Books

What I’m Reading Now

I started this amazing book a couple weeks ago and am just finishing it up now.

It is a GEM and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone I know. The book is about the author’s quest to live life fully, embracing all of the gifts God gives us. In order to enjoy every moment to its extent, Ann starts making a list of all the daily gifts in her life. Most of the gifts are small —- raspberry jam on toast, the way light streams in over a hardwood floor in the morning, the laughter of her son —- but in recognizing these blessings, she finds true joy in the present moment.

From the time I flipped the fifth page, I knew this book was doing a number on my heart. How many times do I go through my day quickly just to get to the next? How many gifts do I miss simply because I’m too caught up in my own “stuff” to see them? As I was reading, I started to slow down and make my own mental list of the blessings in my life…both big and small. Like the author, I found I had so much more JOY when I was taking the time to slow down and recognize these gifts God bestows upon me daily. Gifts I usually just look over without a second glance.

One Thousand Gifts reads like poetry. I did some research on the author and found out that she wrote the entire book in a small log cabin on their property after her six {yes, six!} kids went to bed. She literally wrote from 10pm to 2am every night until the book was finished. Talk about dedication.

I’m sharing this review with you today because as we venture into the busyness of Thanksgiving next week, this is the perfect read to slow us down and realize everything that we are thankful for.

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  • Gabby (Quest for Delicious)
    November 15, 2012 at 3:53 am

    I love the way this book sounds. It’s way too easy to get bogged down with anything and everything and we lose sight of the beauty in life. Thanks for sharing!

  • Anne
    November 15, 2012 at 4:19 am

    Literally just added it to my Goodreads, “to read” list!

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    November 15, 2012 at 4:23 am

    You summed this book up wonderfully Jenna. I read Ann’s book last summer and found it to be such a lovely pitcure of joy, grace and love. Thank you bringing Ann’s words back to mind.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    November 15, 2012 at 4:45 am

    I second this!! I actually just bought this book as a present for someone but have been having my own little flick through first! I first saw Mama Pea review it on her blog and it sounded fantastic – she was right!

  • Heather @ Girlyeverafter
    November 15, 2012 at 5:01 am

    I keep a gratitude journal and write down something that I was grateful for that day. Sometimes it’s just that someone held the door open for me and other times it’s that my friends and family are safe and healthy. It’s something I enjoy doing everyday.

  • Jackie
    November 15, 2012 at 5:04 am

    You will thoroughly enjoy this book. Though you can read right through in a few sittings; don’t. Take the time to reflect what your’e reading and write down the thankful thoughts that come to mind. Ann’s writing style is beautifully poetic, she certainly has a gift to admire.

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates)
    November 15, 2012 at 5:10 am

    I’ve been planning on reading this one – I’ve heard other good reviews. I like how you tied it to the spirit of thanksgiving – I should probably read it sooner than later!

  • Erica
    November 15, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Thanks for the recommendation! I’m going to pick it up asap:)

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    November 15, 2012 at 5:48 am

    Sounds like a lovely book!

  • mom
    November 15, 2012 at 6:02 am

    I am ever so thankful for You!

  • Jacki
    November 15, 2012 at 6:18 am

    This book has been on my “to read” list for a while now! It’s so easy to overlook the many gifts in life. I think this will be a great read. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it!

  • Aaryn
    November 15, 2012 at 6:36 am

    That sounds like an amazing Thanksgiving read. I love finding joys in the little things, but so often I overlook them. Thanks for the reminder!

  • Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
    November 15, 2012 at 6:53 am

    Ooooh, I’ve been looking for a new book to read and this one is PEEEERFECT. What with moving (tomorrow!) and Thanksgiving next week, I definitely need something to keep me grounded in the small joys of life. 🙂

  • Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
    November 15, 2012 at 6:59 am

    I’m been eyeing this book as well – cannot wait to get my hands on it!

  • deva at deva by definition
    November 15, 2012 at 7:08 am

    I just added this to my “to read” list in my journal. I, too, am guilty of the same. Rush, rush, rush. I’be been trying to appreciate the little things more, like the chunks of pineapple in my yogurt in the morning, the purr of my snuggly kitten when he curls up next to me after the alarm goes off for snuggle time. My big teddy-bear cat’s (before I go on, I’ll say I have four cats) face when I walk in the door and scoop him up to say hello, and how my fiance’s face lights up every night when I get home, so full of love.

  • AnneW
    November 15, 2012 at 7:40 am

    This book is what I am reading now, too! I’m about 1/3 of the way through, and loving it!! As a busy college student, it’s so easy to rush through the day and miss out on God’s countless blessings- this book is so eye-opening and I’m glad you shared about it!

  • Sarah @ Yogi In Action
    November 15, 2012 at 8:00 am

    This book sounds amazing! I definitely am adding it to things to read!

    I started a gratitude journal about a year ago, and even just finding 5 things to be grateful for in a day made me realize how filled my life is. What a wonderful practice to be looking at it throughout the day, every day!

  • Jill
    November 15, 2012 at 8:02 am

    I read that awhile ago, and it was so good!! Amazing book, for sure!

  • Katina
    November 15, 2012 at 8:20 am

    This is such a great book! I was just about to share about it on my blog as well! My blog is just for our supporters, but I still like to write something about Thanksgiving etc. and I am reading this now and it’s perfect timing to share about this ‘Gem’! That is exactly what I felt about this book when I picked it up too, that very word ‘gem’! It really is a treasure!

