Every once in awhile I read a book that rattles me, inspires me, and starts me on a journey that extends beyond the end of the book. Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts is such a book. Released in January of this year, it appeared on the New York Times’ Bestseller List in March, and I can see why. It is a book that will revolutionize your thinking.
A non-fiction book that reads like poetry, One Thousand Gifts is “a dare to live fully right where you are.” Voskamp draws you in by telling some of her own pain-etched story, and then shows her journey from pain to finding joy in the midst of pain. The dare begins with the challenge to give thanks for everything.
Not a general, overarching, “I have so many blessings, and I’m thankful” kind of giving thanks, but a challenge to slow down and name each gift. The challenge was to write down 1,000 things she was thankful for. The author took the challenge, chronicling each of the thousand gifts; she kept going, well beyond 1,000. Here are some of the things she learned:
- Thanksgiving opens the way for God to do miracles
- Giving thanks postures us to receive all of what God has for us—in joy and in pain
- We are better able to see God when we give thanks continually
- Thanksgiving reminds us of the goodness of God and gives us courage to let go of fear
- Giving thanks slows us to live in this moment, embracing it fully
- Choosing to give thanks is not a Pollyanna, rose-colored wash over the ugliness of life, but a yielding to God when life is painful
- Naming the gifts is all about perspective and a response to a personal God who lavishes His love gifts on us
As I devoured the book in my first reading, I decided to also take the challenge to name 1,000 gifts. I opened a new journal, and to date I have recorded 361 blessings. I feel like my eyes are being opened and my perspective changed as I ingrain the habit of continual thanks. More joy. More peace. More openness. Less striving. A great adventure!
If you are looking for a good summer devotional book, I highly recommend Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. You can find it online at major booksellers’ websites. You can also learn more about the author and read her blog at http://www.aholyexperience.com/.
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I am reading this book now- upon your recommendation… Here is serendipity moment: read the author bio and realized Bob and I will be in her neck of the Canadian woods in September. Hope to get to meet her!!! Loving what I have read… Thanks for the wisdom to know what life impacting information to pass on to others!!
I have heard so much about this book! I can't wait to read it!!! Thanks for the enticing review!
As I was reading this article, I thought about how I had purged all of the old pain and hurts from my own life. As I wrote about each one, the tears flowed, healing living waters! I kept telling God that I did not want to go there again and He said Go. Three times I stopped and pleaded with Him that I really, really did not want to go there, I didn't want to continue but He said simply go. I saw Him through every circumstance and happening but yesterday it was different. I can not explain it because it was God. Today, I feel a peace and a power that I know only He can supply. Today instead of looking at all that baggage in negativity, I see some of the joys and the gifts that He gave during that time that I had never seen before! Thank You!
The book sounds so interesting and the idea completely convicting. I think that we all could stand to learn what it means to truly give thanks for all we take for granted. This is something I not only struggle with myself, but also seek to pass on to my kids. Thanks for the review & reminder! I subscribed by email… So we'll see if I can win a copy here, or if I "win" it from my library!
I love this book and am reading it for a second time. It is powerful and life changing. I am glad you are recommending it because so many of us need to hear it's message!
Subscribed, but would love a copy!! Love this website
If Pam Mueller suggested this read…I know it's a MUST!
It's sound great…. I would to read it!!!
Subscribed. This book is definitely on my "books to read soon" list.
Subscribed, but would love to read it
Thanks for the review Pam. I will be reading this book as soon as I finish reading the one I'm currently on. Vikram is reading One Thousand Gifts and loves it.
Subscribing now! Really would like to read this book, Ive heard its great.
I came across this book a few months back when I was going through a difficult time. I never actually picked it up and read it but was blessed by Ann Voskamp's blog alone! The book keeps popping up to my attention in random ways, I think the Lord is telling me something
Would love to read it!
I've subscribed and the review was very inspiring! Thanks for the review!
Subscribed and i am really looking forward to reading this book. whether i win it or buy it. i would really like to read it
Subscribed. I am always looking for a good book to read! Can't wait!
I have subscribed, Pam I will read any book you have reccomended! Bless you and will be looking for it! Thank you!
I'm so looking forward to reading this book! Please know that Destiny IN Bloom has given me 1000 gifts through all your great posts and articles! God Bless!!!!
I have personally lived many miracles induced by giving thanks. Your opinion carries great influence for me to read the book and take the challenge! Thank you Pam for your inspirations.
I have subscribed, but I would love to have a chance to win the book!!
Loving the book and gave a copy to a dear friend.
Subscribed. thanks for all you do!
Sarah- congrats!!! You are the winner of a copy of "A Thousand Gifts". Please contact us via the contact form and let us know the best way to get a hold of you!! We know you will be blessed by this book!! Congrats- DIB Social Media Team
Congratulations Sarah!