On My Way to 1000 Gifts by Donna Ensign Woods

We were recently challenged to give thanks for the life we already have.....

by Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts

to unwrap the gifts God has already given to us. Whether we are having an amazing day or whether we are in a dark, lonely valley of dispair and heartache.... God gives us gifts in every situation.In giving thanks for the life we already have.......we find the life we always wanted. Accepting what God gives with a thankful heart

The challenge was to list 1000 gifts......this is a small sampling from our lists.

*"Give thanks in all circumstances for that is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians5:18

* God, Jesus, His grace, His mercy, His love, His forgiveness, Salvation and Eternal life.

* I'm no longer lost, but found. My sins have been forgiven and I've been set free ! Thank you Jesus

* Gently holding the tiny cup of "His Blood" between my finger tips....watching my own pulse beat...

tiny ripples in "His Blood"....Communing....my heart beat....His Blood...my sin....His Salvation..

my temperal...His Eternal....my failure...His Forgiveness...my punishment.....His Sacrifice....

* Thankful for my husband and sons and the joys and opportunities each day with them brings.

* God's world is beautiful. Thankyou, Heavenly Father, for the natural wonders you surround us with. * Earth, sun, moon, mountains, water, trees, flowers, wind, air, animals, plants, pets .....

* Wonderful husband, good friends, sons and daughters, grandchildren......family.

* True friends......who lift you up....when your heart's wings forget how to fly. (love that quote)

* Broken pieces......Broken glass, Torn cloth....Shattered dreams, broken hearts...and God's ability to make something beautiful out of all those broken pieces (If we are willing to give them all to Him)

* God Moments. Opportunities to encourage a fellow traveler along the dusty roads of life.

* Home made rag dolls......gifts from Merle Kinder......sweet memories.....

*I'm so grateful for the good health my family and I enjoy.

* A baby's laugh is the sweetest sound.....You can't help but smile when hearing it.

* Thankyou Heavenly Father, for loving me. * .....even though I don't deserve it.

* The joy and peace that blankets a God-loving Christian family...when life isn't fair......

* The words of poetry God gives my pen.

* His promises, His plan, His timing, His unfailing love.

* Music to my soul....rhythm of the rain...sounds of laughter....song birds at sunrise....old hymns...cricket serenade....distant rolls of thunder....hypnotic waves.....the symphony of nature

* The memories of yesterday, the gift of today, the hope of tomorrow......

* I'm thankful for my job and the good people I get to work with every day. I am so blessed !

* My old tattered large print Bible, notes scribbled, highlighted verses, wrinkled and tear stained.

* The American flag and everything it stands for....and everyone who is willing to "stand" for it.

* Peace, solitude, quiet time to write, to think, to pray.........to listen

* Corn on the cob....butter dripping......... red, ripe, juicy watermelon.....and chocolate !!!!!

* The ability to work, walk, talk, see and hear......huge gifts I often take for granted

*Missionaries......who go where no one else will....full of compassion, energy and a message to share.

* Maddy.....cancer-free, tumor-free........God's mercy and answered prayers.

* Kisses for chubby baby cheeks and lots of baby slobbers !

* Tears. .....for the past, about the past, from the past...rich, salty, stinging tears. Tears of pain, tears of suffering and loss. Tears of relief. Tears of sweet joy. Happy tears. Tears of regret.......Healing tears.

* Necessary endings......Unlock doors to new beginnings. New pages, new chapters.

* Good-bye hugs and I Love yous

* Sunday morning Church. Paises and prayers. Standing on Holy ground. Bare feet. Exodus 3:5

*Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

 

This is just a small sample of our 1000 gifts. We pray this will encourage you to "unwrap" your gifts every day, and begin your own list of gifts.

Thankful Thursday!

Worship Spotlight 11 16 09

After God parted the Red Sea and allowed the Israelite nation to escape from Pharaoh, the Israelite people celebrated. How did they show their joy and thankfulness? They sang a song to the Lord:

Exodus 15: 1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.”

When was the last time that you were so thankful to God that you sang a song to Him? He has saved you from bondage – delivered you from the grips of Hell. We should celebrate that every day we are on this earth!

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

I’m reminded of a chorus we sang years ago, “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ his Son.” Worshiping is about so much more than “singing songs.” Worship Him with a grateful heart – mindful of everything He has done for you!