need You

Oh oh oh oh...

Light, glorious light
I will go where You shine
Break the dawn, crack the skies
Make the way right before me
In Your light I will find
All I need, all I need is You

Oh how I need You [x8]

Book Club

I love to read
I love everything about reading

The freshness of print on a page

The smell of paper (new or old)

The way that a good quote can reach the very depths of your heart.

And this love affair of books is nothing new in my life.

My mom tells me that before I could even read,
I'd carry a stack of books around the house
and flip through the pages,
making up stories from the pictures.

But there is one thing I've never done with books 

be a part of a book club.

But that changes TODAY!

I'm joining a virtual book club put together by this lady and her wonderful best friend.

And the first book they've picked could not have come at a better time in my life.

Here's How it Works:

ONE: link up with fellow book clubbers every friday with your blog post about the book. we read a chapter a week so just talk about what you are learning, favorite quotes, whatever your little heart wants. 

TWO: if you have already read the book and/or don't want to read it. link up with us anyway as we create our 1000 gifts list. the goal is to write down three things a day so on friday you can link up with your 21 things or just how ever many you found that week.

THREE: interact with others. connect with a couple other gals who are reading the book along with us, encourage each other on our lists, and make new friends

I've already read this book - but am deciding to re-read it (it's been almost a year) and see what gifts I pull out as I transition into a new stage of life with God.

Let me know if you're joining the club too!

Rest in You Alone

I Go to Church with a Famous Widow

She hasn't been on TV
She hasn't been in a movie
and you probably wouldn't recognize her if you passed her on the street.

But she is famous, I promise you that.

In fact, I don't even think that many people at my church know her - except maybe as the old bent over woman who makes me feel awkward when she sings songs of praise to God in her native tongue.

 But she is famous, I promise - she's in the Bible.

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Luke 21:1-4

This woman goes to my church.

Her name is Katarina and she is a refugee from her own country.

She lives, by American standards, in meager circumstances

She is bent over by back pain

and can barely understand or speak any English

and therefore has not possibility of a job here.

She comes to church

wrapped in her colorful African fabrics 

over fuzzy blue fleeces to live comfortably in what she knows, 

trying to fight the bitter Chicago cold.

She sings of God's greatness 

despite the horror I'd guess she's seen in this world

and she'll sing them with all her heart 

in a room full of awkward white people 

who've rarely been physically moved by God's abundant Grace 

(I count myself first and foremost in this crowd)

and this past Sunday I happened to turn around to spot her kneeling in front of our offering box.
Dropping in "two very small copper coins"

"And I tell you the truth, 

this poor woman has put in more than all the others."

Lord, may I today take the same posture as Katarina in front of your offering box.
Kneeling in submission to your abundant grace
Offering all that I have.
Amen.

God Is...

This is part my blogging series "Challenge Filled February"
I'll be blogging every day about who God is
To start from the beginning click HERE

I have a confession
I made the conscious decision not to blog yesterday. Which might seem strange since I was trying to do a 28 day challenge where I blogged EVERY DAY.

But as someone who has been trying to live a more "Grace Filled Life" rather than guilt-ing myself for not feeling like blogging - I thought I'd let myself off the hook.

God's mercies start anew every morning and my actions can't change how much He loves me.

The final passage in the YouVersion "God Is" study speaks directly to both of those things -
God's LOVE and his GRACE.

4But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2:4-7

In conclusion for this month, if I believe that God is REAL, then I also must believe that:

God is RICH IN MERCY because of his LOVE FOR US!

And today I want to live like that is true.

Today I want to be God's witness to this truth in my life.

I'd love to hear from those of you who chose to take this journey with me.

Or even if you didn't...

What have you been learning about God?

What witness are you showing through your life's story?