1,000 gifts

If you are like me then you often times find yourself in a rut. A rut of gloom, negativity, failure, pride, irritability, despair or depression. You find yourself relearning life lessons for the 185th time: that gifts are freely given (not deserved); that we are saved by grace & grace alone; that we cannot view ourself as ugly, unworthy, a worm, and displeasing to the One you wish to please. I have found that when I forget these Truths, I am also head-deep in a pit; a rut. The dirt is slipping in over my head, I'm drowning and I see myself as covered in filth. And then, and then Jesus reminds me that life itself, time, the simplest of things like laughter are gifts. Gifts of grace. He is saying, "I love you. You are an imperfect being made perfect by a perfect God. The moment you said yes to Me, I was pleased. And pleased I will forever be."

I 100% believe that all gifts are products of grace. From the smallest gift of morning shadows on a hard wood floor to huge gifts such as a husband who fears The Lord & leads me closer to His feet. I have started a quest, an excursion of recording 1,000 gifts of grace. I was given the idea by a speaker at a women's conference: 1,000 Gifts of Grace.

So far, I have 6. 1. I am thankful that Loren can work 20 hours less at Trillium each week. There are only two of us to provide for & I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our church community even more. 2. I am thankful that my mom comes to our church. 3. I am thankful for the church community that has been built through Corvallis Church. We are truly living life together, and I do not want to take this time for granted. 4. I am thankful for foggy, fall, crisp mornings. Something about them brings complete joy. 5. I am thankful for Kent Smith. For so many reasons.

Over time, I will record these gifts that I am ever so grateful for.

Today, in Canada, I thanked God for His word, His written love letters. I was reading in Psalm 78 and verses 21, 22 settled in my soul with some thanksgiving.

"When The Lord heard them, he was furious. The fire of his wrath burned...for they did not believe God or trust Him to care for them."

For they did not believe God, they did not trust Him to care for them. And that made Him furious. I don't know about you, but so often I find myself distrusting, worrying, anxious, not believing Gods written promises. Has he yet to break His word?

6. I am thankful that I have a trustworthy caretaker, life giver, creator, savior, king, and God. A trustworthy and caring friend who comforts and gives strength, boldness, peace. I am thankful for His grace and acceptance.

Will you join me in honestly pursuing gratefulness for the gifts of grace? What are you grateful for?