Summer Reading - One Thousand Gifts

I love books.  "Too many books, too little time" describes me perfectly. Books are a gift. So are book recommendations.

My college roommate, Karen, recommended  One Thousand Gifts - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. I read it, and I hope you'll read it too.



 



Ann Voskamp is a New York Times Best Selling author, and homeschooling mom of six. She and her husband farm in Ontario. She writes for DaySpring, and has spoken at Women of Faith events. Ann is also an advocate for Compassion International.

After experiencing the childhood tragedy of her sister's death, Ann Voskamp shares her discovery of "eucharisteo" - to give thanks (Luke 22:19), and the challenge to journal one thousand gifts. Ann develops a deeper awareness of God's grace and goodness, all around, right where she lives. In the mundane, the mess, the motherhood challenges, the anxious moments...she counts. Daily life is full of God's gifts. In expressing gratitude, Ann experiences joy, and a greater desire for God's presence.

Ann Voskamp succeeds in challenging the reader to practice thanksgiving in every situation - good or bad. As I drove past a dad and his young daughter riding bikes, I immediately thought, "That's a gift."  I realized the personal impact of One Thousand Gifts. I'm inspired to live eyes-open alert, counting my blessings...A grandparent-honoring country song...little fingers plinking out first piano recital pieces... red velvet cake balls and birthday ice cream... rain soaking a parched earth...gospel brunches.

A few of my favorite quotes from One Thousand Gifts:

• "Prayer without ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks." (page 60)
• "We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see." (page 135)
• "Worry is the façade of taking action when prayer really is." (page 143)

Ann Voskamp invites others to share their God-given gifts at One Thousand Gifts.

One Thousand Gifts is published by Zondervan (2010); 237 pages; ISBN 978-0-310-62085-3.


What gifts has God given you today?

Perspective

Perspective is defined as "the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it."

Rumbling thunder combined with sharp cracks of Independence Day fireworks agitated our blue heeler sending her into a skittish tailspin. Standing calm and composed, I knew Chloe was safe from harm. I understood there was nothing to fear. But it was not this blue heeler's perspective. Eager to escape to kennel safety, she did not maintain a  posture of security. Huddled. Tense.  Fear in eyes. Regardless of calm assurance, she continued deep-throated growls at dark sky booming.

 

What was no surprise to me was upsetting and unnerving for our rambunctious cattle dog. Chloe could not see the whole picture. She lacked my perspective. But she knew who to run to when  terrified. She trusts me... at least sometimes.

Come to think of it, I'm not so different. In her eyes, I saw me. I too am unnerved by life's upheavals. Panic, fear, and doubt set in when my world shakes. I, like Chloe, don't have the ability to see the whole picture either.

But God, Creator of heaven and earth, has a different perspective. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55: 8- 9). The LORD not only sees the entire picture, He is in control of it.

Like Chloe, my understanding is limited. Like Chloe, my world sometimes trembles. And like Chloe, I need to run to my trustworthy Master, for under His wings, there is refuge (Psalm 91:4).

It is for Freedom...

Americans commemorate the nation's declaration of independence from Great Britain every July fourth. Throughout history, wars have been fought to set people free from tyranny. The most significant battle of all time was fought on the hill of Golgotha, where Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Man, gave His life for all people. Christ's sacrifice set people free from sin and death, and defeated God's enemy. "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." (Galatians 5:1 NLT).

 

Jesus, by your power, we are made free. You conquered sin and death on the cross. You are the Savior of the world and the victorious King of kings! Thank you for sacrificing your life for us! We are grateful for the freedom we have in Christ. We need your strength to keep us from sin's entanglement. As we seek Your word, help us to live as free people. In Your Mighty Name...amen.

References: John 8: 32-36; Romans 8: 1-4; Galatians 5: 13-14; 1 Peter 2:16.

 

Happy Independence Day!

