Time {multitudes on monday #89-#96}

Some books are meant to be devoured all in one sitting. Some take a little longer to get through because of their size or content. And still some are meant to sit and savor. To take in every last word of wisdom and let it simmer within your soul. That is how I feel about Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts. {if you have not yet ordered this book, go.get.it.now! :) }

I started reading this book at the beginning of February as part of (in)courage's bloom book club. I am following along with the club and reading it slowly. Taking in all that I can. Allowing for her open heart to speak to mine. I am only on chapter 6 of the book and already so much has been revealed to me about my own life and faith.

One particular paragraph hit me hard; so hard that I re-wrote it and have the note card hanging where I can see it on a daily basis.

I fill the sink with the circle of bowl, and batter floats up in suds. I wash. I see my reflection in the stainless of the tap. I know you, those seeking eyes. You're the one in dire need of time, that thing we can't buy, what we sell of ourselves to get more of what we think we want, what we sacrifice to seemingly gain. They say time is money, but that's not true. Time is life. And if I want the fullest life, I need to find the fullest time. I wipe a water spot off the tap; there is a reflection of me. Oh yes, I know you, the busyness of your life leaving little room for the source of your life. I'm the face grieving.
God gives us time.  And who has time for God?
Which makes no sense.
{One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, pg 64}

And it's true, right, that it "make no sense"? We I make time for everything else, but yet my prayer life and devotional life are often forgotten; put on the 'back-burner' and left for another time. A time, that more often than not, never comes.

Why do I do this? Why am I lazy in my faith? In my relationship with the One who loves me so much? I am a sinner and self-absorbed. I put my needs/wants/desires before His and then wonder why I can't feel His presence; hear Him speak.

I am foolish; but at the same time, by nails in a wooden cross and grace-sweet, sweet, grace-I am forgiven.

Forgiveness! What a beautiful gift that I am not worthy of, but am so grateful for!

{in the prior weeks, I would just sit at the computer and recollect what I was thankful for over the past week. but, since starting Ann's book, I have decided to keep a journal and carry it with me everywhere; writing down my gratefulness as it occurs. since doing this, I have realized just how much I take for granted. writing it down on a regular basis really makes a difference!}

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time! {#89-#96}
{so, apparently I cannot count because I was 10 off on my counting to 1000! sheesh!}

89. Hearing 'I love you mama" coming from my daughters mouth all day long!
90. Enjoying milkshakes together
91. Springtime colors on petals in February
92. Sun shining through drawn curtains
93. The beauty in a full moon
94. The birth of a sweet friends baby girl
95. Dinner out as a family
96. A new pair of jeans in a smaller size!



If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9