In this month’s Christian Women Online, Ann Voskamp wrote:

It is the beginning of the list season: lists of menus, lists of hand-made projects, lists of addresses, lists of baking goodies … lists of gifts.

I am seeing things I have never seen before, atuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber….from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen—the world is new and full of His gifts.

Ann is making a list of one thousand things she’s thankful for — and you can join in too! You can make the list on your blog and join up with the other participants with the “Mr. Linky” set up here at CWO.

I’ve given this some thought and have decided to keep a record of my thankful reflections in my paper journal — something I keep nearby in the kitchen where I’m working. I’ll come back and add some to this post in a few days.

I can already tell a difference in my heart as I focus more on having an attitude of gratitude.

11/23/06:

Thank you, Lord, for the pitter-patter of children’s feet coming down to breakfast (They’re not burdens; they’re blessings!).

Thank you for the coming few days where we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving feasts with family.

Thank you for faithful writers in the blogosphere who connect us through our faith.

11/24/06:

Today I’m overwhelmed with joy! My brother and his wife announced they are expecting their first child next summer. I’m going to become an aunt! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful news!

11/25/06:

I hung our seven stockings today on the mantle. Christmas is coming. The anticipation in our home is starting to build. I’m looking forward to a whole month of celebrating this year.

11/28/06:

Two precious treasures from yesterday. In cleaning out our basement, we rediscovered my oldest son’s battery-powered train set — it’s been boxed away three or four years. Now it’s perfect for his little brother. We went and bought six new “size C” batteries, and it runs! Smoke even comes out the steam engine.

Another gift: my husband, exhausted as he was from his day at work, carried our Christmas tree upstairs, and now the train set is running around the base of the tree. What a glorious sight — increasing our anticipation toward Christmas!