One Thousand Gifts

Two thousand twelve has been the greatest year ever.  I knew it would be the greatest year ever.  I determined it would be before it came.  And so it is.  I can not put into words the leaps and bounds I went through over the last 11 months that have led me to such a place of soul-rest - but, over time, I will try. I recently started reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  At first I enjoyed the challenge she posed to make a list of one thousand things you are thankful for, but was not so engaged in the book that I couldn't put it down.  Now, however, I find myself crying with a heart full of...fullness...whenever I turn the pages.


I am so blessed. Seriously.

In the last week, I have found myself driving down the road, listening to choral music from my senior year All State Festival with tears flooding my eyes and racing down my cheeks at the goodness of God.

Things aren't perfect. Those of you who know me well enough to know what happened during my 2011 know that this life has been far from easy.  Yet here I am.

Soul-rest.  Heart-peace.  I am full.  And so the fullness runs down my cheeks because I can't say enough words fast enough to release it.

I am grateful - for sweet fellowship, for families to love and love me, for babies, for provision of every sort, for the greatest running store in Raleigh, for wisdom, for growth, for Truth, for every Word of this precious book, and a God who came to serve and give His life for us (who even does that?!).

I am surrounded by shiny things - even asphalt sparkles in moonlight.

1. Morning sun making long shadows through trees

2. Ducks flying 

3. Geese talking like humans

4. Cool lake air on sweaty running-cheeks

5. Smiles from stranger-friends as we pass on the trail