Some time ago I read Anne Voskamp’s book one thousand gifts (Yes, the title has no caps.) and I determined to keep track of mine. God has provided, healed, restored, loved, counseled, saved and given me more mercies and gifts than can be kept at 1000 but I’m going to give it a try.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:17-18)
1-Spiritual rebirth on Nov. 10, 1973
2-Marriage to my perfect partner on April 8, 1972
3-Musical talent
4-A miraculous saving of Ray’s life after a Traumatic Brain Injury on October 30, 2010.
5-My sisters Stella and Ruth
6-Monday Night Bible Study (Spirit Sisters)
7-Sunday AM Bible Study (Adat Adonai)
8-Living Hop FMC
9-Bob and Celesta
10-Tom and Dee
11-Deb and Elden
12-Mike and Robin
13-Sue and Alan
14-A 27 year career in education (Teacher and Asst. Principal)
14-The gift of teaching
15-Cyndy, Larry, Johnny, Abby
16-Really good neighbors
17-When people pray for me
18-Surviving cancer
19-A husband who likes to spend time with me
20-Mountain retreats
21-Smokey and Salem – our cats
22-Retirement
23-Christmas
24-Easter
25-Gifts for no reason, both giving and getting
26-SNOW
27-Decorating Cakes
28-Handel’s Messiah and being a soloist (O, Thou That Tellest Good Tidings)
29-Singing for President Nixon
30-People who make me feel good just by their presence
31-Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
32-Grandma and Grandpa Bond
33-Blizzards
34-Surviving the tornado
35-Good books
36-Watching friends do a really good job at something
37-Mountain Memories/roses/first view
38-Worship
39-Cantata practice and performance
40-Singing with the Toledo Symphony
41-Teaching God’s Word
42-Enjoying the success of friends
43-The gift of life
44-My 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Quehn, who taught me how to knit
45-Creating crocheted gifts for friends
46-An entire Christmas tree made of Ray’s sister Julie’s handmade ornaments
47-A display of milkweed and wild lettuce – God’s artwork
47-Quiet times
48-Donations given in our name
49-Children playing bells
50-Warm blankets on cold winter nights
51-Freshly brewed coffee and quiet mornings
52-Prayer time
53-Knowing God’s strong, loving embrace
55-Worship Band rehearsals
56-Hot from the oven cookies
57-A life well-lived
58-Spring-time thunderstorms
59-Easter sunrise service on a ship on the Atlantic in the Carribean
60-The anticipation of Sunday morning worship
61-New technology and using it for God
62-Being a teacher both professionally and as a spiritual gift (I know this is a repeat but I’m truly thankful for it.)
63-Books of all kinds
64-Warm days after the cold of winter
65-Eleven sheep inside our neighbors fence
66-Having and finding a brother (Rick) and sister (Joyce) that I thought was ‘lost’. 60 years of catching up to do.
67-Summer storms
68-Gaining knowledge when taking classes
69-Books—really good ones and really bad ones
70-Mountain breezes, birds singing, crickets and waterfalls
71-Christmas celebrations with the family
72-Snow, snow, snow – Yep, I love snow!
73-The country beauty from my office window
74-New babies
75-Mosaic crackle nail polish
76-People who do nice things without good reasons
77-Beautiful brides
78-Night time tree frog symphonies
79-Warm hospital blankets
80-Blue winter skies
81-Friends who are always friends no matter how long it’s been
82-Hearing a heartfelt I’m so sorry
83-Living in a place that does not have hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes or …
84-Acorns falling on the patio in the fall
85-The sound of tinkling water in the fountain.
86-Squirrels chasing each other in furry boas around the oak tree
87-Afternoon sunshine after a dreary morning
88-A beautiful Christian woman mentor – I love you, Kerrie!
89-Conferences with Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and thousands of women
90-Salem on his window perch as I study
91-Tulips popping up
92-Snow in April – specifically April 17, 2020
93-Red and yellow finches at the feeder
94-New games with friends
95-Helping Stella when she’s super sick
96-Bungard family Christmas at Holiday Inn
97-Water splashing in the patio fountain
98-Upside down nuthatch
99-Piano duets with Sharon
100-New kitten (Chewy) antics
A very enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing. I have never read the book, but I’m going to put it on my want to read list. That’s a really great idea. Blessings.
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Thank you Paula. I add to my One Hundred Gifts notebook every day.
There’s also a Bible Study that goes with the book.
Blessings to you!
Marie
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Pingback: FAITH AND WORSHIP CHRISTIAN WEEKEND 6 - Grace for a Gypsy
Thanks so much for linking up at our party – #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 5. Shared.
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My pleasure! Blessings to you and yours! Marie
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Great post! I read that book too, it changed my life! Thanks for linking up with us at the #FaithAndWorshipChristianWeekend 5. Sharing
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My pleasure! Anne Voskamp’s writing is always enlightening.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
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I love how we have a glimpse into your full life through this list! I never tire of rereading 1000 Gifts every year. It has changed my life!
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Me too! The book is right where I can see it and pick it up. Blessings to you Crystal. I love your blog!
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Wow! Hmmm I use do this as we often don’t realise how many things we should be thankful for. This is so unique. Thanks for sharing all that you have endured, a life Definately worthy of praise.
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Awesome idea! I also think the goal may be too low… BLESSINGS.
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When I start thinking about the way He has gifted me I’m overwhelmed. Oh, how He loves us!!!
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A very enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing this.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. The idea came from a book called “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp.
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