Book Recommendation {One Thousand Gifts}

It's been a little over three months since my last post.  I took a little vacation from blogging, since my brood was home for the summer, and it seemed summer was busier than the school year.  We had a fun, fun summer!  I am sorry this post doesn't fall within my "Days" format....this is not a "Tasty Tuesday" post.  I will tell you more about our summer over the next few posts, hopefully in my blog format, but for now, I must give you a book recommendation. 

My sister, Johnna, gave me a wonderful (40th!) birthday gift -- a book called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.   I typically do not find time to read, and especially, finish books; by the time there is time, I am, sadly, sitting in a chair dozing off in front of Top Chef, or the like. 

I really wanted to read this book, so I decided to get up one hour earlier, read a chapter each day while I savored my coffee, and actually FINISH A BOOK! 

The first chapter in, I knew this would not be hard to do. 

Voskamp is a poetic, intellectual writer who focuses on the eucharist (THANKSGIVING!) as the theme of this particular writing.  She has a tragic past that centers around the loss of her toddler sister.  The first two chapters, for me, were tearfully read. 

We're talking buckets. 

One of my favorite excerpts from the book really struck a chord with me: 

"With memories of gravestones, of combing fingers through tangled hair, I wonder too...if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.

To see through to God.

That that which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond.  To Him."

-- One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, p. 22.

As I read each day, my attitude toward God, life and my family changed completely.  It is easy to go through life being casually thankful.  This book teaches one how to make thanksgiving a central, genuine habit in your life.  And it will change your life for the better. 

Get it.  Read it.  Live it!  (And if you can't find it in the Amarillo area, it's because I have bought the local book stores out twice -- for copies to give to friends.  I have extras in my car and am happy to give you one -- just ask!)

So glad to be "back."  Here's to our blessings!