Welcome!

This blog is my response to The Joy Dare by Ann Voskamp, author of the book "One Thousand Gifts". Every day (hopefully) I will be recording three things that bring me joy, three gifts from God, three things that I am grateful for.

Friday, August 23, 2013

August 22, 2013: Darkness Dispelled



3 gifts in light:
  • supportive family, shining Christ's light by their love
  • sisters around the table, lightening a hard week with laughter
  • darkness dispelled, glory revealed. "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

August 21, 2013: Straight to the Heart



a gift straight, curve, turn:
  • his friend's offer to come alongside, a gift straight to my heart
  • the curve of heads bowed in prayer, lifting up the broken
  • a sister's turn in attitude, encouraging to mine

August 20, 2013: Kings and Kingdoms



3 gifts of serving:
  • the surprise of never knowing quite what will happen
  • the joy of giving
  • the knowledge that I am bringing God's kingdom to earth
 

Monday, August 19, 2013

August 19, 2013: Church Blessings



3 gifts in church:
  • the joy of worshiping together
  • the encouragement of Christian fellowship
  • the blessing of communion

August 18, 2013: Delight Written

 
a gift red, read, written:
  • painted toes red
  • good news read in a text as they shared their joy
  • delight written on her face as she splashed in the water

August 17, 2013: Morning Psalm

 
3 gifts in the morning:
  • a cup of hot tea
  • a word from the psalms
  • a refreshing shower

    August 16, 2013: Family Love



    3 gifts of family:
    • sharing
    • belonging
    • loving

    August 15, 2013: Beautiful Nail Scars


    3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
    • his nail scarred hands
    • my own intentions
    • creation's groaning

    August 14, 2013: This Is My Father's World


    A gift in a ring, curve, sphere:
    • a ring of the telephone and a vacation disaster averted
    • the curve of her smile at the results of so much hard work
    • the music of the spheres singing His praises

    August 13, 2013: As Green as a Gift



    3 gifts in green:
    • our lawn, reviving after a drought
    • fresh, locally grown beans 
    • the cover of my much read Kindle

    Thursday, August 15, 2013

    August 12, 2013: Almost Ripe



    3 gifts half-hidden:
    • tomatoes on the vine, almost ripe
    • a pile of books waiting to be read
    • wisdom
      Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.
      He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
      Daniel 2:20-22

    Monday, August 12, 2013

    August 11, 2013: Metallic Joy



    3 gifts of metal:
    • the patio table where we enjoyed lunch
    • the cross around my neck, my testimony, His sacrifice
    • a cold drink on a hot day

    August 10, 2013: Brick Walls

     
    3 hard eucharisteo:
    • plans that are not my plans
    • endings
    • brick walls that prevent running ahead

    August 9, 2013: Glass Half Full

     
    a gift hole, whole, half:
    • the hole my feet made in the sand as I enjoyed an afternoon reading on the beach
    • whole joy in plans made for a girls' weekend
    • the half full glass he always manages to see
     

    Thursday, August 8, 2013

    August 8, 2013: Summer Fresh



    3 gifts in summer:
    • a more relaxed schedule
    • white fluffy clouds against a bright blue sky
    • fresh fruit and vegetables

    Wednesday, August 7, 2013

    August 7, 2013: Shining Out Light



    3 gifts in His word: 

     As for God, his way is perfect:
        The Lord’s word is flawless;
        he shields all who take refuge in him.   
     For who is God besides the Lord?
        And who is the Rock except our God?  

    It is God who arms me with strength
        and keeps my way secure.  

    He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
        he causes me to stand on the heights. 
    Psalm 18:30-33


    How good and pleasant it is
        when God’s people live together in unity!

     It is like precious oil poured on the head,
        running down on the beard,
    running down on Aaron’s beard,
        down on the collar of his robe. 
     It is as if the dew of Hermon
        were falling on Mount Zion.
    For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
        even life forevermore. 
    a song of ascents, Psalm 133

     
     For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

    August 6, 2013: Refreshing Water

     
    3 gifts in water:
    • the beauty of living in the Great Lakes State
    • the blessing of needed rain
    • the refreshment of a cool shower on a hot day

    August 5, 2013: Polished Joy



    a gift outside, inside, upside down:
    • a beautiful sunset
    • celebration lunch and pedicures
    • a change of plans

    August 4, 2013: Simple Sabbath Gifts



    3 gifts sitting:
    • relishing a family meal
    • sharing a row in church
    • enjoying a peaceful bike ride

    August 3, 2013: Good News



    A gift at 10am, 1pm, 10pm:
    • the joy of sharing good news
    • a major project tackled together
    • the satisfaction of a productive day
     

    August 2, 2013: Summer Gifts Eaten



    3 gifts eaten:
    • French Silk ice cream
    • hot buttery sweet corn
    • big juicy blueberries

    August 1, 2013: Popping Up Joy



    3 gifts white:
    • the clean crisp pages of a new book
    • freshly popped popcorn
    • an ice cold glass of milk

    July 31, 2013: Roadblocks


    3 gifts difficult:
    • further signs of a loved one's deteriorating health
    • the distance between
    • roadblocks

    Saturday, August 3, 2013

    July 30, 2013: Following the Shepherd


    3 gifts heard:
    • an always faithful cardinal, praises loud and clear
    • a delightfully unexpected act of generosity
    • the voice of the Shepherd. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27