Giving Thanks for God's Gifts {One Thousand Gifts review and giveaway too!}

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:20

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Is that your life, saying "Thank you"? Do you really give thinks for everything? Do you truly do it in every circumstance?

   I have long thought being thankful was a very important part of my life. I have for quite a lot of years kept a prayer journal and in that journal I start out my prayer time with praise of God followed directly by a list of things that I am thankful for. So yes I am thankful, but I still have a long ways to go to get to the point of naturally thanking God for everything and in every single circumstance. Well, the more I practice at it the better I will learn to be!

  Several years ago I heard about a blogger name Ann Voskamp and became acquainted with her blog: A Holy Experience.  I read her blog, enjoying her gorgeous pictures and words and her gift for making you think and her focus on Thankfulness and Joy. I enjoyed joining at times her blog party where you post a list of the things you are giving thanks for in an effort to count 1,000 gifts.

   I had heard of Ann's book "One Thousand Gifts ~ A dare to live fully right where you are" and have wanted to read it and so I was delighted when I was contacted recently wondering if I would like to review it (and host a giveaway of it!). I said "Yes, Yes, Yes!".

  The book did not disappoint me. Ann has a wonderful writing style and a wonderful message. She shares the story of a trouble childhood and struggles even in adulthood and the healing that comes when you learn to thank God even in the midst of troubles.

  She shares how gratitude can help us to have right priorities/focus in our life. She shares how important it is if we want true communion with God to give thanks for what He has given us. She writes about this in a way that I have not heard before but that makes perfect sense.

   She talks about the importance of trusting God (I mentioned how much the book encouraged me in this area here). When we are truly thankful for all that He has given and when we realize that all good gifts come from Him and that He knows our every need then we really don't need to worry any more.

  I really, really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading it all over again! I highly recommend it to you if you would like to live life more fully!

  Would you like to try winning this book?

I am blessed to be able to host a giveaway - If you wouldn't like to enter please:

1. Leave a comment telling my 3 things you are feeling thankful for today. Please leave your e-mail address in your comment so that I can contact you if you should win.

2. If you would like a second entry please become a follower of my blog via google friend connect or subscribe to get my blog posts delivered to your e-mail. Then leave me another comment telling me how you follow my blog.

This giveaway will go through September 29th. Stay tuned - I have other giveaways lined up for this week as well. It should be fun!!

  Disclaimer: I was given this book for purposes of reviewing but all thoughts are my own.

AND THE WINNER IS: THE TRIPLETTS