Thursday, January 5, 2012

Joy Dare

So... I am doing Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare and counting to {an extra} 1,000 Gifts in 2012! Will you join me?

I read from Matthew 5:1-26 this morning during my quiet time and The Beatitudes are a part of these verses.

I thought it to be quite appropriate to start this Joy Dare by meditating on The Beatitudes... it sets the tone for being thankful in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in... it especially teaches us to *feel* and *know* that we are blessed when things don't particularly go our way.

I love how The Message words The Beatitudes...
You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are — no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
You're blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even! — for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
~ Matthew 5:3-12, The Message.
I will be posting the whole month's grace-gifts on the last day of each month. I am looking forward to counting {an extra} 1,000 gifts this year... and looking forward to looking back at the end of 2012... on the greatness of God's faithfulness!

Click on the banners below to learn more about counting to 1,000 Gifts...
Jump in... I promise you will be blessed!




Unwrapping more of His love in this world.
Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

14 comments:

  1. I printed off the January calendar today, too. I'm in the 1400s with my list I started last April. When I sat down to list my 3 for the day, I actually wrote about 12!

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  2. I found your blog from Jill's master list of Compassion bloggers and was excited to see another person doing Ann's Joy Dare! I posted about it on my blog today also... :o)

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  3. That is so awesome, Jill! It's so awesome counting 1000 gifts with so many others!!!

    *HI* Yvonne! It's nice to *meet* you. Thanks for dropping by today!

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  4. I'm in, Aimee. I'll talk to you about it on Sunday, when I see you.
    Shirley

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  5. Hmmm. I'll have to go check it out too!

    Blessings!
    Deborah

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  6. Thanks for the reminder! Already 6 days in the New Year and I find it easy to slide... today's blog post is about continuing to show my gratitude for the gifts!

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  7. I shared it on my blog today too... counting 1000 again... two of my friends here are taking the challenge too. Exciting.

    Hugs,
    Teena

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  8. Shirley: So cool! It will change your life. :-)

    Deborah: I think you'll especially love the camera giveaway at the end of the year! ;-)

    Christy: When the counting becomes a habit, it somehow becomes a normal part of your day! Keep on counting, friend!

    Teena: Exciting indeed!

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  9. I too am on the hunt for joy daily. I'm in the 1200's and I don't want to stop, I can't stop becuase of what he has done in my heart since I started keeping the record of His love for me!

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    1. Yes! Same here, Lori... thanksgiving & the counting of gifts have transformed me! God is so good.

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  10. Hi, I just found your blog for the very first time! I'm so blessed by your maturity of Faith in our God! The book 1,000 Gifts was JUST recommended to me, thanks for the reminder! I'm going to go order it now! I'm looking forward to following you on here. -Many Blessings, Amy from amyswomantics.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for dropping by today, Amy! One Thousand Gifts has changed my life... I look at things with different eyes now. So thankful for His grace & relentless love!

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  11. Aimee, coming back and reading again.... it touches deep as this wk we are on persecution verses... love the msg translation!

    Ann linked to you! How cool is that. :)

    Counting gifts with you...

    Love you,
    Teena
    oh and my husband has been looking at the children from cental/south america!! Pray!

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    1. Teena! Saw your tweet about your hubby asking to sponsor another Compassion child. Oh. So. Wonderful!!!

      I love The Message translation too... a little wordy, but full of meaning! And yes, Ann is so gracious to link to me!

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