Ann Voskamp
About the Author

Ann Voskamp is a farmer's wife, the home-educating mama to a half-dozen exuberant kids, and author of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, a New York Times 60 week bestseller. Named by Christianity Today as one of 50 women most shaping culture and the...

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things we love
& you will too!
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  1. Okay 🙂 I’m a complete, awkward wallflower at get-togethers and a lurker when it comes to comments … but if I’m clearing my throat and plunging in, anyone can jump in here! 🙂

    Best recipe: Herb Roasted Pork Mmmmm 🙂

    Best book: Hmmm. Hard one. Okay — what book in 2012 did I carry around everywhere with me? This one spent the year with me: Sermon on the Mount, The: A Verse-by-Verse Look at the Greatest Teachings of Jesus

    and best song? Ooooh…. let me think. Will be back.

    Pouring the warm cuppa for you now 🙂 — your turn! 🙂 (And the best jeans? best link? joke? movie?) 🙂

    • Sweet Ann, I love that you moved out from the hidden place to comment here! Makes me smile!

      One of my best of moments was a hug I got from my sweet Canadian friend in the hallway at Allume. Pure joy!

      Happy New Year!

      • I. just. love. you.
        Thank you, braveheart Stacey, for making this corner of the internet a safe place to be real and honest and a place for the Body of Christ to grow and *be* community for one another.

        One of 2012’s special graces was your tender washing the feet of sisters here, sweet friend! 🙂

        Blessed New Year!

        • agreed! Stacey is a gem! And yes, thanks Ann for stepping out first and sharing your bests.
          One of my bests was Stacey’s encouragement to go with God’s crazy idea for an (in)courager group. What He’s done because of it has been amazing!

    • I would have to say your book! Read through twice and have now given a coy away to at least nine other friends who have been equally blessed!

      • Love you, friend! I’m forever grateful for your friendship, and your kind and loving heart. Thank you AGAIN … For everything! 🙂

    • Ann, just so you know… God put your book in my hands at a time when I needed it. I am not lying or exaggerating when I say it changed my life. God bless you. I want to come sit on your porch (and you’re always welcome on mine!) <3

      BEST BOOK: "Happier At Home" by Gretchen Rubin and "Searching for God Knows What" by Donald Miller (which I was prepared to dislike going into and came away with my brain having tons to munch on.

      BEST SONG: Maybe not the best (that would probably be "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman – I can't sing it without bawling and raising my hands), but I listened to "A Thousand Years" over and over by Christina Perri – it became my undeclared birth song for my second son (born his past May) and was in my head as I labored.

      JEANS: Skinny jeans! Who knew I would love them?!

      THE BEST RISK: Encouraging my husband to follow his dream, leave his job and find a new one (all while I was pregnant) and us moving 4.5 hours from all I had ever known to return to his old stomping ground (his life-long dream).

      THE BEST GIFT: My son, Travis Luke who was born all fast and furious on May 6th. I cried tears of joy, looked at him, laughed and said, "We did it again!" (We have a two year old son as well.)

      WHAT WAS THE BEST HABIT: Oh, come on, Ann. Duh. GRATITUDE. 🙂

      <3 <3 <3

      Happy and grateful to be looking forward to 2013!

    • The best dinner in 2012 was Cheeseburger Soup. We regularly have neighbours and friends in for dinner and I make two huge pots of soup. The day I made the Cheeseburger Soup it was emptied to the bottom. One guy even tipped the pot up to get the very last of it. It was a recipe from Taste of Home and is available on their web site.

      • Sabrina,
        We’ve been making that soup for years from a Taste of Home recipe magazine. It’s my boys absolute favorite!!!

      • Sabrina,
        I googled Taste of Home for the soup recipe and found several different ones. Please share link for yours. Would so like to start inviting people over for simple meals.

    • Best Book-One Thousand Gifts-your transparency is an amazing witness! Love it! Life changing for me!
      Best recipe-Cranberry upside down cake
      Best Jeans-Levi Curvy Girl Skinnies-the hidden elastic waist band keeps them from riding down in back 🙂

      • Paige – would love to have the recipe for the Cranberry Upside Down Cake!

        My best recipe was found recently: Cranberry Cornbread Casserole! YUMMMYYY!

        Can we swap recipes?
        Dennise

    • Ann!
      I feel so blessed! I don’t know if you’ll see this but I am grateful to have a chance to tell you personally. God has changed my life through your words! I am so grateful for your honest example. You have helped me see life through God’s eyes. Thank you with all my heart for blessing and influencing the life of a farm family in ID. The power and truth of your words has shaped the mind and heart of me, my husband,my five little children, our 2 year old homeschool, our Christmas, our Thanksgiving and our everyday as we count all the gifts that God has already given. These moments of trusting God have been my BEST moments.
      I am thanking God for the way you have sanctified womanhood, helped me get to know myself and find God in all things! Thank you Ann!
      May you and your family be blessed for sharing your hearts with us!
      Love,
      Kayli

        • I read So Long Insecurity too and it was very timely. I cried and cried and got healed! 🙂 Thank you Jesus. Love that book!

      • Dh and I celebrated 24 years in Bethany Beach. Ate arugula salad with roasted beets, whipped goat cheese and maple pecans. Remade this recipe for Christmas-fresh arugula, place whole fresh beets in tin foil packets with olive oil and salt-roast in oven 45-55 minutes at 375 degrees. Whip goat cheese with a little milk. Candy pecans by adding maple syrup and pecans in skillet and cooking until all liquid is gone. Assemble salad-put arugula on plate, place 3or4slices of roast beet, a dollop of goat cheese and sprinkle with pecans. Yum!

        • Amy Patton, my family goes to Bethany Beach every year and now we have a beach house there. What a great place to spend your anniversary, we love it there so much! And your recipe sounds delicious!

        • Sigh…we LOVE Bethany Beach (Delaware? correct?) We used to go there every summer and rent a beach house. Then my husband lost his job and was unemployed and we haven’t been able to go back in 4 years. Oh how my children long to return and the memories , oh the memories.
          Thank you for sharing! Going to dig out my albums and look at the pictures. But I fear they will make me cry.

    • I have to say, no book holds a candle to the Bible, every time I read it I learn something new, even from things I have read hundreds of times! And God speaks volumes in just a phrase!

      • Yes! Antoinette thanks for saying so. I love to read and have many favorites but the best is definitely the Bible and the Author whispers to me while I read!
        Just found a book about hymns with a CD of Joni, John MacArthur and others singing called “What Wondrous Love it this”.
        Chris Tomlin’s Christmas CD “Glory in the Highest”
        My husband’s surprise to me: chef’s mat for the kitchen.
        This has probably been my favorite year yet ~ everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
        Favorite blog: Ann’s

    • Best book: 1000 Gifts & Dinner A Love Story by Jenny Rosenstrach (recipe book & a good read in one)

      Which brings me to best recipe : Pork Ragu with Pappardelle & chicken pot pie (from recipe book mentioned above)

      Best jeans: Loft Modern Boot cut

      Have a blessed New year!

    • Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: sweet n spicy chicken
      Best book I couldn’t put down: Gospel Revolution
      Best song I couldn’t get out of my head: I Lift My Hands and 10000 Reasons
      Best jeans: ANA straight
      Best risk: moving from a place I’ve known all my life to somewhere new and far from family and friends

    • Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: sweet n spicy chicken
      Best book I couldn’t put down: So Long Insecurity
      Best song I couldn’t get out of my head: I Lift My Hands and 10000 Reasons
      Best jeans: ANA straight
      Best risk: moving from a place I’ve known all my life to somewhere new and far from family and friends

    • Okay, I have no idea if I jumped in at the right spot, but I am so trying to Live Imperfectly with Great Delight, so here I go…

      Best book: Streams in the Desert, in the original printing, old English style verbage and all..been my companion for 7 years, never disappoints, always challenges me, but this year, with this “old” style book, it made me ponder. The language made me stop, made me think, it was beautiful. Given to me by a dear friend who collects them, it was from an estate sale and it had been a gift to the woman who first owned it, given by her Sunday School class, all their names written in shaky script…precious…then given to me by a friend, who just 2 weeks later found out that her husband, our dear precious friend of 17 years had a brain tumor..he passed 3 months later. It is now my treasure in every sense of the word.

      BEST Make up tool: Maybelline (Revlon?) makes an eraser pen that erases mascara mistakes and honey….with the hurry I’m often in, it is the most used think in my bathroom!

      BEST Challenge: When God called us to adopt again from China….we adopted 2 years ago and we have bio sons 18 and 15. Abraham and Sarah have been challenged a lot these past 2 years, but through His Word He wooed me, He called me and He called my man too. So here we grow again! The challenge came in the form of “pick up your cross and follow Me.” You must “die in order to really live.” Put away my list of reasons not to do hard in this life and just trust Him…again and again again.

      BEST Starbucks: Chai latte with a splash of coconut syrup….heaven in a cup!

      BEST Food: this amazing sandwich in Boulder, Colorado with mozz cheese, sundried tomatoes, pesto sauce, grilled chicken, feta…oh my word!!!! Delish! I think about it …a lot…LOL!

      BEST jeans, cheap jeans: Bought some Jordache jeans (oh my word, so 80’s!) at Wal-Mart and you know what? I like them!

      BEST song: oh cannot pick just one.I Lift My Hands by Christ Tomlin; Wedding Day by Casting Crowns; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Matthew Smith and I love LeCrae…go figure.

      BEST cooking gadget I absolutely cannot live without: Crockpot

      BEST Risk: besides plunging into another China adoption? putting my Christmas devotional on Kindle for free! It was exhilarating! Over 3700 downloads in 48 hours. I was astonished! Thrilled.

      This is so fun! I love looking over the past year at the JOY! All grace….all underserved…but all lavishly given! Thank you sweet Jesus…

      • I also have an old, old, old copy of Streams in the Desert. I bought it at an estate sale of an old woman whom my mother-in-law knew. A treasure with her writing in it and a lovely book!

        • My Streams in the Dessert is from a garage sale 30 years ago. I love it. All the underlining and notes are a treasure.

        • My Streams was my Grandmother’s who died in 1975. Given to her by her Sunday school class inscribed in 1935. 6 years before I was born. She was the most godly woman I ever met and gave me so many gifts. But most of all my love of all things homemaking. Cooking,sewing,cleaning,ironing….all of it! Even though I had college, career,children.. . Doing and being around my home and husband of 53 years.. That was my pure joy in 2012 !

          • I have journaling lines in my Streams in the Desert copy. Love looking back over the years to see how God has answered prayers, or to recall how the daily passage spoke to me in a given year.

      • “Live Imperfectly with Great Delight.” I love that! I’m going to remember those words. Thank you.

    • Best song- I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts since my husband passed away 2 years ago
      Best decision-country girl going cityafter 61 years – God revealed his beauty is good, but his people are Very Good
      Best vacation- all kids & grandkids on Oregon coast for a week
      Best recipe of the year – avocado, mango, black bean salad

    • All for Good by Thomas Watson. Carried me thru most difficult year of my life. I am 54. Best song Sara Groves – Great is thy faithfulness – best I-touch app – Treasury of David – the psalms. Loving this app.

    • Best vacation? Entire family went on an Alaskan Cruise. It had been on my Bucket List
      Best book- Hands Down- One Thousand gifts! It’s a Heart changer…
      Best gift – My new iPhone-lol, keep untouched w/family & re-connect w/friends
      Best recipe – Sweet potato fries
      Best drink – Iced Coffee From Pioneer Woman
      It was a year of tear,grief, heartache, love, learning, and laughter – A year of Spiritual Growth- thank you GOD

    • Hi, I just stumbled on this site today. For sure, the best book for me this year is Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts! It has been life-changing for me. I have given it to each of my close friends. It has been such an encouragement to us in this dark world. Thanks Ann for your beautifully penned words!

    • The best year end gathering right now.

      Best book, the Mark of the Lion series “the Echo in the Darkness” classic and pure life!

      Best recipe, caramel chocolate brownies

      Best once in a lifetime encounter: besides meeting Jesus in an even bigger way due to One thousand gifts. It would be meeting Ann herself in 2012

      Best movie, Lincoln a story that lingers long after the movie ends

      Best moment of the year would be the birth of Benjamin to my sister, which now makes nine.

      Best co worker, experiencing work along side a faithful, friend, sissy in Christ who reminded me daily how special I am.

      Best song, hhhhhmmmmmm so many good ones no one favorite.

    • Best book was yours Ann. Truthfully, finding it and your blog and learning how to be thankful changed me. Best recipe, my new daughter in law teaching me how to make homemade spicy chicken alfredo – we vow to never eat jarred alfredo sauce again! best jeans – I sure love my Lee Premiums, but Im eagerly waiting others wisdom on this! :). Im ruminating on the other questions…. looking forward to reading what others share

      • Best Gift: Counting 1000 gifts of gratefulness with my children and seeing all the different ways their little hands created their gratitude journal..such a blessing!
        Best Music: Everything Mandissa
        Best thing for cleaning: The Shark (mop)
        Best Book for the last two years: 1000 Gifts and planning to read it again this year.
        Best recipe: Tabbouleh salad from Food Network

    • What a wild flashback! RT was a preacher at my parents little country church while he was attending seminary many years ago! Thanks for the Recommended read!!

    • The best adventure. Taking my 70 year old mom to Disney world. It was our first family vacation and first visit for my daughters and to Disney . It was my moms firt time there also.

      Best book…….hmmmmmm
      I enjoyed the happiness project and breaking dawn part I and II

      Best recipe……..I made homemade pierogies for the first time and they can out awesome

      Best jeans…..I don’t know I do not do jeans lol

      Best journey……..the one I am currently on………revisiting religion and finding where I belong in the grand scheme of it all

      Best decision…….starting yoga

      Best time……any time spent with my girls

      Best movie…….ok I admit the twilight saga love all of them!

      Beat song……all of them!

      • I have never been able to wear skinny jeans, thinking that they made my thighs look too big. However, the skinny jeans this year at Ann Taylor Loft are amazing. They are a very dark denim, slimming color, and the fit is perfect for us older women (50 this year). I have even been able to wear them with a short sweater and boots. I love them and now feel like a modern girt!

    • My best link from from Andrea at keepingitcozy.com which led me to you and brought Jesus close again at the busiest time of the year. That led me to your book, which I cherise.

    • Oh, I wish I had seen this wonderful recipe! My pork roast yesterday was okay but lacked something. Next time! I will remember your recommendation for this. Thank you.

    • best recipe: Turkish Delight (aka) saltine cracker toffe candy My family cant refuse it!

      best jeans: Mek

      best book: my Bible then 1000 gifts of course!

      best and hardest decesion: to home school my four beautiful children even when its hard:)

    • I’m late to this party…love, love, love reading through the comments! My book list for 2013 is now pages and pages long!

      Best Book-over and over and over again-One Thousand Gifts. Life changing each and every time I sink into the pages! This will be my “best book” until the Lord brings me Home.

      Best Memory-so many come to mind but my most precious might just be my son’s home birth. If you like birth stories you can read his here:

      http://eatdrinkandbejesus.blogspot.com/2011/11/ezras-birth-story.html

      More “best memories” include: my “birthday wish” coming true: http://eatdrinkandbejesus.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-happiest-birthday-month-ever.html

      and

      My husband baptizing our 6 year old and how she insisted on wearing her goggles: http://eatdrinkandbejesus.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-birthday-month-wish-list-few-days.html

      and

      “Tattoos for clean water” night. Yes. Ann, will it upset you to know that your phrase “all is grace” is so delicately and wonderfully tattooed onto my collarbone in typewriter font. I love it. AND…it was a benefit for clean water. Win, win, yes? 😉

      Best jeans??! I am not a fashionista but I sure do love my “Seven” jeans I purchased at Marshall’s a few years back. (After a couple more children they are not quite as, well, comfortable as they used to be…but they are wonderful!)

      Best song? How do you pick one song? Probably this one, though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcLiMEmpZlE I just have to get on my face before the Lord every single time I play it.

      Best risk? this, thank you Jesus for letting me be part of this: http://www.the12x12project.com https://www.facebook.com/12X12Project The 12×12 Project is an awakening in our community, to care about the things that God cares about…and I’m just so excited to see Him work! Humbled and excited!

      Best laugh? Every single day with Eleanor, our “little middle”. She recently asked for a glass of “hedgehog” (egg nog). Thankful for that spunky one who has graced my face with many, many laugh lines and many, many “worry wrinkles”. Sigh. She is her mother.

      How uplifting this has been. To think back on the graciousness and goodness and GOOD of God over our life for the last year. I can’t even remember “the bad” because I’m smiling so big over the wonderful.

      🙂 Thank you.

      • The baptism with goggles brought to mind one of my favorite memories of all time. When my oldest daughter (now 14) was little, we were sitting in church during a very solemn and quiet part of the service which included the baptisms. She leaned over to me and whispered, “Can I wear my goggles to do that?” The image of my tiny red-head with her hair askew from the goggles on her face and wrapped in the white robe immediately came to mind, and I had to bite my lip hard to keep from laughing out loud…love that God Himself probably chuckled over that one too.

      • and I have the word “Eucharisteo” tattooed on the inner aspect of my left wrist so that when I see it while I’m using my hands all day, I will remember to live thankfully first, and then seek the blessing.

  2. My favorite time this year was spent in a small group at church studying 40 Days of Purrpose. I confess i didn’t read it all.i started following Rick Warren on Twitter and he seems very fun but very much like Jesus.

  3. My favorite time this year was spent in a small group at church studying a book. I confess i didn’t read it all. But the conversation and prayer was precious.

  4. My most meaningful song was”Enough” a lot of artists sing it but my favorite are at my church. When i feel empty or when i feel full He becomes my more than enough.

    • A song that has carried my heart many times this year is: ‘Blessing’ Looking forward to checking out some of the others suggested.
      Best husband: mine of 54 years tomorrow!

  5. A blog was suggested to me to help learn to write my blog. The Blog was A Holy Experience by Ann. I’m learning to write more personally. Ann, your blog is very warm, honest. It’s helped me a lot.

    • Dear heart — just… thanks for grace. Thanks for taking me anyways? It’s good to trust one another to be real and do life together…

      And keep writing, sister! It matters eternally!

      • Thank you for your response.i’ve been back and forth about where to head with my writing.thank you for the encouragement.

  6. The best gift … that I got to spent the summer months with my hubby, without him needing to study for his exams. (Yeahh for an unexpected break)

    The best idea: An interview of Wendy Hart and her ProcastinationCure. Love it.

    The second best gift: My DaySpring coffee mug. I use it every day and it always reminds me of HIM.

  7. Best book this year Kisses for Katie very inspiring. BEST JEANS are from Tractor Supply. BEST SONG Kari Job I wanna sit at your feet. My favorite blogs A Holy Experience and Incourage I read them in my quiet time every morning.

    • My husband will love to hear that your favorite jeans are from Tractor Supply….his favorite joke lately is that he doesn’t want any clothes from places that don’t also sell animal feed and ammo! And we live a stones throw from Detroit! We’re farmer wanna-bees!

  8. Something I cannot do again…make two FB pages, do not know how & can’t get rid of new one. Driving me crazy.
    Something brave..2010-2011 Took 48 wks treatment for chronic liver disease,relapsed. Recovery all of 2012. If dr says strong enough health wise we do a new Triple drug therapy. I do not want to do it, after prayer about it , I must.
    January of 2013 I prayed about it, discussed with family and I am going to do a new treatment! It is grueling and left me disabled for my job of 28 years. But The Lord gave me life & I must respect that life and use the resources The Lord gave to our doctors to get well!
    May we all have a HOPEFUL New Year. Thank you for this opportunity to get the books that I gave others for Christmas. Excited!

    • Sweet Margaret, this chokes me up. Tears. God just shining through you, beautiful soul. Quietly praying with and for you just now, friend…remembering with you that He holds.

    • Margaret Polino Nicholas,
      It is possible. I was still mad at God when I was introduced to program unwillingly, i may add. Lost all material and marriage after I chose this path. I’ve been clean and sober for over 10 years now. Love God more than ever and have a new outlook on life. Today I realize how important it is to embrace our path. For god has a plan for us and knows how it helps us and others in the future!

    • Margaret,

      Praying for complete healing from the ultimate Healer-God! May you feel him close to you and surrounding you with His loving/healing touch!

      God Bless!

  9. Oh the bests of 2012….they are many! 🙂

    The first best I have to mention is that through prayer (God’s giving of motivation and strength) and lots of hard work I have lost over 50 lbs since June! It is the *best* feeling to be healthy and fit. I am continuing on this journey but I praise God for the energy He has given me to do this!
    My children insist I have gotten taller since I have lost weight…but alas, I am still only 5’2″….I think I must just appear taller since my waist is trimmer! :o)

  10. The best rolls I have made this year were whole wheat ones…delicious and soft…from the Homestead Blessings cookbook! :o) They are called Feather Rolls! If you have *or get* that cookbook, try that recipe! They are wonderful!

  11. The best books I have read this year would definitely be:

    The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented by Steele, Thomas and Quinn

    The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture? by Voddie Baucham

    Free to Stay at Home: A Woman’s Alternative by Marilee Horton

    The Potter’s Freedom by Dr. James White

    Our Sufficiency in Christ by John MacArthur

    What is Reformed Theology? by R.C. Sproul

    Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot

    **Sorry….there were just too many to name one….!!! :o)

  12. The jeans that fit best are definitely the ones that you haven’t been able to wear in years but are now loose on you!!! :o)

    I am more of a skirt-wearer…but when doing projects such as stacking wood and things outside, I will wear jeans and my used-to-be-too-small jeans are not the pair-that-is-almost-too-big!!! 🙂 That is the BEST feeling! :o)

    • Isn’t it a wonderful grace to go “closet shopping”, Katy? Blessings of continued health as you find your best weight.

  13. One of the best things for me this year as a French Christian writer and blogger, like you Ann, was finishing up my second book and having it published and out before the end of the year by GOD’S grace only!!! I am so filled with gratitude and awe as I know you so fully understand….this is All His doing.

  14. I also was quite delighted to meet you Ann through your writings, and most especially since you are Canadian. That really pleases me, plus we spell our name the same! Nice. Your writing is a great inspiration to me and unique in it’s style. So your definitely one of the best motivational persons that I have read for my writing if I could say it that way!

  15. The best French book I have read is Jésus + Rien = Tout , which in English is, Jesus + Nothing = Everthing from Tulliantichividjian Tchividjian. A must read for all Christian!

  16. The risk with the best return? Saying yes when my friend Ryan showed up at my house and asked if he could pursue me. A few months later he proposed to me on air (total surprise) during the radio show I produce. And two months after that, we were married at sunset on Siesta Key Beach. God BLEW MY MIND this year because I let go and let Him lead. Here’s our love story if anyone is a love story junkie: http://bekahsbits.blogspot.com/p/our-love-story.html

    • I heard his proposal on air and sat in my car and weeped! What a beautiful amazing speech and what a beautiful love story. Love you and Lynn:)

  17. Best recipe: bread with chocolate inside! I make it pretty much any time I have all the ingredients and time I need…

  18. Best book in English that I read this year was by Elyse Fitzpatrick, Because He loves me; How Christ transformers our daily lives. It was the best book ever…it frees one of so many burdens of doing for God with love, receiving and being loved because of Christ who already has done All and fully wants to give us by pure grace. Excellent book, my best!!!!

    • Oh, Ann, I love that book! A friend gave it to me last year, and I devoured it. Thanks for the reminder.

    • I am a huge Elyse Fitzpatrick fan. Her books are truly food for your soul. So let me give my two cents and also recommend her 30 day devotional “Comforts From the Cross”. 30 days of reminders about the finished work Jesus did on the cross and how we are now free from all of God’s wrath and punishment. When God looks at us, He sees His Son-not our failures and imperfections. What an awesome Savior!!!! I’ve been serving the Lord for decades, but I still need a constant reminder of His grace. It’s just more than my little mind can wrap around. Love you Ann Voskamp. May the Lord continue to strengthen you for the precious work He’s put before you.

  19. Best holiday: Thanksgiving. Someone I barely knew offered me a ride home from church one day in October when it was really cold out. She found out that I didn’t have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving and offered to pick me up to go to her house for Thanksgiving. I did and made friends with her nine-year-old daughter. It was a lot of fun.

  20. Best ever year also in learning once again to live with my chronic illness and suffering despite all my pain. God is showing me His joy through these very painful days and learning my limitations is part of the Best…

  21. Hmm, the best of this year–musically speaking, it would have to be Christa Wells album, Image of God, and the one that includes her song, “weightless”. I don’t know how many times I listened to that song on repeat. Her music continues to carry me through the hard seasons.

    And please, someone suggest the best jeans–I am in need!!

        • Eddie Bauer jeans at the outlet mall. On sale. Just right and I’d dropped 2 sizes from my last pair.

          Best book: One Thousand Gifts

          Best Blog: A Holy Experience

          Best recipe? I have Chronic Lyme Disease and have to eat gluten free so I’m still working on that one.

          Best lesson learned over and over this year: Humility. Chronic illness can do that to you, esp. If you look fine some of the time. Having to leave my job with a horrible teacher evaluation due to the effects of Lyme on my neuro-cognitive part of my brain and having my disability denied 2 times and I’m waiting to hear on my last and final appeal. I have felt humiliated so many times this year but the feeling is temporary. The truth is that God is taking away props that I didn’t know I even had. Giving thanks for my gifts was truly a habit that I’d been working on since college days and I’m 53 now!

  22. The best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: Going to the Cru Christmas Party. I am a leader with Cru on my college campus, so I feel obligated to go to at least the more important parties, but I am quite socially anxious and really struggle at these events–definitely not realy enjoying it. I decided Christmas was important enough that I had to be there, so I did go. As predicted, it was a challenging experience, but when we did a white elephant gift exchange I got a gift that has proved useful. There was a t-shirt for a Cru event that has way too many people for me to even consider going to which is great because I didn’t have any Cru t-shirts, and there were 10 ibuprofen tablets (we’re pharmacy students…we do strange things like put OTC meds in gifts…). Because of that gift I had ibuprofen in my lunch box when I was working on Christmas Eve and was able to take it when I was in so much pain and felt like I couldn’t breathe but was too busy to stop until directly asked if I needed a break.

    • Go do all of the CRU events! CRU, back in my college days, gave me lifelong tools for my walk with Christ. But the Christian friends I made really allowed me to watch others walking in faith live out their joys and obstacles. You never will know whose life you could impact if you just show up. Just ask God to use you just before walking into an event. Pray more beforehand if you need to. Those under your leadership need to see you at the events so o out there and be bold enough to ask God to do something wonderful!

  23. The best thing this year was that I got to meet my mentor which is a writer also. A Christian, Canadian and to top it off at the Gospel Coallition in Florida!!! Wow I was overwhelmed. We talked and I was so touched by her… She is a wonderful and all I expected. God blessed my heart so dearly.

  24. the risk that returned best: I kind of took a risk and started working on making friends with someone my own age/year in school. I had not had a friend like that since sixth grade. She pursued me as a friend long before I risked doing the same, but as I became somewhat comfortable with her, she has been wonderful for me. She would text me when she was awake to let me know I could come study in her room. She helped reason with me when I hadn’t had anything to drink in three days because I was so germophobic. She would come with me and help me talk to people or help me write emails when I couldn’t do it myself. She supported me to the best of her ability.

  25. the best sacrifice: I give up an hour of every week for counseling because I know it makes my best friend at home happy and it makes the young adult pastor at my home church happy. I don’t feel like it does a whole lot for me most of the time, but I do know that this (school year) I have someone who I do sometimes see eye-to-eye with, and when that happens we do connect enough that I feel hope. That is something that never happened last year, so I am glad I stuck with this sacrifice.

      • thanks 🙂 my major goal this semester was to gain enough social skill to pass the interview into third year at school…being told last year that I had no chance of passing by the Dean of students didn’t exactly do a whole lot to bolster my confidence…

      • Love Renee Swope and love her new book, but I must admit the book I have read over and over and have given about 20 of them to family and friends is “One Thousand Gifts”. I always have a pad and pen so I can constantly write my gifts! Thank you Ann for changing my life. Finally, I appreciate what I have and know the meaning of less is better!

  26. One of my best days of the year was on the day when a young women that I have been mentoring invited me along with other young girls to a picnic and she handed us invitations to be maids of honor at her wedding. I was stunned, me, but I am OLD, I said! These other 5 young gals where all in their 20’s and I in my 50’s … I told her for sure she had made a mistake or something with the cards. I was older than her mom!!! Nope, she wanted me among them for I was very much a significant part of her life it seemed. I was her mentor she told me and I had impacted her life and choices…wow, what a blessing God was giving me. A friend made me realize later just how grand an honor I had received in that invitation on her part, I was completely unaware at that moment which is fine, God knows me, it was better that way. That was a most beautiful and memorable day to reap the joys of labor you loving invest in someone and have them share with you their joys.

    • Best Lesson: learning to lean into the waiting process…waiting fror hubby’s third kidney transplant…a year and counting…God is good!

      Best Book(s): 1000 Gifts, and Love Does by Bob Goff

      Best Decision: sponsoring a beautiful student in Uganda through Restore International. Her picture melts my hard heart every day!

  27. Best recipe-my husband’s grandmother’s chocolate pies. They’ve become our tradition now that she’s in Heaven.

    Best Song-“Great I am” We sang it at our son’s funeral. This has been the hardest six months of our lives, but we are thankful for a sustaining God, a family, friends, and a church family who have held us up. God is good.

    • Your courage…I don’t have the words. I think I’ll always think of you, Kristin, when I hear “The Great I Am” from now on. Bless you.

  28. Best Book: the walk by richard paul evans
    Best recipe: pinterest pins from friends that led me to be “a cook!
    Best jeans: ann taylor.

  29. Oh… I am loving this!!! I get to count the best… for the first time in a long time – I have spent so much of my life counting the firsts that it is pure joy doing this list!!! So here goes…
    1. Best Recipe – Macroni & Cheese made with butternut squash… so delicious – it’s a bowl of coming home! http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/recipe-makeovers/light-macaroni-cheese-00412000072555/page2.html

    2. I know a lot of people are going to choose this book but —> One Thousand Gifts- Ann Voskamp – I read the last chapter as slow as I possible could because I didn’t want it to be over – That book and what God has done in my life are the reasons why I am participating in this list!
    3. Best song – The Revelation Song as sung by Kari Jobe – oh my every single time I hear it I get shivers and tears
    4. We have a store in Canada callied Rietman’s – comfort jeans – yes that’s right folks – comfort and they are true to their word – especially after all of that good Christmas eating!
    5. My silicone egg poachers – so easy, so fast – I LOVE poached eggs on toast in the mornings
    6. The Risk – taking the Joy Dare – ’nuff said
    7. Best Link: This one —–> http://narrowpathstohigherplaces.com/ – such beautiful heartfelt, vulnerable writing
    8. Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway —-> Well that hasn’t happened yet – but God is showing me a path for things to come later in the year
    9. Best habit – 5:30 AM wake up calls – love my time with God – rejeuvenating
    10. The Best holiday – spending 10 days in Los Angles with a dear friend – God began a work in me there…
    11. The best gift – A slow unhurried Cross-focused Christmas
    12. The best sacrifice – althought it wasn’t much of one because we had so much fun choosing -picking gifts out the compassion catalogue – we bought chickens!!!

    This is so much fun… join in ladies – let’s spread the joy around!!!!

  30. hmm…

    ♥ best gift :: husband’s long awaited, much prayed for job after 3 years unemployment
    ♥ best recipe :: PW’s White Chicken Enchiladas
    ♥ best song :: 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redmon)
    ♥ fave Bible verse :: “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 95:12)
    ♥ fave book :: I’ve read too many, have to think about it
    ♥ biggest thing in our family :: my brother & his wife bringing home TRIPLETS
    ♥ bittersweet end to the year :: my 94 year old grandmother meeting her sweet Jesus on Christmas Day

    Happy New Year, friends! May 2013 be the best year EVER!

  31. The absolute best of 2012 was the long-awaited birth of our son in March. The best and most perfect gift. 🙂

  32. On a day like this – when my kids are sick and I’m feeling overwhelmed….all these ‘bests’ bless me. Cool post.

    BEST ALBUMS: Bethel Music’s ‘Loft Sessions’ and Matt Redman’s ‘10,000 Reasons’

    BEST FICTION: Pride and Prejudice (Didn’t read fiction until this year – crazy how it can get the creative juices flowing.)

    BEST MUFFINS: Orange Mini- Muffins with Brown Sugar Glaze by Ree Drummond – Pioneer Woman (Not exactly clean and healthy. But a treat now and then? Yes.)

    May the Lord reveal Himself to us all – in new and unexpected and refreshing ways in 2013 🙂

    Blessings,
    Kate

    • Kate, my favorite fiction book of all time is Pride and Prejudice! 2013 is the 200th anniversary of its publication so Jane Austen fans are gearing up for a whole year’s fun in that world. Read all the other 5 of her books. Splendid writing from one smart and cheeky lady!

  33. Best jeans: Zara skinnies. These don’t make me feel like I’m a sausage stuffed in casing, a modern day miracle.
    Best recipe: Anything I didn’t have to cook myself;)
    Best trip: Egypt. Fascinating, exotic, and warm!
    Best risk: Writing a book proposal and pitching it at a writer’s conference.
    Best word: Bloom.
    Best book: Tinkers by Paul Harding.
    Best find on the web: http://sarahbessey.com

    • Must check out that book, Tinkers.
      Okay, Zara skinnies — because while we are pig farmers, I’m not predisposed to liking any sausage feeling 🙂
      And you taking that risk with pitch and writer’s conference? Standing ovation, sister!
      Can’t wait to see what God has for your surrendered life in 2013!!

  34. Sweet Ann… the best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway? Hands down… saying “YES!” to putting together “Eucharisteo: A Celebration of Joy”… and I am so glad I did!

    Oh. The. Joy! And I got to meet you in person, friend! And hear you tell Jonathan’s and Sarah’s stories in person, and sit beside you and hold your hand. What a gift! Thank you for your servant heart, friend! You are loved!

    And the best gift… seeing God come through for us, seeing Him raise enough money and seeing that Compassion CDC in Masbate, Philippines become a reality right before my eyes via photos on Facebook. Joy, so much joy!

    Happy New Year to you and your family, Ann!

    • Now *that* brought happy tears!

      That one night, that concert you pulled together, “Eucharisteo” — and co-laboring with you and Compassion and God to build a Compassion CDC in Masabte, Philippines? Yes, ma’am — the best gift is to *become* the gift — our thanksgiving becoming thanksliving!

      Thank you for stepping WAY out of your comfort zone, Aimee, and obeying God’s call to go do what He alone could make a way to happen — I can’t WAIT to see what He does with our surrendered lives in 2013!

      So much love to you and yours Aimee, His Beloved….
      All’s grace,
      Ann

      • Yes, a surrendered life in 2013! I want that… by God’s grace… might that just be my *one word* for 2013??? Love you, Ann!

