A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

I've decided to jump in and join the hundreds of other women participating in Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts; A Dare to Live Fully. She invites the readers of her blog and new book to take the challenge of living life recognizing and recording God's presence and gifts given. So on Monday's I'll be counting up to 1,000 God gifts in my every day life.

As I've been reading Ann's book on a life of gratitude I've found my heart more open to joy, which is something I want to share with my kids. I decided to involve Max (7) and Maggie (2), so we picked out some pretty paper and have started a Basket Full of Thanks.

Our basket filled with praise and rosemary

In preparation for our adventure I read Psalm 100 and Philippians 4:6-7 to them. I explained about looking for the good things, the God things, in our lives that we are thankful for and how that pleases God and brings us joy. I was so touched with Max's enthusiasm, and even little Maggie's, for this opportunity. Actually we talk about things we're thankful for, things that make our hearts glad all day long now.

Max is thankful for moles, weasels, squirrels, army men, police and family!

Here are some things on our shared list:

1. Bird songs in the early morning light
2. Wrapping my fingers around a mug of Golden French Toast Coffee
3. Friends who 'get' us
4. Ice cream cones (Maggie)
5. Cameras for capturing special moments of beauty
6. Wii games (Max)
7. Cookies (Maggie, she likes her food)
8. Quiet time with Jesus while everyone else is still in bed
9. Love (Maggie)
10. Golden days of sunshine and warm breezes

How about you, what are you thankful for, how have you seen God in the ordinary moments of your day?