Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapter 7

Eucharisteo precedes the miracle.

I have to keep saying that over and over again.  In Chapter 7 of her book, Ann talks about those times when it gets ugly. When we have the choice to follow Jesus or Satan. It was the story of toast and her kids.

Seed: "Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satan's way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus' way? Why else get angry?  Isn't it because I think complaining, exasperation, resentment will pound me up into the full life I really want?  When I choose- and it is a choice- to crush joy with bitterness, am I not purposefully choosing to take the way of the Prince of Darkness?  ... I look for the ugly beautiful, count it as grace, transfigure the mess into joy with thanks and eucharisteo leaves the paper, finds way to the eyes, the lips."

Water:  Practice! It's a discipline and a choice to be bitter & angry... or to be intentional about giving thanks in the midst of the ugly.  Too many times it has worked to get someone close to me to change by my getting mad. It's up to me to choose wisely.

Growth: I really believe all of my relationships will grow deeper when I make it a practice to look for Jesus in the beautiful and in the ugly.

Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle.

instead of venting... I'll be thankful

306).  I'm MOST grateful for a counselor who taught me anger is really a form of hurt

This list really helps.  God can change my mood. Anger could have come out sideways if I didn't stop, breathe & pray for understanding.  He quickly helped me figure it out.  Let's see if I can pull up a verse from last year. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." I can't remember for the life of me the address.  Wait, the more I think about it, it's Proverbs 3:5.  I don't get why, so I won't even try. I'm not supposed to understand.

Happy Friday!

and the list continues

293).  literally watching withering plants come back to life after watering
294).  ice cold clean well water
295).  girl-time
296).  sore abs the day after a work out
297).  kids with pacifiers in their mouths
298).  baby fingernails
299).  old photos
300).  deep conversations
301).  girl scout cookies by the sleeve
302).  peppermint tea
303).  red faces after a good workout
304).  thoughtful gifts
305).  little boy haircuts

being thankful helps

285).  bright blue Winter skies
286).  healthy food in the fridge
287).  loneliness (yes, it's a gift!)
288).  memories of Dad in a hardware store
289).  whole fully cooked chicken
290).  checking things off a list
291).  husbands yelling at a t.v. during a MSU basketball game
292).  the snow shoe tracks I made to get to Linda's for "kitty duty"

278).  "signing" I love you out the window when a husband leaves for work
279).  warm clothes straight out of the dryer to fold
280).  sweet letters full of compliments from my patients
281).  a fresh batch of white snow
282).  relaxing breakfast with my husband
283).  nice hot showers
284).  inspiring books

Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapter 5

As I listened to the video of Chapter 5 I was brought to tears.  I highly recommend you watch it. Angie, Ann and Jess were talking about those times when we wrestle with finding God's Grace when the hard things happen in our lives.  Where was God when _______ happened?

Seed: "Who would ever know the greater graces of comfort and perseverance, mercy and forgiveness, patience and courage, if no shadows fell over a life?" It's easy to thank God for the little gifts, like when we were in a car accident but nobody was seriously hurt, but it wasn't easy (at the time) to thank God when my ex-husband betrayed me and married the other woman two months later.  I couldn't even eat. I know His Presence was with me through it all.  It's strange though that years later, after  He healed my broken heart I tend to minimize my situation.  I think it's because so many people are going through more difficult stuff.  I am not in a season where there is "hard Eucharisteo" but I remember it well.  I believe I had to go through it or I wouldn't know He could be trusted.  I can honestly say I believe my divorce was one of my biggest gifts.  

Water: I need to get in the habit of being grateful for the small difficult things so that when the big things in life happen... and I believe they will, I will be prepared to trust God and glorify Him.   

Fruit: I know I have a lot more compassion since I made it through my divorce.   I want to encourage others who are in the midst of a difficult marriage to look to God and to get on their knees and pray for their marriages. God can do the impossible.  I know it firsthand. I could have easily been twice divorced but God saved our marriage and it is stronger than it's been in 10 years! God is SO good! 

Thank you, God for the hard Eucharisteo in my life. Please continue to... "Bring the Rain."

xoxo

269).  no matter where we live we all see the same big bright moon
270).  extremely quiet mornings
271).  crisp music filling the house
272).  friendly strangers giving directions
273).  a room full of aromatic candles
274).  melting snow
275).  eyes closed soaking up the sun's rays on a cold day
276).  holding hands
277).  soft hearts

2011 Scripture Memory Verse #4

Billy Graham's Bible pointed me to my next verse... :)

I'm a little late on my Scripture memory verse for February 15th.  I made a little road trip the day after my birthday to Charlotte, North Carolina.  I needed to get my son, John his Christmas gifts and my mother's television that I promised him. I was waiting until after I was done working and the weather was better.  It turned out to be a very nice drive.  I love the scenery on I-77 through the mountains.  Since I have been noticing more of the little things, it was impossible not to notice God's beautiful artwork surrounding me. I didn't have a charger for my phone so I was extra careful about the amount of time I spent talking.  Instead I listened to many of the podcasts I had synced to my iPod and of course my favorite music. 

