Eucharisteo: Grace, Thanksgiving, Joy

 

Sunday was the beginning of a new venture in my walk of faith. We began the One Thousand Gifts study. In this study we are challenged to live a life of "eucharisteo". This simply, and yet beautifully, means to live a life with thanksgiving, grace, and joy. We are called to live everyday with intentional thanksgiving. We are to open our hands to God's grace. We are to count all things joy.

I began my list of one thousand gifts this evening. I'm up to 5. I found it difficult to put my pen down. I could easily write down the things for which I am sincerely thankful for hours. I had to remind myself that this journey has just begun and I need to pace myself. With this new outlook and in an attempt to live purposefully, I've caught myself smiling more. I took notice of the moments I laughed during the day. I could not help but recognize the subtle changes that have already begun to occur. God is moving. He is causing change. I am open to this transformation.

Today I took time to review my 30 by 30 list. Slow progress is still progress.

1. Host a Brunch Party

2. Begin (and finish?) building our "forever" home
 

3. Hike to a waterfall

4. Lose 30 pounds
5. Make G a big sister

6. Take a family trip to Washington D.C.

7. Make a pair of shoes

8. Visit a lighthouse

9. Go to the South Carolina Aquarium

10. Take a family trip to the North Carolina Zoo

11. Make a pecan pie

12. Send a card to a stranger

13. Make a photo book of G’s first year

14. Take a cooking class

15. Make homemade truffles

16. Plant a tree

17. Serve at a soup kitchen

18. Make a holiday wreath

19. Teach a kids’ cooking class

20. Take a girls’ trip with my mom, daughter and sisters

21. Learn to crochet

22. Take a carriage ride

23. Make real homemade alfredo sauce

24. Make homemade ravioli

26. Pay for a stranger’s meal

27. Learn to French Braid

28. Be in a parade

29. Read 100 books with/to my daughter

30. Buy new living room furniture

 With the holidays quickly approaching, I hope to knock out a couple more before the year is out. I've also been eyeing the do-it-yourself projects that I have set as goals to complete for each month through December.

This month's project (which I'm cutting it close) is to complete a peasant dress for G. I began this project tonight. I'm having to do a little at a time between work and taking care of G in the evenings. Between G's bedtime and quality time with my hubby, I was able to at least get the fabric cut. Hopefully sewing will commence tomorrow evening.

 

Just for Fun

G has been really getting busy these days. She's rolled over a few times, is eating "solid" food, has found her toes, and considers her spoon a chew toy. I just adore this baby!