Thoughts of Grace

ONE THOUSAND GIFTS in 2012

January Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.

“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”

January 1. three things about your self you are grateful for

I can organize; I enjoy trying new knitting patterns ;

and I am content on    Cozy Acres.

January 2.  three a gifts outside, inside , and on a plate

Lilac bushes, my comfortable swivel rocker, and bacon, tomato and guacamole sandwiches

January 3.  three lines that you overheard that were graces

A young grandson who loves playing the game with me   “I love you bigger than_______”;

“I love you” from the Farmer regardless; and a precious promise from God when I so desperately needed it:

Psalms 91:14-16  Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness–trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. Amplified Bible

January 4. three gifts  –  one gift old, new, blue

An old gift, finding the first quilt I made; a new gift, tangerine marmalade, and a blue gift, the eyes of my first born daughter

January 5.    something you’re reading, you’re making, you’re seeing

I’m reading the Bible, morning and evening; I’m making a shawl, and I’m seeing my first grandson grow taller and mature

January  6.    one thing in your bag your fridge, your heart

I have in my bag a slim New Testament/Psalms and Proverbs;

in my fridge fresh brown eggs from our flock,

               in my heart a desire to live pleasing to God.

January 7.  three graces from people you love

From my parents  – an appreciation for nature;  from my in-laws love and acceptance before they knew who I was just because their son loved me; and from my husband, the Farmer, constant, faithful, abiding love.

counting  116-137 gifts.