  35. Best thing I’ve heard this week, “Are you coming, Mom? We won’t start the movie without you! ”
    Best song “10,000 Reasons ” My soul has been blessed!!

  36. The Best thing about 2012 is that I let go of others expectations and fear and gave my whole life to God! I have changed so much this year and I am looking forward to 2013. I am part of the God-sized Dream Team and can’t wait to see what God has in store for me and my family.

  37. Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway–hiking in the Alps with my best friend, my husband of 28 years. I’m not really a hiker or wilderness girl, but the glory of God was everywhere evident as we journeyed together through his creation.

    Best book: The Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison. Not sure she’s writing from a biblical perspective, but she keeps coming back to truth anyway–all of life is gift!

    Best music: WaterSky by Phil Keaggy and Jeff Johnson, inspired by the loveliness of Laity Lodge, one of the best places on earth. If ever you hear I’ve gone missing, you might try looking for me there 🙂

    • That was my favorite book, too (Gift of an Ordinary Day by Katrina Kenison). I just finished a second reading of it! Our oldest son (almost 18) has had a very rough few years, and our second son is . . . 13, LOL. This book by a mom working through her own emotions as her teen sons grow up and her role changes and evolves, has just resonated with me.

    • LOVED The Gift of an Ordinary Day! It too resonated with me, as I am a mom to three grown up children. I also think that when trouble comes, we all long for ordinary! One of my all- time favorite books has to be The Life You’ve Always Wanted. If not for the sleeping pug on my lap I would grab the book and tell you the name of the author!

  38. OH! And how could I have left this out? Best news of 2012: I’m going to be a grandma! Hands in the air! Woot! Woot!

    Children’s children are a crown to the aged . . . Proverbs 17:6 (Even though I look way too young to be a grandma, right?

  39. Best Recipe: I made “chicken” and dumplings using the juices from the Thanksgiving turkey and some of the leftover turkey. It was amazing!!! Hubby just asked me to make it again with the Christmas turkey leftovers. 🙂

  40. Best thing Gos has worked in my life personally this year I believe is in showing me how I was so easy and fast on being preconceived or prejudice on my ideas or judgements on things or people, I have had to confess and ask forgiveness often this past year on this … But OH how glad I am that Christ is All doing has done and will continue to do the work in me! Praise His holy name.

  41. hmmm… i’ve made a particular pumpkin spice bread recipe about 30 times this fall/winter, so i think that ranks as best recipe of 2012 for me! that or PW Chicken Spaghetti (the one with no canned soup- it’s SO worth the extra steps)!

  42. i got a pair of J Crew pencil fit jeans that i loved this year (and i’m not a pencil shaped person). definitely worth checking out! : )

    • I got J Crew jeans this year, too. I died when I saw the price … but they were a gift from my aunt. I absolutely love them.

  43. Bebo Norman’s ‘God of My Everything’ just may be my favorite song of this year- it covers a multitude of prayers, emotions, and phases of life.

  44. best heartwarming moment….when my 3 year old son joined me in prayer and said “Thank You Jesus”

    best books….yours, Ann, and Passport to Darkness by Kimberly L Smith.

  45. My best was an unexpected surprise. We got custody of 6 year old twins just 4 days before Christmas. They are beautiful kids and in March or April of 2013, our adoption should be final! Sooo blessed!

    Other bests that were a close second and third…finding a specialist who was able to cure 8 months of debilitating vertigo.

    Sharing money saving Christmas tips on my favorite radio talk show.

    • Dear Lisa– could you please share what you found that helped the vertigo? My dear friend has suffered terribly with debilitating vertigo (violent vomiting and ER trips.. lots of tests..). I was excited to see you mention this, as I have been in constant prayer for her! Praising and praying for your adoptions as well!

  46. I buried my baby boy on Saturday.

    God’s grace has been sufficient.

    And I can’t keep Away in a Manger out of my head.

    “Bless all the dear children in thy tender care…”

    • Kim! I know the grief and I know the Grace you experience. My baby son was buried 12 years ago. He will carry you on and on

    • Kim! I know the grief and I know the Grace you experience. My baby son was buried 12 years ago. He will carry you on and on.

    • Best song of the year:
      10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
      Best gift: traveling to Germany for Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary with my sisters and our husbands.
      Best idea: let my hubby and kids tickle me after 20 years of saying:”no tickling” 🙂
      I’ll come up with more 🙂 what fun!

    • Best song of the year:
      10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
      Best gift: traveling to Germany for Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary with my sisters and our husbands.
      Best idea: let my hubby and kids tickle me after 20 years of saying:”no tickling” 🙂
      I’ll come up with more 🙂 what fun.

    • Best song of the year:
      10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman
      Best gift: traveling to Germany for Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary with my sisters and our husbands.
      Best idea: let my hubby and kids tickle me after 20 years of saying:”no tickling” 🙂
      I’ll come up with more, what fun.

    • Oh, Kim… Kim.
      When grief is deepest…. words are fewest.

      We are here with you. Just here. Reaching over and squeezing your hand. Pulling you into all of us and holding you close and circling around… and whispering prayer:

      Lord Jesus — thank You for comforting our cherished Kim with more of You and deep Truth and the knowing that You bless all the dear children in Thy tender care… Comfort her, dear Lord… a cupping close that won’t ever, ever let go…

      Bowed and whispering prayers with you, beautiful Kim, and circling close…

      • Thank you – from the deepest part of my heart – from where I still feel hope when I know others pray.

        (And my favorite jeans the last 6 months have been maternity ones – hee hee. 😉

      • Thank you – from the deepest part of my heart – from where I still feel hope when I know others pray.

        And hearing from you, personally, Ann, was my gift of today.

        (And my favorite jeans the last 6 months have been maternity ones – hee hee. 😉

        • Sweet Kim, feeling your grief with you and praying for your heart. Zephaniah 3:17, psalm 73:26. <33

        • Keep laughing to keep yourself sifted of the weight, hurts and challenges of days… I keep a laugh journal, things that get me rolling or lighter-hearted on my hardest days… I giggled with you… been there. 🙂 Hug from Italy…

    • Dear Kim, your hurting heart has touched my heart. May God speak comfort to your hearts, fill in the missings and voids with His hope, and restore you as only He knows how. May He draw the hearts of you and your family into His safe caring, and may you see the Lord’s goodness, and hope in Him. May He fill your hearts with peace that passes all understanding, and help you to trust Him even when it hurts or doesn’t make sense to do so. Your sister in Jesus, Celita ((HUG))

    • Kim,
      burried my baby girl 15yrs ago tomorrow. Praying for you & your family this moment.
      And treasuring your comment about Away in a Manger, thank you for that.

  47. Best book….Authority of the Believer by Andrew Wommack….keep reading & re reading always finding some new revelation! Best recipe I cannot not make? Chicken Tandouri….mmmmm…..so flavorful….The best habit? My morning read through the Bible…that’s been a wonderful discipline that turned out to be a look forward to time. Oh I’ve had so many “Best” things this year!

  48. AE skinny jeans. They feel like jammies. The most uncomfortable moment was trying to decide if i’m too old for them. now i’m in love!!

  49. Best memory: When a dear lady asked God who should write the book encapsulating her amazing miracle story, and God chose me! Humbled, honored, thankful… She told me with a dozen roses in hand. Surprise! God’s full of them, isn’t He? Hugs to you, sweet Ann and friends!

  50. It has been a difficult year to see the good and enjoy what I have been given. I lost my job working as a ministry coordinator. It was a miracle that I got the job and after 2 years lost it again. The depression has been hard and heavy. But God must have had this in mind when it all came about. But I have no idea what the future holds … but I shall carry on … waiting for Him to show me what is next!

    • So sorry for your pain. May you find new employment soon and hope and life each day from a God who comforts His children. Are there others around you sharing this burden with you? Praying that the Lord gives support through His body as He guides you through these days. He does not let the waters overwhelm us – even when we walk through them (Isaiah 43).

  51. We chased down our dream of Colorado living and two weeks ago we became Colorado residents! The Lord blessed us with a cross country move with 3 little kids that could not have gone smoother.

    • Oh Tracey, isn’t living here the greatest? We too moved from Florida to Parachute/Battlement Mesa, Colorado in September. My 40th birthday present was being to wake up and look out the window to see all of God’s glory. I thank Him everyday for making this possible. It’s only because He has blessed us that we were finally able to make our dream a reality to move here.

    • Oh Tracey, isn’t living here the greatest? We too moved from Florida to Parachute/Battlement Mesa, Colorado in September. My 40th birthday present was being to wake up and look out the window to see all of God’s glory. I thank Him everyday for making this possible.

  52. Best Memory: taking our much-belated honeymoon to New Zealand & the Cook Islands with my handsome husband. Saw some of the most breathtaking sites that brought me to my knees in worship

    Best thing I didn’t expect: after a year of trying to get pregnant & being told countless times that the doctors didn’t know why it wasn’t happening, we realized that this was a call from God to live out our heart for the orphan and adopt from the Congo! Lord-willing, we will be bringing home two boys from the Congo in 2013!

    Best book: Weird by Craig Groeschel & Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

    Best Song: your love never fails

  53. Best Risk – giving my Material-Girl sister a hand-knitted scarf & hat. She was amazed and couldn’t stop raving about it. We’ve had our differences this last year, and I really believe this somehow mended a few broken fences.

    • Thanks, Tracey! I’d never heard of this but I’m going to begin the practice in 2013. I think this will be a wonderful way to meditate on the word as well as a great legacy for my children! You’ve blessed me with your “best.”

      • You will be so blessed by this. I have been doing this for almost a year now. Just short section, even just one verse daily and then recording what the Lord speaks to my heart. Such blessing of the Living Word. The most consistant journal I have ever stayed with. Some how it just draws you in! I encourage you to try it just for fourty days and you will be drawn back for more!!!

  54. The best thing?

    David Platt’s talk at Verge on the great commission. The words keep repeating over and over in my head, “We tell them about Jesus because He alone is worthy of their worship.”

    Only Him.

    • “All Sons & Daughters” music has ministered to my soul in such profound ways this year. So blessed that God dropped them into my life at just the right time. Best reads had to be “Glorious Ruin” by Tullian Tchividjian
      and “Love Does” by Bob Goff. Best thing to happen to me was my life completely falling apart this year so that Jesus could bring His healing, restoration and JOY even in the middle of the unthinkable and on days where I thought I couldn’t go on. Favorite quote from this year “Grace grabbed the unworthy and Christ cleans the unbearable and God redeems the unlikely and we live the unexpected.” AnnVoskamp, thank you for your transformative, life-breathing words this year. God has used them mightily to open the eyes of my heart. May we live the unexpected this year, friends.

  55. Best recipes of the year: butterscotch pudding triple chip cookies and banana bread with chocolate chips!

  56. Favorite misc gift: a little wire head massager ($3) from the value bins at Target. Silly, I know, but amazing all the same 🙂

  57. It’s been a year of grieving after losing our 13 month old granddaughter in June – best book to help me through this time was Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith. Best songs: The Hurt & the Healer and You Are I Am by Mercy Me, Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keys, Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin.

  58. Hello Ann, thank you for such wonderful inspiration this year; so many great posts.

    <3 Best memory – Creating an international ministry with my best friend Anita from Great Britain – hopeflourishes.com
    <3 Best music – Bethel Music and Jesus Culture (anything by them)
    <3 Best book – A Sudden Glory by Sharon Jaynes
    <3 Best version of the Bible – The Voice Bible
    <3 Best Bible study – James (Mercy Triumphs) by Beth Moore
    <3 Best of everything – How God has been answering me concerning my husband and prayers for his salvation. I truly see his heart changing daily before my eyes. Would love for anyone reading this to say a quick prayer for him, for us in the coming new year. Thanks

  59. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries from Tasty Kitchen

    The best book you couldn’t put down? The UnCommon Woman (Larson) and Freedom of Self Forgiveness (Keller)

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Apostles Church, NYC

    The jeans that fit best? CHICOS!

    The risk that returned best? Trusted God and husband and moved to NYC!

  60. Best of 2012…
    Group: #hellomornings challenge
    Healthy Habit: Workout with a friend for a year
    Decision: Bring Youngest Home to Homeschool for rest of Year
    Best Gift to Self: Continuing my Counting 1000+ gifts

  61. It’s been a year of grieving after losing our 13 month old granddaughter in June – best book to help me through this time was Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith. Best songs-The Hurt & the Healer and You Are I Am by Mercy Me, Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keys, Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin.

    • Vicki,
      I am so sorry you and your family have had to journey through a sea of grief in 2012. My hope is that God’s unconditional love and peace has sustained you on those difficult days.
      God bless you~b

  62. Best of the Best!

    Best event: Birth of our twin grandbabies

    Best Pay it Forward: Through a FB page, over 40 people donated at least $10 for the janitor of the building I manage to be able to get home for Christmas this year. He hasn’t been home in 7 years. Never spent Christmas with three of his grandchildren.

    Best song; Still thinking that one through. So many that I love. 🙂

    Best decision: Started back to college to finish my B.S. Degree in Psychology

    Best Book: Peaceful Passage by Kim West. Excellent book for helping loved ones through their end of life journey. MUST HAVE for every Hospice organization. Here is the link: http://www.peaceful-passage.com/

    Best Video of the year: An Unexpected Christmas from the children of St. Pauls Church in Auckland, New Zealand. http://youtu.be/TM1XusYVqNY
    Those who are looking will find Him and His mission will bring all people closer to Me. Even if they do something really wrong..When the Prince is done, nothing will get between them and My love

  63. I love bests! The best recipe would have to be a Mexican feast with new friends gathered around our table. It had little to do with food and much to do with discovering one another.

    Books…so many! How about fav’s for the year….of course there was that book about gifts that was transforming. It was made even more real when I saw its brave author hold the Word in her hand in Nashville as she blessed us with her words and I knew it was Jesus with skin on speaking just to me. Others that were life changing this year? Come Alive, Thin Places, You Are Already Amazing, and Grace for the Good Girl. There were also countless novels and childrens’ book I turned to when I needed to hide away.

    Best song? Absolutely “Image of God.” Singing it with a room packed full of sisters and coming home to sing it quietly with God.

    As for jeans…my broke in grandma jeans that just fit right even on feast days.

    Best tool? Hands down my Kindle Fire. It opened God’s Word, friends near and far, worlds to escape into and worlds to change with others. It went everywhere I did during the year.

    The biggest and best risk? Becoming an (in)courager with a dear sister and making so many new friends who are now sisters too. Our little group of (in)spired women touch my heart and soul daily as we journey together into this new world of rebounding children, grandchildren, aging parents, and learning to have almost empty nests. These women are heroes!

    and my most favorite best? In human form my sweet little granddaughter who continues to astound us as she meets adversity and makes it her friend.

  64. Best of 2012…Group: #hellomornings challenge Healthy Habit: Workout with a friend for a year Decision: Bring Youngest Home to Homeschool for rest of Year Best Gift to Self: Continuing my Counting 1000+ gifts

  65. It’s been a year of grieving after losing our 13 month old granddaughter in June – best book to help me through this time was Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith. Best songs-The Hurt & the Healer and You Are I Am by Mercy Me, Sovereign Over Us by Aaron Keys, Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin. Best news- expecting 2 grandbabies in 2013.

  66. Best relationship: (other than my hubby) finally finding a sweet, heart friend in Tucson that I can laugh, cry, and go deep with. So thankful for Katie

    Best jeans: Gap relaxed skinny jeans (not sure what they’re really called but I could wear them 24/7 & my hubby wouldn’t complain!)

  67. I love reading such positive posts! They all make me want to hold your hand! My favorite moment was marrying my best friend. My moment I felt the most wonder was when I saw that pink line and knew I was a Mother. One of my favorite practicasl would have to be discovering Dr. Bronner’s soap which I now use for many things.

  68. Best book : Hunger Games trilogy (haven’t been that enthralled in a series in years)

    Best song : Our Father (Bethel Live feat. Jenn Johnson). Ushers in the loving presence of God every time I hear it

    Best holiday : The entire month of December was like one big holiday this year. My husband has surprised me with gifts big & small every single day this month. From flying my sister in from California to doing the grocery shopping w/I being asked…he made me feel so loved & appreciated.

    Best habit : Complaining less. Still working on it , but thank God for his grace.

  69. Oh my, so much to choose from!

    Best Book: Ok, there are two–Interrupted and 7 by Jen Hatmaker
    Best Risk: Choosing to do my best to either make or buy all our Christmas gifts from places that give money back to orhpans, widows, and those in need, spiritually and physically.

  70. Best book: The Hunger Games and the Gospel. Powerful commentary on our American culture and fabulous read for this Hunger Games trilogy lover. Thanks to the lovely Lisa-Jo for recommending it on Twitter late one night.

    Best moment: A weekend in October with my Pepa (who passed away just two weeks later). It wasn’t convenient or in the budget to make the trip … but I am holding tight to the memory of one last time to hear his raspy voice say, “I love you.”

    Best holiday: Thanksgiving. For the first time in over 15 years I spent a holiday with my parents. Well, technically, they spent the holiday with me since we were at my house. What a gift!

    Best song: “Never Once” by Matt Redmon. It’s on the same CD as “10,000 Reasons.” My favorite line, “Every breath we’ll be breathing in your grace, ever more we’ll be breathing out your praise.” Just powerful!

  71. Ann, I don’t even know where to start! I will just have to keep coming back.
    One of the most joyful yet painful times was sending our daughter off to Uganda as a missionary. What joy and awe to our great God that He has chosen this girl as His hands, feet and mouth. But you know what? I want to see my girl more than once a year! I want to sit down and have tea with her! I want to see her in front of me, curled up in a chair!
    When I hear her speak of the street boys, I see the love of Jesus and hear His words, “when you do it to the least of these, you do it to me.”
    Thank-you Oh my Father,
    For giving us your Son,
    And leaving your Spirit ’til,
    The work on earth is done.
    her blog
    http://www.amypronk.blogspot.com

  72. Best recipe of 2012: Rachel Ray’s Tur-chicken club burgers! Best.burgers.ever!

    Best memory of 2012: two wayward ones making their way back to the fold. A teary church service for this mamma a few weeks ago!

    Carrying song of 2012: Desert Song…filled with heavenly encouragement!!

  73. Ahhhh, the risk, that was our year. In November of last year, we had to quit the camping ministry we were with, which left us jobless and homeless. In January we were approached by another ministry, asking us to join up. This ministry was way out of our comfort zone. We said, “yes” in May. We are now back on the deputation trail raising support as we serve at a camp for children of prisoners. This is not a ministry we would have picked for ourselves, but it is definitely the one God picked for us. The greater the risk, the greater the reward. God is surely blessing us in this risky choice that we made for our family.

    • Best song of the year? Never Once by Matt Redmon. God sent it to our worship leader to sing the Sunday after we left our ministry. Every one of our kids looked at us with their mouths open as we sang it. Afterward they all declared that this would be out theme song as God led us on.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ix6gJcl04Y

  74. Best moment?- Holding my books in my hand, the ones with my name on the cover.
    Best memory?- My son, the youngest, sitting with me over coffee, telling me he’s planning to go to Guatemala this year, on march break, to build a playground at a children’s hospital

  75. Best song: Blessings by Laura Story. We lost our 7 month old grandson to a tragic accident, watched our 34 year old daughter battle cancer, faced an epilepsy diagnosis with our15 year old granddaughter, walked through an unplanned pregnancy with our son.

    Laura’s song ministered to me many times. In fact, I downloaded it as a ringtone for my family members calls!

    Happy New Year Ann. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and being a blessing to so many.

    • That is my favorite song, too. Heard it this morning while cleaning the kitchen and just wept. God is good.

  76. On New Year’s Day 2012 I stepped behind the pulpit for the first time and gave my first sermon on Epiphany Sunday. It was “the best plunge”–stepping into fear with my knees knocking. But I’ll never forget that day and my life has been changed for it.

    Such a gift to hear all these beautiful voices here.

  77. Best book: So many to choose from, but I would say Undaunted by Christine Caine. It convicted and convinced me to step forward into ministry to bring God’s love to women in crisis and help shepherd them through the legal system while sharing God’s plan for their lives and healing their wounds with the balm of Gilead.

    Best Website: A Holy Experience–A breath of fresh farm air and pure grace that refreshes my soul when it is downcast, which seems to be often these days.

  78. Best Xmas Novel read this year: The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh
    Best Xmas song: When Hope Came Down by Kari Jobe
    A nonfiction i’m enjoying right now: Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist
    Best < book this year: 66 Love Letters by Larry Crabb
    Best secular non-fiction : The Gifts of Imperfection Brene Brown
    Best trip: leading a team to Karagoto, Kenya with the 410 Bridge
    and then getting to spend 4 days in the Cotswold's England to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary with my husband!!1

  79. Ha, it’s funny, I wouldn’t comment either, but the jeans thing is what’s making me do it!

    Best jeans: A grey pair I got for $3.75 at the Vanity Fair/Lee/Wrangler outlet in our city. If you have one, it’s worth checking out, because they have every size!

    Best books: The Wingfeather Saga books by Andrew Petersen…the last book comes out next year, though. They’re fiction, but remind me of Narnia a bit.

    Best song: Our God by Chris Tomlin. I don’t think it came out this year, but my 3 and 5 year old kiddos have learned it at church and it melts my heart every time I hear them sing it.

  80. Best words: hearing my special needs, emotionally detached son saying “I love you Mom” totally out of the blue.

  81. The best risk that returned to me blessings upon blessings: going to Haiti with my daughter, Shelby. We went on a tour with Compassion International to meet our sponsored child, Rose. Haiti is a very poor country, but we met many people who were rich because of their love of our God. God is stirring my daughter’s heart for something big—she fell in love with the people of Haiti!!!! Getting out of my comfort zone brought me blessings that changed me forever!!!!!

  82. Best recipe: White Pizza Dip found at howsweeteats.com. Add a Tbsp of Evoo for better spreading. Serves up best on French bread peices.

  83. This is great! 🙂
    Recipe: Bourbon Chicken http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/01/bourbon-chicken-without-the-bourbon/
    Book: 1000 Gifts
    Song: Jesus is Alive, Josh Wilson
    Gizmo: Keurig
    Risk: Moving our family for a job & jumping into “new relationship” waters all over again
    Habit: Thankfulness
    Holiday: Christmas Eve
    Sacrifice: Giving baby things away

    God was abundantly faithful and gracious in 2012. Looking back, it was a bumpy year but filled with joy and blessings and answers to prayer. And most amazingly, heavenly guidance through each trial and test. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!

  84. Best moment…..driving to my grown daughter’s school to see my 2 grandchildren (3 1/2 and nearly 3) clapping when they see my car!! So blessed and counting blessings every day!

  85. The best thing in 2012 was my brother being home for Christmas. I prayed for God to restore that relationship with our family and He did!

  86. The best book this year that i could not put down is Nowhere But Up by Justin Bieber’s mom. It’s amazing what she went through and persevered.

  87. Best technological improvement here: a colour printer, which was great for school, fun for Christmas presents, and a blessing for some Ann printables.

    Second-best technological improvement: a new water heater so that we don’t have to wait so long to “reheat” between laundry, dishes, and baths.

    Favourite rediscovery: Mod Podge. It turned out to be a great tool for my husband’s hobbying, too!

    Favourite book: The Mind of the Maker. Favourite school book: Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career, and Financial Security, by Richard J. Maybury. Favourite book I’d still like to read: Bryana Johnson’s poems, Having Decided to Stay.

    Favourite food: Honey-Garlic Chicken from More Make it Fast, Cook It Slow. With basmati rice.

    Best wishes for 2013!

  88. Ann, Hands down, 1000 Gifts was the best book that I read. I’ve told people about it. I read your new blogs everytime they are posted on facebook. I can’t wait to read #2! You are a gifted and talented writer and you inspire me more than any Christian author has in a while. Blessing to you in 2013!

  89. Something i tried – I will start this with…I don’t have a lot of confidence. I am blessed and able to run, bike and swim. None of them done very well, trust me on this. Someone recommended I try doing a sprint triathlon (short version of a full length Tri) and I challenged myself and did it! I have never felt very proud of my accomplishments but crossing the finish line was HUGE! After finding out that my time was almost 20 minutes faster than my goal my husband and I embraced each other and shed some tears together!

    Best gift – my mother passed in October and for Christmas my three daughters gave me a James Avery heart necklace that says “you are always in my heart” on one side and on the other side it has my mothers initials! More tears here..

    Second best gift – is a small glass jar that is decorated and has a tag on it that says 2013 and I am to write small notes throughout the year for things I am thankful for or make me happy! I think I will slip in a note that says (in)courage on it!

  90. best risk…moving out of our huge family home of 15 yrs. ..cleaning, finishing, fixing, making it perfect for year round vacation guests to Montana! this meant changes untold for our family not all of them easy or pleasant. payoffs…huge. . we’ve met people from all over the world who find so much joy in our beautiful corner of the world!

  91. Best recipe was one I found for making homemade turkey stock using the carcass after thanksgiving. It is wonderful and I have some going on the stove right now! Makes such good soup 🙂

    The best book I read this year was hands down Lysa Terkeurst’s “Unglued.” I read it twice and over and over some sections!

    Best thing I did I didn’t want to do was our family was led by God to make a move concerning my son’s school. It was a tough year for our family with lots of ups and downs and change. Although we never planned on moving him to a new school it has turned out to be the best thing we could have done. God knew this though and worked all the pain out for good as we trusted in His plan. My son loves his new school and my husband and I knew as soon as we drove on the campus it was where our family needed to be.

    Looking forward to 2013! I know God has great things planned!

  92. The best song this year for me has been ‘Our God’ by Chris Tomlin. I teach 8 4-6 year olds at our church. One little girl brought this song to school, singing it all day long. My husband then downloaded it from Itunes so that I could share it in class as we worked any time. Just the week before Christmas I had it on and this little girl says, “That’s my church! The reason your husband could download that song for you was because my church sang it!!” She has it more right than she knows. We are the church! And God is for us!

  93. Best Book: Counterfeit Gods -Tim Keller

    Best Song: How He Loves -Kim Walker Smith

    Best Memory 2012: Working with victims of human trafficking in Costa Rica.

  94. The best of 2012… this will be difficult. Experienced a lot of grief this year. Son & DIL separated; my mother went home to be with the Lord; work was a struggle…digging heels in – thinking “best”…
    Book: “Sometimes He Whispers / Sometimes He Roars” by Marilynn Chadwick
    Song: “Good to be Alive” by Jason Gray
    Moment: St Simon’s Island with my daughter and two grands
    Achievement: “A Pruned Branch” published as a Kindle e.read (YAY!)
    Joy: Hearing my two grandchildren honoring their Great Grandma at her Memorial Celebration with words of their own. BLESSED.
    xo

  95. I forgot to include this: my second-favourite book was Crossing Unmarked Snow: Further Views on the Writer’s Vocation, by William Stafford. I think it was the big snowfall here today that reminded me of that.

  96. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? The no knead pizza dough recipe from “Dinner a Love Story.” I made it with whole wheat flour. We now have it at least once every other week. I even made pizza for our little family Christmas dinner.

    The best book you couldn’t put down? I really loved reading “The House at Riverton” this year. I actually did make myself put it down so it could go on and on – it took me a lot longer to read it than I normally take for books because I wanted to savor every word.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? “Home” by Phillip Phillips!

  97. Had a wonderul year in the Lord! Some lows, some highs but all Grace filled! Had insightful days, and drought days but God was in the midst! Praise the Lord!

    Best Book – (not trying to earn brownie points but…..) 1000 Gifts (Ann Voskamp). It was insightful, full of promise, hope and direction. Started me on a path that I had not taken before. Opened my eyes to the wonders around me. By taking this journey, it gave me the strength and focus to praise through the dark days! Thank you for that!

    Best Song – “Joseph” by Jason Crabb. Heard many songs about Mary and how she may have felt about being the one trusted to carry Jesus but none about Joseph. How he must have felt through it all. Wow!

    Best Text Ever – had to work on Christmas Day, received this from my middle son, writing this through tears that come after reading it even after the upteenth time…..”merry christmas mama i love you and i hope u have a good day at work…ill c u when u get home.” At 16 he has such a sensitive spirit about him. Always thinking of others.

  98. Best Study – Self-Confrontation: A manual for in-depth biblical discipleship. It has deepened my relationship with Christ and helped me see sins I didn’t even realize were destroying me. So thankful for this chance to draw close to the Savior.

    Best Suprise – Finding out we were expecting a baby girl! It was a longing I thought might never be fulfilled. Grateful for this sweet little blessing.

    Best Tea – Harney and Sons! Pricey bt so incredibly delicious!

    Which leads me to Best Grandma (giver of the tea!) – Gramms Mann! My husbands grandmother is such a blessing to me. She treats me like her own, sharing her life stories and her love for our Savior. I’m so blessed by this relationship. Even if you don’t have a great relationship with your childrens spouses….don’t give up! There might just be a grandchild/grandchild-in-law that comes along that will really cherish their relationship with you!

  99. best book….. i’m not making this up! i’m on my 4th reading of 1000 gifts! it is tattered, torn, tear stained,and marked up! during a year of finance based fear….it taught me the dicsipline of giving thanks, of finding joy, of HUNTING for gifts.

  100. The risk that turned out the best….and I fought God all the way to the podium…was sharing the testimony of His faithfulness in my life. I was broken open and His grace was poured out on me. Amazingly, that moment was the beginning….the beginning of Him using my brokenness to reach women for His glory…who would have thought my ugly would end by revealing His beauty? I would rather hide…but then God…

    Best Recipe: Hmmm…it is either Enchilada Soup or White Chicken Chili…my family could eat either for every meal…and they are cheap! 🙂

  101. The best for me was more the fact that my mother was able to come through two 14 hour heart surgeries for aortic aneurysm dissections. It is the fact that she was able to get through some of the depression that comes with heart surgery too.it is the fact that my father who is undergoing a skin cancer surgery as I write this that he was able to recover to the strength that he is after a stroke in 2011 and three skin cancer surgeries this year.

  102. Best gift? My very very sick kitty would have died without surgery two weeks before Christmas. Our vet and the entire animal hospital staff that cared for our sweet Pemberton gave us the gift of saving his life. <3

  103. best jeans….cheap walmart jordache jeans in ONE SIZE BIGGER! oh my goodness why didn’t i do that months ago….i can breathe.

  104. Best books? One Thousand Gifts was given to me at the beginning of this tough year and was such an encouragement to me to keep going. I passed it on to two others this year in tough times. They both testify to how it has encouraged them. It has helped to transform my thinking. Dancing with my Father by Sally Clarkson. I am going to start rereading it in the next few weeks.

  105. Best Book of 2012- Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts. I buy it. I give it away. I buy it, I give it away. Repeat repeat repeat. So good I just can’t keep it to myself!

    • I gave away six copies just based on the blog before I even read it. Almost gave away my copy Christmas Day and just couldn’t do it.

  106. Best risk I took: 18 months ago, I heard the Lord say to me to clear my plate. http://livinglovedlivingfree.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/clearing-my-plate/ I was in the 8th year of serving on City Council, on staff at my church, and working part-time at a pizza plate to supplement my income. I whittled my way down to just the church. It took me most of this year just to de-tox. I am living tighter but the freedom and rest my soul feels is in describable. My soul can finally breathe!!!

  107. This best part of 2012 came last February. After dealing with a chronic and undiagnosed problem for 19 months and after seeing 4 different doctors, my family traveled from Texas to South Carolina to see a specialist. Not only was he able to diagnose and treat my condition, I feel better than I ever have, completely healed. And my family had a wonderful vacation, filled with priceless memories. True healing changes things…:)

  108. The best trip ever! For many years, and I mean many, I have wanted to go to the coast of Maine. To sit on the rocks and listen to the Atlantic crush against the continent. This past summer we went! My husband surprised me with this trip after so much loss, hoping it would begin restoration.
    We stayed on Pemaquid Point, on the water’s edge. The sound of the water crashing lulled us to sleep each night and we spent hours just sitting and listening. My husband also took me to a sheep farm to buy yarn. I love to knit!

    My best read: an out of print book by Marjorie Holmes titles Two From Galilee. It is a narrative of the story of Mary and Joseph. Such a beautifully written book. I actually gave my students an entire reading day in the classroom because I could not put it down! We read all day!

  109. Best song? It wasn’t written this year, but I discovered it a few weeks ago, so I’ll count it in my 2012. “Irish Christmas Blessing” by Keith and Kristyn Getty. The words are so powerful, and speak to the only Hope we have in the midst of this messy, beautiful world. The one phrase that has constantly been in my mind for the past few weeks is “There is no Night that can steal the promises of His coming”. Standing on those promises today and always!

  110. Ok, I’ll be back for the deep and beautiful… But JEANS! After rounds of designer brands and ill fits for my (ahem) curves… I’m addicted to the Mossimo brand at Target… For a steal at $29! The fits are perfection and once you know your fit number and color you can mix and match all the graphics and florals or stay plain. LOVE! Also, I discovered Bobby Brown whipped moisturizing foundation and don’t know how I survived before. It’s as smooth as butter with great light coverage 🙂

    • Yes! The mossimo brand is my favorite too! Most comfy jeans I’ve ever owned. I love their bootcut jeans!!!

  111. Best Entertainment? We were given a gift to see the musical, Joseph, in Branson, MO this year. What an amazing portrayal of God’s love, patience and faithfulness. He is worthy!

  112. The best holiday has been the entire month of December. My husband has given me a gift every single day. From flying my sister in from California, to bringing me a 7-11 slurpee at the end of a long day, his thoughtfulness has blessed my heart deeply.
    The best book was the Hunger Games.
    Best song was Our father by Bethel Live featuring Jenn Johnson
    Best habit…complaining less, praising more.

  113. Best Book this year: “Abba’s Child” by Brennan Manning.

    Best Jeans: Levi’s 529 Curvy Cut (made for the way humans are shaped and they don’t show my fanny when I bend over!)

    Best Gift: For my birthday, my husband sent me to my favorite coffee shop for some mommy time. I went upstairs to the loft and snuggled into an oversized leather chair, sipped a hazelnut latte, and read “The Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne. When I think of it, I can still hear the jingle of the door downstairs and the hum of the blender. It was a great, great morning.

  114. Ok…here it goes…too blessed not to confess!

    Best gift: Finding out we are going to be first-time grandparents…our baby boy is due April 30th of 2013.

    Best decision: Quitting a high-paying, high-stressful job and taking a big cut in pay for a less stressful job close to home with no overtime. This was the scariest decision I ever made – especially since I DIDN’T have a job when I quit. But the Lord led me to where I needed to be and so far we have budgeted just fine. Our twins will be graduating from college in May so if we can just make it to then I think we’ll be ok. And this leads me to best memory…

    Best memory: Sitting on the front porch with my hubby of 29 years enjoying the fruits of our labor of some cedar furniture we made by hand.

    Best song: Mandisa’s Good Mornin’ song

    Best book: Lysa Terkurst’s “Unglued”….helped me so much with how to deal with a family member.

