Little Things Like Cheese Sandwiches

I'm finally back to reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I started it back in January when the air was crisp and a whole new year was ahead, and then life got the better of me. And that said life has been draining me a bit of recent. I'm stressed often, and I know it shouldn't be that way. I'm so glad I picked up this wonderful little book again. So many beautiful things to ponder...

"And when I give thanks for the seemingly microscopic, I make a place for God to grow within me." - One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

There is something so pure and pleasing to the soul to give thanks - even for the little things in life. It centers you. It allows grace to flow and joy to abound.

1. The twinkle of a little man's eyes as he smiles at me
2. Moonlight through lace curtains
3. Baby girl twirling in her dress
4. Living room blanket tents
5. Cardinals fluttering on my back porch
6. Half eaten cheese sandwiches made by little hands

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "In Everything give thanks..."

By the way, Ms. Voskamp's website, A Holy Experience, has a daily blog. Awesome food for thought. I love her simple beautiful posts. And I love that she often calls herself The Farmer's Wife.

The Beauty of Gratitude

As the crisp January air is all around, I'm cozy inside my sweet little yellow house with the white wrap-around porch. The very one that I happened to whisper to God about in a prayer, saying it was the house of my dreams. And there it was...in a town I never imaged I would live in. And here I am inside its cheerful walls, with a cup of hot tea in my hand and soulful inspiring music playing in the background. My heart is ever so happy. He truly does know the desires of our hearts and in His time, if they are meant for us and His plan for us, He brings them to us or us to them. They may not be exactly as one dreamed, but they will be what you need and perfect per His plan.

He amazes me all the time. In the big and little. In the people in my life. In my husband and children. In beauty of nature. In music. In His Word. It all reminds me there is so much more to be grateful for in this life, than things to worry and fret about. So many blessings and so many reasons to shout to the Lord with joy. Even though we all have trials, hardships and even a bad day now and again, deep down there is so much more good, beauty and wonder out there. I recently stumbled upon a blog and author, Ann Voskamp, that I have come to quite adore. I love her simplicity. I think I might just take her dare... I just ordered the book. It's on the way from Amazon. Can't wait to blog about my ponderings as I read. Here's to One Thousand Gifts in 2012.