SHARED BLESSINGS: The Journey

2 friends ... 2 journals ... 2,000 Gifts

“I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
among the throngs I will praise you.”

- Psalm 35:18

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise? That is a question asked by Christian singer, Laura Story in her song “Blessings.” I don’t know about you, but when health issues, job struggles, financial concerns and plan old hardships come along, it is difficult to look at them as blessings. Sometimes it’s hard to find peace, joy or hope when your have sadness in your heart.

I just finished reading a book entitled “One Thousand Gifts,” by Ann Voskamp. If you haven’t read it, it is a must.

Ann is a writer that has a remarkable way of describing what a life of gratitude looks like amidst the ordinary, everyday things we sometimes take for granted. Her reflections are filled with beautiful, descriptive words that give the reader a vivid picture of each blessing she shares. Ann’s story dares us to LIVE FULLY right where we are. Her words open our eyes and fill us with a longing to uncover the blessings in our own lives, blessings that can only be found if we are thankful in all things.

Last week I mailed a special package to a dear friend. Its contents included two items - necessary supplies for a journey that we will be taking together: 1) a copy of Ann’s book – One Thousand Gifts, and, 2) a journal. My friend and I have decided to travel life’s road together for a while… our mission is to thank God in all things; the little joys, the unexpected blessings, and yes, even the hardships, disappointments, and challenges. We will set out on our journey beginning July 1st and write words of gratitude along the way. The fun part is, we are both starting out with identical journals and will exchange them every two weeks. My friend will pen her words of thanksgiving from a seaside community in South Carolina, while I will express my gratitude surrounded by the mountains of Colorado. And hopefully at the end of this journey, we will each end up with a book containing mixed prayers of thankfulness ... SHARED BLESSINGS.

Please pray that God will open our eyes and change our hearts. That he will teach us to realize the peace, joy and hope that can be found in all things. Be sure to check back, as I will be sharing some of the tidbits from our journals in future blog posts.

Count your blessings ...
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle.”

- Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp’s websites:   http://onethousandgifts.com/ and http://www.aholyexperience.com/