  115. The best of 2012: a “fresh” new ided layed upon my heart to take a risk into this “avenue” and jump. Purging.. hard purging of my flesh and accepting the freedom of renewal of self. Shifting my mother role with my young adult/teens and finding a new way to love. The Cure- best book for sure. Zac Brown Band- best summer concert! Black Bean Eggrolls- mmm. Grace upon grace upon grace.

  116. Thank you Ann for this Best of List, reading the comments has set my day off to a positive start.
    Best music 2012: Matt Redmond, 10,000 Reasons.
    Best trip: spending ten days back home in California, with dearest friends and family. Made my heart sing for weeks.

  117. Ok, I’ll be back for the deep and beautiful… But JEANS! After rounds of designer brands and ill fits for my (ahem) curves… I’m addicted to the Mossimo brand at Target… For a steal at $29! The fits are perfection and once you know your fit number and color you can mix and match all the graphics and florals or stick with plain denim. And, seriously, Target! Who knew?

    • Kristen! Thanks for the tip. I love Target but was just never brave enough to try the jeans! I do have the hips 😉 so I need special help! I just can’t see paying $100 for some.. Can’t wait to give them a try! Blessings

  118. Best Memory: Going to the doctor on January 30 (my little girl’s birthday), being tested for scary things like rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, cancer, MS, etc. because my symptoms were so severe it was interrupting my life. I’d met this godly doctor only once before. He listened to my “small talk” for about 5 minutes and then simply said, “Sally Anne, what do you think you have to do to please God?” I gave him my best Sunday School answer and he told me he didn’t think I believed my own answer. I began to cry. Then he lovingly told me that I had placed my parents on the throne where only God belongs, and only God the Father’s opinion of me matters–and His opinion of me is unconditional acceptance. The doctor told me when I worship only God, not people’s opinions of me, then I’ll be healed. The alternative was a lifetime of medication. I left his office and prayed in my car–healing was instantaneous. I confessed my idolatry, and my faithful God healed me instantly. {Psalm 32}

  119. Invited neighbor ladies for coffee and muffins to get to know each other, risk that was welcomed warmly and blessed me greatly!
    Not Your Daughters Jeans (at a discount), comfy and look good.
    A Book of Prayer 365 Days of Victorious Living by Stormie Omartian–answers being received!
    Best link–Nourishment for the Soul–encouraging blog from a friend.

    • Carol Ann

      Glad to hear you were blessed in stepping out of your comfort zone

      A best for me thanks to you was Best New Sewing Project: Weighted pocket quilt for my nephew ,,,,, he loved it and so did the whole family

      Thanks for all your advice!! (here’s hoping I have the right Carol Ann !! 🙂

  120. Best surprise-watching my 6 year old who has always struggled socially flourish in his small, Christian Kindergarten

    Best jeans-Jennifer Lopez boyfriend jeans from Kohl’s

    Best moment-maybe right now, all 4 of us home from work and school relaxing and unwinding together

    Best books-Harry Potter (I was a few years behind, but reading them consumed my summer)

  121. Best habit – less complaining, more praising.

    Best memory – my husband surprising me w/ a visit from my sister in California

    Best song – Our Father by Bethel Live

  122. The best site I found this year is this one, along with Hope for the Weary Mom. The best laugh was at my nieces wedding watching my husband dance. The best recipe is one my friend passed on for cabbage casserole, yummy.

  123. Best book: when I lay my Isaac down by carol kent
    Best song: blessings by Laura story
    Best moments:seeing the hands and feet of Jesus in our family and friends, who have supported us through our 19mo old daughter’s battle with cancer. And welcoming baby #5 in October!

  124. Although it’s not a new song, I heard it for the first time this year, so I’m calling it my “Best Song of 2012” – Be (His Heart His Hands His Voice) by Selah. I simply love this song!

    Blessings!
    Adrienne

  125. Best was in Feb. 2012 meeting you Ann & hearing you share at WOmen’s Conf. in Gettysburg, PA. Thought then that this would be my highlight of the year…it was, but God certainly blessed greatly the rest of the year!

    Best Christmas song: We Have A Savior by Hillsong

    Best decision: To enroll in Kairos School of Spiritual Formation http://www.on-the-journey.org . One wknd. a month to pull away for personal/spiritual growth…truely a gift.

    Best Christmas Gift: Testimony of my 84 yo “spritiual Papa” passing from earth to heaven last Sat. and his telling us that he was talking with Jesus and that God would be coming for him later that evening. Goosebumps! Let me NEVER forget this. This man loved others for Jesus.

  126. So many bests…2012 was such an amazing year for me.

    Best goal achieved: To find a church to call home that I could feel comfortable in so I would feel the desire to attend weekly.

    Best realization: that although my life hasn’t turned out quite as expected, God’s mission for me became clearer this year each time I was able to touch someone else’s life with my life experiences.

    On a lighter note: Best song: Strong Enough by Matthew West. In general his music was a the top of all my playlists this year, every song in one way or another affecting me deeply. And having the chance to meet him and have a conversation about how much his music has changed the way I listen to music was a best moment, no doubt.

  127. best habit….writing in my 1000 gifts journal….hunting hunting all day long for Gods gifts in the smallest of things. did you know you physiologically can NOT fear and appreciate at the same time.?

  128. on of my best moments this year was a hug from my pastors wife saying she appreciated me for all I did. then one month later she died. that hug became a good bye but a satisfaction that I had done well. priceless

  129. The best habit: starting a serious workout routine at age 50. I started P90X and it has taught me that even though I’m not in my 20s or30s, I can’t still dream and pursue those dreams!

  130. OH, and as far as best jeans, I have discovered the brand “Seven”, which can be pricey, but can be found now and again at a steep discount at T.J.Maxx or Marshall’s. I love them because they are made to fit a regular woman with curves, and have higher waists (not mom jeans, by any means, but also not those low rise jeans all the tiny little girls can get away with wearing).

  131. The bests of 2012… #1… surviving Hurricane Sandy… #2… Your Book … I have read it four times and given it away several more… would love to win the giveaway for the journal and could gift the other items !!!…#3 … best day….we are in the process of foreclosure and the constant pressure of not knowing when we might have to leave… so we decided to find a modest apartment and we moved. The night I had to drive alone to move in first so that I could prep the place to move in… as soon as I crossed into the county we moved into it was like a huge boulder was lifted from my shoulders… I felt a peace like I have never known. I knew we were doing what was right for us. We do not know what is ahead… but I trust that God will bring us through it. We have done everything we could… everything possible… but the bank would not make any reasonable offer. #4 Zappos shoes… they have sooo many choices and they really go out of their way in customer service. After Sandy, I got a bad infection and had to throw away some new shoes and they gave me a new pair !!! A woman named Samara in customer service was the generous woman who helped me. There are so many more bests… I have to ponder a bit more over my tea.

    • Hi Bonnie Jean, I can so relate to your story of foreclosure, deciding to walk away and an amazing peace about the whole experience. God worked it out for us to purchase our house back which was an added blessing. God bless you!

  132. Best Jeans: “Not Your Daughters Jeans” – Definitely the most flattering and comfortable jeans I’ve ever warn.
    Best song: “Never Once” by Matt Redman. Never once has He left us alone!

    • When searching for these Not Your Daughters Jeans I was told “they are in the juniors” department !!! I think perhaps there’s something wrong with this picture !!!

    • When searching for these “not your daughters jeans” I was told ” they are in the juniors department” — I think perhaps there is something wrong with this picture !!! …..

  133. The best of 2012 – all of those long minutes watching my children enjoy life, wonder, play, squeal, family worship on the couch, walking in the wide world…And those minutes made more precious by the harder minutes. EMBRACING the beauty and the mess.

  134. Best book ~ of course, One Thousand Gifts. Little did I know last January when I read it that God was preparing for a time when I would be lifted from the pit of fear and despair as I counted His daily blessings.
    Best gift ~ The terrible car accident (as crazy as that sounds), the life of my sweet daughter spared and the relationship, the closeness of sweet fellowship that I now have with my daughter.
    Best words spoken ~ first word my daughter spoke in days after the accident, “I love you, Mommy”.
    Despite the turmoil, I thank God for 2012! What a year! What an AMAZING God!

  135. 2012 was a year of blessings for me. I simplified my life which has resulted in an abundance of joy! My best habit of the year was to slow down, trust in God, and just breathe.

  136. Loving using lentils – Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe from The Homestead Blessings Cookbook is a favorite and a recipe from a friend for Lentil Tacos. So yummy 🙂

    Favorite memory – taking a Five Generation photo with my grandma, mom, daughter and granddaughter :). Love seeing my Grandma’s face light up around that sweet baby.

    Favorite pick was Accidental Pharisees by Larry Osborne

    I’m anxiously waiting to hear more about favorite jeans. This is not a fun one to shop for.

  137. Best Risk with good return: Releasing my 16 yo…learning to “let go” and now seeing her spreading her wings and blossoming in leadership skills/endevors with peers is just amazing. How she leads them to volunteer and relate to the elderly & disabled in our town; her desire to venture to Haiti this summer…seeing God’s gifts in her grow…only God and His Grace.

  138. Hello Ann & all the sisters from around the world, so here are my gifts shared with you all the way from Mexico…

    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?…Oh my, Rustic European bread & all kinds of delicious desserts! 🙂

    The best book you couldn’t put down?…María, El Carpintero y el Niño (Mary, the Carpenter, & the child)… Just a lovely book!

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? This lovely children beyond music…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kjmNQRLwv8. Enjoy!

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…) GAP.

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!)…. Work less. Work better. Pray more…and pause as often as you can to breath, love & enjoy! 🙂

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)…Leaving a prayer group and starting a new one…so happy growing & learning with beautiful people here from Mexico! Work with children, the best miracle on Earth! 🙂

    The best link of 2102? Always: A Holy Experience…Thank you Ann Voskamp! 🙂
    The best laugh? Next to my boyfriend! 🙂
    The best living? With my family, at home, together! 🙂

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.) Finishing courses! 🙂

    What was the best habit? Prayer & exercise! 🙂
    The best holiday? Tapalpa!
    The best gift? My boyfriend!
    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…) To love, and talk, and communicate!

    Happy New Year to all!!!
    Blessings & Love.

    Your sister,
    Mariana LJZ.

  139. Timeless recipe, Tembleque (a yumminess coconut custard, gluten/dairy/egg free) best jeans, Gloria Vanderbilt’s amanda; ‘Til we have faces, a book to read many times; best moments of the year, visiting doctors with my son and hearing more and more ways in which my Lord’s hand worked surprisingly to save his life in minuscule ways . . . After such an almost tragic vehicle accident a year ago. Song, Blessings & Facing the Giants; habit, joy in everything; holiday, Christmas; event, mission’s trip to Cherokee Indians; miracles, observing how God changes His people with grace and patience; gift from God on this earth, our adopted little boy; everlasting gift, His merciful love for me, His gentle and slow shaping of my character flaws, His promises fulfilled . . . Best verse, Simeon holding infant Jesus and proclaiming readiness to die . . He had seen his salvation.
    a blessed year, 2013, to the multitude of saints that upholds us and to you, Anne for being a invoice in the wilderness. God bless!

      • I have a pair of GV’s Audra and couldn’t find them anymore. I just love the way they fit. Maybe they are now the styled called Amanda? I hope so. Thanks!

  140. Best habit – a gift from “A Holy Experience.” Found the Colossians memory cards, bought moleskin notebooks, cut…paste…miracle. Thank you for such an exquisite gift. My scissors are ready for the Sermon on the Mount cards and the book you recommended in Post #1 just went into my Amazon wish list. Praise God for you!

  141. P.S. Our Hope-girl was reading over my shoulder: “Why are you all talking about the best jeans?”

    Me: “We’re talking the Best of 2012 — best books, best habits, best exercises, best jeans… ”

    Me: (grinning) “So… anything you’d like to contribute, dear?”

    Hope: (….. thinking…. then smiling) “I got the best mom!”

    HA! She may be fevered 😉

    (And she can’t stop laughing here, so it may just be a serious case of the giggles! 🙂

    Thank you for the happy year end party, friends — Hope-girl and I are liking it! 🙂

    • I love your stories about your precious Hope-girl. She blesses my socks off. I honored her birthday with you by purchasing four of the Freedom bags she promoted. Raising two tiny girls of my own, sweet Hope gives me “hope” that I can raise godly young women in this world. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  142. Best Joy: Knowing our youngest child should have music training and how GOD supplied the free piano; the teacher and how our home has been blessed with Christmas songs on the piano this year!

  143. As I have read through so many of your posts. I am praying for you and praying for grace.
    There have been so many good books this year. I have also been re-reading a lot. It’s been a really hard year, but my all time best. My husband getting a job right before Christmas after being unemployed for a year. God’s plans are always perfect and His timing is never too late. Happy New Year to y’all….

  144. I don’t know if I can pinpoint specific bests and worsts for the year BUT I can say this .. this has alternately been the best and worst year of our lives (husband and I) ….. God has done and is doing some amazing things, in both the best and worst situations, and we are blessed in both sides of the circumstances! So, in short, He has given the best of everything, really … most of all, in His Son <3 God bless you all .. and no matter what, let's just praise Him for His wonderful provision and glory!

  145. favorite moments: seeing my daughters joy, conficence and voice, so beautiful.
    favoite book, 1000 gifts ( I can remember how many copies I have given to friends) amazing!!
    favorite recipe: chocolate covered cherries ( mom made these every Christmas growing up and now I make them) as my son would say we always have traditions over the holidays:)
    favorite friend: Shauna- she loves me for who I am not matter what, mess and all:)
    Hardest thing in 2012 ( always) to seek first his kingdom…. I am still learning this… getting better at it?

  146. Thank-you for suggesting this….the best to all in the upcoming year !

    *Best memory-going to pay respects to my Grandparents with my son and best friend at the Christ Church Cathedral for the first time (it was absolutely the right time).
    *Best moment(s)I have three to share -The birth of our healthy granddaughter on Easter.
    My 6 year old son receiving a positive ECG three days before Christmas after a negative one he had during a bout with Kawasaki disease .
    Being accepted into The Institute of Children’s Literacy
    *Best book -Unsaid (heartbreaking but captivating)
    *Finding this site definately ranks as one of my * bests* for 2012.

  147. Best Song: “Redeemed”, by Big Daddy Weave. I’m from a very conservative background, but not even that can stop me from raising my hands in tearful praise every time I hear that song. 😉

  148. The best jeans – are my first pair of NON-MOM jeans I was able to buy in a size 3xs smaller (a first since having kids – they are now in teens!) AND I got them super duper cheap at a resale store!
    The best book – Practical Paleo
    Recipes – Since finding out I’m allergic to TONS of stuff and my daughter is allergic to wheat, we switched to an almost completely Paleo and gluten free eating plan. My family LOVES Lettuce boats in place of sandwiches with a yummy cucumber/avocado sauce. I also made a lot recipes with almond flour for us in place of traditional holiday goodies.

  149. best gift – my cousin *gaining* weight on chemo. it has taken me longer to grow out my hair to donate to cancer charities than it has for him to kick lymphoma!

  150. one of my best moments this year was a hug from my pastors wife saying she appreciated me for all I did. A month later she died. that hug became a good bye but a satisfaction that I had done well. priceless

  151. Best risk returned warmly: I found a friend through Facebook after 20 years of not seeing each other. After 3 months of messages back and forth, she flew home so we could catch up in person. It was like no time had passed! What a blessing!

  152. I couldn’t begin with the best of this year without remembering all those precious moments of learning and growing in the Lord this year. It’s been an adventure of a year! He’s amazong, so good, and so loving – what would I ever do without Him?

    Best memory: the marvelous trip the Lord gave to my sister and I to visit with many friends in Texas! Our first ever trip on our own, first visit there, and we had such a great time of fellowship and adventure with our “sisters”.

    Best book: “Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication” by Charles Swindoll – every word on every page has been exactly what I’ve needed for this season of my life. Fothe desert wanderer’s and God-lead people everywhere. 😀 Gave such insight into the life of a man I realized I didn’t really know.

    Best recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls (with homemade pumpkin pie spice!) – http://younghomemakers.blogspot.com/2012/09/taste-of-season-pumpkin-spice-cinnamon.html

    Hardest moment: Developing carpal tunnel and learning to rest…rest on the Lord, rest my soul, and rest my body by allowing others to do for me what I can no longer do. 🙂

    Best song: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless

    Biggest Acheivment: Admitting I will be a writer and author because that’s what God wants for me and beginning my personal writing journey on my first book! Scary and exciting!

    Thank you so much for the chance to enter – what a fun way to do a giveaway! 😀
    Blessings in Christ & Happy New Year!
    ~Miss Rachel~

    • After years of living with advancing carpel tunnel and no hope of having the surgery,
      I was told by a friend to wear braces at night. That helped. Then I read in From Fatigued to Fantastic to take B6 for CT. Amazing and simple! My hands are 85% better!

  153. Best The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Anything from the Pioneer Woman! Her Chicken-Fried Steak is fab!
    The best book you couldn’t put down? One Thousand Gifts~ Ann Voskamp (Seriously, I’m not just saying that! Made a huge impact on my mind set!)
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? God’s Not Dead ~ Newsboys

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…) After having 4 babies in under 5 years… this it tough! However, I have managed to find a pair that look and feel decent. Maurices brand Brianna fit (they have extended sizes and lengths)

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Said “I’m sorry”

  154. The best thing about this year has been learning that loving others well and making the right choices will not protect you from rejection and heartache, but that it’s worth doing anyways. I cannot live so well as to avoid pain, but I can live well through it.

  155. Best book: “One Thousand Gifts” – a friend recommended it to me at just the right time! In fact, our women’s Bible study is going to do it in January. I also read through “The Hunger Games” trilogy. Loved them. I also picked up an old leadership book at a garage sale by David Gergen called “An Eyewitness to Power”. Great book!!

  156. What a delight to read everyone’s best of everything!

    Hmmm.. Some of my bests for this year:

    – best book: One Thousand Gifts. God has used it to change my life! I continue to get copies to send to friends near and far. What a blessing it has been!
    – best habit: getting in the habit of healthy eating and exercise. Continuing to care of the body He’s given me
    – best living: Living a life of Eucharisteo!
    – best risk: after I graduated University I realized that I had lost a sense of who I was amidst the studying and schooling. This year has been a journey to figure out who God has made me to be- and find joy in that. It’s a journey and its been scary at times but definitely the best risk!
    – best gift: a job given to me the day before graduation. Incredible story of God’s plan being bigger and better than mine…and another reminder that I should trust in Him.
    -best jeans- my jeans no longer fit due to the ‘best habit’ 😉 it’s been an incredible feeling to go from having to wear dresses all of the time because my pants wouldn’t do up to having to wear dresses all of the time because my pants won’t stay up!

  157. Love you Anne.
    Best Book: Her Mother Hope by Francine rivers. A fiction book that explores the relationships in your life and how they can affect you good or bad. And how the Love is always there.
    Best Song: The new “Silent Night” by Clyde Bawden sung by Michele Moyer. A re-write of the classic takes you to another peaceful Christmas place. Love it. Felt like I was actually at the manger.
    Best Recipe: French Dip sandwiches. Roast beef cooked in Onion soup on sturdy rolls with melted Swiss cheese.
    Love reading these wonderful blogs every week it brings me back home.

  158. My best gift given was the sweater hat I knitted for the sweetheart, so it wasn’t quite finished by Christmas, and best gift gotten…sharing Christmas with the sweetheart and my girls. I had everything I could hope for together.

    Best book read…Captivating by Stasi and John Eldredge

    Hardest thing this year…trying to be kind in the face of others not being kind.

  159. I’m so excited that I just found this website last night. I’ve already found encouragement — sister souls. I love it! 2012 was a very good year for me. * I started my own blog on June 2013. It was an idea I had for over two years before I acted on it! And it’s much the same thing I’m trying to do there that you are doing so well here. Had I found you earlier, I’m sure I would have launched much earlier. You go girls! Inspiring! You are inspiring.
    * I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful writers’ conference this year–Write to Publish and made many new friends and partners.
    * So many personal family milestones celebrated as well. Thank you God!
    *Favorite new recipe. . . fully loaded cheesy potato soup . . . nice warm comfort food. Try this one if you like potato soup or baked potatoes. You’ll love it.
    *Favorite book . . . reread from years gone by . . . The Cloud of Unknowing– originally written by an unknown mystic of the fourteenth century.
    I’m looking forward to going into the New Year with you. Come visit me too
    http://www.writemomentswithgod.blogspot.com

  160. I have had some ups and downs this year. With only eek four days left of this year I am counting my blessings and not dwelling on my misfortunes.
    I took a leap of faith and took a job with 1/2 the pay I was used to to work closer to home and I am now in town and able to just zip over to the school when needed, I can drop my son off at school, he rides the bus home and he is only at my moms for five mins max before I get home (I get off at 4:30).
    My ex-passed, it was a sad time for all of us, but happy in that we know he is with our Lord and he is walking again, not more seizures, he is talking and looking down on us.
    I have been blessed with so many gifts of kindness and monetary bonus’ just when I needed them, I have see the Lord work in my life so many times this year and I am amazed at His timing and understanding of my needs.
    The best habits I have formed was when I signed up for daily emails from Proverbs 31 Ministries which led me to so many other wonderful sites and devotionals. I cannot begin to mention all the times that something came across my email from (in)Courage, Jill Savage, Proverbs 31, Jill Enham, Renee Swope, Glynnis Whitwer, to name a few that was just what I needed to get me through the day. God works in the best of ways and I am still struggling to let go and let Him lead me in His time and not in the time I think it should be done.
    Though 2012 has had it’s downs, the ups and blessing far outway the downs. Here is to 2013 being better!

  161. The best of 2012 would be spending time with my family who I haven’t spent Christmas with in years, finding love, celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus and sharing in the wonderful joys of the season with friends!

  162. This year has flown by so fast that I do not have any favorites for the year. The best book is always the Bible but I will admit that I read the 50 Shades of Grey books. My youngest son is a high school senior this year and we have been taking pictures, ordering invitations, and applying to colleges. I have made several new recipes but none that really outstanding.
    It is a blessing to have my God, family and friends around me during the year. They always make for a great year.

  163. Ok… a few more:
    Best moment – when I held my niece for the first time. My twin sister had a baby this year – a complete surprise. We both have teens and she thought she was done having kids 9 years ago. This little baby has been the biggest joy.
    Hard moments – facing the fact that I can no longer have kids. I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago and for the past two have carried a sadness that I can’t conceive, even though 8 years ago my husband had a vasectomy. Talking to my husband about adopting or fostering ends with a big NO. Praying God will change one of our hearts. I want them to beat together.

  164. Okay, I have to jump in!

    ~My favorite book I just reread is the Prodigal God by Tim Keller.
    ~My favorite recipe that we have loved forever is Spaghetti Con Tonno by James Beard. My family loves it, it is cheap and delicious!
    ~I finally found jeans that fit like a dream, which is hard with long legs and too much weight! J.Jill’s Classic Boot Cut. They also come in cords that I love!
    ~Best tool for me is “My Fitness Pal” which takes the pain out of dieting/exercising and makes it into a game (well, kinda!). There is even a phone app that makes it really usable.
    ~best habit: I have given up on “working out,” and instead work for 30/40 minutes each day possible on my yard/floors/anything that gets that heart rate up and gets a job done at the same time! I really do it instead of finding excuses to not take care of myself!
    ~best holiday: finding the holy in every day. Keeps me sane, focused and worshiping!

  165. Best book? Carolyn Webber’s Surprised by Oxford

    Best moment? Now

    Best memory? A text from my middle son, “counseling” me to view aging as God simply releasing our fingers from grasping our idols.

    Best song? As any of my boys will tell you, “It’s a happy day, and I thank God for the weather, it’s a happy day, and I’m living it for my Lord…”

    Best recipe? I don’t believe in recipes. Well, maybe one. There’s this delicious pumpkin cream pie…

    Best news? That I didn’t have breast cancer. Found out just last week.

    Best hope? Jesus. In Him is all the fullness of God. Who could ask for anything more?

  166. Best song: Two really… both written by different members of our worship team. Patiently waiting for them to lay down the tracks so I can get them on my iPod. My 6 year old is highly disappointed that they are missing from his new iPod shuffle. 🙂

  167. 2012 was filled with many “bests” at a time when I could have filled it with memories of “worsts”. I spent four months with the best nurses at my chemotherapy clinic…they loved and nurtured me when all I felt was apathy and sickness.

    I had an AHA moment late in the year where God spoke to me (no, not an audible but I heard it just the same) and told me to laugh, love and be his witness. How could that not be a “best” moment?

    I’m throwing myself into 2013 with JOY UNSPEAKABLE because the best is yet to come 🙂

  168. Best jeans: I love Silver Suki jeans. Mavi is also a good brand. And both are at a little shop on the main street in Stratford, Ontario – Gruv. They also have the best suede boots, in black and brown. So comfy I can wear them all day!
    Best recipe: Chicken Piccata from Cook’s Illustrated. Or anything from the BBC Good Food website.
    Best book: Currently reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain, which gives me new confidence.
    Best tool: A beautiful mortar and pestle made of Indian soapstone from Ten Thousand Villages.
    Best risk: Leaving a perfectly good job for a different one. Thanks for the reminder to start living and stop fearing.
    Best laugh: My British husband out clearing the first snowfall from our driveway this morning, in the pitch black of 6:30 a.m., on a day he didn’t have to go to work.

  169. The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)

    Asking, seeking and knocking for support in my faith journey.

  170. Ann’s blog is the best ! Love the background music while reading as well as the pics!
    As for the best phrase declared in times of troubles, I hear my children say “don’t freak out because the angels are not freaking out!” 🙂 Blessings

  171. The risk that returned best?

    Asking, seeking and knocking for support in my faith journey.

  172. Thank you for this wonderful blog that touches my life daily!

    The Best of 2012 for me has been the ability to heal from the disappointment and sadness of a son with addiction – by SERVING others and speaking out to help others. My son is 1 1/2 years clean and we are all getting better every day. Angels have been placed in my life to help me in my journey of forgiveness.

    ~alicia

  173. Best recipe – Rachael Ray ‘s Roasted Mustard and Maple chicken. Oh my – easy to make and delicious. Even better the next day! Best Song – anything by Casting Crowns. Best book – yours Ann- I have read it several times and purchased many for friends. Would love to have the extras. It has been an extremely rough 3-4 years and your book helped me to remember to be grateful for what I have. Best find – Blessings home parties -they have beautiful stuff and reasonably priced. The best is yet to come!

  174. I love this… getting some good ideas here =) My best of is simple… the best thing about 2012 was learning that I”m okay just as I am, and that God loves me for me, no matter what. Your book opened my eyes in 2011, and I’ve participated in your Joy Dare this whole year. Some days I miss, but I’ve counted my 1000 gifts +, and it has really opened my eyes to the goodness of God. Combine that with You’re Already Amazing and Grace for the Good Girl, and 2012 has been a year of acceptance. I’m so excited to see what 2013 has to hold!

  175. a random comment from a neighbor on facebook – that had me belly laughing for literally MINUTES. hubby had to record it because i became the point of laughter.

  176. The best book: One Thousand Gifts–life-changer!
    The best song: Home by Phillip Phillips or Sparrow, Blessed are the Ones by Audrey Assad
    The jeans that fit best: my sister’s jeans 🙂 Just like how her food always tastes better than mine…so life is better when we share.
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best: taking my bored moments at work and turning them into prayer moments for those I love.
    The risk that returned best: vulnerability every day.
    The best movie: Les Miserables–a beautiful picture of Grace vs. the Law.
    The best sacrifice: time.

  177. Oh, Ann! I couldn’t wait to share this with you.. One book I have been carrying around with me besides One Thousand Gifts.. Is The Beatitudes by Thomas Watson. I know you read the Puritans and if you haven’t already read this? It’s amazing. Every line. Filled with His Spirit.. I have had it on my shelf and didn’t realize the treasure I had! A piece of handcrafted jewelry by Lisa Leonard would be my next pick. A bracelet. Mine says all is grace! Next. Jeans?! Jeans. Maybe I’ll just grab a skirt today.. I still need to find the perfect pair! 😉 Blessings!!

  178. This year has been a year of restoration and our hearts and faith was shaken and in the midst of the tremors God passed by. Thank you Ann for having the courage to bear your heart.
    Best book of 2012: my highlighted, dog eared and tattered One Thousand Gifts.
    Best risk: (I see now it was never a risk but man i felt like i was taking a leap off a dark cliff and had to trust my Daddy would catch me. Placing our lil mans health in our Daddys hands. Accepting that he may not be completely healed and yet seeing that if he had never been sick he would not have the insane passion and zeal for our Heavenly Daddy. And if i hadnt placed him in my Daddys arms i would have been too busy running him from dr to dr to really get to know this blessing of a by that i have been so graciously given.

  179. The best of 2012 for me was, as a widow and mother of now adult children… my life was beginning to get a bit “frightening”-what to do now? alone? BUT God in HIS faithfulness and such love guided me thru scriptures and his ever presence back “home” to another state.. opening up new opportunities for me… Seeking HIM first… thanking the Lord daily for his faithfulness and love!!

  180. It has been a fantastic year indeed!

    Best of all, I found InCourage this year and that made everyday sweeter and brighter! Thanks to all you wonderful girls who share so much of yourselves with us! Blessings to you all in the New Year!

    One of the best links I found was through InCourage and is Dawn’s page! —
    http://myhomesweethomeonline.net/

    and one more of my best’s of the year: Tenth Avenue North’s song Losing. A.MAZE.ING. Love those boy’s music. Praise the Lord for them!

  181. I did an art-jounalling e-course on GRATITUDE – that was the highlight of my year and changed my outlook radically. I have suffered from debilitating Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Pain for the last 16 years and some days its really hard to keep looking at the bright side. I received your book ONE THOUSAND GIFTS for Christmas – I couldnt put it down- it is life-changing and I know it will be a book I refer back to very often for encouragement. thank you for giving the world the gift of this book. I want to buy copies for all my family and friends!

  182. Best book? The Daisy Chain
    Best thing-of-all-year? Surprise family reconciliation! On the official List of Things I Thought Were Past All Repair (on the “I know God can technically do anything… but at this point, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen…” list), some of my extended family now speaks kindly with each other again! After basically 8 years of continually-souring relations that had stabilized into aggressively unpleasant long-distance dislike (at least unpleasant to this one stuck in the middle!), they’re now talking again! God sometimes flabbergasts us.

  183. Best book: 1,000 gifts and Kisses from Katie

    Favorite moment: 1 week mission trip with Blue Print Ministries in San Antonio Texas surrounded by such giving Youth!

    Best Christmas gift given: 1,000 gifts (thank you for the $5.00 per book offer)

  184. Now you must know that while I am writing this tears of joy and gratitude are falling on my checks..so I cannot see my words or computer , so mistakes for sure!!! My best moment at Christmas is seeing my two wonderful nephews walk in the front door with BIG happy smiles and happy to see me. What you must know is that there father died in November 2010 and I am the executor of their will because their parents were divorced, and well let’s just says things got really bad with their mom and me because of what their father wrote in the will. He had full custody, they are both minors. I was so over joyed to have them hug me and hear I LOVE you auntie!!! I know only God can do that … They are not Christians but they know that I am!

  185. Best recipe: Southern Living Oatmeal Cookies

    Best song: Break Every Chain, by Kristene DiMarco

    Best time: A new adventure for me. I went to a women’s conference at Morningstar Fellowship in FT. Mill, SC with a 79-year old friend. The ages spanned from 16 to 80. There were women there from many states and countries, and I made several new friends. For the first time ever at a women’s conference, I felt no judgment or condemnation. We were encouraged to be originals who listen to God and follow His leading, and the Lord has continued that message for 7 weeks since, even to this morning. I got it from 3 different sources already. I’m 61 and starting new adventures in Him.

    Best new practice: a praise journal that is up to over 2200 praises and has revolutionized my attitude.

  186. Best Gift: This past August started a whirlwind of all the things I NEVER would have guessed would happen to me. Avoiding all the nitty gritty details, I can finally say out loud that my husband and I will be officially divorced sometime in Januray 2013. No matter what the circumstances are (for good or bad reasons) divorce is still a HORRIBLE process of unknowns and scary roads and accepting different lifestyles due to income loss, etc…. Well, my best friend since second grade who now lives thousands of miles away from me heard about my horrible news. She emailed 15 women whom she knows that became single mothers for various reasons and had them all write letters of encouragement to me. She took those letters and made a beautiful book out of them and mailed it to me. I cried so hard when I received it and as I read it. Knowing I had really no other options as my three young adopted special needs children need me…I have no time to crumble. I have to say that was the best and most beautiful heartfelt gift ever! Thank you to all those ladies whom I didn’t even know that took time to encourage me. Yes, definitely the best gift that God gave to me–the love of others who don’t even know me. Incredible! (well, that and the big screen tv my parents gave to me for Christmas to replace the one the husband ripped off the wall in front of the kiddos when he left…) New beginnings for our family in 2013. I have a feeling it is all for the good with the love I have felt throughout this process. It is a reminder that we can make a difference–a HUGE difference to those we don’t even know.

    • {{{{hugs}}}} jodilee. Oh. my. can I ever empathize with you. If you would have told me at the start of 2012 that I’d be in the midst of a divorce now after 26 years of marriage, I’d *never* have believed you. I’m not going to share details here, but on Nov 20 I had to flee our home with my youngest 8 children. I can’t even begin to say how broken I am. And yet still… God is good, He remains faithful and I too have been blessed by several very faithful friends. Your book sounds fabulous. I’ll be praying for you as I walk the same scary road as you.

  187. Best book: 1,000 gifts which came at the worst moment: my oldest son left our family (he already lived far away) and isolated himself and later shot himself, but this book really helped me to walk through that moment of darkness and helped me to say, “thank you” to the Lord for always being GOOD even when life seems awful. Best song: Blessings by Laura Story because it ministered to my broken heart is I embraced the too awful to contemplate reality that is now ours. Best moment? When my daughter returned from a 2 month missions trip to Japan.

    • The best part if homeschooling… really getting to know your kids! Homeschooling is a great gift! We are in our 5th year and each year gets better! My little one started kindergarten this year at 4 1/2 and she is reading! We love homeschooling!

    • I’ve homeschooled for 10 years (has it really been that long?). There are days when I ask myself why I continue to do this. Then I look at my kids, how they are growing, learning, maturing, and I am reminded why. I just can’t trade the time with them, it’s too precious, and I will continue to do this as long as I can.

    • Finishing year 13 of homeschooling for us – can’t believe it is my daughter’s last semester at home. What a journey. Hang in there, ladies, even when it is ROUGH. The rewards are incalculable.

  188. Best jeans…..Gloria Vanderbilt (they stretch and are soft!)
    Best risk….zip lining (Can I mention my fear of heights?) Loved the feeling of soaring.
    Best book…1000 Gifts (again!)
    Best recipe…..mini deep dish pizzas
    Best song……(You can) Close your Eyes (Recorded by Mama’s Blue Dress!)

