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Sharing the insights I discover as I explore and experience the mystery that is our reality. Join me in my journey and share yours.




Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A Dare to Live Fully/Ann Voskamp

I am currently reading a powerfully transforming book by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, in which she shares the journey that  awakened her to the reality of living fully, moment by moment, in her daily life. It is a brilliant masterpeice where she chronicles the voyage that brings her from darkness to light, from being  enslaved in the bondages of emotional pain and fear from her past to being liberated in the joy and peace that comes through the awareness of the abundant blessings and love of God which saturate the world and are waiting to be discovered.

It all had a simple beginning. A dare from a friend and a scrap of paper and a pen. From that humble start a transformation within her began that would bring her a greater awareness of God's presence and revelation of what it means to live a life full of gratitude and joy.

I introduced this book in a post called "Gratitude's Greatest Gifts", you can read it here:  http://ascendingthehills.blogspot.com/2011/05/gratitudes-greatest-gifts.html

I'd like to share the interview she had with Moira Brown. I hope it inspires many of you to consider reading this great book!


Part 1


Part 2






The complete interview is about eighteen minutes, but well worth the watch! I hope you enjoy!

I'd like to share more of my list from my gratitude journal, and perhaps after watching this interview, or maybe after reading my previous post, "Gratitude's Greatest Gifts", you'll be inspired to take part in the dare yourself...the dare to live fully and find abundant blessings in your everyday moments!

14. sun-kissed waters dancing to last light of day
15. mallard ducks bobbing, diving, gloriously feasting
16. soil, fertile with the promise of life
17. open book, words inviting me
18. picnics outside
19. walks to the grocery store, son chattering, bags heavy and full
20. open window, breeze drifting in, fluttering curtains
21. water from the garden hose sparking in the sun's light, a delicate arch, nourishing petals to root
22. rainbow in the spray from hose, making my son jump and clap
23. sounds of children playing happily together
24. heron gliding over water
25. bike rides with my daughter
26. mug heavy with hot coffee
27. pages of Scripture turning
28. reading together as a family at night
29. laying next to my son while he sleeps, watching his delicate chest rise and fall


What did you think of the interview? What simple blessings have you found in your day or week? Please share in the comments section!

12 comments:

  1. Wow Jessica, this is such a powerful interview! What a remarkable woman and she has overcome so much. I really enjoyed this!

    nelieta

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  2. i am thank full for your post and the interview with Ann Voskamp i have been try to get people to see what i and you and her see and know that he is in us let he live threw us thank you and god bless

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  3. Love your list, so many beautiful items like #'s 14, 20, 21, 22 and 29. #26 I will admit twinges, okay, more like convulsions of jealousy lol. I'm off of it at the moment and tortured!!! :-)

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  4. I am blessed with having Roy Durham in my life,he asked me to read this,so that I will have a better life.Your posts have always had a strong and positive influence on my life...I still can't get over the video,I am book marking this page,to see it again.

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  5. This is so beautiful Jessica. Thank you for sharing

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  6. Besides gorging myself on food I did reflect on the things that touched or moved me....A childhood that I had forgotten because i was so wrapped up in moving forward.... I wanted to step back and savor those moments. It reminded me of my true essence....

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  7. Jessica thank you for sharing....there are so many walking this earth....teaching through experience...a very powerful tool....I am grateful for every day...and never stop being in the now...

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  8. Good Evening Jessica -

    I can't tell how great this stuff is. I watched both videos and plan on watching again tomorrow.

    A comment that stood out is from the ashes there is gratitude. How true! Another word sequence I love is the gift of gratitude that Jesus gave us all when he gave thanks when he broke the bread and shared amongst friend, his 12 special followers.

    I like your idea to place video on your site. The concept works well for me and sure others will agree about that. Good Job, as usual. :)

    http://charlienitric.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/fellow-bloggers-you%E2%80%99re-starting-to-piss-me-off/

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  9. Jessica - Thank you for sharing this amazing book and these videos. The power of gratitude is something I've started to realize about two years ago and it's been life-changing! You do bring us some special stuff...but then YOU ARE SPECIAL.
    Love ya!
    Corinne

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  10. would be watching this closely again...my net connections aren't great at night...will come back on this post...

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  11. Wow, Jessica!
    This is an amazing entry. I practice gratitude and gratefulness every day and every night.
    God loves everyone.
    God is love
    Love is the ONLY thing that changes us. Like that quote too

    Trust is so important. I like what Ann said about that word:
    Trust If we can trust in HIM trust that there is a purpose and God knows that purpose then all will be fine. We can trust HIM.

    Thanks for sharing, Jessica!

    Be Happy! Be Well! Be Positive!
    Blessings to you.
    --
    Chris

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  12. Hi Jessica, I read this yesterday but didn’t have time to comment, as I was interrupted. So here I am again to say thank you for sharing this fabulous interview with Anne. I’ve read the book but have never heard her speak live.
    Blessings and a great weekend.
    ~ Debra

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