I recently started reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. My sister in law gave it to me for my birthday. I'm sad to say that I'm a more negative than positive person and that seems so "un-Christian." Lately I've lost a lot of joy because of my attitude. I'm not sure why, since I have a beautiful life. But I remember that song "Count Your Blessings" from my girlhood and I know that God wants me to be more positive. So I decided to start my list of 1000 gifts. These are things that I already have!
1. morning dew on a spiderweb
2. hot shower
3. when my son says "mommy"
4. the sparkle in the eyes of my daughter when she smiles
5. watching a baby's heartbeat on ultrasound
6. change for cookies in the change jar
7. forgiveness
8. music that soothes the soul
9. "burning bush" in my neighborhood
10. warm heat from the pellet stove
11. when my husband calls me "beautiful"
12. my soft squishy flat pillow
13. crumbs of my chocolate zucchini cake
14. a safe house in which to live
15. reading stories with my children
16. playing peekaboo with Jessna
17. drinking in God's word daily
18. the pound of rain against the windows
19. a cozy couch
20. my husband picking me up in a bear hug
21. beautiful rainbow after a stormy night
22. a need met by a generous gift
23. clear skies for our pumpkin patch playdate
24. dry roads for my husband to travel
25. two little boys having fun
26. a big brother gently instructing a baby sister
27. grape juice from our own grapes
28. my son's obedience to pick up his toys
29. my son's eagerness to hear another Bible story
30. walking in a decluttered hallway
31. clouds around a full moon
32. smell of my baby girl's hair
33. great chat with my supportive mentor mom at MOPS
34. relaxing leadership meeting
35. a night of rest
36. kitty cat lounging on a warm pellet stove
37. husband who tends the garden
38. my morning time with God
39. my Good Morning Girls Bible study group
40. my husband cleaning the kitchen
41. emails from my MOPS group that are encouraging
42. listening to my husband and son sing together before bed
43. having fun playing Bunco at MOPS
44. meeting a need for a new mom at MOPS