  189. I have to say…even though it may sound like the likely answer…the best for me…the most transformative….is “stumbling” upon an Holy Experience last Jan. …which led me to 1000 gifts…reading…rereading…soaking…then listening….like a sponge until I was leaking thankfulness…counting…in one year I have passed 4000 praises for all His goodness to me.
    Best healing….this blog world… I trembling stepped into just a little over a year ago.
    Best music… set free…CHrista wells…has been my anthem this year.
    Best sweet surprise…getting to see you and give you a hug in Nashville(brentwood)
    Best memories…family…the sweet bond that continues to grow…even as my children move out…move on…love that binds our hearts through distance.

  190. I turned 60 this year and my daughters gave me the most wonderful, joyful 60 birthday party a mom could ever ask for! They asked for everyone to bring 60 of somethings, which ranged from 60 mini pads, hilarious, gummy bears, yummy, and 60 cards…wowo I’m so lucky

  191. Best holiday experience was having a customer service rep personally drive my package to a drop box for delivery to me so that my son’s gift would arrive in time for Christmas. Faith renewed in humanity one person at a time. I will definitely ” pay it forward”. 🙂 Blessings !

  192. Best song : Keith and Kristen Getty’s “Before you I Kneel (a workers prayer)” I sang it in tear every work day as I drove to teach my ESOL/GED classes. Such a touching song!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPVtx_HCpOo

    Best blessing: my husband’s increasing health and strength after his widow-maker heart attack last year.

    Best book: “The Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has worn you out” by Dan Stone. Led a group through and blogged it in the fall…amazing! God’s kids set free, halllelujah!
    (BTW, last year my best book was your “1000 Gifts” and “The Jesus Manifesto” by Sweet and Viloa 🙂 )

  193. Best moment of 2012: My mom waking after the emergency surgery to fix a bleed after her liver transplant. An answer to pray.
    Best Book of 2012: One Thousand Gifts. It got me through my mom’s transplant and recovery. During our weeks together Mom and I would discuss our “gifts”. A precious gift in itself!
    Best jeans!: Mark’s Work Wearhouse Contemporary Fit Jeans! Mid waist band, little bit of stretch, so comfy!
    Best recipe: Just tried Slow Cooker Pork Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub….yummy!
    Best gadget: I am a caterer so I need my Heinkel Chef knife like my hand. A good knife is essential but I also love my small ice cream scoop for cookies!
    Best song: I’m a huge country fan, so Paul Brandt, another Canadian and Christian, just came out with an album of old hymns…wonderful uplifting version of It is Well.

  194. Best Book: Hmmmm… so hard! A tie between Penelope Wilcock’s three new books in The Hawk and The Dove series, and the advent book you recommended – Silence and Other Surprising Lessons From Advent
    Best Album: Light For The Lost Boy by Andrew Peterson
    Best Christmas Album: Sweet Bells by Kate Rusby
    Best Faith Lesson: Almost adopting a baby with trisomy 13 in May, but the Lord called her home from her birthmother’s arms the morning we were supposed to bring her to our home.
    Best Quote: “It is a safe thing to trust the Lord to fulfill the desires He creates.” ~ Amy Carmichael
    Best Answered Prayer: After squeezing that quote, and about two handfulls of Bible verses for *ten years*… after two failed special needs adoptions and a miscarriage… God took the dryest desert of a womb and sowed a seed! It has taken root, and grown, and miracles of miracles I am 24 weeks along with a baby girl! She is thumping the inside of my belly as I type. We never expected this miracle, we certainly don’t deserve it, but we are wallowing in it every moment of every day.
    Best Icing on the Cake: Our faith family (including you, dear sister-friend Ann) that have walked with us, cried with us, prayed with us, and rejoiced with us on our journey to this little one. Making the sweet even sweeter. Eucharisteo – so I can stand in the middle of the river and turn on the slow motion so I can revel in every moment and not miss one single blessing. <3 I just could burst with the gratitude and joy!

  195. Best Song: Matt Redman’s ” 10,000 Reasons”. I heard this on thew radio in between trips to the hospital when my daughter was severely ill and God seemed silent. I began sobbing and singing and suddenly He was silent no more and I had peace.

    Best Gift: My daughter is with us and well.

  196. Best retreat: traveling to Charleston to hear Ann Voskamp & talking with women in our church about eucharisteo.
    Best trip: to CO to meet our first grandson & rejoice with his parents! & knowing how this child is loved & taught as a babe how much our Savior loves him.
    Best encouragement: to be thankful in all things, in the valleys, in the mundane.

  197. Best blessing: my three children, Joy-21, Bethany-19 & Jon-17;
    Best recipe: Many on Pinterest
    Best risk: Survivor Mud Run with my two daughters. Muddy but fun.
    Best discovery: Pinterest
    Best event: Picnics with my ex-boyfriend
    Best jeans: Any that fit.
    Best experience: My children throwing me a surprise 50th birthday party.
    Best book: Grace for the Good Girl, by Emily Freeman
    Best song: Casting Crowns.
    There are so many great and best things of 2012. My daughter was discharged from the hospital ICU, and life goes on.

  198. Best book – The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. I was in the middle of reading it when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. My father was in chemo at the time and I needed the words on those pages.

  199. Best Song: Fear is Easy, Love is Hard by Jason Gray – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn0RHh3BQT4
    Best Books: Keep a Quiet Heart by Elizabeth Elliot, Joy and Strength a devotional with my mom’s markings in it and 1000 Gifts because reading that trio convinced me to take the joy dare… best risk this year.
    Best Recipe: Chicken Tortilla soup recipe from the back label of a can of black beans…Dump recipes are always wonderful, my family loves it and it is cheap and easy!
    Best Jeans- Any brand like Wrangler or Levi “carpenter” jeans nice and baggy in my book… plenty of loops and pockets for a gardener/cook to carry tools, seeds and what-not (I know, I have no style! But those skinny jeans just don’t have space for anything but one’s self! LOL)
    Best moment of 2012: Sitting with my prodigal son at our Christmas Eve service 2 brothers side by side sandwiched between mom and dad … our family together truly a great gift!!!

  200. Seeing the power of God’s healing hands on my niece, who was born prematurely on my birthday, Sept 26th. She is now almost 10 lbs and thriving! Thank you, Lord!

  201. I am SO not a social butterfly! I’m really naturally inclined and more comfortable to be in my little nest with just my husband and son. This year we took on the awesome honor (and responsibility) of co-leading a church small group. My life changed forever. We have increased our “family” size! I have new kids, new brothers and sisters and a bond that is so tight. We love each other tremendously and cannot remember not having each other. For the first time in my life, I have, what feels like, a true,strong family unit. I have been so blessed by my family! Love abounds.

    I also put my neck out and pursued a big job change within my company, not once, but twice. I prayed for clarity and confidence, and was just about to seek other options, when out of the blue, I was offered a wonderful, much-improved promotion! God kept “detaining” me, it seemed, and calming my frustrations, just until His plan was in place! Wow, He’s good!

    And a long-standing “nagging” finally was able to get my attention. I had never followed through on my Masters degree after 30 years. My son is a jr in college at this time. My dad, who is rapidly declining with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and has very few “lucid” moments, one day as we talked about my son’s college (I talked, he stared into space), turned to look at me and asked if I’d ever finished my Masters. I said I hadn’t, and he looked me directly in the eye (not through me or past me, as is his normal), and said “why don’t you go finish now and then you and Jace can graduate together.”. Then he went immediately back to wherever he goes! I took that as a real word from God, as my dad doesn’t even remember the fact, or even who I am most days. WOW, God is so amazing!

    My only child is walking a daily walk with God. My husband leads each of us to opportunities for fellowship. My husband is the head of our home, he provides for his family, and gratefully shares with anyone in need. We have neighbors that have been married almost 70 years, and my inlaws just celebrated 59. We are surrounded by role models of God’s directives. We are living, loving and learning daily.

    Everything that is the “best of” in my life of 2012, is nothing but God. In my earlier life, I would not have recognized it’s origin, much less given thanks to anyone. So my ultimate “best of” list begins each line with “God did….” , or “God made….”, “God is….”.
    Best ….. Of 2012 for this family? God.

  202. If you like Indian food, this chicken tikka masala is fabulous. Takes some time, but well worth it. http://userealbutter.com/2011/09/11/chicken-tikka-masala-recipe/

    Song I couldn’t get out of my head—“Open up the Heavens” by the Vertical Church Band. “Open up the heavens, we want to see You, open up the floodgates. A mighty river, flowing from Your heart, filling every part of our praise. Show us, show us Your glory. Show us, show us Your power. Show us, show us Your glory, Lord.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HWFlFwtVpM

    Book I couldn’t put down? Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening devotional. His way with words, how he speaks truth to the deepest parts. I found myself looking forward to his insights every day.

    Best moment of 2012– December 25th and looking back one year ago, when two days before Christmas the buyer of our home backed out. Hence the precious little home we thought we were moving into, near family and friends, was no longer a reality. We spent the holidays surrounded by boxes, and broken dreams, yet God was near and we felt His peace. Seven days later we had another buyer and the house we had been planning to purchase was still available (the buyers had graciously waited for us). Total Glory story. All God’s doing. Even down to the details, like getting a better mortgage rate than before. Reflecting on this a year later, the tears flowed… at the way he loves, showers us with grace gifts, and shares with lowly us a glorious glimpse of who He is.

  203. Best jeans: not quite jeans, they’re heavy canvas twill but the fit is just right for me; EMS North Country pants

    Best books (in no particular order):
    The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball
    Lectio Divina by Christine V Paintner
    The Benedictine Handbook
    Julian of Norwich by Amy Frykhom
    The Old Ways by Robert MacFarlane
    Trapeze by Simon Mawer
    Middlemarch by George Eliot (again!)
    Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (third time)

    Best recipe:
    Baked cheese grits from the America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

    Best things that happened:
    – a daughter getting married on the top of Cadillac Mountain
    -my new job in a museum
    – recovery from total knee replacement

    Blessings!

  204. The best recipe? Parmesan Tilapia
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Not sure. Liked all the books I read this year
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Beautiful Phil Wickham
    The jeans that fit best? Our Resale shop gets 7 for all Mankind jeans. They fit wonderfully and aren’t Mom jeans. Plus I can get them at an affordable price versus what they are at retail
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? I am loving crockpot meals. So easy to throw dinner into it in the morning and have something ready
    The risk that returned best? Moving away from family. We’ve been missing home and went back for a funeral and realized that where we are now is “home”
    What was the best habit? I am trying to make a habit of relaxing and saying “no”. It has worked for the most part. As a Mom of 5 I am constantly going and it is easy to get tired and to a meltdown point, so I have been trying to no do as much. It seems to have helped.
    The best holiday? Christmas
    The best gift? Getting a couple of nights in a cabin with just the family, some snow, and a fireplace
    The best sacrifice? Jesus’s sacrifice for us

  205. I had to jump off here.. Song would be Natalie Grants Alive… And the song In Christ Alone. David Crowders Holy… Recipe. Whole Wheat Cracker recipe that I made when i was 10 years old! It made it back to me via a friend 20 plus years later! Now my boys help cut them out 🙂

    • How could I forget? The whole “Image of God” cd… Its just beautiful. Soothes the soul . Speaks JoY!

  206. A song on my mind: Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave, but also Kutless–Even If.
    Best recipe: Always Kolache to remember my grandma! But a book on my mind? I tried the National Novel Writing Month in November and wrote over 50,000 (even wrote through flu). It was a freeing experience! Ann, can’t wait to get into your devo-journal book!

  207. Best risk – Three years ago, I started writing and took college classes with students younger than my children. This year I am now a monthly contributor to our local paper on their Spiritual Reflection page, my blog is growing and I had a blog accepted here on (in)courage.

    • Lynn your post may just inspire me to take that same risk! I have wanted to write for more than just myself or my 4th grade students as I am teaching them to read and write. Life has its seasons….this may just be the right season. I have been praying…

      • Three years ago I too went back to school acting on distinct conversations I had with God over how to finish well and use the life experiences of my 59 years! With prayers from my faithful and praying Bible Study and lots of late nights, I went from stay-at-home mom with lots of volunteering, and am now working two part time jobs-one as an equine assisted therapist with survivors of trauma and as a therapist at a Rape Crisis Center… Hello!!!! All is definitely grace here and that’s just what’s happened in my life-not the wild blessings that have been flowing over the rest of this household–not always the road we’d choose if we’d been in charge but definitely one of God’s constant calling us to closer relationship and to change the way we relate to this world in which we live!!

  208. Best book of the year would have to be Lloyd-Jones on The Sermon on the Mount. Best recipe: Leek & Potato Soup. Hosting a Ukrainian boy for Christmas & realizing God may have a plan for my life other than I had always thought is the most difficult valuable things we have done as a family. Learning to give all I have, like the widow & her mite, is painful, but priceless.

  209. Seeing visible expressions of God’s love/care for me that could only come from Him. Example: I went to Ohio for my mom’s 8oth birthday and had to pack her home for a move to assisted living (she has Alzheimer’s). It was a very emotional and physically exhausting time. My husband is an across the road truck driver and he called to tell me he was routed to my mom’s home town on her birthday. He has never been routed to her town in the three years he has been driving. God arranged it for him to be there for me. Such an overwhelming tangible show of His care for me. That was a wonderful gift!
    Another amazing gift: The birth of my first grandchild and that God allowed me to get there (12 hours away) so I could be there for her birth!

  210. My life blew up in March. For a person with several chronic health conditions that kind of stress can be too much and sometimes it was. But God was faithful and provided what I needed (not necessarily wanted) day by day. My anthem became “10,000 reasons” which I sing at church tears and mascara streaming down my face…same goes on when I sing in the morning at home!!! Best of 2012!

  211. Best Gift Received: a brand-new car from my father because my car was failing. I’m 47, divorced, four precious kids, struggling to make it on my own. Just when I felt possibly forgotten & left to struggle hard & worry too much, Love Arrived. Love is Never Late.

    Best Book Started in 2012: “Deep Unto Deep” by Dana Candler. All about experiencing God & His love for me more DEEPLY. Can’t always get my head around it, this book is helping.

    Best Gift Given: a Christmas Puppy to my kids. Kids need a dog & I finally did it. Puppy is laying in my bed with me presently….

    Best Pair of Jeans: KUT. And they better be the best because they were the priciest pair of jeans I’ve ever purchased 🙂

    Best Blessing-in-Disguise: My broken heart. A relationship that needed to end, ended. I’m devastated. But as I lay here, looking at the ceiling of my bedroom, I imagine it bursting open & upwards to the sky—all this heartache & deep hurt along with it—-to the vastness of His Perfect Love & His Divine Purposes & Plans…..to take me deeper into & with Him….to find a Love-Maybe-Finally that will touch the wounds deep within, make me WHOLE & ready to love & be loved like never before. Fearful. Doubtful. Trembling. Pray for me, sweet sisters….that I’d be willing to walk with God like never before.

  212. A Holy Experience was the best blog I read this year. It changed my way of thinking about my life. My favorite books were those written by Geraldine Brooks. My “aha!” moment was learning to be thankful in everything–still working on that one!

  213. Ah, so this is what home feels like! Here’s my few favorite’s from 2012:

    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Cozonac, a traditional Romanian Easter & Christmas bread…& it literally melts in your mouth!
    The best book you couldn’t put down? One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp & it literally stayed put on my nightstand, every night drinking down the Word and the words and it’s this that has given life in the dead places of 2012.
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Come to Me, by Bethel Music & if you close your eyes to it, it’s just grace, this feeling of the God-Man cupping my face, bending low into my brokenness, whispering tender His love for me & who doesn’t need to be reminded? This on repeat all throughout 2012.

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…) This one’s a tough one; being 5′ tall doesn’t afford me the pleasure of wearing jeans that fit WELL. BUT, I did snag a happy pair that was marvelously on sale at the J. Crew Clearance Store…& well, I just happen to love them.

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!) Coconut oil lathered on the locks every few weeks did wonders to my brunette hair!

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)

    The best link of 2102? John Piper’s video, “The Inkeeper” & it was just startling grace this holiday.

    The best laugh? And the Romanians use the word, “chicken” as we use the word “honey” for speaking affection, but I didn’t quite know that…so um, “Did they just call me a chicken?” I was quite confused and…we’d all laughed happy about it!

    The best living? When I’m slow enough to see…& eucharisteo has awakened me to the full life. So, the best living in 2012 has come in my counting of the gifts – every gift attuning my heart to the life He intends for me to live well!

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? I wrote broken. 2012 was a year of deep darkness and increasing pain and devastating loss and the confusion and the wounds and the hurt – I’d wanted to keep it hidden, veiled from the onlookers. But, His grace gripped me and I began to write of it – I wrote bare and incredibly enough, the words you write for others to read…somehow, they heal you too.

    What was the best habit? Writing the gifts, numbering all the ways He loves me.

    The best holiday? Christmas, because for the first ever, I was awakened to His coming in me, for me, with me – and it didn’t matter how dark the holiday seemed, the trueness of His heart, His suffering, His coming…well, it just changed everything.

    The best gift? A flight ticket cross the state lines to share Thanksgiving with that dear girl whose become kindred and in the messy and complicated, in the lonely and dark, she’s been there, offering perspective, giving joy, loving endlessly and it’s the gift of her presence and her listening and her crying with me, her laughing, her believing and hoping for me – it’s this I remember most of every gift received in 2012.

    The best sacrifice? The family that forsook, the man that rejected, that left – I’d sent them gifts and letters and love and baked bread anyway & it was a peeling away of my own bitterness & how to sacrifice the pieces of a heart for the ones who’ve hurt you? I didn’t like it all of the time, but as I reflect on 2012 and the desperately hard moments of loving them – the best sacrifice is always the sacrifice of self, because that is precisely WHERE and WHEN JESUS can come.

    Dear sisters, may you continue to marvel in the wonder of grace and God in 2013!

    • thank you so much for sharing the joys of your pain and the healing and presence of the Beloved in your brokenness. May 2013 be a year of drawing nearer and seeing His face more clearly.
      Can’t wait to try out the bread and listen to the song!
      Janet

      • Oh, Janet! You are precious & your words are joy & grace & how I wish we could share a cup of tea on this winter night! Ah, the Beloved IS with us in the broken and it’s His goodness, this knowing I’m loved of Him that heals & turns all that’s messy into miracle. So thankful for you & giving praise for YOUR heart tonight.

        And do enjoy the bread – the moment’s made best with a cup of tea, and that favorite song playing on repeat!

        Meg

  214. Best Book~ the one God is writing about my life. After some rocky roads 2012 has been about Him being redemptive!!! (Why don’t I trust Him more?)
    and Francis Chan’s Multiply~ I won’t be the same when I am done reading this one.

    Best discovery~ Watching my husbands dear friend remain pure for 44yr. finding him a pure wife and knowing that, Lord willing, they will have a little blessing in July!! (why don’t I trust Him more?)
    Jeans~ A Lee brand that I and so many of my OH moms wear. Comfy, flattering but not tight.

    • I recognize this story too:). If it is the Indiana pastor, his mother in law is my neighbor in AZ. A wonderful story of God’s plan unfolding in their lives.

  215. Best Risk: Speaking at a women’s event at church. By the grace of God, someone received Jesus!
    Best words this homeschooling mom heard: Said late just last night, “One more chapter and then I’ll turn the light off. Pleeeease?”

    • Another song! I am on my third page of notes – books, songs, CD’s, youtube links, recipes, jeans, ministry ideas – and over a 1,000 more posts to go. This blessing should last well into 2013!

  216. My life changed forever this year as my mom passed away this past July. My mom was the matriach of our family. She raised us to put Faith and Family first in our lives. My two sisters and I always loved dressing her house up for the holidays. Each Christmas Eve she would open her house up for family and friends. She and my dad set up a buffett that would draw everyone in. This year my sisters, their husbands, and their kids all helped my dad dress up my moms house in splendid glory. It was absolutely beautiful. Mom was smiling down at us, I could feel her happiness and love. The big suprise was that when my dad sent out his Christmas cards this year he invited everyone over to the house. All through the evening friends and family showed up just to love on us. It was really amazing. Each time the door opened my sisters and I just looked at each other and smiled not knowing who was coming through the door but happy they came. It was not the presents under the tree that made this my best Holiday – it was the Love that Jesus gave us that night through our friends and family. God is so good! Looking forward to what 2013 will bring.

    • How beautiful! My oldest daughter always decorates the house for me. I am going to tell her to keep up the tradition no matter what!

  217. Best song: 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman-just carries me away with the joy of giving thanks now and for all of eternity
    Best trip: 10 days in Germany celebrating Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary, with sisters and our husbands.
    Best decision: to let my hubby and kids tickle me after 20 years of saying “No tickling”, oh the laughter
    there will be more over the next few days! what a wonderful way to celebrate and end the year. I think I’ll put a paper on the wall for the family to write down their thoughts

  218. The best recipe – chicken tetrazzini – not healthy! Whole wheat oatmeal muffins- healthy!
    The best book – Interesting because I’ve been in a two year period where I could hardly read anything. The Lord just wanted me to listen to Him. This fall I was able to read Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge, I have read 1000 gifts once but know I barely scratched the surface. There are life changing, deep, beautiful truths that I am going to savor as I read again. Novel- The Orchard
    The best song – The More I Seek You, I See Heaven, I’ve Seen I Am, You Revive Me, How I Love You, I Love Your Presence – Wide Awake
    The jeans that fit best- Baccini and Amanda jeans by Gloria Vanderbilt
    The idea that worked best- not doing that “one more thing” and therefore getting places (mostly) on time.
    The risk that returned best – I took a month’s leave of absence from my job to simply hang out with the Lord, my friends, and my family
    The best link of 2102- Graham Cooke- brilliantbookhouse.com, compassionatehope.org
    The best laugh- playing the Newlywed game with 3 other couples- lifetime friends
    The best living – being in the hammock, being with our two sons this summer while they were home from college
    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway- helped my parents after my dad fell- to go through their home of 51 years, pack, sell the house, and get them settled in to a new place. God is so faithful and I learned so much about His sustaining power and presence.
    The best habit- gathering friends around the table

    The best holiday- I love Valentines Day- it’s just simply about love

    The best gift- I gave my husband a trip to Jackson Hole WY for his 50th birthday

    
The best sacrifice- being willing to go wherever Jesus asks me to go, deeper still. It is always hard but absolutely worth it.

    • The best idea…I needed that! I am so guilty of doing just “one more thing before we go.”

  219. Best Book: The Story by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee
    Worst Cooking Experience: Divinity (supposed to be no fail……was tasty but runny)
    Favorite Song:” Mary, Did you Know?”
    Favorite Moment: Christmas Eve, when my 14 month Grandson figured out opening presents!
    Best Gift: My whole family together at my in-laws, even though it wasn’t easy!

  220. Hi Ann, thanks for bringing me Jesus every day in my inbox 🙂 Blessings to you friend!

    Best recipe: Ina Garten’s company pot roast. Cooked for 35 people from our church on Maundy Thursday. Not sure if it’s the recipe or the courage to put myself out there in a church we only started attending 6 months earlier when we moved across country!

    Best book: Really. Oh my. Ummm…Beth Moore James

    and best song? My teenage sons write songs…anything they write is the bestest!

    Jeans: Ann Taylor jeans…made for normal women

    Best happenings: My son married the girl of my dreams; another son and his wife gave us our first grandchild. Will be tough to top this year! (But God will. He always does).

    Blessings to all!!

  221. Best song: 10,000 Reasons ~~LOVE IT!
    Biggest blessing: My church family and dear friends surrounding me and my children with love, prayers, support and encouragement in the midst of a very dark time.
    Oh dear, the others will have to wait. I simply must go out and shovel my car out of the driveway.

  222. So many beautiful moments to share. Watching my son, who has autism, develop an amazing imagination. He warms my heart daily. Another beautiful life growing inside me at this very moment. My amazing husband finishing his second year of talbot and becoming a regular staff and speaker in our church’s youth group. God is so good, much to be thankful for.

  223. Best recipe: Crock-pot honeyed chicken. Dear goodness that stuff is good and easy. And I found a crock-pot chicken taco soup that’s great as well…It’s been a good year in the recipe department!

    Best jeans: For me, it’s all about American Eagle. So teeny-bopper for my 33-year old self, but hey, whatever fits, right?

    Best gift: A trip to see my mom and brother for his high-school graduation. My 5-month old daughter and I traveled 48 hours and 12,000 miles, but it was so worth it.

    Best holiday: My aforementioned daughter turned one two weeks ago. After watching three friends lose newborns in the last year, every day with her (and my other daughter) is a gift that I praise God for every day.

    Best book: The Hunger Games. I don’t have much time to read for fun these days, but those books were a quick, fun read.

    It’s been a good year. I’m hoping 2013 brings good things as well!

  224. Best Book: Hope for the Weary Mom

    Best Grace Filled Experience: an unexpected conference that turned my life upside down in how I think about human trafficking and the homeless.

    Best Moment: The sweet ones with my boys where the light comes on about a new found discovery….in learning about anything especially Jesus.

  225. The best this year were the glow sticks – i had bought them last year on sale, after halloween (2011) and was saving them for emergencies, when the land hurricane hit and we were without electricity for a week, i got them out and my children played with them outside, and we had plenty to share with the neighbor children – so much fun to watch they also helped by being night lights!

    Best risk – i made that phone call i was scared to make, and well…. We will see what happens, 5 years single

  226. The best thing that has happened to me this year is, in spite of losing my dad, a very dear friend and other people in my life, God has blessed my life with grace and love.
    My husband and children have been there for me through all these losses.
    I couldn’t have made it through this year without any of them.
    God is so good even when we don’t “feel” it.
    He was and is with me through this journey of loss and grieving.

  227. Best leap of FAITH was when I finally put my faith in God in full gear and agreed to try what was called “Triple Therapy” for my Stage 4 liver disease. The side affects of this were alarming, and I understood going into this that it may not work – and – it didn’t. I was pulled from the therapy after being on it for one month with out a change. So, I redirected my FAITH in GOD that the new “drug” they are working on, which is suppose to be available in about 3-5 years will be my cure. Until then, it’s still singing praises to God, keeping the faith, and living life.

  228. My two best books this year, Bonhoeffer – preacher, prophet, spy and, 1000 gifts, both books have touch my heart deeply.

    Best recipe that it will take a long time before I make again – Gumbo – 2 day process.

    My Best Jeans? The ones I got five years ago…one day I may break down and get some new best jeans.

    Best sacrifice? This year, I gave away most of my gifts. I kept the cross necklace that Doc gave to me…I want relationships, not retail.

  229. The best book of 2012: Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman, 2nd to my all time favorite 1000 Gifts!
    Best recipe: Satay Chicken (a total experiment that turned out great!)
    The best thing this year: The ball pit we made for our 21 month old who has some delays. Since giving it to her, she has pulled herself to stand multiple times and taken a few tiny steps! This momma’ s heart is full to bursting!

  230. Best song(s) (I have a list!) : 10000 reasons by Matt Redman, Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray, Waiting Here for You by Christy Nockels, come to Me by Bethel Music (featuring Jenn Johnson), Rooftops by Jesus Culture.

  231. Thanks for the opportunity to chime in here with some fun things:

    Best book: Idol Lies, by Dee Brestin. This book and her blog (www.deebrestin.com) have changed my life and been a lifeline for me in this very rough past year.

    Best song: This Good Day by Fernando Ortega. Just a wonderful song of praise to an older but newly discovered singer.

    Best recipe: Peanut Butter Frosting. It is simple and easy. Yummy.
    1 3/4 cup icing sugar
    1 tsp. vanilla
    2 1/2 tbsp peanut butter
    2 tbsp butter
    spec of milk
    Mix with electric beaters. (Play with amounts of peanut butter and icing sugar as desired.)

  232. Ha ha, the one thing I did that I have not risked since I was a kid was to jump in a lake, after hiking Mt St Helens with ALL of my clothes on. I had no change of clothes and no towel. Just did it. I don’t know what I was thinking?

  233. The best of 2012…
    1. Blog:. A Holy Experience -That and my sister’s blog – only ones I read daily
    2. Book – perhaps 1000 Gifts – I recommend it and I have the devotional, and I got the DVD study for Christmas – maybe I’m a touch too obsessed. 🙂
    3. Best Gift:. To my children – the ones that made them squeal with delight, their eyes glisten and evoked a hug and thank you from them!
    3B Best gift to me – an Angel Tree Daughter and son to complete my tiny collection of mother with children to represent my own dear children!
    4. Best Memory: Walking on a a little secluded piece of beach I found all by myself (family was playing at the park nearby) and listening to the waves lap against the shore… Just quiet and waves!
    5.Best Jeans… Um.. Perhaps my flannel lined from TSC – they are NOT at all flattering – just big and comfy and warm! I went out to shovel snow and the only part of me that was cold was my exposed face -all my wraps did their job and these jeans – love them!
    6. Best encourager and spurring to live up and close to God – A Holy Experience – by Ann –
    7. Best. Recipe- hmmm anything fudgy and chocolate! 🙂

    Blessings to ALL and to ALL a BLESSED NEW YEAR IN 2013!!!! May we all live grateful, thankful lives with hands lifted up and open!

  234. The one thing in the kitchen I am still mastering is my Mom’s passed down recipe to her homemade caramels. They are the best I have ever had.

  235. How fun is this?! Thanks Ann for starting this. Here are some of my “best”:

    Best gizmo/tool: handsdown it’s the 60 second pomegranate de-seeder. Used it for the:
    Best salad recipe: arugula, pomegranate seeds, pecans, goat cheese, topped with walnut-fig balsamic dressing. Served it at the Christmas brunch for my Bible study group. We are studying the:
    Best Bible study: James by Beth Moore. Where I often wear the jeans that are the:
    Best fitting jeans: NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans).
    And the best living is thanks-living which I learned from the book and the:
    Best Blog: a Holy Experience

    hugs, Anne

  236. Great Books: “Touching Wonder” by John Blase, “The Colors of Hope” by Richard Dahlstrom and your “One Thousand Gifts”. All life changing!

    I loved sharing aholyexperience.com with our church FB page So blessed to see all those who viewed your One Thousand Gifts posts from the Ithaca UMC FB page.

    Blessings: Two family surgeries just before Christmas . . . everyone is doing well, quick recoveries . . . God is good! We are blessed. God is with us!

  237. The best of 2012—–

    1. Best book: You’re AREADY AMAZING by Holly Gerth.
    2.My best laugh was while keeping my only granddaughter, and she gets all giggley,and her laughter makes me laugh also,she is four.
    3. My best song is Brandon Heath (Give Me Your Eyes) and Newsboys (He Reigns).
    4.In August I started going to a doctor 2 and half hours from my home,he is a neurosurgeon, and after going a few times realized he always mentioned how the Lord will take care of things, I had major surgery on my elbow,and Praise GOD I am recovering, alot of prayers from my friends and family.
    5.Last June I started a diet and to date I have lost 60 pounds with God’s help.,that has made such a wonderful change in my life,I will be 62 on Jan 13.
    I have some very wonderful friends,they have helped me with those long doctor appointment trips. 6 I also have a friend doing mission work in Florida,her family doesnt talk to her very much, however I call her every night,she is so appreciative of that and that way she knows what is going on here at home and church.
    7. We have a ladies bible study at church and we usually have around 24 ladies there, we share and make new friends which is very exciting we meet every Monday morning. The last one we did was Beth Moores study of James, wonderful study!!

    For 2013. I need to pray God would help me to step out of my comfort zone to help others. Iam very friendly and smile and speak to others easyly, but still need encouragement myself
    I so enjoy all the comments here and I pray every one has a Wonderful 2013, and May God Blessings flow on all of your families!!!

    • Jan 13th, what a great day to have a birthday, Sheila! I will think of you and you can think of me as we celebrate the Best Day to have a birthday! Anne

  238. Just a short visit for me.

    The best, the very best of this year, the best of the past 28 years, was the birth of my first child, a beautiful baby girl.

    Subsequently, the best recipe was her first applesauce, the best book: 10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury, the best song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow… and sadly, my jeans still don’t fit very well. 🙂

  239. Best habit — making a gratitude list. I’m at #1683 for the year, and the year is not finished yet!
    Best investment — a little $ for a computer program to help in Scripture memorization. Working on the book of James!
    Best book — Besides One Thousand Gifts (which I read last year, and have recommended to all my friends), AD Chronicles series by B&B Thoene. Excellent historical fiction with much culture, history, prophecy, about the time of Jesus’ birth and ministry.
    Best recipe — yeast waffles! Revolutionized my waffle making.
    Best moment — hearing God whisper “come and talk with me” (Ps 27:8) when I felt so alone.
    Best gift — daughter able to come for Christmas (we live overseas) when we did not think it possible. A few extra gifts, and brothers willing to give up in order for sister to be THE gift.

  240. My youngest son asked me to sell on Craigslist a very prized, 1st edition, collector’s Monopoly game that he has had for years. I thought it was for his video game addiction… bad Mom, I know. He bought me a Ipod touch with the money from it. He knows I have wanted one for a long time. What sacrifice and unselfishness. This Mama is proud.

  241. Best Book: One Thousand Gifts – the second time in September (the first time in July was too hard to have it be my “best book” tough times and God through a life preserver in your writing – and now after 6 months to calm – I see the gift, well mostly.

    Best Purchase: A new mattress – slightly extravagant, but oh my goodness – the sleep improvement actually improved the quality of life – sometimes you get what you pay for.

    Best Discovery: James MacDonald podcasts – Pure uncluttered unapologetic digging into the Word – just what I need every time.

    Best Supernatural Blessing: A chain of events that may lead me back to Early Childhood Education after 5 years out of the field – this is where God has given me talent and $ earned can’t ever compare to where you want to work for free if you can afford it.

    Best Miracle: A new nephew from China !

    Best Opportunity: Got to share through a video testimony at church my experience with the Holy Spirit and the blessing of a prayer language (I was a big skeptic), NOW I am on itunes!

    Best Ugly Beautiful: My husband got a job offer to leave his family’s business where we have both worked for the last 5 years (him – his whole life) to work for our church as the facilities director. It released him from generational sin and revealed a stronghold of my security in our income and how I had entrusted our future to our finances – not to the Lord. Still working through the pieces, but clarity increases daily.

    Well – this is a great exercise to review the year – I’m going to keep going on my own – thank you.

    • Leslie!!! You beautiful, beautiful treasure! I just “happened” to glance down at my computer and read your entry here. All of it blessed me in so many ways but what caught my attention was “prayer language.” I re-read your entry more carefully and noticed you said, “this is where God has given me talent and $ earned can’t ever compare to where you want to work for free if you can afford it.” I am in tears—my daddy used to always tell me growing up, “Sally Anne, choose a career you enjoy so much that you’d do it for free if you had to, and you’ll never feel like you worked a day in your life.” And what you said…! You said my daddy’s words! I’m undone. I see God in this “coincidence.” And as I embarrass myself by posting this for the whole world to see because I don’t know how else to tell you…I would like to humbly ask what you mean by prayer language. If you have time, please share it with me. gisth@bellsouth.net

  242. Best Fiction Book: “The Way of Grace” by Cathy Bryant. This book next to the Bible taught me what grace in action is. She is a wonderful Christian author!
    Best Recipe: CARIBBEAN SWEET POTATO CROCKPOT STEW
    Best Song: An old hymn had new meaning for me…..I Come to the Garden Alone
    Bittersweet lesson I am dealing with….I so do not want to share this….my daughter is in jail and been convicted of stealing from her church and other charges….It is a hard thing to deal with but in the process I am having to understand she made these choices and I need not own it. She lost her husband and daughter. She is hurting but she needs to own what she did and not blame us all. So prayer would be appreciated. I believe this will turn into a best for next year.

