It was several months ago, that my friend
Lora@MyBlessedLife introduced me to
Ann Voskamp. Not in person, mind you, but in the blogosphere.
I'm always intrigued by what Lora is reading. One of my lifetime friends, she is also a fellow book-junkie. So when she
first posted about
the book, I was interested.
I quickly realized this was one I needed to not just
read...I needed to
devour it. I needed to read, put it down, step away, and truly meditate on what was being said. It challenged me like no book has in quite some time.
Ann is an exceptional writer, but it was more than that.
Her message...of giving thanks
in everything,
for everything...is what I needed to hear at the time.
Having experienced the pain of personal tragedy at an early age, Ann learned to do what we all do so well...busying ourselves with the day-to-day to the neglect of what is truly important, what is truly life-giving.
While I cannot relate to the deep pain Ann and her family experienced or the "soul-hole" as she calls it that it left, I can relate to her longing for something more, for a deeper purpose, a higher calling. Who hasn't wondered if there's really more to life (especially a mom's life) than folding laundry, wiping noses, and cleaning messes. Sure, we all know on some level that motherhood is "the highest calling." Let us not forget we are molding and shaping the minds and spirits of the future...yeah, that's the pressure I need on 4 hours of sleep!
Ann discovered it...the "it" we all search for, she and revealed it in her book.
Thanksgiving. Not once-a-year-family-gathered-to-eat-turkey-type Thanksgiving. No, daily....
truly...thanking God
in everything,
for everything. In her own words,
"Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His grace...thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life."
And isn't that what God wants for us...life
to the fullest? (See John 10:10). So, won't you join me this year in taking
The Joy Dare? It's simple, really. Find 3 things every day to be thankful for. Three things. That can't be too difficult, too time-consuming, right?
If you need a little help getting started, check
this out.
Here we go!
0001. a surprise lunch with my husband
0002. sunshine in February
0003. God's amazing grace
0004. snuggling with my boy
0005. kisses from my girl
0006. amazing friends with whom to "do life"
0007. worship music
0008. a home to share with friends
0009. lazy weekends with family
0010. birthday celebrations
0011. food made with love
0012. kind words
0013. inspiring conversations with friends
0014. homemade valentine's from my daughter
0016. watching the "light bulb" moment when my kids are learning
0017. listening to my daughter practice piano
0018. watching my kids tackle their dad when he comes in the door
0019. chocolate
0020. bike rides and neighborhood walks
If you'd like to join me in
The Joy Dare, leave a comment and link directly to your list! You can also link up at
A Holy Experience (but at least leave me a comment and let me know you're in it with me!)
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