I’m sure you’ve heard of Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. Well, after seeing it everywhere and hearing about it from so many I finally decided to check it out for myself.
I’m so glad I did.
Right on the cover it says…
"A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are.”
This alone is a challenge my heart leaps at the opportunity to discover.
The author has a beautiful and unique way of writing that draws me right into her world. But what has driven me to share this book with you today is her divine revelation on the term Eucharisteo.
She breaks it down like this…
The meaning of Eucharisteo is Thanksgiving.
The root word of Eucharisteo in the Greek is charis and means Grace.
The derivative of charis is the Greek word chara which means Joy.
Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.
She delicately and beautifully defines them…
“A triplet of stars, a constellation in the black.”
“A threefold cord that might… offer a way up into the fullest life.”
A few pages later she describes it in such a way that I am affected deeply with a desire to experience eucharisteo for myself…
“At Eucharist, Christ breaks His heart to heal ours – Christ, the complete accomplishment of our salvation. And the miracle of eucharisteo never ends: thanksgiving is what precedes the miracle of that salvation being full y worked out in our lives. Thanksgiving – giving thanks in everything – is what prepares the way for salvation’s whole restoration. Our salvation in Christ is real, yet the completeness of that salvation is not fully realized in a life until the life realizes the need to give thanks… in everything.”
She goes on to say, “I would never experience the fullness of my salvation until I expressed the fullness of my thanks every day, and eucharisteo is the elemental to living the saved life.”
She’s right.
But how? How are we to really give thanks in every-thing? And I mean beyond the blanket prayer... "thank you God for all that you give."
The answer? Start somewhere. Anywhere. Just begin.
A friend of the author dares her to begin a list of gifts… one thousand gifts of gratitude to the Lord. And so she begins “naming” them as she calls it and as she does He changes her. She experiences real Grace, real Thanksgiving and real Joy.
I want that.
So I’ve decided to join her for multitudes on mondays, along with hundreds of other bloggers at A Holy Experience and begin “naming” my own list of one thousand gifts to the Lord.
His Grace covers me. I offer Him Thanks. And His Joy fills me...
1. sweet childhood memories: black, rubber tire swing… dark musky basement… creaky wooden rocking chair- with her in it: my grandma
2. watching her fly on eight wheels
3. freedom to watch them grow every moment of every day
4. doctors, medication, surgeries and recovery
5. husbands love despite me
6. bitter-sweetness of grandma anticipating heaven
7. little girls saying "yes" to Jesus
8. peace granted for midnight whispers of fear
9. warm hot tub on chilly Spring day
10. my depravity because it keeps me desperate for Him
I like "naming" my gifts… the things I might just let pass by without really acknowledging Him with gratitude in my heart. Ann Voskamp is not alone... I also smile and notice the Joy that putting pen to paper in Thanksgiving brings to my soul.
Ten down… only nine-hundred-ninety to go!
What are your thoughts on Eucharisteo?
Wow! I love this! I can see you working out your faith as Paul describes in Phillipians 2 with the progression of your list. It's beautiful. By giving thanks in everything I think that's the time we truly tap into the power of the Holy Spirit! Love the pictures... Brought tears to my eyes!:) love your soul!
ReplyDeleteI have so been wanting to read this! But I am reading two devotionals now, the Bible and my fiction books. Need to finish before adding another because I confuse easy, lol.
ReplyDeleteGiving thanks helps me to focus on the blessings God has given me. Even the little things like a cool bottle of water when I am thirsty, is worth praising God for. Great post.
I need to read this book too. I think thanksgiving needs to be a daily part of our walk with Christ. It's so easy to get distracted and complacent...we need to remember all the blessings. Love your list!
ReplyDeleteI have not read this book but I have seen it on other websites. I really loved how you shared the word here especially what you highlighted for me it meant salvation and that is where my heart is. Praying that everyone seeks salvation and praying for all men across the world. Thanksgiving great word. Also girl-friend I love the photos of everyone, look like they was having a great time.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, I love that we started this at the same time! I admit that I haven't read the book yet, but I know that giving thanks keeps us focused on God and that's what I want/need. It's too easy to get caught up in the negative. I'm going to praise Him for His many blessings instead.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great, I'm reading several books right now but as soon as I can afford it I plan on getting it. Giving thanks for all things helps us keep our focus on what we do have instead of what we don't. I love your list thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful - YOUR writing and HER book! It's a huge endeavor this living truly thankful in the midst of where we are, but only with God is it possible.
ReplyDeleteGreat post (and love the pics).
ooooooh! Sounds good....Let's read it!!! When I have a heart of Thanksgiving, it just makes my heart swell with love for Him!
ReplyDeleteLove Laura
I haven't read this one Heidi, but I love the concept of naming what we're thankful for. I can easily see where that level of introspection on our Blessings would open our hearts to God even more!
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Day!
I keep seeing this one everywhere too! I need to get it I think! Sounds awesome...and love the idea of naming of your 'thousand gifts'.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, I finally just started reading the book! I've only read the first chapter so far, but so anxious to read more. I've been thinking about joining in on multitude mondays, too. I'm so glad you are!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you've started a list! I've read the book too & wrote about it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
Great list! I love the pictures that go along with your blessings.
ReplyDeleteVery good. A heart full of thanksgiving is essential for abundant Christian living. Thanks for the encouragement.
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