    • You are not alone. My brother was/is in a similar boat. Hang in there! God will use it for His glory! You’ll be in my prayers:) Thanksgiving proceeds the miracle – 2013!

    • I have been where you are…my husband was sent to prison; locust swarm which put us both in Faith Boot Camp so to speak. God can use this to turn your daughter’s heart toward him. Sometimes we must be confronted with our wrong and stripped of everything we have trusted in till all we have left is Jesus. Our journey was a long hard 5 years but God restored to me a husband who now loves God above all else and lives in the Word. The Father also taught me in the process that I can do nothing without Him; that He can be trusted in every circumstance. Praying for your daughter and all your family…that the Lord restore to you all what the locusts have stolen… Joel 2:25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten–the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm…”

  243. Best book: Yours. Honestly. I read YA, mystery, theology, fantasy and so many more that I just couldn’t put down. But, reading One Thousand Gifts was a God filled experience. I read it slowly and savored it up.

  244. Some more of the best of 2012:

    Best Exercise: going on hour-long power walks with my husband regularly.
    Best weekend for our family: when our daughters went on the youth retreat at our church–we saw visible growth in them.
    Best weekend visitors: my brother and his sweet family. He and my s-i-l have the cutest young daughters! They provided us with non-stop fun the whole time we were with them.
    Best Concert: when we had the JJ Heller and Audrey Assad come to our church in April (the Heart Tour)

  245. My best is beginning to homeschool full time with my kids. Much more rewarding than I knew it would be.

  246. One of the best books I read this year, thought it took me awhile, was Eric Metaxes’ biography of Deitrich Bonhoeffer. It was so incredibly well-written, and being able to follow the progression of Bonhoeffer’s personal journey as a disciple of Jesus was beyond encouraging — it was truly challenging. To follow the call that God issues on one’s life — unwaveringly, and with joy — will be what I remember from this book and will likely ponder for many months.

  247. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . . ” So said Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities. This juxtaposition in life is palpable. What I found this year is that there really is no “best” here on earth, which was underscored when I read Heaven by Randy Alcorn. What hope this book gave, as I realized that the best is really yet to come and all else here pales by comparison. This sure hope of heaven mitigates disappointments on earth. I also learned that sometimes the worst of times can bring out the best in people and also, hidden blessings. We, as a family, have learned this during the devatasting divorce proceedings of my brother. While this has been the worst year for him (and us, by association), God is bringing out the best in all of us as we band together, and He is working all things together for my brother’s good. We serve a God who continually brings the best from the worst. Praise Him! (I think how He brought the best for us from the worst for Jesus–His crucifixion.
    Thank you for your encouragement, Ann, always to seek His best.
    Gratefully,
    Lynn Morrissey

  248. Best gift — one that I gave to a dear friend. It took my time and my heart, but it probably brought me more joy to give it than her to receive it.

  249. Greatest Risk: Moving our family from a large church where we were comfortable in the shadows to a tiny little body full of liturgy and suppers and bright lights. The fabric of our family is changing and it’s beautiful!

  250. The best books I’ve stumbled upon this year are “Long Story Short” and “Old Story New,” which are family Bible study books. I’m using them daily in our homeschool because I thought’d they’d be good for the children…but I am learning SO MUCH! I cannot recommend them highly enough. They are companions to The Gospel Story Bible, which I also highly recommend. Finding Jesus throughout the entirety of the Bible has been a blessing in 2012 and I am confident that God will continue to reveal His blessing in 2013.

  251. This might sound weird… But the best thing that has happened to me is forgiveness. My husband of 13 yrs. had a child with another women during our marriage. I was mad… Really mad. I’m not sure at who? Her, him, the affair? I could not understand why God allowed this to happen to my family. However, this event drew me closer to God. Now, I pray to be a better wife ( yes to my husband of 13 yrs.) and an inspiration to our daughters ( yes including his little girl). Your book helped me realize that we all go through pain.

  252. Biggest risk – admitting to others that my marriage needs help.

    Best Book- Madeleine L`Engle`s Walking on Water. This book has helped me to rediscover how healing writing or any art can be. It also reminded me that I need to step out of the way and let my homeschoolers express themselves through art when they feel lead. (1000 gifts is constantly open as well to draw me closer to Echaristeo)

    Best Recipe- mixed seafood curry with coconut milk, yellow curry paste and extra fresh ginger because we like that!

    Best Grace Filled Moment – really mourning the loss of my mother. She was a drug addict and a prostitute my whole life and I lived knowing that I would get THAT call at anytime. Through the mourning God is healing me from the shame that bound me for so many years. A child of an addict is now simply a child of our great and merciful God.

    Best Song – The Overcomers – A local BC band wrote a song called Pray. You can find them on myspace…..great singer songwriters who love Jesus and HE uses their music to draw people closer to Him. Also check out their song Glory Divine….inspired a play I am writing. This is them;
    http://ca.myspace.com/theovercomers

  253. Best Recipe: Copycat PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Best Book(s): 7, an Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker, 1000 Gifts, 52 Lies Heard in Church Every Sunday and Why the Truth is So Much Better, and Quiet: the Power of Introverts. All books that speak of Christ’s FREEDOM to be you (I have spent YEARS feeling guilty for not being more extrovertive and trying/crashing/burning 🙂 and books that have made me see and love Jesus so much more. He is SO good, and He delights in me?!

    Best Song: Eden’s Bridge: “I will change your name”

    Best Jeans: Lost cause. 🙂

    Best Risk: Quitting Facebook! and instead … taking friendships offline. Embracing snail mail. Allowing space for lunchdates filled with weeping and laughing (no status update can contain either of these two precious friendship-occurances!)

    Best Gift: when my 6-year-old daughter wrote Isaiah 41:10 onto a Starbucks napkin she found in the backseat of our car (groan!) because she knew that I was having a hard day. As I was driving, I hear this little “here, Mommy….” and she hands me this phonetically spelled etched out rendition of this verse. A treasure.

    Best new adventure: switching homeschool curriculum! or … winging it 🙂 loosely based on Charlotte Mason/My Father’s World, but just letting go of the pressure and busywork of Abeka, and enjoying the freedom to ENJOY learning together again! It has been such a breath of fresh air for both of us!

    • So refreshing to know that someone else has chosen face to face instead of facebook. So glad you are enjoying the freedom of learning too!

  254. Special gift to me: My 17 year old son bought me a necklace that has all 3 of my boys’ names on it. We lost our youngest, stillborn in August 2008. I love that even though it affects my kids differently than me, they still will never forget Isaac.

    • I hear you, Susie C! I had a stillbirth in 2001. I will never forget my baby Reuben, and I don’t think my other kids will either. And despite the grief and pain, I would NEVER choose to erase that experience. I can’t wait to meet him in heaven. Your reunion will be sweet also as you laugh with your Isaac!

  255. The best recipe I have to make again.. Andes mint cookies from Becky Higgins website, Best cookie recipe ever!! But I will wait until next Christmas. They are too dangerous to have in the house.

  256. Best moment: watching my husband baptize our son

    Best tea: Pomegranate Pizzazz

    Best antique store find: vintage pill box hats for $5

    Best gift: a lift chair from a friend who is now in Heaven and doesn’t need it anymore

    Best adventure: moving from Georgia to Minnesota for my husband to begin work in pastoral ministry

    Best song: “Here with Us” by Joy Williams

  257. The best thing I didn’t want to do ~ write the church’s Christmas play. It takes all my discretionary time at a busy time of the year. My darling husband said, “Yes.” I was overwhelmed as the Lord gave me the play and it was completed in just two days. The message showed how much JESUS gave up, how much He deserved and what wonder angels have had at our salvation. Every practice through the final performance challenged and blessed my heart.

  258. The book I couldn’t put down was Karen Kingsbury book “Coming Home”. Even though, it was a fictional novel it really hit home because I lost my father July 1st. of this year from an unexpected heart attack. My heart has been broken and its been extremely difficult but just like the book God’s grace and mercy is getting me through.

  259. Best jeans discoveries: Jennifer Lopez and JAG Jeans. Who know someone actually made jeans to fit my body?!

  260. The song I couldn’t get out of my head was Ten Avenue North’s “Take This World and Give me Jesus”. It became my anthem!

  261. Best Recipe:No Bake Energy Bites, the kids totally love them! http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/
    Best Book: We read Ann of Green Gables as a family read aloud this year and I fell in LOVE. I am on my second read through of 1000 Gifts and it is still my favorite. Although, I have to admit that sometimes I am not in the right frame of mind to hear the truths there and will walk past the book and let blog posts pile up in my inbox. And then after a few days, when all is quiet in the house and in my mind and my soul is hungry and willing to feel truth, I will sit down and catch up. And cry. And pray. And be ever so thankful for those words on the screen and on the page. And then, if my husband is home, I will try to relate it all to him and mangle the story and over illustrate the point and cry some more in the retelling. Still counts as a best of 2012 though! Oh wait and another best book, one I just started and love, “God in Search of Man” by Abraham Joshua Heschel. One chapter into the borrowed copy and I knew I had to buy one for myself so I could highlight and write in the margins.
    Best memory: Walking through the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon on a quiet February evening with my soldier husband, my father and my two kids. We saw a lot of memorials on our trip to DC but this was the most personal, the most well done, the most emotional, for all of us. It is powerful to be in a place and have your emotions mirrored in the faces of everyone around you. To have 5 people resonating with the same feeling like tuning forks. From the 62 year old hippie to the ever hopeful 9 year old girl. Even if it was only a brief moment.
    Best new habit: Scheduling our gratitude journals into our homeschool day. It is fascinating to experience this with my children.
    Best Jeans: Is there a such thing? Ugg, with these hips I have given up hope to ever even find a good jean let alone a best.
    Best Song: The best worship song this year for me was “All My Fountains.” I posted it on Facebook 3 or 4 times this year. But my favorite song on the adult contemporary station right now is “Madness” by Muse. My kids are just recently at an age that I am willing to listen to a couple of the regular radio stations with them around and they are totally surprised by the songs I dig.
    Best gizmo is any gizmo we can Skype on with out of town relatives!
    Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: Started making my own bread and gave up store bought! I am a reluctant housewife sometimes and occasionally rebel against this role I never dreamed I would be in. But something about kneading bread dough twice a week has been so fulfilling. And practice has indeed helped me to perfect a sandwich loaf.
    Best risk taken: Offering to make my sister’s wedding cake, finding out how many people she invited and were actually coming, adding a few tiers and making it anyway. I leaned a little to the left but otherwise was good!
    Best purchase: Day Spring Ever Grateful dishes on clearance!

  262. Best new song this Christmas: Jason Gray’s ‘Forgiveness is a Miracle’
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cowk5Y6fEMM
    A Wonderful Book: Eugene Petersen’s ‘The Pastor’ – seeped with humility and the sovereign way of God’s grace
    A Favourite Recipe – root vegetables roasted with olive oil, rosemary and a little salt and cracked pepper – served at room temperature on arugula, sprinkle with feta and olive oil/balsamic vinegar dressing – easy and wonderful!
    A television series to love – BBC drama ‘Cranford’ – gentle, wise, god-fearing folk living in community (a gem)
    Favourite Jeans – oh dear! Can I confess I haven’t owned a single pair for almost two years? So, way too often I’m walking out the door in a skirt when jeans are called for! (Vanity? Denial? My past middle aged body is NOT conforming to what I want to see in the mirror)

  263. The best book I read was Ann voskamps 1000 gifts! And my best thing that happened was the birth of my beautiful Granddaughter Anastasia and marriage of their parents Holly and James. It was a tough but beautiful year!

  264. Best book: Definitely, “One Thousand Gifts” has been a life changing book for me.
    Best song: “A Thousand Little Things” by Point of Grace.

  265. The best gift – my granddaughter born on May 3, 2012

    The best risk – pursuing my teacher’s certification, going back to school and taking the Praxis 1 series of tests

    The best trip – NYC with my family for my 40th birthday

  266. Best risk taken: taking on two small foster children… in the midst of utter chaos with our adolescent son (#3 of our 6)… and two weeks before a move of our own. God has gifted us with giggles and innocence and tickling and bubble baths and bed-time stories and new perspective!

  267. The best link was Becky Higgin’s Project Life. All about taking everyday pictures and recording them. She has made it very easy!

  268. Wow, you made me think…
    Best book: One Thousand Gifts devotional, I constantly have to restrain myself to jump to the next day of grace!
    Best song: You raise me up.
    Jeans that fit best? Couldn’t find one yet…
    Risk that returned best: Trusting God when everything are falling apart.
    Best link of 2012: the posts to A Holy Experience
    Best habit: Slow down time, enjoy the moments
    Best sacrifice: being a mother
    Best of everything of 2012: My family loving me, in spite of all my mistakes and bad attitudes.
    Thank you for challenging me to be more!

  269. Best Book: One Thousand Gifts – have told everyone about this
    Best Devotional: Jesus Calling – have found so many people in various ages/stages using this this year
    Best Song: My husband says I say “Oh, that’s my song” about every one I hear. Too many mean soooo much to me.
    Best Link: the one that led me to (in)courage!

  270. best book I read this year: definitely One Thousand gifts….it has enabled me to look at hard times with a grateful heart.., and look at the positive side rather than the negative. (I’m still learning!)
    best event: my husband and I celebrated 20 yrs together
    best event for our family: moving 900+ miles closer to family…God is faithful!
    best music: Christmas music!

  271. The Best of 2012

    ♥ The best gift: our first grandchild! Can I brag here? She is adorable and smart.
    ♥ The best book: Kisses from Katie. I cried while reading the Forward.
    ♥ The best song: Brandon Heath – Jesus In Disguise.
    ♥ The best thing I didn’t want to do: Commit to take a friend to her weekly chemo treatments.
    ♥ The best risk: Leading my first Bible study with 3 other ladies…I’m not a teacher.
    ♥ The best family celebration: Planning my mother-in-laws 70th birthday party.
    ♥ The best Hot Cocoa: Stephen’s (order here http://www.indulgentfoods.com/)
    So much to be thankful for…I’m looking forward to 2013!

  272. Best book: “The Pursuit of God,” by A.W. Tozer
    Best song: ” Live Like That,” by the Sidewalk Prophets
    Best amazing “coincidence” that God engineered: Our flight out of Port-au-Prince being delayed, so that I just “happened” to get to meet Ann and Caleb Voskamp, also on their way home from Haiti
    Best habit: Praying as a family every night, so that I am privileged to hear what is on Destine’s mind, and witness her faithfulness in prayer for those who are hurting

    • PEG! *That* was a moment … Haiti was my best memory of 2012 — and coming through security and you meeting us both — ONLY. GOD. could have two farm hicks from Canada in Haiti to donate the funds from making wooden Advent wreaths and meet a short-term missionary American there who had one of those wreath at home on her table??!!!

      The time we had together? Blessed me deep. Hope we get to serve in Haiti again, sister — you have no idea how I pray this.

      Love to you, Peg — so much, Peg!

  273. Best time: It is right now spending an extended time with family in Florida. It was a large investment to spend extended time here, but it is so worth it. We had not had Christmas with our son and his family since 1990. The sun and the walks along the ocean every day are great too.

  274. Best gift.. My baby brother getting clean from an heroin addiction. Completed a year at Teen challenge and came to stay with us. He is a born again believer and is doing amazing. I guess this would also qualify as a best risk as well:-)

  275. Oh, it is so hard for me to pick one song or one book because music and reading are two of the greatest gifts I have. in my life. 10,000 Reasons and All Things Possible are two among many. There are so many things from so many different songs, books, and people that I find thought provoking these days 🙂

  276. Ann!
    I feel so blessed!
    I don’t know if you’ll see this but I am grateful to have a chance to tell you personally. God has changed my life through your words! I am so grateful for your honest example. You have helped me see my life through God’s eyes. Thank you with all my heart for blessing and influencing the life of a farm family in ID. The power and truth of your words has shaped the mind and heart of me, my husband,my five little children, our 2 year old homeschool, our Christmas, our Thanksgiving and our everyday as we count all the gifts that God has already given. These moments of trusting God have been my BEST moments. You words gave me strength and peace even in the very BEST moment of 2012: delivering my baby at home for the first time! (My 5th! A beautiful baby girl) no one assisting but God, his angels and my amazing husband!
    I am thanking God for the way you have sanctified womanhood, helped me get to know myself and find God in all things! Thank you Ann!
    May you and your family be blessed for sharing your hearts with us!
    Love,
    Kayli

  277. Ok so here is my break down:

    Best Book: King’s Cross by Timothy Keller, but I have put a hold on 1000 gifts at the library. I heard that it is also a fabulous book!

    Best Song: Blessings, by Laura Story (I know it’s from 2011, but for me it’s been the best song this year

    Best Jeans: My Level 99 jeans from Anthropologie. They are so comfy, and fit just right. I can wear them anywhere!!

    Best Recipe: I can’t say I have one recipe that I follow and absolutely love, but I do make soft corn turkey, tacos every Tuesday. My husband and I just love them. We use a taco seasoning from trader joe’s and put a little of their fresh salsa and sour cream on top! Amazee!!!!

    Some of my best moments from this year include: I completed my first 5k (it was actually a tough mudder as well), finally completed grad school, every last part, woohoo!, celebrated my first year of marriage, started my blog, but most importantly, my relationship with the Lord has grown in so many ways!

    I am so excited for 2013 and I look forward to the plans he has for me and for my husband! We serve and amazing God and I am so thankful for all he has blessed me with and for His amazing grace every day!

  278. Best Moment: Marrying my sweet love on July 7th!

    Best Book: Momentary Marriage by John Piper — a must read for couples of all ages & stages!
    http://www.amazon.com/This-Momentary-Marriage-Permanence-ebook/dp/B00265VGS2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356631520&sr=8-2&keywords=piper+marriage

    Best Adventure: Journeying with 3 other women as we begin a new blog that offers community & encouragement to women as they pursue their passions.

    Best Recipe: Rigatoni with roasted sausage + broccoli
    http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/rigatoni-roasted-sausage-broccoli-00000000044730/index.html

    Best Memory: Moving into our new apartment & experiencing all of the “firsts” together!

  279. Best moment was watching my sweet little son take his first steps!

    Best book “1000 Gifts” – loved it 🙂 also “Still Lolo” about a sweet girl who survived a horrible accident that resulted in the loss of her left hand and eye. God’s grace is so amazing!

  280. The best recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/indian-tomato-chicken/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=indian%20tomato%20chicken&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page
    Family favorite. And great to make a huge batch of, it seems to improve with reheating.

    The best book(s), John Ploughman’s Talks by C.H. Spurgeon and Speaking The Truth in Love by David Powlison.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7piEIaJvIo

    The jeans that fit best? A random pair given to me by a cousin =)

    The best week of 2012: This conference: http://www.ccef.org/2012-conference. Make a resolution in 2013. Go to this one. http://www.ccef.org/conference. Even if you are not a counsellor.

    What was the best habit? I made a goal to make sure I read, wrote, sang, exercised, invested in a friendship and created something at least once every week.

    The best holiday? I think Good Friday. Just because it’s always my favorite. So stripped down, so simple, the heartbeat and climax of History.

    And in it all, He is faithful. In loneliness, in depression, in joy, in sorrow, in gains and loss, in blue sky dry days and crashing thunderstorms. Always He Is. And He is holding me in the palm of His hand.

  281. The best recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/indian-tomato-chicken/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=indian%20tomato%20chicken&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page
    Family favorite. And great to make a huge batch of, it seems to improve with reheating.

    The best book(s), John Ploughman’s Talks by C.H. Spurgeon and Speaking The Truth in Love by David Powlison.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7piEIaJvIo

    The jeans that fit best? A random pair given to me by a cousin =)

    The best week of 2012: This conference: http://www.ccef.org/2012-conference. Make a resolution in 2013. Go to this one. http://www.ccef.org/conference. Even if you are not a counsellor.

    What was the best habit? I made a goal to make sure I read, wrote, sang, exercised, invested in a friendship and created something at least once every week.

    The best holiday? I think Good Friday. Just because it’s always my favorite. So stripped down, so simple, the heartbeat and climax of History.

    And in it all, He is faithful. In loneliness, in depression, in joy, in sorrow, in gains and loss, in blue sky dry days and crashing thunderstorms. Always He Is. And He is holding me in the palm of His hand.

  282. Ann, thank you for doing this. I played this “game” with my best friend today and she loved it!
    Best recipe that i couldn’t not make again: http://thaifood.about.com/od/vegetarianthairecipes/r/padthaiveg.htm
    I’ve made this so much the page has food all over and torn– I need to print out another!!! For the tamarind, I use plum jelly, raisins, and lime juice, blended in a blender, as suggested by my lovely Asian friend.
    Best jeans– definitely Express, but I’ve worn Victoria’s Secret London jean around all year –and love the way they fit!
    Best Thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway– tutor the CLassical Conversations homeschooling community my girls were involved in. I got through it and enjoyed it.
    Best living… This summer when I was running and ran a 5k with my daughter and went back after I finished to run the last part with her til she crossed the finish!!!
    Best link– a tie between these two– a link where I bought gifts that free women from the sex trade: http://freesetglobal.com/
    And this beautiful video that rocked my world: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=411CJ6H3d-I&feature=relmfu
    Best laugh– the one that you posted to your page, Ann– http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=duRWJvNbtps&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DduRWJvNbtps
    Best gift–Probably the trip to the mtns my hubby took me on for anniversary….
    Best holiday– the thanksgiving feast I dreamt up, decorated dining room, my family enjoying it quietly here at home… For that reason it was my favorite… We did a thanksgiving tree and wrote our thanks down and rolled it up in crescent rolls.
    Risk that returned best– the money we paid for our girls to be in CC this year! What they have learned every week is amazing!
    Best book–Educating the Whole Hearted Child
    Best habit– going to bed early and finally getting rest
    Best song–this version of Hallelujah is worth a few minutes to watch! I get chills! http://touch.dailymotion.com/video/xqhz5v_three-girls-sing-a-beautiful-version-of-hallelujah_music
    Love is not a victory march– it’s a cold and its a broken hallelujah. Blessings on your 2013, sisters!

    • And how could I forget to say that one of the best habits has most certainly been counting gifts!! Gratitude! Seeing through a different lens has made all the difference. When I’m but a speck on a tiny blue dot in a shaft of light in the great universe, all seems dim compared to his glory!! And absolutely one of best books One Thousand Gifts–reading again– and I’ve given away several. I believe in the message.
      And I will be bold and say, because Ann did, favorite lipstick of 2012? Pink spice by Clinique.

  283. Hi Ann!! I love your posts and have told a friend of mine in Florida that I want to do some of the things you do for Christmas. Like the post where your kids are putting together little angel cookies with Infant Jesus ones in a Gift envelope and tying it to a 1000 Gifts book. (Looked like the 1000 Gifts Journal in the picture). What a wonderful way to make Jesus the Gift for Christmas!!

  284. The best recipe I made this year was Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Rolls. They are now a must for any special occasion!

  285. My favorite book this year, that completely brought me out of my comfort zone, was Kisses from Katie. Katie Davis seeks to follow God wholly and her joy in ministering to the fatherless is positively contagious.

  286. The best book I read this year was Seven by Jen Hatmaker. I was challenged by her approach to excessiveness, and have continued to think about areas where excess is an issue in my own life.

  287. The very best moment of 2012 was when the Lord whispered to me that my broken-hearted son had been healed through and through and that his soul was prospering like never before… brings tears to my eyes every time I recall His kindness

  288. Best song I can’t get out of my head: 10,000 reasons!
    Best Gift: my two Grandsons, Brandon and Samuel!
    Best Book: The Bible, getting into the Word more

  289. The risk that returned best? Planting a church in my hometown with my husband and seeing God move in amazing ways. What a beautiful thing it has been to watch God draw a team of people together for His name’s sake. I stand in awe. Old relationships deepened. New ones forged. The beauty of the Body of Christ continues to unfold before my very own eyes.

  290. The best book I read this year results in the best spiritual experience for the year:
    Awakening: A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom by Stovall Weems

    This book changed my prayer life and the fast was amazing too!

  291. The best recipe we tried this year is for Salsa Chicken one that I found from crockingirls.com (they have a couple different ones)

    The best book that I couldn’t put down was Karen Kingsbury’s Coming Home
    The best song would have to be Moriah Peter’s I Choose Jesus

  292. Best recipe I couldn’t not bake – my Grandma Joan’s Cookies. A holiday tradition my dear, sweet, in-heaven, Grandma started when I was young and we visited her for Christmases in Duluth, MN. It is a super simple recipe that includes graham crackers, mini choc chips, butter, whipping cream, pecans, walnuts…. and oh so deliciously devoured by my husband and children!

  293. Best Book: Walking with God by John Eldridge. I reread this many time over the year.
    Best Quote: The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus. ~ Hudson Taylor
    Best Times: Always the times spent volunteering at Camp Kahquah in the summers but the best are the days my dear hubby is up there with me
    Best Song: “I Want to Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets

  294. The best song for me this year was “10,000 reasons” by Matt Redman. The best new recipe I tried was Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls. The best thing I did for myself was attend “Come to the Fire”, a women’s conference that teaches women to live Holy lives for the LORD.

  295. The best meal I made was Pork Chop Dressing, fresh collard greens, baked sweet potatoes covered in butter, cranberry relish and ice tea. It is delicious and can be eaten anytime. I have no recipe as I have been making it for years and years. But, I can tell you that you use cornbread and not some of the stuffings that you find in a bag. I would be glad to “try” to give you a recipe.

    • Hit reply too soon.

      Best book: 1000 Gifts

      Best times: volunteering 3 days a week at a Nursing Home calling their Bingo games, reading the Bible and praying with them.

  296. Ann, of course your book , One Thousand Gifts. Best book and best idea and best song and best remedy. My “daughter in love” gave it to me after my heart attack. She gave me the joy basket and banner which is still hung on the wall in my kitchen. Joy replaced anger and brought healing. I have journaled for years but I now have the additional joy of journaling crazy love and gratitude. Thank you Ann for your openness and honesty it is what I needed to begin to live life abundant again.

  297. Best song for me, Hello Fear by Kirk Franklin and Smile, by the same
    Best recipe, bacon wrapped water chestnuts
    Best book, The Blessing, by Kenneth Copeland ( Caveat, I just got your book and The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom and both look fantastic!) It’s been a long year in so many ways. I will look back at what I’ve read and get back to you if I have another best. Love your blog, many healing tears shed while reading it. Also, my son and I are learning a bit about photography and your pictures are tutoring us…Thanks for heling me, even though I’m not a woman…

  298. This year has been filled with blessings, and wonders.
    Best recipe was diffidently the Mexican soup my mother made up.
    The best book this year was once again the Bible, I know it wasn’t written this year but each year I discover new wonders in it, it helps keep me going.
    Wow, their have been a lot of songs, but the album Born Again by the Newsboys really struck me!
    Thank you!!!

  299. Another “best” for me was discovering A Holy Experience. I stumbled upon in effort to teach my kids about Advent. This site has inspired and encouraged me for the last month. It blesses my soul. Ann, your writing touches my soul.

  300. Best moment of 2012? Probably watching the sonogram, finding out we’re having a daughter, with my toddler son chiming “aaawwwwww!” when we explained it was a picture of her.

  301. Best year: This year, when God surrendered me and took me by the hand and is bringing me to Cambodia with Him for this next season of my life.
    Best moments: Treasured family time this Christmas, not knowing when I will have this again. Each moment cherished, every tradition etched into my memory.

  302. I have just two “bests” for this year.

    The day my husband and I decided we would homeschool…March 15, 2012
    The day I kept my brother from comitting suicide…early morning hours of Veteran’s Day 2012.

  303. For me it was the best risk: This “hermitess-like” girl stepped wayyyyyy out and went to see you, Ann at the “Eucharisteo, a Celebration of Joy”. Got in a fender bender on the way and just wanted to go hide in my hotel room. If my friend hadn’t been with me I probably would have, but she kept insisting we go, after all the trip was my birthday gift to her!!!
    Then I re-risked and went to see Tammy Trent in concert when she came to Canada. By myself.!!!!!! Got lost, twice, but it was so worth it…..
    I’m learning that risking for God isn’t really a risk, but an adventure….slowly learning…slowly…..

  304. Best book – working on a few, but the one that has stuck with me the longest is the “Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Parents Knew” by Sherrie Eldridge. I’m leading a Bible study on it now with adoptive parents.

    Best recipe – (thanks to the holidays) PB Swirl Fudge
    1 pkg almond bark (vanilla)
    2 c peanut butter (basically 1 small jar)
    1/2 pkg of choc chips & 1 tblsp shortening

    Melt almond bark and pb together in large bowl. Line a cookie sheet (with edges) with wax paper and pour in, careful to spread evenly. Melt choc chips and shortening (thins it out a bit) careful not to burn (I use microwave). Pour in zigzag form on top of pb mixture and take a knife and swirl it. Put in freezer for 1 hour. YUM.

    Best habit (believe it or not) is changing the way I eat. Tracking and watching the weight slowly come off.

    Best gadget – kitchen aid mixer and popcorn popper (tied)

    Now I want to blog in response to this blog!

  305. Life on the planet was even harder this year than last…But the Lord in His bountiful Grace, blessed me with one deeply hidden desire-one known only by Him…That gracious gift: to offer musical worship with my daughter and her precious girls. On Christmas Eve, during Candlelight service, we were graced to do just that. We sang the ‘Happy Birthday, Jesus’ song-all out, full throttle, with tears cascading down my cheeks as I stroked the ivory piano keys. Then my daughter, she who has walked through the darkest of shadows this past year, picked up her violin and joined with, ‘Silent Night’…Ah, I thought my heart would nearly burst with joy. In the darkest time of my life, God’s love has poured His light and strength straight through.

  306. The best sacrifice happened this Christmas. My husband and I were given a large-to-us monetary gift. Instead of putting the money towards gifts for ourselves, we adopted 2 families from our local women’s center. I thought we would give our gifts and know that God was pleased with our gift. But, a few weeks later, we received pictures of the families we “adopted”. The pictures are now on our refrigerator as a reminder to pray for these families, especially for their relationship with the Lord.

  307. The best thing I did for my spiritual life was to challenge myself to read the entire Bible through! Almost made it!

  308. Best book — Seven by Jen Hatmaker. So thought-provoking and life-changing. It is one to pass on to everyone you know.

  309. I asked for only one gift this Christmas, because there was only one thing that was important to me after the most difficult, damaging year of my life: I wanted my four adult children to talk to me again, so that I could tell each of them in my own voice that I love them dearly. (they didn’t speak to me for 9 months after I separated from their father and ended a 32 year marriage). I wanted them to hear the truth from me, not lies from others. God blessed me with that gift…. though it came through the unexplainable circumstance of the sudden death of my estranged husband, the kids’ father, on Thanksgiving Day. Their grief opened the door for communication and connection, and though I never would have wanted it to come at this price, I am grateful that God gave me my family back.

    And I do have to add that the books “One Thousand Gifts’, ‘You are Already Amazing’, ‘Mended’, ‘Unglued’, ‘The Girls Still Got It’, and many others have been a huge part of the healing I have experienced this past year. I am so thankful that God moved these women to write, to share their hearts and stories and lives. <3

  310. The best thing I didn’t want to do was to coach my boys U12 soccer team this fall. I had no experience coaching children that age, much less soccer! I borrowed books and DVDs from a local library to learn the rules and coaching tips! I was blessed with 12 of the most amazing 9-12 year olds who embraced me as their coach. 8 of them had little or no previous soccer experience and yet we had a winning season. Our team name – the Underdogs. Our team motto – Honor, Respect, Loyalty, Humility (and patience – added later by a player!)…. Parents volunteered their time to help at practices, and 4 high school varsity soccer players came to help and showed up at the final game and party! One mom said that her daughter had been more respectful since joining the team – saying “yes ma’am”, etc…. humbled and blessed

    • !! This!
      Strange, or not, but it choked me up — the Underdogs! 🙂
      just. beautiful, Lisa!
      What a way to take a leap of faith and bless 12 kids made in the image of God!

  311. The best gift God gave me this year was a new friend to share “God thoughts” with. We meet weekly together and talk about life and God. How sweet of the LORD to give me this gift.

  312. Best Moment: Finding out that we were expecting our 8th baby!! Of course I have to wait until 2013 for the birth.

  313. Nov 10, was one of my great days this year. I get given front row seats to one of my favorite country artist. It was truly a great night with great friends.

  314. inCourage has helped me in so many ways and I rarely post but today I truly wanted to let everyone know how much all of your voices matter-You, this family of like minded, funny, kind, encouraging individuals are the Best of 2012.

    My mother-in-law just gave me Debbie MaComber’s Cedar Cove series for Christmas and I imagine these will become new favorites. I recently discovered Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy too.
    Lemon Bars with fresh coffee are my best indulgence for 2012
    Favorite Song 2012-God is Alive

    Wow I am writing a lot here…Many Blessings
    Susan

    • 🙂
      We’re so grateful you jumped in here, Susan — we love having you here with us!
      And lemon bars?
      My favorites 🙂
      I loved your every word here 🙂

  315. The best book I couldn’t put down – Fancy Pants by C. Hake (a fun light-hearted, yet spurred me on christian novel)
    The best other book – The Master by Pollak. I am deeper in love with Jesus this year…

  316. The best surprise – getting to stay home on Christmas day and not have to travel! What a blessing.

  317. Best song: toss up between Switchfoot’s “Where I Belong” and Jason Gray’s “Remind Me Who I Am”
    Best Jeans; Eddie Bauer boyfriend jeans- they come in tall (which I need) and they are comfy and slouchy (which I like)
    Best Book: not read many to my chagrin (used to read 3-4 books a week- and that was when children were home) Just finished Mark By Michael Card. An incredible follow-up to his Biblical Imagination weekend in October here in Dallas.
    Best Sacrifice: babysitting my baby grandson 3-4 days a week for 5 months while my son was out on a music tour with Rocket Summer and Switchfoot and my dil worked in ICU in local hospital.
    Best new food: made turkey and dressing meatballs for thanksgiving with cranberry sauce for dip- everyone wanted to know where they were for Christmas. ha
    Best events this year: Oldest grandchild turned 10, youngest turned 1. Celebrated 40th anniversary with hubby, and my 60th birthday in november. spent two weeks in europe, a weekend in Seattle, and discovered Allume- what a fantastic experience! – best of all : all of my new blogging friends who just happen to be daughters of the King also!

