One Thousand Gifts

One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, is a New York Times bestseller by Zondervan. This book is a celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude. It dares us to live fully right where we are.

This book could be the companion book for my blog: a celebration of gifts in our lives sounds like the description I've written for A Beautiful Life. Every life, every season, every day, every moment is a gift; precious & brief. {"appreciate and live the blessing of life in full by...attention to detail...taking time to notice beauty in all its forms..."}

When I get my hands on a copy of this book, I will be sharing more from it. I can't wait to start my list of 1000 things I am thankful for! What a great exercise to help us to be in the moment more and really focus on the good in our lives; the good that comes from God. Timely, in this season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts for the Easter holiday.

Check out the website {link above} to add to the 1000 gifts list started by readers. Last time I looked, it was up to 400-something. Also, check out the beautiful photography and reviews of the book there, as well.

A Reading Challenge

Fall Into Reading 2007 is a casual challenge to provide motivation to read. We each set our reading goals, make our lists, and check them off as we go. The purpose of this challenge is for us to establish some goals for our reading this Fall and then work toward them. Click on the graphic to join in the challenge. The host is also doing some drawings/giveaways (details below).

"One participant, chosen at random, will receive a $10 gift certificate from Amazon.com - to support your love of reading, of course! To be eligible for this prize, you'll have to post a list (on your blog) of the books you'd like to read this Fall (the cut-off for posting your list and adding your link here is this Wednesday, September 26th, at midnight) and then post your results at the end of the challenge (the challenge ends December 21st). That's it![Note: Although there are cut-offs in order to be in the drawing for the prize, there is no cutoff for joining in the challenge. So spread the word, and sign up whenever you're ready!][Another Note: I'll also be giving away one book from Bethany House every week throughout the fall. Check back Thursdays to be part of the giveaways!]"

Jessica--Chapter Books:
Stuart Little, by E.B. White
More Perfect Than the Moon, by Patricia MacLachlan
The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes
Meet Molly--An America Girl in 1944
(Book 1 of 6 book series), by Valerie Tripp
Story of the Pilgrims, Christian Liberty Press History Reader

Andrew--Early Reader Books:
Dick and Jane Storybook Collection
sight word books box set
other early readers

Books for Read Aloud:
*Boxcar Children series
The Kingfisher Atlas of the Ancient World
Stoy of the World
Sing a Song of Popcorn (Children's Poetry Collection)
*The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury
The Child's Story Bible
Lions, Tigers, and Bears selection for co-op class
*a variety of other library picture books
*Thanksgiving, Ancient Egypt books from library

*(for Storytime)

Books for Mom:
1 Corinthians, Revelations, Psalms
The Mom You're Meant to Be, by Cheri Fuller
Revolutionary Parenting, by George Barna

Library Books for Research/Planning:
Family Celebrations at Thanksgiving, by Ann Hibbard
Advent Begins at Home--Family Prayers and Activities
The Family Treasury of Great Holiday Ideas