Thank you to those standing in the great congregation giving Him praise --- you bless and my heart sings, a spring flower blooming after a long winter...
Notes from those jotting down the Gifts:
Seeing the Abundant Giver
"This gift list has transformed the way I think and view life. Suddenly, I am thankful for dirty dishes as they are an indication of a well-fed family. The insignificant has become compelling. Beauty abounds all around. The Giver imparts abundantly and extravagantly if we but have eyes to see. ~ Angie @ Sonflower
Reality Thinking
"I’m practicing the discipline (and joy) of giving thanks in times of stress.
There was a time when I would have dismissed this idea and would have simply chalked up the practice to being nothing more than ‘positive thinking’, in a new-agey-sort-of-way. But I’ve come to see that truth be told, it’s not so much about ‘positive thinking’ as it is about ‘reality thinking.’
Recognizing the gifts from God that ooze out around us is simply facing reality isn’t it? Seeing reality. Honest to goodness I feel like for the 1st time in my life I am beginning to see things clearly. ‘Open my eyes that I may see..’" ~ Chris in Edmonton
Abiding in Christ
~~"After 17 years as a Christian I think I have finally understood a glimmer of what it means to abide in Christ.
This week I [studied] Col. 3:1-2...especially what it means to seek things above and set our minds on things above. I realized that all these long years that I have been battling my anger issues I have focused my thoughts and efforts on the anger...not on Christ.
Even though I knew I needed to abide in Christ and that he abides in me I didn't really understand what that meant... Well, now I do.
I need to fix my mind on HIM continually and seek those things above.
Now, I am trying to focus on blessings every time I feel frustation. I created this homekeeping/gratitude journal...I leave it out on my kitchen desk so that I don't get too busy to notice it.
I have been inspired, challenge, convicted and enlightened." ~ Laura in CA
So give me the details: is there anything to do besides copy the graphic and start my list? Do I need to link to your list? ~Heather
A few simple thoughts to begin the 1000 Gift List:
1. Pray that He may open the eyes of our hearts
2. Begin giving thanks for the daily washing in His fountain of Gifts--just on a scrap piece of paper or in a journal--- notice and write down from the obvious to little... and begin to feel more joy, less stress, better health, more connected in your relationships, and more delight in your everyday life. Praise is what we are made for!
3. If you'd like to blog your list, feel free to use the 1000 Gifts graphic. No need to link back to this quiet place. If, however, you'd like to encourage others to join the Gratitude Community, or invite othersto boost mental and soul health by reading the chorus of praise in the Gratitude Community, you may link back to here and the Gratitude Community Blogroll.
4. If you'd like to add your blog to the Gratitude Community, we'd love to hear from you! Email me a link to your blog, and your worship will edify the body of believers.
5. If you'd prefer to quietly jot your list down in a journal, you are still warmly invited to join the community-- drop a line, and we'll just add your first name to the list, and we'll feel one with you in thanksgiving.
6. Count the endless blessings!
Have you considered establishing gratitude as a permanent soul fixture? Just grab a scrap of paper lying around and begin counting the blessings, with your own 1000 Endless Gifts:
Why begin your own One Thousand Gift List --(drop me a line if you do, and I'll add you to the "1000 Endless Gifts" blogroll in the sidebar-- we invite you to join the Gratitude Community!)
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