    • That sounds like a wonderful year Nancy! Your turkey & stuffing meatballs sound wonderful, would you mind sharing the recipe? Thanks so much! ~Shannon 🙂

      • Shannon, I just took a pound of ground turkey and mixed it with 3-4 cups of my dressing recipe ( i use the old Southern Living Cookbook’s recipe for cornbread dressing- most like my mom’s) use more or less proportions to get a moist, loose ball that will hold together when you form it, I use a cookie ball contraption to scoop them out, then bake them till golden at 350, serve with cranberry sauce. I suppose if you like gravy you could serve them with it, too. I had enough left over dressing to cook separately as a casserole.

  318. The best habit by far (yes the “duh” one) was giving thanks! Following along with the monthly/daily calendar from Ann each month with me and my girls. I am certain this has been my best year (out of 31 of them!) yet…and I know why. I haven’t read the book, but been giving thanks anyway. Thanks be to God for SO MANY gifts, I could not count them.
    Best Book…I can’t pick one. Nope just can’t. But here is one for city dwellers…Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv. Oh and because we are new to homeschooling still…I couldn’t put down For the Children’s Sake and When Children Love to Learn.
    The best gizmo…still…my trusty Ipad so I can get going on reading the Word even when it’s too chilly to get out of bed in the morning (and I know my husband wouldn’t appreciate the light on) and when I know I’ve only got a few minutes before the baby is up.
    Best Jeans – still the oldest ones…thank God I keep fitting back into them.

  319. Best book: Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman (what an amazing story of faith, loss, love, and courage)
    Best recipe: Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie (first time making pecan pie and I couldn’t believe how simple it is!)
    Best moment: Coming home after 2 years in Germany (husband’s in the Army) and only living 2 hours away from family now
    Best song: Where I Belong by Building 429 (exactly how I feel!)
    Best answered prayer: Finally getting into the Fertility clinic after four years of trying to start a family (and continually praying for God to control it all!)

    • Welcome home! Thank you to you and your husband for serving our Country. Living in Germany was a HUGE sacrifice. I pray for you, and I know God is blessing you today.

  320. The best of 2012…
    best movie of the holidays….”Homeless for the Holidays”…a very low budget film, but the message is wonderful! 🙂 “Little House on the Prairie” is a favorite as well.

    best project….my chalkboard in my kitchen! Great for the important note, or memory verses to be displayed.

    best lesson learned…to be quiet and enjoy the moment. Let my house be a mess!

    best speaker….ANN! (loved hearing and meeting you this past fall at a compassion fundraiser) 🙂

    best shoes…red wedge pumps.

    Many blessings to you all, sweet sisters! Happy New Year!

  321. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    Truth? My husband has done most of the cooking in 2012. I haven’t tried a new recipe for the first time in 10 years of marriage this year. It’s been a bad year for my cooking…but my husband stepping into the gap has been the biggest gift.

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    The Professor’s House by . Maybe because I became a professor this year.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    I switched to dress pants this year. And found them surprisingly comfortable for the first time in my life. Maybe they’re designed for grown-ups and I have finally become one.

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!)
    Juicemaster (rediscovered).

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)
    Saying yes to a difficult friendship.

    The best link of 2102? The best laugh? The best living?
    Best link: http://joyinthisjourney.com/2012/12/why-i-stayed-in-the-cycle-of-shame/
    The best laugh: every one I share with my children, especially my 9 and 7 year old daughters, who are growing up too fast. I treasure the connection with them.
    Best living: Every day at work. It blows me away. I am in love with my new job.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.)
    Caring for this person of the difficult friendship. Physically taking care of her.

    What was the best habit?
    Smiling more. And professing my acceptance of my imperfect body to my daughters.

    The best holiday? The best gift?
    Christmas. Time with my family.

    The best sacrifice?
    Putting myself on the line for my students.

  322. Best Holiday … 4th of July! My son, Gavin was super excited to see the fireworks, we got some great photos and made matching tie dyed shirts…it was really fun!

    Best Gift – My son’s kittens! Gavin is on the autism spectrum, so getting him kittens was sort of a crap shoot for us. We had no idea how he would react to having live kittens (he loves books pictures and videos of cats). They have been a GODSEND! Gavin loves the heck out of those little guys and they give him social interaction he needs…also…he has something to talk about with kids at school…

    Best Movie – Les Miserables! I mean…just WOW! awesome! amazing performances also…I got to go to a movie with my husband which rarely happens so double awesome!

  323. Best Meal — I make exactly four meals in constant rotation with leftovers. I’m best known for my chocolate chip cookies (which are Pillsbury Simple, break-n-bake).

    Best Risk — Loving my husband — transparent and available and vulnerable — every day for another year.

    Best Book I couldn’t put down — I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy (In a day and a half, so that totally qualifies it). It doesn’t sound especially spiritual, but it reminded me that our children should never be pawns of our pride or personal agenda, a lesson in grace that I must not forget.

    Jeans that fit best — A pair handed down from my husband’s grandmother. No idea who makes them.

    Best song — Anything my husband plays on his guitar to put my kids to sleep at night. All of the hymns have a taproot straight to my soul when he plays them.

    Best gadget — My husband’s Ipad.

    Best website — I can never find the homeschool or adoption blogs that touch my soul in the middle of the night, but I can always count on Ann! 🙂

    Thanks for this opportunity.

  324. The best gift this year is still having all of my children alive. Over the past 25 months my husband and I have nearly (literally) lost 3 of the 5, but God has intervened and rescued each one. “To God the Lord belong deliverances from death” (Psalm 68:20) is a verse that we have cherished and carved upon our hearts. God, our Father, gave His only Son that we might live through Him, and has promised that He will not withhold any good thing. To Him be praise and glory forever.

  325. The Best of 2012…there was so much wonderful amidst the pain…and there was pain…my Mom’s cancer, my daughter’s heart being broken on her 20th bday, low college grades, death and so on…BUT JESUS…was {and is} so beautifully there in all the brokenness…so I want to say, Thank You, Jesus, for being in every breath of 2012 and the peace it brings to know You will be in every breath of 2013..here is my hand Jesus….hold me tight!

  326. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    Cinnamon- sugar pecans

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    Unglued (Lysa Terkuerst)

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    It’s almost Christmas (Josh Wilson)

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    Jeans with an elastic band

    The best link of 2012?
    http://untangledprayers.blogspot.com/2012/12/sandy-hook-prayer-diva-challenge-100.html

    The best holiday?
    Thanksgiving (spent with family & friends)

    The best gift?
    Bath & Body items

  327. So awesome to hear the words…~ Sister-friend ~. So many yrs back…as I started being a ministers wife at the age of 19…I found myself calling Special friends my “sister friends”. I had not heard that used until I was reading these posts. So awesome! 🙂

    This year my fav book has been the discovery of 1000 Gifts and Ann. What a true blessing and God’s perfect timing on my life. Thank u, Ann.
    My fav food ~ This year I found myself in a very new and scary place. With my life turned upside down…my health took a huge hit. So, I am now gluten free, dairy free and on a strict SCD Diet to help heal my Adrenal Fatigue. So, my fav foods have been anything I discover that doesn’t cause allergic reaction and I thank The Lord each time I’m able to add a new food.
    My fav jeans ~ my skinny jeans. They are comfortable and fun to wear with boots, flats….:)
    My fav song ~two songs that have ministered directly to my healing heart this year are “God Bless The Broken Road” by Selah and “I’ll Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. These two songs have been a constant reminder to me of my marriage and pushing through difficult times.

    God always knows when to show us new things….like Ann, like Sister Friends, like the discovery of this site…thankful to The Lord for His perfect timing.
    Becka 🙂

  328. Ann,
    My favorite book was your book, One Thousand Gifts”.
    My favorite blog: Yours! Thank you- I have learned so much from you, as a wife, homeschool mom, etc. . . Thank you!!!
    I have 2 favorite moments: Right before I went into the hospital to deliver my son, my dad, mom and husband and I prayed.
    And than having my newly son and 6 year old daughter in my arms for the first time.

  329. Best book was life sustaining encouragement found in 1000 Gifts when we lost two grandchildren age 2 and 4 in Feb.
    best recipe…. Daily reading the Word for salving a bleeding grandmas heart.
    best gift, my son and daughter in love giving birth to a lovely little boy in September.
    Best song Blessings by Laura Story.
    Indeed, blessings come through raindrops.

  330. not a lot of bests this year…..a lot of Grace though!
    Best….. grace for a son’s marriage breakdown
    Best ……grace for a Mother with Alzheimers
    Best……. grace for hope in husband’s cancer
    Best…… grace for day to day sufficiency of His grace.
    The best thing in my life is that I have Jesus!

    • Nadja,
      May God bless you with strength and show you his ever present help in times of trouble. May God heal hearts, minds, and bodies in 2013.

  331. One of the best gifts I received in 2012 was giving birth to our third baby. She brings such joy to my life! Such a happy, sweet, content baby girl who has stolen our hearts!

  332. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    My children always seem to expect me to make Sour Cream Coffee Cake whenever we are able to all be together. This year we were together over Thanksgiving, so I made two Sour Cream Coffee Cakes which seemed to delight them. 🙂

  333. Best of…

    God’s best: healing depression in our family. Us today vs. us in January 2012 – NO COMPARISON! THANKS, JESUS!

    Books that changed me: 1,000 Gifts/Voskamp, Pray Big for Your Marriage/Davis Jr. and Power to Prosper/Singletary

    Best gadget: just loving my kindle

  334. January 9th 2012- best gifts given and unexpected . I broke my foot and leg at 5:30am. I cried, Oh Lord, I did hear you calling for me to be still at your feet for a little while. I just couldn’t do it on my own. The first breaking of bones in my life-and I viewed it as a special gift from The Lord. Stillness at His feet came. Best gift ever! My Dear Pastor’s wife (Ana) brought me Ann’s book- 1000 gifts- another best gift ever. So very timely -The Lord had my undivided! Several months later I resigned my position at work- to come home, to the place that been calling to me for many years. 2012 has held many special treasures for me and as I continue to draw nearer to Jesus and my children, my family. I look with great anticipation to the goodness He has in store for me this coming 2013. With praise and thanksgiving my cup overflows through the end of this gift of 2012.
    God Bless you Ann and Ana for being there in January 2012 and supporting, encouraging me to look to the greatest gift of my life. Jesus!

  335. A newbie here and busy up a storm with cleaning up after a sweet Christmas celebration with family…..but just had to add a few “bests” that God has used to grow this grandma up a little more in 2012

    ….. best song – “Thanks Be To Our God” by Travis Cottrell – cry every time I hear it

    ……best bubble bath recipe – “Sleep” (lavender vanilla) by Bath & Body Works – works wonders on a tired body and a mind that is heavy laden

    ……best gift – our first grandchild, a precious little girl …..such joy!! 🙂

    ……best hard thing in my life – God’s using disappointment with friends/family to invite my good girl to give up, trust Him more, and begin to risk in using my true voice

    His gifts are ongoing, unexpected, and always perfect!

  336. Best book–One Thousand Gifts
    Best recipe–lemon meringue pie with home made crust and mile high meringue
    Best time–any time spent with our small group Bible study
    Best challenge–building my new, larger fish pond myself! At 61 in 100+ degree weather. Great tan and muscles!!!
    Best song–This Is My Temporary Home
    Best jeans–Nine West Court Street Straight–lots of compliments and less than $20 at Ross!
    Best devotional–Jesus Calling, but Jesus Lives looks to be more challenging
    Best blog–A Holy Experience–greatly challenges me in daily living
    Best gift–Chronological Life Application Study Bible–plan to spend the next couple of years devouring it!
    ,

  337. Best event, finding out all 3 of my girls are expecting. Doubling the grandbaby population in the next 5 months! The more the merrier I say!

    Best Song, Never Once, by Matt Redman. Played and sung often this past year leading up to the forth year anniversary of my hubby’s passing.

    Best Book, Grace Disguised, by Jerry Sitser, reread, referred to, spoken of, one of those life companion books, much like 1, 000 Gifts!

    Best Recipe, Pad Thai my daughter made me for my birthday. Yummo! Pad Thai, anyday!

  338. I trusted God with a journey alone to India to work with Made By Survivors. A wonderful team of women of all ages in Kolkata helping encourage young girls and women taken out of sex trafficking. What a delight it was to see hope spreading, schooling, jewelry making, even a marriage of love!

    Then my sweetest blessing was traveling to Scotland with my soon to be 81 year old mother and Liz Curtis Higgs! Each day was just a blessing of women sharing the love of Christ in His word, daily adventures and seeing my Mom’s eagerness to see all she could!

    Best daily habit of spending more time in His word each and everyday because I WANTED to! Not just a check mark on a list to finish.

  339. So many bests this year! Celebrating 25 years of marriage with a trip to Crete (not so exotic since we live in Germany). Best recipe is “Greek salad” (Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and feta cheese just sprinkled with salt and pepper to taste). Becoming a grandmother also ranks high on the “best” list–something one is not asked about before hand, but what a blessing!!! And, I joined the many who counted way past 1000, after reading “One Thousand Gifts” and inspite of many trials this year, counting my blessings made me aware of them in an amazing way!

  340. Where to start? The questions just make a little place to stop, revisit, relish it all over again. I love the questions that let us “open those presents” again!

    Best books: _One Thousand Gifts_ for sure! Yes, passed that one on many times too! _Walking on Water_ and _A Wrinkle in Time_, both Madeleine L’Engle (thanks for introducing me to her, Ann).

    Jeans…still looking for those.

    The risk that returned best? Stepping out into God-sized dreams (lead on, Lord; thanks, Holley). And losing weight. Scary, so risky. So fearful to step away from the comfort of old habits. But 30lbs lighter, SO WORTH it. Praying for continued faithfulness, and no fear.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Moving–IL to IN. Not the farthest move, but “the far side of the sea” for me. Leaving “normal” for following God (thanks for the encouragement, Stephanie).

    Best habit: practicing “being still;” reading more. Love quiet places.

    Blessings sisters. 🙂

  341. Ann- best book is not a big enough category for your book and DVD study. How do you classify a book that speaks directly to your deepest self and brings you to fall to your knees before the Holy of Holies in your own living room? So many Christian books are lovely contemplative reflections that are the equivalent of a fancy entree in a fancy restaurant but don’t stick to your bones and keep you full. Your book sticks to your ribs, as my grandmother says!

  342. May blessings abound to Ann, and all who share their heart here.

    The best of everything in 2012?

    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    Ree Drummond’s “Chocolate Sheet Cake”… yummylicious!

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    Still can’t put down our Ann’s “One Thousand Gifts” and Max Lucado’s “Grace.”

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    The Newsboys’ “God’s Not Dead”, Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons”, and Phillip Phillips’s “Home”

    The jeans that fit best?
    Gloria Vanderbilt’s Amanda Jeans… reasonably priced, stretchy and comfy!

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best?
    I’m not much of a gizmo person… just call me “old school”, but I love the fact that two of my teen grandchildren who live in another state, now have cell phones, because they actually text me to keep in touch!

    The risk that returned best?
    Moving 1000 miles away in the middle of my cancer treatments after my husband’s retirement. I felt God calling us to move, and the risk was worth it because I ended up finding an oncology specialist that was familiar with my rare cancer. I’m now in remission… PTL!

    The best link of 2102?
    Not only Ann’s beautiful website links, but so many soul stirring Christian websites that I’ve found… so many daily blessings!

    The best laugh?
    Laughing with my grandchildren… truly priceless!

    The best living?
    As long as my Heavenly Father is in my heart and my life… living is wonderful!

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway?
    Quit my career in church administration which I dearly loved, so I could take care of my aging mother in my home.

    What was the best habit?
    Writing down my daily gifts, and praying several times a day… I love having a closer relationship with God!

    The best holiday?
    Any holiday spent with my faith, family and friends.

    The best gift?
    Yeshua… always!

    The best sacrifice?
    Moving my mother, who had several life changing strokes, in with my husband and I after my father passed. She’s teaching me the final lessons one should learn from their parents.

    Thank you Ann… you are such a beautiful blessing in my life!
    In His love,
    Grace

  343. Best thing I did this year? I worked to remember that I can trust God instead of worrying, and if I just wait a bit (or sometimes longer than that) that He does have an answer, a provision, a peace. Other best thing I did this year? Listened to my doctor friend who suggested a sleep study. It’s been almost a month with a cpap, and I feel human! I didn’t know I could find that. Another best thing? Reaching out a little and finding some additional friends…the two ladies I did reach out to both are going to be moving in the next few months, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t continue with them or continue to reach out to others. Bravery – Courage – refusing to give in to fear or to the voice in my head that stops me….it’s amazing what I find when I do that…

  344. This is fun! 🙂
    OK, the best book (as everyone else has said) has to be One Thousand Gifts! I used it to teach the adult Sunday School class at my church and it was the start of Revival!

    Best Song: A thousand little things by Point of Grace, and my favorite singer of the year is JAMIE GRACE. Love her perky little tunes. 🙂

    Best Gizmo: Has to be my Smart Phone. I love having my Bible and all the apps I love on me all the time. (My One Thousand Gifts App, too!)

    Thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: I was caring for my parents 3 days a week – leaving my husband with 9 kids – and driving 100 miles to their house. In August, my mother in law who lives next door had a health crisis and the doctor said Nursing Home or in home care. As I have 2 sisters sharing in my parents’ care, and we are all my mother in law has, I have switched the caregiving closer to home. I didn’t want to, but I did anyway…

    Other bests from 2012: Love that we switched to My Father’s World Homeschool Curriculum. It works for us.

    The AMPLIFIED Bible – this version has really helped me in my Bible study.

    My goal for 2013 is just to make every day count, county my blessings every day, and grow closer to my loving Savior!

  345. Oh, 2012 was a year of heart aches and triumphs. It has been hard to get through some days and in some ways its been one of the best!
    Best book- an old one by Tommy Tenney- God Chasers
    Just finished it and boy did it rock my world!!

  346. The best song of the year:
    Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
    A gently yet amazing reminder of the price that was paid for me and how I
    forget that it is free and all I have to do is reach out and receive it.
    Also that I don’t have to fight battles that have already been conquered!
    Praise the Lord for that!!

  347. Best gift: After 24 years of getting banged up from daily wear and tear, my engagement ring that I’ve had since I was 18yo had to be tucked away so that the single, solitaire diamond wouldn’t fall out and be lost. On our wedding anniversary, my husband presented it to me, looking like a brand new ring. 🙂

  348. The best recipe of the year hmm…..
    I think I will have to say our new Thai Chicken we have loved it~!
    If you want to try it email me!! lol

  349. 2012 was the best year! God blessings were poured out so much on my life.
    Best decision- marrying my wonderful husband
    Best gift- getting pregnant – due February 28th 2013!
    best jeans- second hand pair of pregnancy jeans… made me feel great for the one week they fit.
    Best book- Practicing Godliness by Jerry Bridges, which also led to best habit- gratitude
    Best Bible study- Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore, also the best way to get connected with ladies in the church.
    Best Recipe- chicken spaghetti http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/
    God is good.

  350. Well, I’m in agreement – I thank you for your efforts to reveal your life experiences and struggles and most important the gift of growing gratitude and praise of God in all circumstances.

    My best list:

    Best Recipe – Pecan Pie / Pioneer Woman – love this site and presentation of recipes and the photography (great and consistent pie crust recipe there too)

    Best Book – Drinking from a Dry Well – Faith changes as we mature and so found solice and understanding here in a new stage of life. Settling and waiting for God to work in the messiness of me and life.

    Best Jeans – New find at DressBarn – Roz&ALI jeans – good for the well figured and curvy woman that I am…

    Best thing I really did not want to do: Give my husband grace and support him in his journey; didn’t want to do because of poor choices and lies – was done. God is growing me and my husband into stronger servants of God and redeeming our marriage. God is so faithful in His promises. And I continue to be amazed at God working in the midst of the challenges and blessing and strengthening. How we are able to teach others committment and grace out of our brokenness. How God made us to be a blessing to others.

    The risk that returned best: being part of the solution. Giving public testimony when I would rather have crawled under a rock and continuing that process of testimony to God’s goodness and grace. It is creating in me a new boldness for the Lord.

    My best tool – Treat yourself to a really good knife – one thing to clean up and put away instead of components to processors and choppers…

  351. The risk that gave the best return…
    stepping out in faith to teach about Proverbs 31 to the ladies at my church.
    I could never imagine when my Pastors wife asked me or rather told me I would be
    teaching how I would receive blessings and new meanings from it as well!
    Nothing like a woman telling you that what you learned in your quiet helped her
    as well!! Thank you Jesus for a push out in your deep water!!

  352. The best book you couldn’t put down?
    I don’t usually choose any books from the fantasy-fiction genre; I lean more toward non-fiction or spiritual-instruction type books, which is why I really like books such as Ann’s One Thousand Gifts.
    However, my daughter, Jenelle Schmidt, has launched into the world of fantasy-fiction writing this year with her own book entitled “King’s Warrior.”
    (It could be that I “couldn’t put it down” because of who the author was.) 🙂

  353. The best thing I didn’t want to do — but I did anyway?
    I let my 16 year old daughter, who has been through so much, move in with another family. Only to find that The mother in the household held secrets that could help my daughter continue on her road to healing where I could not take her. God’s graces are undoubtedly more than I ever could have prayed for!
    Ann, your Grace given book has been the catalyst that turned my fear of faith into counting His graces daily. Even when I forget to write them down. I have found my trust in Him throughout these last 15 years filled with Eucharisteo. And I have seen, felt, and relearned the truth in letting go and letting God . . . sometimes on a daily basis.

  354. I didn’t realize i left out some important “Bests”.
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? Changing my diet. Wow!!! It has changed my life.

    The risk that returned best? Wow…big one for me. Seeking help through Recovery Ministries to save a “falling apart” marriage, seeking and being brave to face the Trauma in my life, leaving my home(my place of security)…getting out of my fear and getting help from great Christian brothers and sisters in Christ that I didn’t even know.

    The best link of 2102? Finding Ann Voskamp’s Blog. Searching for help with going gluten free, dairy free and healing for my body.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did it anyhow? Recovery and Trauma Counseling.

    What was the best habit? Learning to lean on God totally. Not my husband, not my parents, not friends….totally and fully on God.

    The best holiday? Christmas ~ Our first Grand babies Christmas. What a blessing!!!

    The best gift? The gift of a restored marriage. The miracle of God’s restoration.

    The best sacrifice? Giving up our home because of the loss of our job and renting a very small home. We haven’t rented since our first year of marriage. Giving up in order to save something has been far more precious than holding on to things we thought we needed but have found out we don’t. We needed to build a better and stronger foundation. Thankful. Joyful.

    Becka 🙂

  355. Best lesson… To enjoy the good in more of life’s situations, such as living away from my home with my elderly mom…

    Best books… Simple Abundance, always.. 1,000 Gifts, which I have gifted to several dear friends,

    Best self improvement…. A Superstars download from Brocante Home and a James Beth Moore bible study….

    Best communion with God… Driving to the lake with my bible app for iPad and a few minutes of peace.

    Best week… A four day mini vacation with my 30 year old son to Louisville…. Just the two of us….

    Best plan… To finally retire after 37 years of eaching high school English. And accept God will provide me with something new to fill my heart (and finances).

  356. So many good things this year…God is good.

    Let’s see, best recipe, Garden vegetable soup, from the Campbell’s Kitchen site.

    Best jeans…Gap straight, not so low, not so high…just perfect.

    Best risk….compiling some of my writings and creating an eBook.

    The song I have sung many, many times..Our God, by Chris Tomlin.

    Best book…that’s a hard one….loved Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

    Oh, another great risk…teaching a group of women every Friday at home. Wonderful!!

    Best memory…there are many, but singing old hymns to my 94 year-old grandma tops the list.

  357. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    Scallop, arugula and sun dried tomato risotto…. so good!

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    1000 Gifts. I read it twice. The second time taking notes. I also gave it as gifts to friends of mine. A gift of gifts.
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    The Same Love by Paul Baloche. wonderful song!

    Best sacrifice was spending the last 10 days with a friend in hospice. It was difficult, but rewarding. I was able to share God’s love and compassion to other people who were going through the same sorrow.

    Doing something that I have been afraid of…. I am about to go on my first mission trip. I felt God calling me last year but didn’t go because of fear. Not this year.

  358. The best book continues to be Ann Voskamp’s ‘One Thousand Gifts’.
    I buy several copies and pass them to friends for thinking of you gifts.
    also discovered Anne Lamott.
    Her most recent book, “Help Wow Thanks” is the book I pass out to friends when I want to reach out to them.
    The best thing I learned in 2012, through my weekly bible study group, is that we must continue to learn.

  359. Best gift: from my Pastor’s wife , the morning of January 9th 2012 after breaking my foot and leg. One Thousand Gifts!
    Best Experience: Sitting at Jesus’ feet during my healing
    Best decision: to resign my position and return home!
    Best CD: Blessed by Huron family http://www.lasting-heritage.org
    Best habit: gratitude

  360. Ok, I’ll chime in….

    Best book: (besides Ann’s which I had to buy multiple copies of so I can manage to have one for myself) was Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman.

    Best jeans: That I officially quit wearing them. I have never liked them and have worn them for years because I was supposed to….everyone does. So, the best jeans are the ones I’ll never wear again! 🙂

    Best gift: My husband signed the Resolution shown in the movie Courageous and gave it to his wife and 5 sons for Christmas.

    Best recipe: chicken corn chowder (Cook potatoes, onions, butter & chicken broth until veggies are soft; add cooked chicken, salsa, fresh or frozen corn, some cumin, salt & pepper. Just before serving add cream or milk and cheese. Serve with chips, grated cheese, etc.)

    Best song: (new to me in 2012) Remember Me by Mark Schultz

    More later if I think of any….
    Thanks for the fun!

    • My best book, was Ann’s. Just finished Not A Fan, 2nd best! Am about to start the teen edition and use it for Youth the first of the year.

  361. The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    Again, I am somewhat biased when it comes to songs…. I like the ones that my daughter, Brittany Jean, writes and sings! What a joy to help her get 3 of her songs professionally recorded in Nashville, TN, this fall! Those 3 songs are now the “best songs that I cannot get out of my head!” brittany-jean.com

  362. Oh, I’ll have to think about some of those “best of” – but music, I can answer that. I LOVE 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman – it’s a sing-along every time! Best new Christmas music…torn between Frannie B and Mandisa.
    Best risk…attending classes on GAPS diet (gaps.me) and then working towards greatly reducing/eliminating wheat from my diet.
    Best new project – becoming a reviewer for Christian fiction
    Best recipe – Summer Squash Casserole (allrecipes.com)
    Best discovery – Ballet Magnificat! Who knew I would love ballet?
    Best TV program – The Voice

  363. Best book: In the land of blue burqas by Kate McCord

    Best recipe: Chicken pot pie, handwritten on an index card by a precious friend.

    Best song: Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline – AMAZING, watch the music video with a box of tissues.

    Best surrender 2012 – saying “yes” and starting to preparing for our family to serve in Congo, Africa.

    Best of the best 2012 – holding my little girl, born Sep 16 and seeing the face of our precious 3 year old son. The best of 2013 will be traveling to Congo and finally holding him in my arms.

  364. My best of 2012- taking my 2 year old boy on “mommy dates” and hearing him say “Mommy, I love you” for the first time all on his own, learning to savor the day from a friend who died of cancer at an early age, and learning to breathe joy in and out everyday.

  365. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Champaign cupcakes!!
    The best book you couldn’t put down? One Thousand Gifts (would love to win some books to give to others)
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Peter Furler’s Thank You
    Best habit? starting my 1000 gifts list (almost to 500)

    2012 was a difficult year for my family. My husband and I are struggling, but I think the best thing that happened is that we are finally recognizing it and are starting counseling in 2013. I am forever grateful that he is not one to give up and is willing to do this with me. We’ll get through our struggles and come out stronger for it.

  366. The biggest, most frightening risk we’ve ever taken was committing to adopt a young lady with special needs in April without having “all of our ducks in a row” yet. We heard her story and looked at each other and knew He said “Go!” The Lord moved mountains because we had a race against time. Hers was truly a ransom that needed to be raised. We were granted parental rights 3 days before her 16th birthday… 3 days more and she would have been unavailable for adoption and sentenced to life in a mental institution of the worst kind in Eastern Europe. Just because The Lord gave her hands and feet that don’t work like ours, her curly hair would have been shaved off, her wheelchair taken away, and her limbs would have been tied to her bed. I still get physically sick when I think of the orphans we left behind. We were the second adoption ever to happen in the orphanage that has been around for decades. Now, we are blessed with a sweet, happy, loving oldest daughter, and we are trying to advocate for her friends to find families also. We are so very thankful that we have a very big God who controls even the tiniest details!!!

  367. Hmm, my first time posting on a site … that feels like I’m in a coffee shop talking with friends! Cozy, warm, inspiration, God-centred. Hmm: best moment was giving birth to my third baby – a boy, healthy and with a strong set of lungs. The miracle of birth. How many meanings has that?

  368. Oh. And what I didn’t want to do but did anyway: Submitting to my husband’s leading in an area that I’ve been holding back on for 9 years.

    Jesus showed up one October day and said, “I am bigger than what you are afraid of.”

    Blew my socks clean off.

    Who can argue with that? I went home and told my husband I was in. No more holding back.

    There is peace. Praise Jesus.

  369. The best thing I didn’t want to do AND the risk that returned best: starting at BSF class and then allowing those incredible, incredible women to really know me, pray for me, become a roomful of mothers and sisters & teach me that bible study isn’t about correct answers. Who knew?
    Best book: Expecting to See Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz & Jesus Freaks by Voice of the Martyrs
    Song: Alive by Natalie Grant (Oh, Mary Magdalene, my soul-sister, I can’t wait to meet her!)
    Recipe: Betty Crocker dinner rolls for the bread machine (with honey butter, my husband says they’re so good they’ll make your tongue slap your brain out)
    Best habit: praying on the floor in cruciform
    Best gift: 2012 itself. I was pruned this year until I despaired of life & know like I never did before what grace looks like. Praise!

  370. Thank you Ann for your book, and blog, it has been a blessing to me for years. Just read “the Divine Romance” by Gene Edwards, it was beautiful. Gave me new perspective on loving the Lord. He wants my love….so amazing. Not one to comment but had to, since you asked about best jeans. Best jeans ever are Vigoss. I have tried on every brand….and these fit……I get them at Nordstrom Rack. Though I don’t know you Ann I feel like I do, and I so love and appreciate you. You are one of my gifts. 🙂

  371. I’m new to your books and website but was encourage greatly through the Jesse tree devotional over advent and just wanted to share.
    Best of 2012…
    Book- Parenting in the Pew (however, in 2013 I am looking forward to reading 1000 Gifts which I received for Christmas.)
    I love the outdoors and being in the midst of God’s creation, so some of my best gifts this year were directly from God as I enjoyed His creation- seeing a sea turtle nest, seeing sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean, being able to see the Grand Canyon for the first time, and being able to sit out on my lawn with my family and watch a meteor shower and wonder at God’s greatness.
    Thank you for your encouragement!

  372. BEST JEANS – Levi’s ‘Perfect Waist 525 Boot Cut’! I wore them all year, and I can’t tell you how many times I was told I must have lost weight. I have pants that fit that are sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 in many different brands, but these size 12 Levis’s get ALL the compliments!
    BEST BOOK – Besides ‘One Thousand Gifts’ (which I read in February, began my gratitude journal and then used as the base of my Christmas letter this year!): Chuck Bomar’s ‘Better Off without Jesus’ and Francis Chan’s ‘Crazy Love’ and Sarah Young’s ‘Jesus Calling’
    BEST SONG – Matt Redman’s ‘10,000 Reasons’ and Cloverton’s ‘A Hallelujah Christmas’ and Ruth’s ‘Life Is Just A Dream’ (my happy song)
    BEST RECIPE – Farro soup and Oatcakes, both from Heidi Swanson’s ‘Super Natural Every Day’ (and her Chickpea Wraps and her Dill Butter on Rye soda bread!).
    BEST GIFT – my good camera (Nikon D5100), so now I can document life in pictures that I REALLY like!
    BEST GOD-GIFT – Hearing God tell me that my main ministry outside of wife and mom is encouraging discouraged believers (that part I’ve known for years) one-on-one “behind the scenes”, not in blog/published book/women’s conference speaker form. I always thought those “high profile” ministry places were what I was supposed to be striving for, as if success in God’s kingdom, for me, would be measured by affecting hundreds/thousands of women. God showed me oh-so-clearly that not only am I in EXACTLY the right place right now, being available to answer “911” calls from my family and friends who are having horribly difficult 2012’s, but that He has protected me from having any high-profile ministries because it wasn’t what He equipped me, ‘prepared in advance’ for me, to do. Wife of one husband of 20 years who desperately needs a “helpmeet” these days, mom of four great kids (one kindergartner, two high-schoolers, one in college), friend… That’s the ministry I’m equipped and prepared for, by His grace and in His strength! Sometimes what you think your dream is supposed to be, so you hang onto it for 15 years, is really just a goal you think would count as success in the eyes of others, but it’s not God’s best for you at all! If it’s God’s dream for you, it’s depressing to let go of, but if it’s just a thing you wanted to do to feel ‘good enough’ (Oh yeah, Emily P Freeman’s ‘Grace For The Good Girl’ helped with this!) then it’s liberating to get rid of it!

  373. The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    I really enjoy finding jeans that fit…. brand names even…. at Goodwill! 🙂
    However, my husband loves to buy new clothes for me and he succeeded in finding me some jeans that “fit best” from Coldwater Creek: Classic Fit, boot cut. The 2% of Spandex in them make them fit well and really comfortable! 🙂

  374. ah the best gift was being able to watch my newest granddaughter born on Dec 5th, she is the 16th grandchild and the 6th on I have been able to watch,
    God has truly given me the desire of my heart to be there for some of these precious ones.
    too many best songs, currently I like Need You Know by Plumb
    fav book was The Wake-Up Call

  375. Best Christmas CD I couldn’t stop listening to this season–Chris Tomlin’s “Glory in the Highest”

  376. Does it get tiresome to hear it again? The BEST BOOK hands down is One Thousand Gifts! Read it in March, went to a Women’s Retreat and we all started our lists together. CHANGED my life!!!
    BIGGEST RISK – started blogging about the joys in my life
    BEST BLESSING – blogging about the joys in my life. These blessings just ripple out to other people who are influenced by this habit. It is a gift that keeps on giving.
    SCARIEST MOMENT – putting my journey of grief “out there” for anyone to read
    BEST SONG – “I Will Rise”
    HABIT – of course this list keeping. Not to brag but it has been so easy to reach over 3000. Just keep filling up journals
    2nd BEST BLESSING – the women I’ve met at incourage and other blogs. Their spirituality and depth have enriched my life. What a great discovery for a recent retiree! They inspire me to do much more in the Kingdom.
    Invitation to all to come visit me at http://www.countingjoyblog.wordpress.com

  377. This year has been such a paradox…life is so fragile, yet resilent, so full of hope yet riddled with pain. Through it all, however, I have experienced Emmanuel every step of the way. So for me, the one sure thing – the best of everything, is Him.

