The Joy Project, Part 2 - The Plan and a Giveaway

"Dare to name all the ways God loves you.  Spend time thinking upon His goodness." 

-Ann Voskamp 

Ann Voskamp summed up the theme of her book as " the dare to live FULLY right where you are".   I think that's a really wonderful goal.  I think the idea that we need to slow down and enjoy the small things is something that has been preached by lots of people.  Remember when Oprah had her Gratitude journals??  

Here is a recent video of Oprah talking about her gratitude journal.  She's been writing down her daily blessings for 16 years!!  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/06/oprah-on-her-gratitude-journal_n_1946792.html

Seeking to find joy in the mundane is not a new concept.  But it's a good one I think! 

The past 13 months have been difficult.  My faith has, at times, been really shaken.  And at times it's hard to feel joyful when you know your brother is suffering.  And that's okay!  Sometimes life is hard.  But, you'd be amazed that despite the very difficult battle my brother is currently fighting he still manages to seek joy!  That's amazing.  Instead of curling up and saying, "Enough!" he goes on everyday and finds things to be grateful for.  I'm not sure, if I were him, that I would be able to do that. 

What I do know though is that I am going to do my best to live a life that is full of thanksgiving for the many blessings I have been given.  

What's the Plan?!

I'm going to randomly be posting my "blessings list" until I get to 500.  500!  How long will that take I wonder? 

I am hoping that some of you will join me!  Can you find 500 things that bring joy into your life?  If so, will you share some of your lists with me in the comment sections? 

What Can We Win?

I am not too far from having 1000 comments on the blog.  Whoever leaves the 1000th comment, and has left at least ONE comment that includes a few things that brought them joy that day, will get a copy of.....

1) Wheat Belly - my favorite book! AND

2) One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp

I hope you will join me!!

Eucharist (thanksgiving) is the state of the perfect man.  Eucharist is the life of paradise.  Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God's creation, redemption, and gift of heaven. 

-Alexander Schmemann