 

 

Influence

One of my summer 2014 "Bucket List" items is to complete Influence- Living and Sharing a Life of Wisdom, a Bible study by Jan Silvious and Pam Gillaspie. It's a study on mentoring. A big lesson I've learned is mentoring does not require an appointment. It can take place in an instant. As I spend time with older, wiser women, I strive to listen, observe, pay attention, and learn from them. I keep an on-going list of insights I've gained. Here are five words of wisdom I've received from Bobbye, the founder of our grandmothers prayer group:

• Refrain from giving unwanted advice.
• Encourage! Encourage! Encourage!
• Pray for your descendants and their world.
• Plant "seeds of wisdom" into the lives of others, and trust God for the results.
• Be a good listener, and avoid trying to fix another's problems.

That's good and wise counsel. What insight has a person of influence shared with you?

Follow the Feet

I attend a free senior citizen line dance class at my local rec center.

Merriam-Webster defines "line dance" as a "dance done by a group of people who stand next to each other in a line and who all perform the same movements."

Line dancing provides me exercise and mental stimulation. I get frustrated, sometimes, because my brain doesn't always get the steps, or I have difficulty remembering the pattern sequence. But, I refuse to quit. I will NOT give up! I'm learning patience, and to not compare myself to others who've been dancing for years.

Not only am I learning something new and mentally stimulating, line dancing helps build my confidence. I feel really good about myself once I've successfully learned a dance!

Another benefit of line dancing is meeting new people. Many have encouraged my to hang in there and give it several months. They taught me to stand in the middle of the group, so each time we turn, I have an experienced dancer to follow. Watch someone's feet. Imitate them. Observe carefully, and do what they do.

A new woman joined the class. She stood in the back row behind me. After a few rotations, I noticed she was watching my feet. "Oh, please don't watch me," I thought. "Please watch someone else. I'm not very good." I wanted to tap her on the shoulder, and direct her attention to a better dancer.

As much as I didn't want her to watch me, the truth is... people are watching me. Some one. Some where. Always.

Whose feet are you watching?

 

Paul exhorted the Corinthian church, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). The transliterated word "mimetes" means "imitator." Paul modeled Christ in action and speech, and taught others to do the same.

 

I'm blessed to have God-given mentors-  individuals who strive to imitate Christ's perfect example. I'm grateful for their wisdom, love, and encouragement. Gracious women who humbly serve, and reflect God's truth, light, and love to others. Women whose footsteps I can follow.

 

And, that's good reason to get up and dance!

 

 

Whose feet are you watching?





Blessing Madison

Blessing others invokes God's favor and protection on them. I wrote this blessing for my niece, Madison. I desired to speak affirming words expressing my hope and prayer for her future.  I read it during her high school graduation celebration.



Congratulations on your high school graduation and all your accomplishments. As Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before they entered the Promised Land, I bless you today as you enter a new season of promise, possibility, and potential.

I bless you with wisdom that you may live a long and honorable life.

I bless you with strength and courage to stand firm in your faith without compromise.

I bless you with self-control to keep your head in every situation always remaining watchful and alert.

I bless you with speech that is gentle, encourages, and lovingly speaks the truth.

I bless you with a passion to pray powerfully, continually, and with thanksgiving.

I bless you with peace when life's storms threaten to blow you off course and overwhelm you.

I bless you with generosity that you may be an extravagant giver of love, mercy, kindness, grace, and forgiveness.

Madison, you have known God's Word from infancy. The LORD your God loves you with an everlasting love. He is faithful to His promises. He will never leave you. He is your protector, provider, refuge, salvation, and peace. He is your Great I AM. May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.

Now, Madison, go rock your world for Jesus!

I love you!
Aunt Lori



Who can you bless (first names only, please) and what good things do you desire for this person?

In Honor of Fathers

My prayer group prays one scripture for our grandchildren every month. For June, we are praying Ephesians 6:4 - "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Holman Christian Standard Bible).

 

My  "First Friday Intercession" is for fathers.

 



 

Our loving heavenly Father, You are good, faithful, and righteous. You alone are the one perfect Father. Thank you for the physical and spiritual fathers You have given each of us. Help us to show honor to these men. And help fathers to love their children more, and to teach them Biblical truth. Help fathers to manage their resources wisely. Bless them with wisdom and courage, and strengthen their faith. Raise up men of integrity in this generation. Help fathers grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. May they fear God, be trustworthy, and hate corruption. Fill each father with Your Holy Spirit, I pray, amen.

 

Scripture references: Exodus 18:21; Deut. 6:7; 2 Peter 3:18.