  378. The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best?
    Well, I am not one who spends much time in my kitchen. . . However, two days ago I decided to make a pumpkin pie and make my own pie crust. The idea that I had never heard of but that worked really well was to put the pie crust dough between pieces of plastic wrap to roll it out flat! It was so cool and mess-free!

  379. Best book: I didn’t have time for many books this year, but Ann’s blog, Aholyexperience.com, I read everyday.

    Best song: 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman – my 2 year old son sings it in his broken English and when it comes on Pandora, he yells, “My song, my song!”

    Best Jeans: Levi’s – the kind with the mommy panel in the front (it hides my postpartum twin belly)

    Best Risk: moving to a new house six weeks before the birth of my twin girls

    Best sacrifice: Leaving my part time job at my church to stay home full time with my four kids under four

  380. The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)
    For this year, the “risk that returned best” was our decision to arrange for our daughter to go to Nashville, TN, to use Hilltop Recording Studio to professionally record 3 of her original songs! One of her songs is entitled “Not Afraid”! I can hardly wait to see what doors God will open for her now that she’s deciding to not be afraid and take steps to get her music “out there.” 😉

  381. After the loss of my dearest aunt (a second mother to me) and an unexpected accident causing death of my Aunt and Uncle I am learning and ready to put 2012 behind me!
    Greatest book is of course 1,000 Gifts! As a mom of four boys under the age of six I could relate to so much throughout that book. Often times I would tell my husband…”there needs to be a book in the bible of a woman with 6 kids under the age of 8 to tell us how we should act. I am just beginning my journey in giving thanks. I just finished your book, bought a ton of them on Black Friday and gave so many away for Christmas gifts. I am praying for those I gave them to as some have strayed far from Christ. I love how this book pulled me closer to God’s word and how i didn’t rely on this book to do so. So many books are idolized and this book was so encouraging to get in the word and study for myself. Thank you!

    Best song: Behold our God by Sovereign Grace!
    Best Jeans: American Eagle unfortunately….a little money but they fit this momma figure the best.
    Best Risk: Loving my Aunt deeply as she went to meet the Lord. She was diagnosed with brain cancer and just short of two years she lost her battle. I tend to pull away when I know I am going to lose someone close but I made a decision to love her and stay with her and involve myself in her….hardest goodbye I’ve had to say yet but so worth it. She is dancing in spirit with our heavenly Father right now!
    Best Recipe: The Pioneer Womans Spaghetti Sauce…..so easy and so yummy!
    2013 goal: To start living a life of Gratitude. To make that my habit in the good and bad! In this broken world and in my broken family…give thanks!

  382. Best Website: https://www.incourage.me…. this blog has touched my life so many times! I have read blogs where woman talk about insecurities and struggles that I thought only I have/am facing. God has definitely put this blog in my life to not feel alone.
    Best Recipe: Creamy Avacado Yogurt Dip… Pinterest!
    Biggest Accomplishment: Getting married… It’s always been a huge fear of mine and I did so much healing as we prepared for marriage.
    Best Memory: heart to heart conversations with my Christian friends and downtime with my husband!
    Best TV Show: Law & Order: SVU

  383. My favorite song this year and my heart cry – “Eden” by Phil Wickham. All of his music speaks deeply to me. Love his “Heaven and Earth” album, my Christmas gift to myself. Also love Chris Tomlin’s Christmas album “Glory in the Highest”.

  384. Best Book: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson (I know it’s old!)
    From 11/11-3/12 I was undergoing multiple diagnostic tests at MD Anderson and was told at one point I had Stage IV Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. I had Stage I Thyroid Cancer (Papillary) 3 years prior so cancer wasn’t “new” to me, but this kind was and Stage IV? I was 44 and my husband and I have 4 children ranging in age at the time from 9-15. I grabbed that book to take in between tests while waiting and it really helped put things into perspective especially knowing the author himself passed away unexpectedly after writing it. One chapter he wrote is even titled “Imagine Yourself At Your Own Funeral” and talks about the perspective of looking back at your life to see what your priorities were to serve as a “wake up call.” I have a tendency to be more of a Martha than Mary and it’s been my goal since March to be more like Mary and spend time with loved ones and not worry about sweating the small stuff.

    Best Song: Your Hands by JJ Heller
    Referring again to my testing time, this song was playing on our local Christian station and the words resonated with me “When my world is shaking, heaven stands; when my heart is breaking, I never leave your hands” Beautiful! It gave me so much comfort and the guitar playing is breathtaking.

    Best Diagnosis: Watchful Observation – no need for chemo! I was told that what lit up on my PET scan giving me a Stage IV diagnosis was, after many tests (including the dreadful bone marrow biopsy and aspiration) was too small to treat and I just need to keep going back for CT screening unless I notice changes myself. Answered prayers indeed!

    Best Jeans: Coldwater Creek have proven to fit me the best – they have stores at malls and online

    Best New Website to me: http://www.aholyexperience.com
    A friend gave me One Thousand Gifts as a gift this year and I love it (it was hard not to put it as my best book) but I have come to love the website more with all of the breathtaking photography, music and hearing Ann’s voice – what a truly inspirational person you are, Ann, gifted with such a passion with words and a cadence in your speaking reflecting Eucharisteo so beautifully with others. Thank you!

    Best New Recipe: Honey Barbecue Meatloaf – our kids love it and it is so easy! http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2011/03/09/honey-barbecue-meatloaf/

  385. The best prayer assignment:
    I pray. And God has blessed my prayers with amazing answers!
    This year I had three terminal cancer prayer assignments.
    Each different and each amazing. Two have had extreme major turn around’s .

    One, the tumor is half the size since prayer!

    Second, a man who was told call in hospice now has hope after prayer! They have found a procedure they can do on him to extend his life…by years!

    All glory and honor to our God! I have nothing on my own…but with God..wow!

    The most amazing and glorious prayer assignment was for Harvey.

    Harvey was a man who did not go to doctors. He waited to long. When he did go he was full of cancer and they said there was nothing they could do. He was certain to die in a very short time.

    The day I was called to come and pray with him they said he would not make it through the night. Then they called and said come earlier….because they felt he would not be there when I came later that evening.

    Along with two wonderful prayer warriors I went quickly to that hospital room.

    The interesting thing was when I first walked in the room, I for a short moment saw a very sick man. And then it happened. Something changed and I only saw a man healed! It was so cool to see him this way. It made my prayers very different, very free.

    As we prayed, each in turn as the Lord lead us something happened I will never forget!
    Joe prayed and asked God to send ministering angels to Harvey’s room right now.

    I have never experienced anything like it! When he said that there was a whoosh in the room and I felt feathers brush my cheek! I could feel their presence! It was so glorious I felt the glory of God in that room like I have never felt before! I could barely breath it was so thick with glory! I felt like I had one foot in heaven.

    Harvey had a bowel obstruction. Joe prayed over that issue.

    Harvey had a tube coming from his nose removing fecal matter from his stomach….he had not gone for days. This caused him great discomfort.

    During prayer the black stuff in the tube turned clear!

    When we were done praying for this man….who was not to make it through the night and possibly the next few hours…he got up out of bed and shaved!!!!!!!!

    A day later he had a bowel movement.

    The doctors had done nothing for him….this was purely a work of God.

    Harvey lived 4 days longer.
    Healed completely in heaven.
    Who knows what happened in his life in those 4 days that God needed him to do or experience before leaving for home? I just know even though the world would see this prayer assignment as a failure…I only see God’s great Glory!!!!

    That night after praying for him, I went home with such awe and so humbled by God’s presence in that room. His glory was so amazing. I will never forget it.

    As I lay in bed that night I asked angels to surround my bed. I wanted to feel that glory again.

    I have never experienced this before or since….as I lay there sleeping I was awakened by something brushing my cheek over and over. I believe it was the flapping of the wings of his ministering angels. Somehow that night the veil was thinner and I was allowed to experience a presence we only know by faith.

    I can’t think of anything better. So I will only submit one time 🙂

    I want to thank you for your blog. I eagerly read it every time it pops in my email box.
    Thank you for being you Ann without an E.
    I love you,
    B

  386. The best gift?
    Truly the “best gift” I “received” this Christmas was:
    3 ducks were purchased via World Vision by my daughter to be given in my name to someone in need!
    I LOVED that “gift”!!! It was “the best” this year of 2012!!!
    🙂

  387. Best Song: All My Fountains by Chris Tomlin
    Best Moment: When my youngest son of 5 boys graduated from High School in May
    Best Book: Besides 1000 Gifts which I’m reading for the 3rd time….The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times
    By: Robert J. Morgan
    I love your blog…..A Holy Experience grounds me back into the Word of God every time!
    Best Recipe: Crockpot Pumpkin Pudding Recipe
    1 can pumpkin pie filling (15 oz)
    2 tsp vanilla
    1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
    3/4 c sugar
    1/2 c bisquick mix
    2 T butter
    2 eggs

    Preparation:
    Spray crockery w/non-stick spray or lightly oil the inside. Using an electric hand-held mixer at low speed, beat ingredients together until smooth. Pour into crockpot. Cover and cook on Low 6-8 hours, or High 3-4 hours. Spoon into cups and top w/cool whip.
    serves-6

  388. Best song – 10,000 Reasons
    Best recipe – Gingerbread Cupcakes (Dave Ramsey site)
    Best habit – simple living
    Best lipstick – Clinique Raspberry Glace

  389. Ann,
    I love this- remembering the best of the year!
    a few of my best from 2012:
    BEST Jeans: GAP date night jeans
    BEST book: “Unglued” by Lysa Terkeurst- its amazing how a book relates to right where you are
    BEST habit- cleaning the tub before getting out of the shower with my new handled sponge that holds a blue dawn and vinegar solution- truly life altering 😉
    BEST song: hmmm… I think I love music to much to choose
    wow- I could go on- love this!

  390. Favorite book(s) this year besides One Thousand Gifts, of course, were 3 by Carolyn Custis James: Lost Women of the Bible, The Gospel of Ruth and Half the Church. I first read Half the Church last year and it was one of my top two books (One Thousand Gifts being the other) out of 30 of this type that I read. I read it again this year as well as the two others I mentioned here. Life-changing for me!

  391. Best recipe – anything my husband makes (he is an awesome cook)
    Best Song – Mary did You Know
    Best Jeans – Cleo
    Best tool – cheese grater
    Best Habit – counting gifts
    Best hobby – scrapbooking with my small group

  392. Wow! Do I have news !!!!!!!! I have so many best moments! But one was yesterday ……..we had our Shupe Family Christmas – 23 of us! Aaron (6th son who was a missionary in Guinea, West Africa and his missionary wife whom he married October 6th, called from British Columbia where they spent Christmas with her family). They were sorry they could not join us for dinner but said they do have a bun in the oven! They are going to have a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I am not really excited! If it is a boy, he will be named Moses! He has had that name reserved for years!!!!!!!!!!! Most gracious love to you and you marvelous family! Thanks for the picture of your family! Love you so! 🙂

  393. Best song: 10,000 reasons
    Best recipe: Chocolate Custard Pie (oh, my)
    Best book: Give Them Grace (Elyse Fitzpatrick)

  394. In a year of many “worsts” coming up with some bests has not been very easy!

    Best cd: Josh Garrels “Love & War & The Sea In Between”

    Best jeans: a jean skirt with a ruffle around the bottom. I waited for months for it to go on sale so I could afford it!

    Best recipe: spaghetti pie. I combine two different recipes for my version. My son and hubby love it!

    Best gadget: I use twist ties to corral electronics cords.

    Best moments: Romantic walks with my husband around the hospital while he was admitted for a bowel perforation/infection and snuggling together in his hospital bed.

    Best gift: My hubby being discharged from the hospital in time for us to make it home for Christmas. My stepmom completing rehab.

    The worsts, while not great, have been bests that i never want to go through again as they have brought me closer to G-d.

    Cheers,
    Kristin

    Best book: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

  395. The best God Gift – Healing.
    My son passed suddenly Aug of 2011. The most devastating event I have ever gone through. This year has been a year of healing for me. God has been so faithful and so patient with me. He has given me gifts through this year that I would never have received otherwise. I miss my son terribly, but I can say with certainty that God is good, all the time.
    There have been many other “bests” this year but this is the best of the best.
    In His Grace – Bev

    • I am so sorry about your son, Bev. You are living proof that when we accept God’s will for our lives, no matter how awful it seems at the time, HE will turn it into a blessing and make beauty from the ashes. May you continue to grow in his grace in 2013.

  396. Best Son Moment: Hugging my 9 year old son during our Christmas Candlelight Service

    Best Daughter Moment: Watching her dance in the Nutcracker

  397. The Best of Everything in 2012 at my house was getting to go part time so I could be a stay at home wife and mom and homeschool my daughter. This has been a beautiful year.

  398. Best book : Tariri – My Story by a former headhunter and Shapra Chief, Oh that I could have faith like that!

    Best Meal : Christmas Dinner. Our operation Christmas Child Boxes went to Goergia last year, so we had a traditional Georgian feast, to learn more about the culture and people of Georgia 🙂

    Best Gift: Bithia Cait, my 4th daughter and 5th baby. Little miss blue-eyes arrived in February, and I can’t imagine life without her, of course 🙂

    Best Music: anything by the Gettys 🙂

    Best Sacrifice: I gave up my Shetland Sheep this year, i miss them, but I’m glad I let them go, my children and hubby needed me more 🙂

  399. The best thing about this year of broken dreams, unfulfilled promises, and unhappy endings is that even though there have been dark times that I have never experienced or expected and even though there were times that I couldn’t hear from God or feel his presence, I learned that everything will be okay because He withholds no good gift from us! Thank you, Ann, for being a bright light in a dark world by sharing the love and light of Christ.

  400. I’m new here – but have plans to be a regular. 🙂 I LOVE listing the bests….trying hard to teach my 4 the joy of praising, even in the little things. The Lord has allowed us the opportunity to learn it through big and little things this year. Thank you so much for encouraging us to bow only to Jesus and remember that everything comes from Him. So it kind of chokes me up that, at the end of this year that I was pretty well convinced would hold a TON of worsts, I have such a huge competition for places on my list of bests. God is way too good to me.

    Best learning/leaning time: When my husband lost his job. He and I swapped places – he stayed home, I worked. I thought the world was falling apart. God taught me grace – so much. God taught our whole family to lean and rely solely on Him – and that He would indeed hold us up (Is. 41:10).

    Best moment of relief: Bringing my little guy home from a stay in the hospital safe and healthy.

    Best song: He Said….listened to that one A LOT this year. “I might let you bend, but I won’t let you break…”

    Best family tradition: Advent…that’s been a long-standing favorite. The memories we share (even the littles crying through the whole thing at night) are precious.

    Best kid’s quote: “Mama, tank you takin care of me.” In the middle of that hospital stay late one night with my 2 year old, he put together words that touched me so deeply. He wasn’t prompted or cued…came straight from his little heart. The Lord knew right when I needed a bit of encouragement, and He sent it.

    Funniest (not really a category, but I have to share) quote by my 4 year old: She’s holding up the angel trying to figure out what the teacher said to do with it…”Okay, so tell me….where do I put the tooth fairy??” 🙂

    Ann, thanks for everything. You are being used to bless so many. I pray God’s richest on you this year – whatever that is, may you and your family lean hard on Jesus. I know you know that’s the best place to be.

  401. So festive…I *love* it!

    My “best practice” of 2012…I decided to commit to walking at Ocean’s edge at sunset each evening, and to see the sunrise as many mornings as my schedule would allow. The feel behind this commitment was to anchor in Light in the morning and evening. Ocean’s edge is where I meet Divine. So, to visit each day, to see the glory of Sunset…the bold colors, the expanse and power of Ocean, breathe in the energy of life…regardless of how the day “went”, or how I “felt”…I learned to show up, as is, tears and laughter and all in between, to be present to Light and Love, with gratitude. When Life changing.

  402. Another precious moment: Selling or giving away number 849 of your books on Christmas Eve to a fine Christian young single farmer who was deeply hurt by a pastor he worked for as his accountant. He had had back pain for two years, and two days after he left his work, the Lord healed his back!!!! He will be so blessed by your devotional book, Ann! He gave me the biggest hug and kiss! 🙂

      • I just love Ann and her books! Carry some with me wherever I go – New Zealand, British Columbia, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, the local stores in Michigan, at restaurants etc. Have sold (at a cheaper rate) 782 books and given away 67 as of today! That is a lot of books – a whole lot of sharing about Jesus and His love and grace. You should see the look on people’s faces when I give them the book! Have gotten many hugs! When I tell them Ann asked me to help choose the cover of the book, they say, “You mean you really know her?!!” Kind of fun!! 🙂 Hope you are not confused any more!

  403. BEST BOOK: Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. I have other bests but since I just have to pick 1!
    BEST SONG: En Vie La Rose by the Foxtail Brigade. Love their music!
    THE BEST GIFT: My Salavation! Every day it is the best gift. Other best gift my wonderful husband all the years God has given me with Him and my children and grandchildren.
    BEST RECIPE

  404. The Best Recipe: Tri Tip Tacos…YUMMY!!!!!! And super easy…

    Add all this into a Crock Pot:
    Tri Tip Roast
    a packet of Italian Seasoning
    a jar of Peperoncinis

    Cook til the meat pulls apart easily with a fork, about 6 hours. Shred it with a fork. Steam or fry corn tortillas. Put some of the meat inside and top with your favorite taco toppings; cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, salsa. And ENJOY!!!!!

  405. Okay, other than reading your book (and sharing it!) and reading your devotions online – which often seem as though you’ve looked inside my head – the best of 2012 was seeing my youngest graduate from high school, having my daughter come home after two years on a Disney cruise ship, and reconnecting with some long-lost friends. One, especially, is a man who is a paraplegic caused from a horseback riding accident. He just celebrated 30 years since the accident. His daughter was my first babysitting job. For years I’ve asked friends how he was (he lives about 900 miles away), but I felt this urging to contact him. I got to see him and visit with him, and now we keep in touch via the computer and one of his aides. It has meant the world to me. That is definitely the best! Of course, there are the daily blessings I get each day: a job, a loving husband and family, a warm (or cool) house, food aplenty… Thanks for reminding me daily how blessed I am!

  406. I have not read a “Best Book” since I read Ann’s book in 2010. I read it twice that year and once last year and I plan to read it again this year. 🙂

  407. One of my new favorite books: The Homemade Pantry

    Oldie but a goodie: Don’t Panic, Dinner’s in the Freezer

    (Two in one since the jeans thing posted twice, sorry!)

  408. BEST BOOK: Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. I have other bests but since I just have to pick 1!
    BEST SONG: En Vie La Rose by the Foxtail Brigade. Love their music!
    THE BEST GIFT: My Salavation! Every day it is the best gift. Other best gift my wonderful husband all the years God has given me with Him and my children and grandchildren.
    BEST RECIPE: Copy Kat recipe Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  409. BEST BOOK: Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin. I have other bests but since I just have to pick 1!
    BEST SONG: En Vie La Rose by the Foxtail Brigade. Love their music!
    THE BEST GIFT: My Salavation! Every day it is the best gift. Other best gift my wonderful husband all the years God has given me with Him and my children and grandchildren.
    BEST RECIPE: Copy Kat recipe Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  410. The book(s) that I couldn’t put down in 2012:
    – How We Love Our Kids, by Milan and Kay Yerkovich
    – Escape from Camp 14, by Blaine Harden (My heart broke hearing his story.)

    The things that have changed me most this year:
    – sponsoring a little boy from Lima from Compassion, and having only his picture and letters on the fridge (also breaks my heart).
    – Listing my gratitude, and minimizing my possessions down to the essential to focus on the most important, as life is too short not to. And putting the breaks on buying things.
    – Eating gluten-free has helped me to feel so much healthier.

  411. How much fun is this!! Thank you for posting this!! I love sharing like this!

    Best Recipe: How MUCH did I make these to survive our piping hot Texas summers?
    http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/01/healthy-starbucks-frappuccinos/

    Best book: I say this with all sincerety because it changed my life and how I view all things….”One Thousand Gifts.” I kept going back to it, and gave away several copies as well.

    Best song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNC3p5du2Y

    Best jeans: Seriously? I’m wearing them as I type. Just bought them yesterday! LOVE! http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=85739&vid=1&pid=480938012
    (Size 6 Short, please?)

    Ideas that worked best: I love the one I made!! http://laurathoughts81.blogspot.com/2011/03/make-up-magnet-board.html

    Risk that returned the best: Saying YES to an amazing friend who offered to pay for my flight to go to Philadelphia to visit with my ill, 96 year old, precious grandmother! Leaving 6 children behind? We lost her (my grandmother) 3 months later. http://brenda-lifeinmyshoes.blogspot.com/search/label/Philadelphia%202012?updated-max=2012-11-09T09:02:00-06:00&max-results=20&start=4&by-date=false

    Best link of 2012: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y

    Best thing I didn’t want to do: Hesitant to take on directing our Christmas drama at church so late in the year…..but whew….amazing relationships forged and our Lord was so honored!

    Best gift: See above’s “best risk.” Getting to spend time with my grandmother who I hadn’t seen in 14 years!! http://brenda-lifeinmyshoes.blogspot.com/2012/08/an-unexpected-giftphiladelphia-series.html

    God’s grace STILL amazes me!!

  412. Best Buy: I found my grandmother’s Desert Rose pattern in a little shop. It was just a cup and saucer but I scooped it up and bought it. It now sits on a shelf in my Living Room bringing back fond memories of times past but always present in my mind and heart.

    • makes me smile…I grew up eating on Desert Rose, but the cups all broke. My brother found a whole set of Desert Rose dishes at an auction and bought it! We loved those dishes!

  413. Ann~I don’t know if you even know how often you inspire, encourage and delight all of us on a daily basis. Even your photographs are pure poetry including the real life ones of laundry, dishes and piles waiting for attention from a mom already pulled in too many directions. Keep being the Ann that God created you to be. It’s that Ann that we all see God in. Thank you for being real! Much love from a fellow Proverbs 31 wanna be! 🙂

  414. The Best Lesson Learned regarding Parenting my Children: Came in the form of a book called, “Parenting; A House United” by Nicholeen Peck. It has changed our home FOREVER!!!!

  415. Best gift: being able to stay at home with my kiddos and God blessing me with another baby boy to be born May 2013.

  416. It is difficult to narrow “the best” down. One of the best things for me has been an improvement in my hearing the Lord. This has been a battle for me to slow down and listen. Or, to ask Him before I make commitments, etc. I had grown weary of going out on my own and *then* asking Him to help me deal with the results of my poor decisions 😛 Certainly, I haven’t “arrived” (by any stretch!) but I feel that I began to really and truly focus on listening this year. It is a beginning!

  417. Best recipe…”Holy Experience Bread”, I put it in my recipe book that way, the no fail bread, been giving it away for Christmas gifts….not only the hand mixed baked bread but all the good word-bread you have shared this year Ann, such nourishment for the soul! Sally Clarkson’s “I Take Joy” has also added wonderful nourishment and encouragement! Kari Jobe’s acoustic sessions….”We Are The Light”, reading the Little Women series out loud and finding an old copy of Joe’s Boys….such laughter for this mom of 4 boys! The hard refining fire that teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances…it’s been ever so hard but He has been ever so faithful!

  418. Best holiday drink…pear nector and ginger ale! We drink it only on Christmas.
    Beautiful and refreshing! 1 to 1 ratio.

  419. Hello! This is my first time posting here, and I am going to try and come up with my list. It’s good to think about these things, but harder than it seems to try and narrow it down.

    The best risk we took was buying our house and moving with a three week old. We had to move, our place was being sold. We have been blessed with so so many people coming through our home. Family, friends, my brother away with YWAM for 3 years back to live with us, his friends from New Zealand, Tennesse, Norway, England and soon Holland. And our kids love it.

    The best habit was counting gifts. My husband has joined me.

    The best sacrifice has been all the things I hold so tightly to, that my children need more than I. My time, my food, my hope and joy.

    The best tool is my new Bosch mixer… much better for cookies and cakes and treats for home.

    My best gifts are my kids. The best songs have been ones sung with them, Raffi with my two year old at Christmas. Jesus Culture, Jon Thurlow, and some county music in there too. I can’t pick just one!

    The best idea for a busy mama and household, when I felt like I might sink was http://www.dashingdishes.com/calgary/ The best gift I gave myself was realizing I didn’t have to be everything and do everything!

    The best holiday was Christmas, in our new home, with family.

  420. One of the best this year was “1,000 Gifts.” It was the stocking gift for the ladies in my family. The stocking gift for the men was, “Why Men Need God,” by Mike Erre. Best habit carried over: relinquishing my grasping hold everyday and asking the Father to lead. It is a manna thing. A daily must. Best recipe: Chocolate Peanut clusters…easy. Best accomplishment: writing two books this year, one for each of my 13-year-old grandsons. Best memory: rafting down the Truckee River. 2012 was the best year in a long time! (2008-2011 were grace builders.)

  421. How fun to stop by and participate in this sharing spot! I’ll stop my after Christmas cleaning and weigh in for the 2012 Best Ofs:
    Best Book:
    Daring Greatly by Brene Brown….life changing

    Best Audiobook:
    The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien …. listened to with my 11 year old daughter :}

    Best HARD SCARY Thing:
    Starting to write at TheStoryPlaceblog.wordpress.com

    Best Bucket List Vacation:
    Florence Italy with my studying abroad college girl

    Best Number:
    #4218 gifts listed as of today! Thanks Ann, for the 3 year old spiritual discipline that has become my daily habit and led me to this amazing number.

    Best Christmas Devotional:
    Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent by Richard Rohr

    Best Boots:
    Gray Leather boots from Clarks….clearance find and wear them constantly.

  422. The best link of 2012 — A Holy Experience. Thanks for the reminders to take life slow, to breathe, to seek God in the every day things.
    Best risk — teaching EFL when I don’t consider myself a teacher. But what a blessing to follow when God nudges you to do something you never would have pursued otherwise!

  423. The best gift and event was when my husband and I went to Gatlinburg, alone for 28th anniversary, without our 5 yr old. And the next day, my husband surprised me, he can keep secrets and for 5 months planned to renew our vows, down there, set it up, and brought all of our kids and their spouses and grandkids to be with us. Then because our kids had never been, we got to share it with them.

  424. The best book I’ve read this year by FAR is Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis. At first, I was all excited about getting started in a foreign country. But then, God opened my eyes to the needy right in my backyard of Northern Minnesota. Yes, even here, there are people hungry for love and attention, care and help. So, not that I won’t keep the rest of the world in my prayers and future plans, I’m going to work right here and now with the people God has surrounded me with now.

  425. Oh my, what a question! The year has sped by and I am not sure about the best of my year! This question will cause me to ponder. A year and a half ago, The Great Provider provided me with a full-time job (after many, many beloved years as a stay-at-home mama) so we can provide for our eldest college education. I work at our public library, in the children’s area, so I read books constantly and yet am always behind. One of my favorite juvenille books was Love, Aubrey. A chapter book about loss and love and responsibility. I am grateful for counting blessings. I can’t wait to start 2013 and keep counting.

  426. Best of everything hearing my 7yo neice read the Christmas story from luke with only a bit of help from grandpap.
    Best concert transiberian orchestra Christmas

  427. Hello all! I would like to add my bests to the pot today…..

    Best Recipe: Gluten Free Taco Pizza

    Best Book: Max Lucado’s GRACE, hands down.

    Best Habit: The Eucharisteo List for sure.

    Best Test: Walking through heart surgery with my 13 year old son this last Feb. The beauty of the Lord’s tangible arms carrying us all through that time was priceless.

    Best Realization: That the Father is pleased when I focus on the good, on His good, and when I will myself to refocus onto the blessings in my life I see Him more clearly. Everywhere.

    Best Gift: Clarity.

    Blessings on you all these last few days of 2012, and HUGE blessings on you all every moment of 2013!

    Grace and Peace 🙂

  428. Hi everyone!

    Great idea, Ann! I love thinking about the good things that 2012 has offered to me and to others. Here we go:

    1. Best Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft’s jeans – they fit comfortably and stylishly over my “extended” hips (:->);
    2. Best Gift: My hubby! When he is not travelling for work, he makes my coffee for me each morning!
    3. Best Book: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cann. I could not put that book down!!
    4. Best Recipe: My Black Bean and Beef Chili! Just made a big pot last night!

    Ann, I hope to hear you at a conference in 2013, but, until then, I will continue reading your blog and loving your book!!

    Blessings,
    Lara Sadowski <

  429. The birth of my second grandson in June and sixth grandchild. His folks are at our house because they have no power from the ice and snow storm. Just was rocking him to sleep and singing “jesus Loves Me”. When I would quit he would start grunting so I would start again!! Loved doing the encores!!….

  430. THE BEST SONG: REDEEMED BY BIG DADDY WEAVE
    BEST ALBUM: CHRISTA WELLS/NICOLE WITT – IMAGE OF GOD
    BEST HABIT: ITS A TOSS UP BETWEEN MY HELLOMORNINGS HABIT AND THE JOY DARE!
    BEST RECIPE: JANELLE @COMFYINTHEKITCHEN’S PUMPKIN TRIFLE
    BEST JEANS-COLDWATER CREEK DENIM TROUSERS
    BEST GIFT: LEARNING TO PRACTICE COUNTING THE GIFTS..

  431. Best of. This year was hard. Lessons learned, trials faced, battles fought, victories won. Tears were cried, loniless creeping at every corner, trgedy upon tragedy (though not my own and only watched from a distance). It was a year of stretching, of learning to listen and seek, learning what to stand on and what to step over.

    The best of is that through it, I am closer to my God. I am closer to my husband, I see the strength and goodness of my children. I have a direction to aim towards. In searching, I have found your book, and your blog and both have brought such peace. When I read the blog, the crazy stops for those minutes. The peace settles. I keep reading back and back in time. So thankful. I needed all of those words you wrote.

    • Oh, those precious moments when the crazy stops! I love them, too. I often wondered if Ann might just be spying on me, her words were so perfect for that moment.

  432. The greatest risk was speaking at our church’s women’s conference. I realized that reaching for my dreams of writing and speaking are a lot scarier taking them off the shelf than they are to just leave them out there as a someday. It was amazing to speak to a group of 50 women about what God has taught me about friendship!

  433. There was one book that I am treasuring and reading intermittently: The Journals of Jim Elliot. I am on about 856 of the counting gifts journal I made last January with your pretty graphics, but I also keep a separate list on my blog which is a few hundred in as well!

  434. Best recipe discovery of 2012 – Roasted asparagus and brussel sprouts
    Gotta go with 10,000 Reasons as the song I would find myself singing the most
    The habit we hope to continue is gathering together daily as a family for a time of devotions. We were able to make nearly every day of your Jesse Tree advent devotional. We’re wondering what devotional we could do next to keep us meeting together as a family once a day again.
    Best book – didn’t do a lot of reading this year, but yours was one that I did manage to start and finish. It is definitely the one that I have recommended the most this year.
    Best gift – my husband threw me a couples’ dance for my 11th birthday! (I’m a leap year baby) It was an amazing time!

  435. Best Experience/Risk/Thing I didn’t really want to do – Climbing down 3 vertical ladders dripping wet with leaking rain, with only a flashlight and my husband’s voice to guide me. Ann, as I moved one step at a time I thanked God for this hard thing, this descending into a pit, and I’m so glad I did. I was able to stand with my husband on the very spot where he experienced unspeakable horror and tragedy 23 years ago(My husband was serving aboard USS Iowa when an explosion claimed the lives of 47 sailors. My husband’s job that day was manning the pump that was removing all the water from the turret.) I heard him whisper that the emotional “no-trespassing” signs were down. Standing in the dark with the tears flowing, I felt like Joshua at Jericho. I knew God could tear down those walls, but to actually experience it after 20 long years? Priceless.

    An added bonus? Sharing this story over at The High Calling and having two wonderful ladies tell me that they were blessed by it. And watching my husband chase a dream. He’s now working for the non-profit that has opened USS Iowa as a museum.

    Best Recipe – Turtle Cheesecake Fudge (dangerously easy to make)

    Sorry, can’t help with the jeans. 4 months pregnant with a surprise blessing (#5). The Gloria Vanderbilt jeans I found for a $1 at the thrift store are just a little too snug right now. 🙂

  436. my best of everything is that i am restoring relationships on even ground. no longing doing al the work and waiting for approval!

  437. My best this year: Was being able to wave goodbye to my daughter, her husband, and my three grandbabies and not cry, boohoo or throw myself down on the floor kicking and screaming; as they left to move six hours north of here. You see, I have had to say goodbye to her in some very difficult situations. Times that emptied me of tears and hope. Times that shattered our family and left us wondering just how we would make it through that day. But this time was different. We have all prayed and believed “that He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion”. Yes, we learned to leave all the “stuff” at the cross. We have talked, hugged and loved on each other through the years and given God the glory for healing, restoration and the renewal of family in Him. So, as I hugged and kissed and blessed this dear family, I was reminded of God’s grace, providence and promises of good for each of us – and know that the same God who loves us here and now – is there and present with them.

  438. The best habit was turning to God instead of desserts for comfort in 2012. Inspired by Lysa Terkeurst’s Made to Crave and Bible verses God used to penetrate my heart on the topic, I’m hopeful that I will continue to turn to Him instead of desserts when I reintroduce them into my world January 1st. He truly is more satisfying than the richest feast!

  439. my best of everything is that i am on God’s timing even while HE shows me some plans, i must wait on HIM to give me the right time and direction!

  440. The best this year was the smell of two new grandboys as they began life in this world. The newness of them holds such challenge, such adventure…and fear, but trust that the things of the Lord we whispered to their parents when they were new, have taken seed and are being whispered again. God has blessed us with such wonderful children and children in law, and it is a joy to see them carrying on his work in their children (another babe due in March). As I held them for the first time, I buried my nose in their sweet necks and prayed long for their future. So tiny, but so much potential to do mighty things for God!

  441. I ALMOST GAVE UP BECAUSE IT TOOK SO LONG TO SCROLL THRU ALL THE OTHER COMMENTS! PLUS I GOT UP WITH A HEADACHE AND STIFF NECK, SO IT IS HARD TO THINK POSITIVE! ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THIS PAST YEAR IS THAT AFTER 10 AND ONE
    YEARS OF MARRIAGE, I HAVE FINALLY BEEN ABLE TO REALLY OPEN UP TO MY HUSBAND AND HE IS STARTING TO OPEN UP WITH ME! ALSO, THIS SUMMER I WAS DIAGNOSED
    WITH ADD, AND ALTHOUGH THE SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT, I THINK IT HAS
    HELPED ME TO NOT HAVE RACING THOUGHTS OR GET DISTRACTED SO EASILY. I JUST
    THINK THAT IT is hilarious that it TOOK 63 YEARS TO FIGURE THIS OUT!!

