jumping right in

I've always been a perfectionist.  Not a perfect one, mind you.  Just a failing perfectionist that has never allowed herself enough grace.
I'm jumping right into this Joy Dare.  I mentioned in yesterday's blog that I have been listing things I'm grateful for since reading One Thousand Gifts back in September.  On her blog, Ann Voskamp issued the Joy Dare.  List 3 things every day that you are thankful for.  Yesterday was the S I X T H day of January.  Not day one.  However....I'm jumping in....right now.  Not going back to day one and starting from number one. Nope!  I'm just going to start here.  I will list the 3 things from yesterday as well as from today.
Even if that's not the "perfect" way to do it. :)

"one thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart"

this wonderful devotional book that my friend Lori gave me,

yummy cuties,

these amazing kids!

And today, Day 7...3 graces from people you love:

• playing Guesstures with my husband and daughters
• forgivness, when I said something dumb
• listening to Jacklyn, age 4, singing her own worship song to Jesus.

Joy Dare

"Choosing Joy is a radical decision to honor God by experiencing the depths of God's promises to us. It's desiring Him above all else, rejoicing in His character, and living joyfully, according to His Word."

-Choosing Joy, Angela Thomas

I am excited this morning at the prospect of 2012.  I woke up today at 5:30 am (thank you, Gracie dog!) and walked that silly pooch.  It was cold and foggy so I kept it short.  I came home and poured some coffee.  I sat down at the computer, having some guilt that I didn't first sit down with my flashlight and Bible.  However, God met me!  I clicked on my favorite blog and was so inspired!

Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, is doing a Joy Dare.  Each day, list 3 things you are thankful for.  It will change your life.  I have actually been working on my list....one a day, 10 a day, 5 a day...whatever....since finishing her book in September.  I cannot express enough how much I love that book!

There have been days where listing my gifts from God are so easy.  The pen keeps flowing, my heart is overwhelmed. There are other days where it just feels like a ritual. 

Today, I read (on the same blog) a quote by Aristotle.

We are what we continually do.

That's a pretty powerful statement! So, I guess as long as I'm listing my gifts....I am becoming more and more grateful. That is what I want. Becoming more and more thankful every day will drive out fear, worry, "control", stress and discontentment....along with a host of other unlovely characteristics I see in myself often.

I am expectant.

Please, feel free to join me in this Joy Dare!  Ann offers a really cool free printable on her blog that gives you ideas of 3 things each day to list.  Today is January 6.  She says to list: one thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart.

You can post your list on her website, on her fb page or even on twitter.

Or, you can keep a simple hand-written list in your journal.  Whatever you decide, I hope you will join with me.

He deserves all my thanks and it’s impossible to give thanks and simultaneously feel fear.

Ann Voskamp