25 Gifts from My Gratitude List

(Warning: This list has a long intro!)I was first introduced to the book, "One Thousand Gifts" at a bible study hosted by my dear friend, Kathleen. During the weeks of the study, I was in the middle of meeting and falling in love with my husband, so as you can imagine, I was slightly distracted .  I picked up the book for a second time when I was going through my first miscarriage. This time the book deeply impacted my life and gave me a fresh perspective on the importance of living a life of thankfulness. 

"...gratitude truly is the foremost quality of a believing disciple precisely because gratitude is what births trust...the true belief." a.v.

Voskamp challenges her readers to start keeping a journal of all the gifts in their lives, as a way to slow down the busyness and acknowledge the Giver. You've most likely been asked at one point in your life to name ten things you're thankful for, right? If you would have asked me that question a year ago, my list would have consisted of general subjects (Parents, Husband, God, Food, Clothes, House) and I would have probably struggled to think of any more over ten. While a broad list like this is obviously not wrong, it didn't inquire me to "stop and smell the roses" so to speak. I needed to train my eyes to see the beauty hidden in the mundane; the little moments that rushed by in a full day.

"Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant--a seed--this plants the giant miracle. Do not disdain the small." -a.v.


Anne's challenge to record 1000 gifts encouraged me to become more detailed and descriptive in my thanksgiving.  I had to focus my attention on the seemingly "small"; things that before I would have thought of as insignificant. It seemed a bit child-like at first..you know, thanking God for blue hydrangeas, a spider weaving it's web and a sweet crunchy apple, but I began to realize that these were things that brought me delight when I paused long enough in my day to notice them. Beyond that, I began to recognize them as ways my Father was lavishing his love on me. 

"I pay tribute to God by paying attention."-a.v.

Furthermore, my natural inclination is to worry and fret over things, but it's pretty hard to complain and give thanks simultaneously...

"Every breath's a battle between grudgery and gratitude and we must keep thanks on the lips so we can sip from the holy grail of joy."-a.v.

Voskamp speaks to the suffering heart through words that are poetically and sincerely scripted. She encourages her readers to accept whatever God gives them with open hands and breathe out 'thanks' not only for the beautiful things, but the ugly, as well. 

"God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life---even hurts in a life." -a.v.

It's not that we need to adopt a Pollyanna attitude when calamity comes our way. It's not that we need to put on a fake smile, pretending all is well during the times that all is not right in our world. Rather, in the valley's and storms of life we are to focus our blurry-eyed vision on the Rock--the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is sovereign...He is a Comforter....He has a rich inheritance stored up for those who trust in Him...He won't leave us or forsake us...He is our refuge and strength. It is for these things that we can and should utter thanks. Let me show you a real-life example. 

"To know how we can count on God, we count graces, but ultimately there is really only One."-a.v.

Around this time of year, most people try to be more intentional about having a grateful attitude. Some give thanks in order to generate a happy demeanor and optimistic outlook on life. Others strive to think positive thoughts in order to attain an inner calm. As Christians, our thanksgiving should magnify our Creator--the Sustainer of life itself! May we not simply vocalize our gratitude for the sake of the holiday, but may we purposefully direct our thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. 

"Every time you feel in God's creatures something pleasing and attractive, do not let your attention be arrested by them alone, but, passing them by, transfer your thought to God and say: 'O my God, if Thy creations are so full of beauty, delight, and joy, how infinitely more full of beauty, delight, and joy art Though Thyself, Creator of all! -Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain 

As we focus on all of our many blessings this Thanksgiving, I pray that they would direct our attention to the great and mighty Gift-Giver and cause us to glorify and praise His name. "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24, ESV)

25 Gifts from My Gratitude List:

1. Looking through old photo albums with my mom

2. Surprise reservations to a bed and breakfast 

3. Staying calm during bloodwork

4. Sprinting up a hill and feeling good at the top

5. Scripture, framed and hung on walls

6. Dancing in the kitchen with socks on

7. A Savior who endured the cross

8. Jack & Oakley's smiling faces peering from the window 

9. Hot coffee and cozy bathrobe on chilly mornings

10. Reading the Bible with Jared

11. Music that magnifies the Lord and His promises

12. Fresh cucumber from the Calvary Baptist garden

13. Flirting with my husband at the gym

14. The sound of birds chirping in the morning

15. Date night to Sweet Frog

16. The ability to be transformed by God

17. Running stadium bleachers

18. The opportunity to carry a life

19. Hymns turned up loud in the kitchen

20. Waking up beside my best friend

21. Overcoming public speaking fear

22. Prince of Peace to rest in

23. Masculine husband

24. Reminders of Truth

25. New mercies in the morning

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Charity~

Three Lessons I Learned from My Grandma

My Sweet Grandma 

My grandma was one of my dearest friends. She was smart and relevant. She was spunky and funny. She was authentic and bold. But what stands out the most about her to me and those who knew her is that Grandma was passionate about following Jesus and soaking up His Word. It seemed that no matter what the topic or length of conversation, she would always find a way to weave in a Scripture verse or truth about God's character. Talking about the Lord came naturally to Grandma, because she was talking about Someone she knew well.

