{create} one thousand gifts

So, I am in love with this book, and I'm not even finished with it yet!  Ann Voskamp, a blogger over at A Holy Experience, released her newest book One Thousand Gifts.  Poetic, inspiring, and uplifting, life-changing.  Need I go on?

When I look at my to-dos (hypothetically though, as I am not a list maker :)) I am always thinking of that end result.  How I want my house to look, my kids to behave, and my dinner to turn out.  I have truly been missing out.


That gifts are tucked in the journey, waiting to be uncovered and celebrated.  That joy is really hidden in every moment.


And that is the real Amazing Grace.  That is where we see Him in the midst.

"Gratitude for the seemingly small and insignificant -- this is the seed that plants the giant miracle in the midst of it all.  So count the ways He loves..."

my gifts this week {and always}:

1.  Amazing Grace

2.  My helpful dishwashers and sous chefs.  

3.  Spencer's hard work

4.  Sleeping babes

5.  Sports and leisure... with my sisters

6.  A group of "sisters" to revive the soul

7.  Sunday phone calls with my mama

8.  My babysitters for the girls.  Always there.

9.  Reese and Ella dancing and spinning

10.  Going on "safaris"

11.   Laundry folded and put away

12.  Gentle reminders to slow down

13.  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth. - Psalm 98:4

14.  Morning sun on fresh fallen snow

15.  Bed head

16.  Hearing the girls say "Daddy-o"

17.  Church with girls, Ella working on "being patient"

18.  Girls "giving love"

19.  this book

20.  Pennies from heaven - thanks uncle Jon

21.  advent of calving season

...and counting