Since I went during the week John had classes. He was up at 5:30 every morning and I enjoyed experiencing his routine.  He has quite a system. I was glad to spend time with him in the morning and to make his breakfast. 

John's apartment in Charlotte

When he was in class I did a little post for the book study 1000 Gifts and I decided to take a picture of one of John's most prized possessions.  It's the trophy he got at basketball camp 10 years ago.  He got it when he was in 8th grade and it was from the coach that inspired him the most. To get the "Hustle Award" was an honor if you knew Coach Dan Fife. 

John's Hustle Award

I cherished my alone time and learned to navigate around the city.  It's amazing how much you learn when you don't have others to help you get around.  With the help of my GPS I found my way to the Billy Graham Library and the house he lived as a young boy.  It was very interesting. I found Ann Graham Lotz book, Daily Light.  In Billy Graham's house I found in a case his Bible wide open. I'm pretty sure it was no accident for me to see the verses he had underlined.  They were exactly what I needed to see.  

Billy Graham Library

The house where Billy Graham grew up

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6 KJV)

Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapters 3 & 4

I'm in North Carolina typing this post in my son's quiet apartment. He just left for class and I have some time to kill (Where did that phrase come from?) so I thought I would catch up on my book study. I'm on my iPad because I didnt bring my laptop, so it takes more time to type. That's a good thing, especially considering chapter 4.

Chapter 3

Seed: "I snap a picture of cheese."

Water: Ann taught us to remember it's about the hunt when we list the ways He loves us. It's okay to repeat what's on our list. I've written my kids, husband and music many many times. That's great, and it deepens my awakeness but when I am aware of all that is around me I notice the smallest things I normally take for granted... Like cheese.

Grow: As I write my list I am becoming more aware of the little gifts and appreciating them. I am taking pictures of things I never would have taken in the past.

Chapter 4

Seed: "I just want time to do my one life well."

Water: It is impossible to nurture relationships or appreciate the smallest gifts while in a hurry. I am normally a person who is always in a hurry. I remember my mom telling me to sit down and relax so many times. I forget that Satan gets a lot accomplished in our busyness and we don't even realize it. We look at it as a positive when people ask how we are doing and we respond with a smile, "Good, busy!" Thanksgiving forces me to slow down.

Growth: We all get 24/7 so I don't need more time. I just need to use my time wisely and make it a priority to hunt for the ways He loves me and thank Him. At the end of the day my relationships will grow deeper when I take the time to slow down... And that's all that really matters. Life is short!

There is so much John and I could do while I am in Charlotte visiting. I don't need to be entertained in any way. I'm cherishing our time together and that's more than enough to just spend it together while not in a hurry.

260).  watching the deer outside my kitchen window in the morning
261).  watching the deer make a cozy spot in the snow before they lie down
262).  listening to George Winston play the piano
263).  the wind chimes from the Hopcians in memory of Mom
264).  hearing God say, "Yes, I still expect you to be grateful in the midst of this one."

265).  snow shoeing with my friend, Linda
266).  my healthy heart that can take a really good workout
267).  the sun shining on our faces
268).  a phone that takes pictures

The Story of my Life

... every Word is true.
xoxo

feeling special and giving thanks

244).  cheek to cheek with a 6 month old baby boy
245).  a baby's very soft skin
246).  my husband loving my great-nephew's smile
247).  the excitement in a son's voice talking about a puppy
248).  a son wanting what is best for his puppy before he even gets her
249).  my family making me feel special and loved
250).  dinner with my family at Sy Thai followed up with cupcakes every year
251).  surprises that aren't really surprises
252).  the laughter because of those very thoughtful "homemade" gifts
253).  hot baths (wonder how many times I've listed this one?)
254).  adjustments at the chiropractor
255).  new coffee shops & new flavors
256).  my husband's awesome staff
257).  messages from former coworkers telling me they are thinking about me
258).  my sister and her family driving 1.5 hours one way just for me
259).  a daughter's beautiful blog

Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapter 2

Somehow I got a little behind in starting the book study.  It's already time for Chapter two.

