The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. It dealt with a heavy issue very personally.

I saw the movie the day after finishing. The book is better, but the movie was good!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I didn't actually read the whole thing. I will refrain from either strongly endorsing or finding fault with it, though I will say during my reading of the first half there were moments when I felt like doing both. I suppose that is my feeling with most books that contain some truth but end up still being bestsellers...

I will say however, that I am grateful for the effect this book had on me. Voskamp challenged me with scriptures about practicing giving thanks. Her sensual, romantic giving of thanks for soap bubbles and cheese curds brought me to a place of longing for more of the practice in my own life. I know I am called to give thanks in all things, and give thanks for God's gifts, and it is unwise to overlook God's gifts such as these, but I wasn't content to stay there even for one second. Especially on days when I don't feel there are a lot of "little things" to be grateful for, and the harder I look the more bitter I become, what I need is not a sunburst in a camera lens but a strong, weighty promise of God that can truly sustain me. The reason that I could add things like a pink sunset and perfect ripples in the cup of water on my med cart to my own personal "thankful list" is because I know from whom they come, and am ultimately thankful for him!!

It is funny because most of the sermons I hear at church are about this very thing-- how the promises of God, the character of God, the Gospel of Christ, etc. are all we need, and that being thankful for these things in the midst of struggles and suffering is what will bring joy. And most of the recent sermons I've heard at church don't touch my heart. They leave me frustrated that I don't feel more gratitude. They feel me feeling a little guilty for wanting more.

I think that Voskamp did what a couple dozen SovGrace sermons couldn't, by bringing me to the place of fighting for gratitude enough to grab hold of it and not let go. In my desire for joy and ultimately to obey and give thanks, I find myself writing on my list that, "I am a child of God, and heir of God, and fellow heir with Christ" on my list and MEANING IT. I so desire to continue to grow in this practice of giving thanks. I will give thanks for cool rain and for midnight giggles, but I will give my thanks to God and always focus my gratitude on his promises.