  • polly
    November 15, 2012 at 8:22 am

    one of the things i am most thankful for is YOUR friendship! 🙂

    love you little sis!!!!

  • Rachael R.
    November 15, 2012 at 8:31 am

    I adored this book – my mom gave it to me to read at the perfect moment…. it was positively sustaining.

  • Lauren
    November 15, 2012 at 8:36 am

    I love this book. After reading it I started keeping my own list and it has had such a drastic change on my attitude and outlook. Great recommendation!

  • Erica @ Coffee & Quinoa
    November 15, 2012 at 8:46 am

    This looks great. A teacher once gave my class an assignment to keep a journal of everything we were thankful for. I got away from it after that, but this would be an appropriate time of year to try it out again.

  • Glory/ Glorious Treats
    November 15, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Sounds like a great read! Thanks for sharing it!

  • Julia
    November 15, 2012 at 9:51 am

    This book sounds wonderful. I plan on checking it out at the library! Thanks for the recommendation.

  • Andrea
    November 15, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Thank you! I could definitely use a reminder or five to slow down and appreciate the everyday blessings.

  • kim@hungryhealthygirl
    November 15, 2012 at 10:08 am

    I’m currently reading another great book, that emphasizes being appreciate of the small gifts and living in the present. It’s The Happiness Project; you should check it out, if you haven’t already.

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    November 15, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I will be putting this on my “to read” list. I just finished The Lost Wife on the plane last night per your recommendation. I’m still trying to get over that one!

  • Carrie @ The Cook's Palette
    November 15, 2012 at 11:19 am

    Awesome recommendation and perfect timing with the holidays approaching. Seems like a great gift as well. I’ll pick this up asap. Thanks!

  • Caroline L.
    November 15, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I think this is definitely a concept many of us strive to understand, but somehow still don’t actively practice. I bet it’s an amazing read- I want to over Thanksgiving Break!

  • Kate
    November 15, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    This book sounds amazing. Thanks for the suggestion! Btw, love your blog!!

  • Jen
    November 15, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    I think that as we get older we start to realize more about how grateful we should be for the little things, or anything, in life. When I have down days, hours and regrets, I just focus on the positive aspects – no matter how small! – and it pulls me out. I’ve truly come to realize just how insignificant each one of us is in the grand scheme of things. Never take yourself too seriously!

  • Pam
    November 15, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    I just finished this book! Life changing to be sure! I got the app for my iPhone and its amazing how many blessings I’ve become aware of.
    I’m so thankul for the author being sensitive to write this book.

  • Kristen
    November 15, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    I read through it last summer with a group of girlfriends, there’s even a list of questions per chapter you can discuss. It really helped us to slow down and think through everything she shares. Ann Voskamp also has a WONDERFUL blog! http://www.aholyexperience.com

  • Sharliss Arnold
    November 15, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    I am so glad you read this book. It has meant so much to me during the past few years. Yes, we do need to live “one day at a time and to its fullest”. I am thankful that in this season of my life, I am doing that much better. I take the time to allow everything to pour through “God’s filter” kinda like allowing flour to be poured through a sifter. Only using the good stuff that falls free that is pure and good and all the bad stuff to stay behind. Life is so short, and I will end with a statement that my daugher who is 20 and is a Cancer Surviver says – “When life gives you storms, you just need to learn to dance in the rain.” Blessings!

  • Lia
    November 15, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    That’s a very appropriate mention about reading something like this before Thanksgiving when we are asked to think about what we are grateful for. Many people don’t know how to do that, even when asked. I’ve heard of this book before and it is on my reading list. Thanks for your awesome suggestions.

  • Diane @ Life of Di.
    November 15, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    I started this book a couple of weeks ago and am finding it difficult to get through. I guess I’m only on the fourth chapter but I felt like the first few were emotionally draining. I’ve heard rave reviews about this book so I know I need to push through – I may just have to be a chapter at a time (or maybe it will pick up and not be so melancholy!)

  • Sarah
    November 15, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    What a great message! I wholeheartedly agree with the importance of seeing the beauty and wonder in all of the little things in our day to day lives. Life is precious and we have so much to be thankful for!

  • Malkire
    November 15, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    What a thoughtful read during this holiday when we have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for your post!

  • Karoline
    November 15, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    This book sounds really interesting! I’m currently reading The Power of Habit – another one to get you thinking! I posted about it here if you’re interested: http://wellwired.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/mind-the-power-of-habit/

    Love your book reviews!

  • Abby
    November 16, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    This book really changed my heart! I’m so glad you’re reading it too and sharing it.
    I’m going to link back to this post on my blog today.

    🙂

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  • Sharla
    November 17, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    I almost bought this book a few weeks ago. Will definitely pick it up now. I can always use a reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things!

  • Christena
    November 20, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    I *LOVED* this book; so glad to see you recommend it. I found Ann’s blog about 4-ish years ago, and it changed my life and the way I see everything. I was so excited to read her book and then I bought it for three people for Christmas last year. I have never met her in real life, but I have never known anyone so completely dedicated to spiritual growth and knowing Christ fully. (Sorry, not quite sure that is what I really mean with that statement.) You should totally check out her blog if you haven’t. Her photos are amazing also!

  • Maria
    December 3, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Thanks for the book title, sounds very good. Wanted to tell you that I just finished your book and I truly enjoyed it. Wonderful writing and the recipes sound great. Congrats on writing it!

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