Anyone who knows me knows I always get a little weird around my birthday.  I will celebrate my 49th next week. For some reason this year it hasn't affected me the same.  I think it has to do with losing my mom last September.  She will not be here to celebrate her 75th birthday.  My dad didn't make it to his 70th birthday.  My sister didn't make it to her 44th birthday.  Parents aren't supposed to bury their children. I don't think they ever recovered from it.  My parents were both babies of their families and I want to say this with no disrespect, but they loved instant gratification.  Healing from the loss of their firstborn child was not something they could do instantly.  It takes time and most importantly God to heal that kind of broken heart. Their way of dealing with it was by changing their residency.  They lived in Florida, California, North Carolina and my mom came full circle by the end of her life living right in our hometown.

When I read this quote in the book I could totally relate: "Thinking on the beginning of this year, who does He call to come Home?  Is it me, Lord? May I be ready. Or us. Whoever." My mind always goes there.  I wonder if I will be living to celebrate my next birthday.  Ann also asked this question, "How do we live fully so we are fully ready to die?"  What do I want to do or see before I die?  I've heard many people my age say they want to "simplify" their lives.  They would be content to sell everything and travel the world.  I must admit that sounds pretty good right about now, especially since I am not working right now.  I don't need more "stuff," but it would be nice to see the world!  Wouldn't everyone love to say they saw the 7 wonders of the world?  I have traveled to a lot of places in my life, but there are so many more beautiful places I'd like to see.

Seed: "Isn't it here? Can I find it here?" Can't I find beauty in the simple life right here and now?

Water:  I am reminded that there is so much beauty right here in front of me. Right outside my kitchen window.

Grow:  How can I grow that seed well? I can only do it by stopping to wake up to all that is around me. Right here in Clarkston, Michigan.   Right now as I look out my kitchen window I see light snowflakes shimmering when the sun hits them. My girlfriend, Lisa who lives in California is in town and called me a minute ago to see if I could meet her for lunch. Yes, I'm free. Then my husband called to ask if we have plans tomorrow night.  He wants to surprise me with something.  He has NEVER done that before. I can appreciate the fact that my husband called me (yet again) to tell me that he misses my mom and was reminiscing about our trip last Summer when she joined us to celebrate 4th of July.

This is also the chapter when Ann introduced the word Eucharisteo.  "The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning 'grace'.  Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks.  He took the bread and knew it to be gift and gave thanks."  "But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning "joy".

I can find joy and contentment right here and now by simply appreciating what I have and giving thanks.  I don't have to get on a plane to find it. I also love how she always whispers. It's so much more meaningful and forces me to slow down when I whisper. I'll be back real soon to get going on that list... promise.

Book Study 1000 Gifts Chapter 1

I have decided to join a group reading Ann Voskamp's book, "ONE THOUSAND GIFTS: A DARE TO LIVE FULLY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE."

As we go through the book we are encouraged to answer some questions in theme form after we read each chapter.  I like that.  It'll make it easy to remember.  I'm going to do mine here.

Seed: What has been planted as I read chapter 1?  What has stirred in me?

"One life-loss can infect the whole of a life.  Like a rash that wears through our days, our sight becomes peppered with black voids.  Now everywhere we look, we only see all that isn't: holes, lack, deficiency."

Ann said it perfectly. What stirred in me was my focus on the losses in my life, especially the one that changed my life the most: my divorce and the loss of my intact family. It wasn't at all how I wanted my life to turn out and I can't even imagine the untold scars it left on the lives of my children.

Water:  How am I nurturing what God desires in me? What is my responsibility for growth?

It is my responsibility (with God's help) to intentionally look for what was and continues to be gained as a result of the losses.  If it were up to me I could easily be a life-long victim.  I'd be a bitter and angry woman.  I distinctly remember where I was on a walk in my neighborhood years ago when I was in the midst of it all.  The Holy Spirit nudged me to see all of the good I had when my world was falling apart. I began to name them. "Well, at least I have ____ and _____. Turns out, I had and still do have a ton of good and am Blessed beyond measure. I just have to look around!

Bloom: What is the fruit I am seeing from what I have learned?

He has freed me from the constant negativity and given me energy to focus on the positive. He  gave me the gift of real forgiveness.  It's draining and all-consuming to focus on what is wrong instead of what is right.  God has also given me compassion for others who are going through the same kind of loss.  He alone allowed me to forgive the man who betrayed me and caused my broken family.  I believe He wants me to share what He has taught me and to look for what I have instead of what I do not have.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.(Gal 5:22-23 KJV)



It's not too late if you want to read along with us!

2011 Scripture Memory Verse #3

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever." ~Psalm 107:1 (NIV)