“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

{2 Corinthians 2:14-15}

I started my One Thousand Gifts list back in January with “the aroma of fresh bread baking” as the very first item. Is there a more delicious, comforting smell on a cold winter day?

I pray that my list has also been an aroma of the Bread of Life, a pleasant fragrance of thanks to God.

Second Corinthians 2:15 says, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

While regularly counting the ways God loves me and thanking Him for each, I have seen God’s character. Time and again, I have seen that God is who He says He is. God can do what He says He can do. I can trust Him.

Daniel 11:32 says, “…but the people who know their God shall be strong.”

Dear readers, I pray that you also know the one true God and find your strength in Him. You can trust Him, too. Just count the ways He loves you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.

This week my own list reaches 1,000. I realize how the list doesn’t end there. Once you start, you can’t stop! Endless gifts, indeed, because His love stretches from everlasting to everlasting.

“Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,  from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.”

{1 Chronicles 16:36}

***

980. trees ablaze with a brilliant display of color

981. the smell and crunch of dry leaves

982. the neighbor kids raking leaves into pile

983. the linden tree that’s grown strong enough for her to climb

984. her first and last carmel apple for a while

985. her big, beautiful smile that’s a little more shiny

986. the sweet family that hosts our church’s Fall Festival

987. an afternoon hayride pulled by their Allis Chalmers

988. how they love to wear boots and hats when they visit the farm

989. fellowship around the bonfire

990. finding hay in her boots

991. the silver-sliver moon that reminds me of the night my youngest was born

992. their open Bibles at the breakfast table

993. learning about El Elyon, God Most High

994. reminders about quietness and trust (Isaiah 30:15)

995. Isaac’s baptism

996. her birthday countdown and uncontainable anticipation, and all her six years

997. the movie that encourages men to be Courageous

998. true friends who share life with us, feed us pizza and cookies, know our imperfections and love us anyway

999. jars of her apple pie filling, apple sauce, tomatoes and hot pepper jelly

1,000. the boldness to fiercely trust God

You’re invited! Check out other bloggers’ posts in the One Thousand Gifts community by clicking the graphic below. Or click here  to check out all previous posts in my “Counting to 1,000” series.