One Thousand Gifts

I've had the blessing...truly, a blessing...to read Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. And I am embarking on my own journey to one thousand gifts...to the life lived fully right where I am.

I've been challenged lately to lay aside my hopes of healing from Fibromyalgia...to embrace the life that God has given me...to recognize the beauty in the now...to seek Him first above all else.

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

Ann Voskamp writes, "The act of sacrificing thank offerings to God -- even for the bread and cup of cost, for cancer and crucifixion -- this prepares the way for God to show us His fullest salvation from bitter, angry, resentful lives and from all sin that estranges us from Him."

I toss and turn in bed with aching joints and sore muscles as the rain pounds outside. I wake to a dark and angry sky, feeling tired, and two young children needing care. But I take up the dare to live fully right where I am. I sacrifice thank offerings that honor Him...that the way might be prepared to receive the salvation of God...the FULL life!

1. White pitchers and spring flowers

2. Sunshine after the rain