My family had the privilege of living five minutes away from Grandpa and Grandma's house so, as you can imagine, there are many things that she taught me from our frequent interactions. I would like to share with you just a few of those life lessons:

1. BE A LADY

Grandma at age 19  

Note: If you are a guy, read on! Apply this to your wife-search if you are single, and if you are a father, remind this to your daughter:)

Did you know that just because you are a woman, it does not mean you are lady? It's a simple concept, but one that my grandma used to remind me of often: "Charity, be a lady".  Unfortunately, being a lady is becoming more and more of a rarity in this day and age and Grandma knew it.  The media overwhelms us with countless messages concerning how females should look, dress, and act. There are women who use their gender as some sort of power to be used against men, or those who distort the definition of a lady to mean a mere sexual icon. I love the following definition of a lady: a well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior.  This is the kind of woman that my Grandma was encouraging me to be and the kind of lady that is contrary to the common culture's definition. This lady does not use crude language or dress to entice. She carries herself with dignity and respect; she walks with a confident, yet humble disposition; she is laced with feminine mystery. In our striving to be a lady in the purest form and fashion, shouldn't we look to the One who came up with the whole idea in the first place? Grandma sent me to Him time and time again...

2. One Always Manages to Do Those Things They Consider Important

Grandma's Calligraphy

Grandma was really good at calligraphy. I have this framed quote sitting by my computer as a reminder from her that I will always find time to do the things that I deem necessary, no matter how full my life gets. Oftentimes a Christian's greatest excuse for not spending time in the Word is that they are just too busy. I have said this on more than one occasion, and then I find myself at the gym or on Facebook and the thought hits me that I am obviously not too busy to find time to accomplish those things! There are some seasons of life (such as being a mom of small kids) when having time to get it all done truly does feel impossible. If you are in this season, listen to what my friend, Heidi St. John (mom of 7) has to say to encourage your heart in this area. 


3. APPLY the "ABC's"
Note: If you are not a follower of Christ or you are exploring the Christian faith, the following points may sound unfamiliar to you. If you are interested in a greater expounding, check out this fabulous sermon by John Piper (you can either read or listen to it). 

One of Grandma's many illustrations 

A. Put off the old man by consciously obeying Romans 6:11a. Agree with God that your old nature was crucified with Christ. 
B. Put on the new man by consciously obeying Romans 6:11a. Agree with God that you are a new man, indwelt by God's Holy Spirit. 
C. Obey James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:6-7. Resist that Tempter in the power of Christ! Remember: the battlefield is in the mind! 

What is something that you learned from your Grandma?

Love your family, ya'll!
~Charity~

Seven Things to Ask God

Northwest Georgia- "God's Country" :)

How often do we come before the Lord requesting better health, greater wealth, and deeper happiness in life? While these things are not bad things in themselves, they are not God's main priorities for our lives. Above all else, He desires to make us holy, or theologically speaking, to sanctify us.

Here is a list of prayers that I have prayed for myself throughout the years and I would like to encourage you to do so, as well. Rest assured, God is faithful to answer our genuine prayers to be more like Him. 

1. Lord, give me wisdom.

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

2. Lord, help me to love what You love and hate what You hate. 

Romans 12:9 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good."

3. Lord, give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. 

Psalms 42:1,2 "As the deer longs for the water brooks, so my soul longs for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God..." 

4. Lord, point out anything in my life that is offensive to You. 

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

5. Lord, may I desire Your will, above all else. 

Luke 22:42 "Father if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done."

6. Lord, give me a sensitivity to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. 

John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

7. Lord, enable me to love others. 

1 Corinthians 13:2 "If I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing".

What do you feel is important to ask of the Lord?

Be set apart, ya'll!
~Charity~ 

Ten Books You've Got to Read

 I learned how to read at a young age (thanks, Mom) and have loved books ever since. I will post other lists based on various categories of books, but for now, here are ten books that I would highly recommend! (in really no particular order):

1. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

2. The Giver by Lois Lowry

3. Seduction of the Heart by Tim LaHaye 

4. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (all of his books are great!)

5. Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow (all of her books are great!)

6. When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy (check out the sequel!)

7. Worship the Way it Was Meant to Be by Robert Wetmore 

8. The Hungry Heart by Lynda Bjorklund

9. Follow Me by David Platt

10. One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp 

What are some of the books on your top reading list?

Happy reading, ya'll!

~Charity~