one thousand gifts // chapter three.

thanks for coming back for chapter three!
if this is your first time joining our book club, welcome! beth and i figured everyone loves a good book and we could all use a little more joy in our lives. that's why we are reading this! feel free to read along and link up with us every friday. we just want to hear what you're thinking and learning!

//source//

chapter 3 // first flight

i was so glad ann addressed our gifts lists and the reason for and importance of them. i too had felt like my gifts were almost childlike, but like she said, doesn't the kingdom of heaven belong to such as these?

change.
it doesn't happen overnight. it takes real intentionality. you have to work and work and work. you have to persevere.

"when one is thirsty one quenches one's thirst by drinking, not by reading books which treat of this condition…if we thirst, we'll have to drink."

-page 44-

i can read all the self help books on the shelves. i can go to conferences and be inspired and be really consistent in my quiet times for a week after. i can read and watch and listen until i'm old and grey, but that isn't going to lead to change unless i put forth an effort on my part. until i drink and keep drinking of the living water. until i make thanksgiving my life. until then, i remain the same. 

"i don't even know they are gifts really until i write them down and that is really what they look like. gifts He bestows. this writing it down - it is sort of like…unwrapping love."

-page 45-

i always say that i am a visual learner and a verbal processor. i don't think i truly know what God has been teaching me until i write it down or say it out loud. here's the thing. jesus knows what is on my heart, so why do i have to tell him? why do i have to speak it out loud? because it blesses him. and by blessing him, we grow and change.

"bless the lord, o my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not al his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

-psalm 103-

david knew what it was to bless the Lord. to write down the gifts bestowed on him. he understood the importance of naming and recognizing the gifts given. by naming the gift, we bless God for it, and that is something i do not want to forget. as we name the gifts and bless God, we drive out the nails of anger and bitterness with joy. that is what brings the change.

this song is my anthem. it's one i turn up loud and sing [sometimes cry] with my whole heart.

 

whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

let me be singing when the evening comes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
and on that day when my strength is failing
the end draws near and my time has come
still my soul will sing your praise unending
ten thousand years and then forevermore

this is what i want my life to be. until the end of my days, until i draw my last breathe, i want to sing your praises, Lord. no matter the circumstances, i will dare to name all the ways you love me.

[one of the best days]

one thousand gifts. the whole list. 
44. dinner and good conversations with old friends
45. chocolate covered blueberries
46. photos full of memories
47. palm sunday
48. afternoon naps
49. warm, fuzzy blankets for snowy days
50. ben howard's music
51. laughing with coworkers until we are all crying
52. clear skies and full moons
53. easter egg dyeing with my core group girls
54. hot showers
55. one year completed at the new job
56. warm sunlight casting shadows across book pages
57. the sound of cars going by on the highway - life going on
58. unsolicited compliments
59. words exchanged with siblings thousands of miles away
60. another day of protection over my brother's life
61. skype and bible study with my mer
62. breakfast with my favorite five year old
63. little kids' giggles
64. morning clouds painted in orange and pink
65. jesus' death and resurrection