  442. The best thing about 2012 for me was that no matter how difficult it was for me (and believe me, a lot of this past year was) God was always with me…each and everyday, holding my hand, walking me through to tomorrow.

  443. The best habit I’ve formed this year is working out at least 5 if not 6 days a week. It is hard to keep up with this. However, as with all disciplines that I’ve developed through the Lord, there is tremendous blessing that flows from them. My husband and i would get into TERRIBLE fights every month, about that time. And now, we don’t even know my PMS is happening. Me taking responsibility for my health and improved the health of my marriage and my family.

  444. My best gift this year was my life. I was admitted to the hospital on June 15 with extremely high blood pressure; 240/220. I found out a kidney disease that I had 25 years ago was out of remission. But God gives greater gifts to us than money can buy. I am in remission now and thankful for the gift of life.
    My next gift was one of worship. I attended Gathering of Artisans Worship Conference in late September and discovered that God has called me to be a part of worship using my painting skills that gave to me. It is just so awesome.
    The best book besides the Bible which has no equal would be The Harbinger. It was difficult to read but I made I completed it and with a better understanding of some significant things even though it is fiction.

  445. The best risk was helping a bunch of kids make a video. After reading your post about Haiti, Ann, where you said : “It’s by and large where you are born.” What would your life look like if you were born onto the heaving streets of Port Au Prince instead of all that clean air somewhere west of Central Park?” , it made me think. (The book “Hole in Our Gospel” and “Radical” also played a part in prompting the video. )So we got all the neighborhood kids together and we made this: A Radical Change http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyJiovudEIY.

  446. 1. Best Recipe – Just about anything by Pioneer Woman! But our favorite this year were the potato skins – http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/06/potato-skins/

    2. Best book – 1,000 gifts – just started it on Christmas Eve. I was really struggling to find joy this season after the tragedy in Connecticut, a friend who went home to Jesus much earlier than expected, and another who suffered a heart attack. But reading through Ann’s book and taking the time to search for, count and record gifts has turned my perspective completely around – toward my Lord and Savior, who is good, all the time! My mother’s birthday is the first week of January and I can’t wait to share this book with her. Also, when we start back to homeschooling next week, the Joy Dare will be the subject of our journaling for the remainder of the year.
    3. Best song – 10,000 Reasons definitely, and also You Reign, a song we sang during our Christmas program this year.
    4. Best jeans – haven’t found them yet 🙁
    5. Best idea – Once a month cooking! I started it in August when I was planning to take an extended trip out of town and my husband would be fending for himself. We didn’t end up taking the trip but absolutely loved having various dishes ready each day for the fixing with little prep time necessary! Now I do it at the start of each month and my daughters love helping me!
    6. The Risk – taking the Joy Dare – ’nuff said
    7. Best Link: Time-warp Wife, she always inspires me. http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/
    8. Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: Accepted God’s timing is not my timing.
    9. Best habit – meeting every 1-2 weeks with a very special prayer partner and spending and our or two seeking God and praying on behalf of others. She has taught me to seek God’s guidance in what, how and for whom to pray.
    10. Best Holiday: Christmas, though it didn’t start out that way.
    11. Best Gift: The homemade ones from my daughters.
    12. Best Sacrifice: My will for God’s will, specifically in the area of timing.
    13. Best Laugh: Usually occurs in the kitchen, or in the car, when my very witty daughters often have me in stitches!
    14: Best Pleasure: The arms of my husband who comforts me, keeps me safe and loves me anyway!

  447. I made prime rib for the first time and it was delicious.
    Kisses from Kate was a great book.
    Following God’s lead to the mission field in Brazil, then Alaska and then back home to Maine to serve as their first full time missionary at a Christian camp. All in one year with a great Husband and all with the support of our grown children. It has been a truly amazing year.

  448. Best Books: Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick
    Soul Talk Self talk and Unglued
    I have a hard time with negative chatter, trying to take every thought captive! 1000 Gifts has really helped with those thoughts too!
    I have four young kids at home (6,5,3 and 1) and started to homeschool last year. This year has been wonderful and hard. My husband is finishing his doctorate! Very busy at our house!!
    Kara

  449. Oh – the best, best, best – do I have to choose?
    Best jeans are the ones I wore for our family photo! Making me look leggy (ok, I’m wearing wedge heels) and slim (hidden panels – shhh!). Maybe I’m vain?
    Best gift given this Christmas was a family calander to my parents. Who knew it would bring so much joy my mum carried it around in her arms for TWO days?
    Also the gift of presence – in a very smoky home to a woman paralized from a stroke. Could God deliver hope with a hot meal? Does the Holy Spirit accompany us wherever we go? Can He speak when we have not the right words?
    Best Christmas morning with my new grandbaby! And all our children and our parents visiting!
    A not-life-altering best – Cover Girl lipstain. A marker for my lips. Too easy.

  450. BEST SACRIFICE – My husband’s willingness to act in a play I wrote and produced as we were short on actors. His countless hours at rehearsals, gathering props, and support and hugs as I cried through the stress of seeing the project birthed.
    BEST UNEXPECTED MOMENT- Hearing Laughter throughout the play, arms around loved ones and knowing glances (it was a clean comedy about the dating scene – “S.A.D.D.: Singles Against Dysfunctional Dating” – a “twelve step program” for chronic daters).
    BEST MOMENT WITH GOD – seeing a rainbow on the way to work one morning after asking God why He doesn’t send signs anymore the night before.
    BEST HABIT – Thanking God on the spot.
    BEST BREAD – the Dutch oven No-Knead Bread – Fantastic to enjoy or give.
    BEST BLESSING – Feeling 100% recovered and enjoying life to the fullest after an extensive surgery! PRAISE THE LORD for my health and LOVE the LIFE HE LAVISHES on me!

  451. 🙂 best jeans–the only pair i have left (but why can’t i find time to shop for another pair? these are leftover from when i was pregnant… and my son is almost 3!) 😉

    best book–not sure, but i always return to Amy Carmichael’s Edges of His Ways for encouragement and reflection. Daily Light is another favorite.

    recipe? love my wycliffe cookbook and also “chuckwagon stew” (with chili and cinnamon), and beef stroganoff…

    that’s all for now. thanks anne–i’ve really appreciated your writing and hope to send your book to some special people soon! 🙂

  452. The best moment…giving my stillborn back to Jesus. He deserved the blessing of that child more than anyone!

  453. The best movie by far was Lincoln and I cannot wait to see it again. What a personality! The best book was Gone Girl, I could not put it down.

  454. Being introduced to the book, The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Soule. Ways to slow down and great creative things to do with your children.

  455. Ann, I have to admit I’m a bit of a stalker (but a good one!), but today I just have to com out and say that your book, your blog, and everything I’ve learned about life through those things have been the absolute best things in my year, and rank very highly on the best in my life.

    THANK YOU with all my heart for sharing so much! I only hope that one day I can be filled with as much grace as you.

    I am so blessed to have stumbled across your blog this past summer. It has richly blessed my life in so many ways!

    With love,
    A devoted reader from Southern Alberta 🙂

  456. Best…
    …recipe — was the Starbucks gingerbread cookies snapped off the web — turned out just like they said, just don’t bake them too long so they stay soft!
    http://www.food.com/recipe/starbucks-ginger-molasses-cookies-214066

    …jeans — the cookies are really good, and so is a lot of other food 🙁 so any jeans that fit are good for me — and they can be cheap — Costco is good!

    …photo — I watched the “professionals” take pictures in the park, then line my camera up just like they do and voila!! its magic how mine look so good! The one with raindrops on a pink dahlia just bursting to open is especially good

    … sunset — its hard to compare — God’s movie show changes every night, and each is better than the last. The one over Lake Ontario July 1st weekend was memorable

    … new flavour for this year — fresh nutmeg — ground from the bean — on hot milk, or anything really!

    …devotional memories — 5 minutes with Anne at 2pm every day — my pause from work to let God work a miracle

    There’s lots of other good things, but that’s a good start — to keep me being thankful!!

  457. The best: Our God reigns!!
    Best Song: Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer Margaret Becker New Irish Hymns
    Best Books: When You Don’t Desire God, John Piper; The Contemplative Pastor, Eugene Peterson; One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp; Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman; GoGo Mama, Sally Sara; Dare to Journey, Charles Ringma and last but not least the never fail God’s Word!!
    Best Journey: A surprise 25th wedding anniversary trip to Kakadu National Park then from Darwin to Adelaide on the Ghan platinum class. All the while enjoying more of God’s incredible creation! The precious doctor husband who surprised me has since shown he is the
    Best Miracle: working fulltime, preaching, giving Godly leadership, quietly contemplative, leading a home group, pleading for a non Christian family, loving all with what specialists have recently described as ‘a highly abnormal cerebral circulatory system’ which has 60% blockages or part blockage!! Oh the joy of knowing His Ways, surrendering to Hm and trusting Him!
    Best Witness: Seeing women in my Thursday growth group lean on Him more, be victorious in battles with illness, chronic pain and loss, flourish through studying Emily Freeman’s Grace for the Good Girl…oh how marvellous are His works
    Best experiences: all of the above + wildlife in my garden – birds, goanna, deer, bandicoots
    Best Recipe: Chorizo & Avocado Salsa … loved by our Friday evening discussion group – the one that shares the best quotes, questions, reads, sermon challenges
    The best little person: 13 month old Mason who brings me to my knees to see the world through humble eyes – curiosity, teetering balance, laughter, hugs, wonderment
    The best parties: family reunions from over the world converging in our home over this Advent and Christmas time – hilarity, worship, a baptism, good food, loving embrace bound by Him…now they go back to South Africa, Utah, Mt. Isa….
    The Best technology: Skype keeping family in all these places and more connected
    The Best ( and hardest) Emails: from our brothers and sisters in the Congo keeping us in prayerful watch as the endure oppression, violence and suffering yet remain focussed on Him
    The Best blog : Yours Ann… you have awakened desire to write; to see with new eyes; to shout eucharisteo from the roof tops; to love my neighbour with greater conviction and courage
    The Best mail received: Caleb’s Advent to Lent Wreath on Christmas Eve….
    Oh, I could go on and on….how privileged am I! How much He has bestowed for me to give away…that is the best job I have…to give, to share of all that He has given!!

  458. The best gift I was just given for Christmas: I get to go see Ann Voskamp at the Set Apart conference in March! All the way from Alaska 🙂 If you see this Ann, if I bring your book, will you sign it for me? And I’d love to chat photography for a moment with you too!

  459. Best book I read this year was One Thousand Gifts. I couldnt put it down and cried all the way through it. It was like I woke up to the most wonderful life and realized the glory is right here. I finally(and everyone around me sighs ‘FINALLY!’) let go of the fact that I cant be a runner anymore because of a back injury, and.so.I.stopped.running…in so many ways, and started focusing on my family
    2 more lifechanging books ‘Crazy love’ by Francis Chan and ‘Dont waste your life’ by John Piper.
    Best risk we took as a family this year was letting go of past hurts and opening up our hearts again to church family- and oh boy what a surprise when God just loved us right back into His family through these people. Praise be to HIM.

  460. Oh and how could I forget the book “Ruthless Trust” by Brennan Manning. I read that slowly to soak in, just as I did with One Thousand Gifts. I gave both of these books away. Ruthless trust in God every day because I can see the many personal, genuine, and good gifts He gives to me every day. I feel a connection with the Lord that I can’t explain anymore, a deeper friendship. Thank you, Ann. I wish you the very best 2013. Also, you have a lovely family! And I love the pictures of the piglets on your blog!

  461. So much fun reading all the comments!
    Best Book: An Altar in the World
    Best Recipe: Cheeseburger Salad from The PW and Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork-great crock pot recipe…amazing!
    Best candle find: Natures Wick…crackles…I found it at Target…score!
    Best Games- Farkle and Bubble Talk
    Best for skin-Trader Joe’s Lavender Sea Salt Scrub
    Best journal-Moleskines
    Best Fiction-The Night Circus
    Best Guilty Pleasure=Lindor’s Peppermint Bark
    Best way to counteract Guilty Pleasure-Wii Zumba
    Best Winter Skin Care Help=Burt’s Bee Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with Orange Oil
    Best Tea-Peet’s Earl Grey with Lavender

  462. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    That would have to be my mother’s peanut butter fudge. I’m recovering from a crazy childbirth/surgery (more about that below) so I wasn’t well enough to make it for us, but she made it for me!

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    Do you mean the book that CHANGED my life?? If so, that’s “One Thousand Gifts”. It has changed EVERYTHING for me. I discovered it in January-ish and began to practice the discipline of counting gifts. It had become a way of life by the time I went through (and am going through) the hardest season. There are not thanks enough for Ann and what her book did for me.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    “Your Love Never Fails” by Jesus Culture

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    My Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans…I have them in many sizes! 😉

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best?
    Love my 50mm lens for my camera. It has been so much fun to get to know!

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)
    The choice to live thankful. I call it a risk because it’s a vulnerable place…changing your life, surrendering old habits that feel like comfy old sweaters, giving up the right to grouch and choosing instead the joy of being grateful. It’s been a life changing year.

    The best link of 2102?
    I have loved writing on my blog. http://www.joel2twentyfive.com. I don’t want to say it’s “the best” for eveyrone, but the journey has been “the best” for me.

    The best laugh?
    Any evening spent with my crazy oldest two. They are 20 and 17 and moving away from being my little girls and more into being my cherished friends. I love their humor, love their puns, love their crazy beautiful hearts.

    The best living?
    Just regular old everyday with my husband and these crazy kids. I love our messy, disorganized, loud, chaotic life.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.) Praying for and loving enemies. So hard, when you want life to be fair and you want what’s “fair”. I chose to do it at first as an act of grudging obedience which become an act of loving worship and is now just part of the day to day. It was hard, as obedience is, but worthwhile.

    The best holiday? Thanksgiving…because I was alive. Long story short, baby number six came at twenty nine weeks after a dangerous and complicated pregnancy. (Her twin did not make it past twelve weeks.) I came as close to death as you can get during my c-section/hysterectomy. I needed 30 units of blood and the prayers of hundreds of saints to bring me back. The surgery began Nov. 18 at 10pm and I woke up again on Nov. 19 at 1:00pm. Thanksgiving was a few days later and though I spent it in the hospital, I was one thankful mama because my daughter and I were alive and she was doing better than a 29 weeker should’ve been.

    The best gift?
    My favorite gift of the year was this beautiful thing my husband made me. (He got the idea from Pinterest!) He found a piece of old wood behind the monastery where my old church used to meet. He added five different vintage knobs to it, all in a row. Now I have a gorgeous thing to hang my necklaces on.

    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…)
    Part of living thankful meant giving more. We wanted to be part of other people’s gratitude journey, to be used by Him. We started supporting an orphanage in India that has very little support. Giving sacrificially…yes, they are grateful but so are we. Helping support them has blessed our lives tremendously. Do you know that 54 orphans and 19 widows and the family that runs the orphanage were praying for me and my sweet baby as we went through our ordeal!

    So… what was the Best of Everything 2012?
    The best loves? My six kids and my sweet husband
    The best family? Mine for sure, parents, sister and brother in law, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, one grandma, in laws and friends that feel like family.
    The best…I don’t even know what to call it. But let me tell you about how the community around us- our church, our friends, our family- rallied when I went into the hospital at 28 weeks and didn’t come out until early December. How they continued to rally as I fought for life and as I came home and as we traveled an hour both ways to visit our baby in the nice and as we tried to get life back to normal again. Our people and their people (because many who helped are people we don’t know) bought my family groceries, provided us with gas cards and gift cards and cash, they did our yard work and cleaned our house, they bought us millions of Christmas presents and brought them over wrapped (I told these kids not to expect so lavish a Christmas again! Our cups were all shaken together and running over and over and over.), they prayed and they are praying, they called, sent cards, visited, drove me to the doctor, and we are just in a sea of generosity and the love of Christ. This is the church, loving us, praying for us and serving us. Humbled, awestruck, blessed.
    The best life? A life of gratitude lived for Jesus. Loving well and loving big.

    Big thank you to you, Ann. You may never know how your book set my heart free and taught me to live full and grateful. Thank you for laying your heart bare and vulnerable for the greater good.

  463. Best moment of 2012: Walking down the aisle for the first time ever at age 34 to marry a man beyond my dreams… We are SOOOOOO blessed, so privileged, so delighted… Thank-You, Lord!!!

  464. The best risk I took was diving into getting my Certification for Level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It’s an enormous time commitment, I liken it to getting your MAsters, but the payoff is extraordinary! I completed Level I last summer, then jumped into Level II this past fall. My husband is completely on board and so incredibly supportive. The best part is that I hve the honor of working with these sweet and wonderful children and give them time and some tools to ponder, wonder and work on their relationship with God. It’s so incredibly amazing and can’t beleive He chose me to do it!

  465. Favorite recipe: Paula Dean’s overnight French Toast – can’t make it again or I will never fit into my clothes!

    Favorite Book – The choices are numerous – What’s so spiritual about your gifts? for this year, as it helped me with that elusive question about the Gifts of the Spirit…

    Best jeans… still looking… probably would help if I stopped eating things like Paula Dean’s french toast!

    Best out of my comfort zone step: starting a faith sisters group of lovely ladies to walk along with…

  466. Best song: Fall Afresh by Jeremy Riddle
    Best book: Circle Maker has really stirred my heart!
    Best Movie/TV: Hart of Dixie or Downton Abbey S2
    Easiest Family Meal: Trader Joes tomato soup and grilled cheese with baked kale chips!

  467. Ann,
    Best book: “The Reason” by William Sirls
    Best recipe: Neighborhood Bean Soup
    Best song: You Never Let Go
    Best new habit: reminding myself everyday of all the things I have to be thankful for. Since reading your book, I give thanks for all things in my life including the bad which in the end usually make me stronger. Thank you God, for people like Ann who help us to have life changing experiences.

  468. Best Book(s): 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp / Past Forward by Chautona Havig / the ones my Senior homeschoolers are writing but haven’t finished yet…..

    Best Craft: Sharpie Tie Dye! 100% cotton fabric + permanent ink designs + 70% alcohol dripped on = AWESOME art!

    Best Save: The scrap blueprint paper I’d put under my 4-H group’s Sharpie Art projects. We had the most amazing gift-wrapped packages this Christmas, using the paper that soaked up the ink that ran!

  469. Best Sacrifice 2012 🙂 This is a tough one…sometimes I view myself just a tad on the selfish side…but this was THE year…my husbands year, when my Soldier, at 50 years old, with two deployments under his belt already was presented the opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity he had prayed about for FOUR YEARS! An opportunity a half a world away that may go into next year, and the next, and then the next…but the decision was mine, he wouldn’t go where he felt God had called him to go if I told him he couldn’t go. How could I keep him here with me? How could I do that to him? Where would the blessing be in that? Many people don’t understand the sacrifice, and that is ok. My soldier gets it, appreciates it, and the appreciation spills over into our love and our relationship. Our children totally get it, and I guess that is all that matters. Recently a dear friend told me of another Soldier family that she knows well. She said this Soldier Husband also felt called, and his wife said “No way”…my friend explained how it pains her to see this man because she can just tell something is missing. He goes to his job every single day, the job he didn’t really want, and tries to be grateful for it, but she says she can tell he would have been more grateful for a sacrifice…and I get that. I don’t often make the greatest decisions, but if I am in prayer and making sacrificing a priority, I can hardly go wrong 🙂

  470. a favorite (of many 🙂 bests this year…. giving our children a “d”

    my I do and i planned for four little ones. God blessed us with two, both born in february. we named the first with an “a” and the second with a “b”. though not intentional, it quickly became a joke that we’d work our way through the alphabet. and. then. there. were. no. more.

    along the way we sponsored a little boy, whose name happens to start with a “c” (and yes, he too was born in February 🙂
    a few weeks ago in family christian bookstore we walked to the checkout and there was a little girl whose name began “d” and she was born, yes, in February! the kids were so excited. BUT. i could not make the commitment without speaking with their daddy, and he was not available – so we had to leave her there }:

    Christmas morning on the tree was a small package addressed to a & b…. yes, “d” was there!!
    ~ ~ ~

    it’s not as we planned. nonetheless, He has gifted us four. two girls and two boys. all born in february. oh how He loves!

  471. I believe the habit of practicing EUCHARISTEO is the best habit of 2012! I am planning to write out 1000 Gifts with my husband and son in 2013!

  472. Book: “The Scarlet Cord, Conversations With God’s Chosen Women” by Freeman and Canton gives your mind delightful journeys with these women.

    Music, “this is Christmas” Katherine Jenkins. The first one, ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel is just the best!

    Love this Blog!!,

  473. So much to thank God for! 3 best books can’t choose one! Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis, undaunted by Christine Cane and of course 1000 gifts, I feel that each of these books changed me a little and brought me closer to who God intends for me to be. The best thing about 2012 is that I have renewed hope. That God could use even this imperfect vessel , that He chose me and loves me, takes my breath away.

  474. Wow, so much fun reading the responses of the ladies. I would like to thank you for the blogs that have inspired and blessed me this past year. My best that I want to share is the gift of an adopted grandson. My oldest daughter and her husband presented the idea in the spring and everything started falling into place. They went to Ukraine just after Thanksgiving and as God moved obstacles out of the way in amazing ways, they returned home with 1 year old Aleck just 3 days before Christmas. What an amazing experience to receive the gift of a new grandson. My daughter wrote their story and experiences in daily blogs and it felt like we were there with them. The reality of how one little boy’s life has been changed as the result of their radical obedience has rocked our world. Plus I had an amazing month of December keeping the two older grands while their parents made the trip.
    Best music for me this year has been Kari Jobe. Her album “Where I Find You” has touched my heart with the reality of the Father’s love over and over.
    May 2013 be richly blessed for your family, dear friend.

  475. Best Habit: Starting to read a Psalm before every meal with my husband.

    Also, I put the pictures of our Compassion kids in a vase on the kitchen table so we would remember to pray for them at meal times…this has been a great way to think about them and incorporate them into our every day life!

  476. The best of 2012… walking down the aisle to marry my best friend, and becoming a stepmom to three amazing children. Coming from someone who cant have children, this was one of the greatest gifts I could receive.

    Best Book…. One thousand gifts.. this book has transformed me into being thankful even through teh rough stuff.

  477. Best decision and risk and blessing…..bringing our son home from Bulgaria! Home 2 months now!
    Best books: One Thousand Gifts–I have given so many away to precious friends, and Kisses From Katie (Katie Davis).
    Best blogs I started following: Ann’s–love it and inspired and blessed by it. And aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com. If you don’t know or follow Linny Saunders and her family, then you should! 🙂
    Best recipes: just started making all my own bread and mixes…truly life changing for this familiy.
    Best changes for family: using essential oils, making more foods from scratch, switching to Almond Milk and starting on probiotics. Big changes for us in just one year!
    I am sure there are many more bests from this incredible 2012. I’ll ponder them and I will enjoy pouring over all these that have been shared. Thank you!

  478. The best thing that has happened to me in 2012 is the quiet but continual whisper I’ve heard that has nudged me back to God after years of distance and indifference. I am blessed.

  479. The best gadget Amish Wisc just given to me by a terrific son in law
    Flew to Calif by myself to visit my Mom I will be going again in just one week to help her during her surgery,
    Work in the Butcher shop
    Reading my Bible
    Christmas many Blessings several of our 11 children were here and their hearts are looking once again to the Love of Jesus,
    Letting my husband do all the leading simply waiting upon Him and being at Peace
    Our Church Family the Love that Keeps on Giving!
    My Mom Sent me my favorite lipstick for my stocking “A Different Grape”, it has a perfect name and i really like the way it looks on me.

  480. This year, i got engaged, had a 37mm golf ball sized tumour (not cancerous thank you GOD!) removed and my right thyroid lobe, read lots of christian fiction, got married to my lovely partner Tim on the 12/12/2012! at 12:12pm! Then his lovely parents blessed us with a honeymoon to Tonga to Fafa Island! I’ve never been on a plane before , let alone, left the country. When we touched done and got out of the plane in Tonga, i was hit with the smell of a different way of living, the woodsmoke of Umu fires cooking, the smell of a different plantation. Being in the water in Tonga was so pristine and pure. I felt like God said to me, your tiny faith is just enough to be blessed by all this, girl, how much more faith can you increase, to discover more of what i have for you. When can you start believing ?? That much more?
    2012 , have been a mixed year, but i have certainly felt like i have been in the Refiner’s fire, moulding to a more christlike way, but there is a lot more to mould and bend. 🙂

    Helensville, North Auckland, New Zealand 🙂

  481. White Chicken Chili
    One Thousands Gifts I wonderful book that has changed my life as I witness the changes that gratitude has made in my heart and how it pleases my Father.
    I Will Rise (Beneath the Waters) Hill Song Heard it while seeing Ann in Kansas City
    Maurice s Jeans

  482. Best food-our turducken for Christmas!!!!boned turkey with a duck inside and a chicken inside duck with wild rice and pecans inside each layer!!!! Just wonderful.
    Best moment- when my husband gave me a birthstone rosary for Christmas and our41anniversary!
    Best gift- when my daughter came out of severe depression and was able to spend a wonderful Christmas Day with her three teen age sons and incredible husband , her dad and I and her five sisters and all of their families…… O what an awesome day it was….. We consider her our Christmas miracle!!!
    Best song- believe from the polar express,… Me and my grand daughters favorite one!!
    Best book-the walk

  483. Best things…?

    Best books (because there are several!): 1000 Gifts, for sure. Radical, by David Platt. And the current life-changing one is The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

    The best risk? Quitting my job. I have no idea how God is going to fix the no job situation, but… He made it happen, so He’ll make it happen! 🙂

    The best new music? Getting to interpret for Group 1 Crew at Creation Festival!

  484. Just over a year I was reading your book One Thousands Gifts. Then the Lord took my on a journey that would open up my past, reveal my doubts, and challenge my faith. I find my self back here reading the Holy experience, grateful for Him being here, walking me through all of this. I looked back at my 1000 gifts journal and I have made it to just over 500. I will make to 1000!
    The best thing I have learned this year is trusting, really trusting the Lord.
    Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. Townsend
    Best Jeans Old Navy Dreamer
    Thank you Ann for your beautiful words that reach so deep and point us to the Lord.

  485. Best gift…staying well through October to savor life here at the farm.
    Finding hope with a specialist who can help with my breathing and chest pain issues…seeing him next Wed.

  486. White Chicken Chili made by a dear Friend and Given to us as a gift dinner,
    One Thousands Gifts I wonderful book that has changed my life as I witness the changes that gratitude has made in my heart and how it pleases my Father.
    I Will Rise (Beneath the Waters) Hill Song Heard it while seeing Ann in Kansas City
    Maurice s Jeans

  487. One of the Best Gifts, this Christmas Season was my forever friend (yes,of 26 years) had postive results on her MRI, She is a Brain Cancer survivor, It’s been a year and half now, her faith in God continues to Inspire me daily….

    Although everything else pales in comparison, my favorite recipe I found was on Pinterest and it’s Muffin Lasagnas, Super Easy & Frugal Too~

  488. the Best Book I read is One Thousand gifts and I dont say that because I am on here. I say it because it is true. I read many many books, but this book changed my way of thinking. I am somewhat of a negative person and this book has helped me move away from that attitude. Life changing. Love the Laura Story song Blessings, dont know if it came out his year or last. Best Jeans good old mom jeans dont have to worry they wont show things that are not to be seen in public.

  489. Not sure if we’re supposed to do all of the Best or just pick one or a few, so I will pick the Best of 2012 first then add some more for more entries:

    The best of 2012 was when my husband and I renewed our wedding covenant. In the year 2011 we almost split because of many reasons, NONE of which were legitimate, but all seemed that way then. We knew we were fading and falling fast and made a conscious and determined agreement to put our marriage first, it was really the only choice we had. In October 2011, we pulled up our boots and with our feet planted firmly in our faith, we started rebuilding our marriage first, then our family and a lot of healing took place for us and our daughter.

    We have had plenty of rough times since then but we’ve conquered through God and His mercy, through His desire for our covenant to be echad (as one). There are so many ‘bests of 2012’s’ they all started with this one though and our conscious and intentional purpose to “do this”.

    Thanks Ann…without even a fanciful ‘e’.
    Love and Grace to you.

  490. Ann~ Your Christmas family picture is just gorgeous, by the way! Radiant! Your book has been my favorite and I have given one to all my dear friends and family. I love getting your Wednesday emails in my box, you always have a word of wisdom that brings me back to the heart of Jesus. Naming the gifts has changed my life and I just bought your new devotional book. I just have to say thank you, thank you, thank you for letting God work through you. Sending hugs!!!

  491. OK this is FUN!!!! What a great idea. The Best thing I did that I didn’t want to do was go on a weekend getaway to a spa with Hubby, I know crazy right, but it was totally out of my element and I get extremely anxious when I’m out of my comfort zone, but man am I glad I did it. We want to go back again 🙂

  492. Best book – One Thousand Gifts … savored every thought rolling it over the palate and letting it seep down into the heart. Had to share it with several friends who would continually share with me what parts were touching their hearts. We have enjoyed it so much that the Bible study was on order before its release and I am so anxious to share this study with 10 other women who will gather round my kitchen table with Ann every Friday starting January 11th. Can’t wait!

  493. Best song – Not For A Moment by Meredith Andrews – spoke to my heart especially in a season when my mother and several friends were going through very difficult times.

    Best Jeans – oh my, best ever are “Not Your Daughters Jeans.”. They fit like a hug. Super comfy and make you look great, even if your don’t feel great! I don’t spend a lot on clothes usually, but these are worth every penny.

  494. ♡ Best recipe: My mom’s baklava…it’s the first time I made it since she passed away.
    ♡ Best song: Blessing by Laura Story
    ♡ Best book: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown
    ♡ Best Gift: My prodigal son returning home after 15 yrs of running from God!

  495. best book and best gift: 1000 gifts; my friend gave it to me for my birthday in March—God began my ‘gratitude conversion’ before that, but the book–God knew what i needed to keep going!
    Best gadget: Kitchen Aid mixer with it’s attachments (don’t need too many other kitchen gadgets besides this one:)
    Best memory: anniversary getaway with my darling at Belemere Suites-swimming in our private pool and reading Song of Solomon together (you gotta google it)
    best sacrifice-opening up and being real with my sisters in church
    best hardest- letting go and forgiving (Praise God for freedom!)
    best habit: to just RELAX and see the good and the special that God has given me and -wow- that includes at the top of the list my husband and 2 girls and 3 boys.

  496. Best tool: My slow cooker! We received it as a wedding gift (just been married a little over a year!) and it has been great! There are so many great slow cooker recipes out there now (I have a whole board of them on Pinterest).

  497. Best = blessed. And so I am. This year was a crossover one, on the bridge of Grace.
    It began when we were moved by God into our first home, an old beauty kept for us after we came back from the mission field, when it seemed impossible financially. Blessed be the weaver of Grace strands and the giving of thanks.
    Blessed in finding you Ann, as a kindred soul-sister when a friend gave me your book with a puzzling question: do you have a problem with the concept of “making love to God”? (It apparently had caused a division in her little church.) I answered, I am a lover of the God who is Love. It is pure Joy!!
    Blessed gift for Christmas…a puppy named Pearl, given by a friend to my husband John; the gift being amplified by the joy on his face, this rugged old warrior from Viet- Nam, melting before my eyes with thanksgiving. God had heard his longing.
    Blessed by knowing the meaning of Christmas, and the value of sharing all we’ve been given with those who don’t know, yet.
    Blessed to have a published a book that took more than five years to write, to finally give God the Glory He deserves in redeeming my life from destruction so that others may find Him, the One who seeks us and longs for us.

  498. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Chicken Parmesan Bake (http://mybakerlady.com/2012/05/26/chicken-parmesan-bake/)- simple, but delicious! I just got married last December and have been trying all kinds of new recipes. I have certainly found several keepers!
    The best book you couldn’t put down? The Chronicles of Narnia- These books have renewed in me a love for reading and writing!
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    You Alone Can Rescue by Matt Redman
    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    Delia’s jeans ( a bit worn, but those are the best kind!)
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!)
    the run zombies app on the iphone is helping my husband and I get back into shape! It makes running fun!
    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)
    Moving to a new place so that my husband could take a youth pastor position at a church. This would also probably be something I didn’t want to do at first, but did
    anyway (the Lord really changed my heart, and I’m so glad He is sovereign!)

    …I’ll have to think about the rest of these, but over all, 2012 has been a wonderful year!

  499. best reipe: Duggar rolls, as we’ve come to call them. We found the recipe in Michelle Duggar’s book 🙂 They melt in the mouth!

    best jeans: i bought Tommy Hilfigers skinny jeans (for $20!) and they are so comfy and cute! I’m amazed!

    best book: The Story of my LIfe by Helen Keller. I still think about that book – I need to buy it!

    best risk: I spent a big chunk of money on a class that would teach me how to help my son (MNRI therapy). I was so afraid that I was wasting that money since I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to figure out how to do it. But I decided it was just money, and if I didn’t take the risk, I would never know if it would help my son and I would regret not doing it. SO I took this plunge, and it has been the best thing!

    best tool: pampered chef potato masher. I use it for potoatoes, making applesauce, mashing fruit for jam, etc. It makes the work and clean up so much easier!

  500. The risk that returned best? Going back to school and getting my Real Estate license at age 51 and starting a new career!! I had to work really hard on not being afraid-especially when it came to taking the exam.

  501. What a fun opportunity and space to share the bests of 2012!
    Here are some of mine:
    Best Book Read: “One Thousand Gifts” – God did it use it to drastically change my vision and perspective as I struggled on the missionfield this year.
    Best Repeatable Recipe: Saltine Toffee – Made it multiple times this holiday season!
    Can’t just choose one song, but the Best New Favorite Artist would have to be Jimmy Needham.
    Best Jeans – Ones that fit right and are comfy!
    Best Gift – Being home for Christmas with family, old friends and new friends. 🙂

  502. The best of 2012 … Giving my life to Christ.

    Like many , it’s been a year of ups and downs but God has been my rock. I am thankful everyday for the day (as each is a miracle) and trust that whatever unfolds he will be here to guide me and my family.

    Thank you for your book. It opened my eyes to see things I couldn’t see before. I true blessing.

    Best scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

  503. Best book: A Full Quiver by Rick and Jan Hess
    (Started reading with cynicism and finished with a changed heart: love when God does that!)
    Best song: Come to Me by Bethel Music
    Best recipe: 2 chocolate chip cookies warm out of the oven followed by a peanut butter cup sandwhiched in between….yum!!!!
    Best jeans: still on the hunt; thanks for the leads!
    Best quote: “The joy of the Lord is not mere sentiment; it’s the muscle that keeps you standing.” Thanks for all the “nuggets” Ann and thanks for being a vessel!

  504. How much fun it has been reading the “Best of 2012” lists from everyone.

    Best book of 2012: I have 2 🙂 – #1. One Thousand Gifts I’ve read through it several times and oh what a blessing it has been. Even in the hard, hard moments I have learned to find the gift of Grace from God. #2. Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst – Imperfect progress is what 2012 has been about and it has been good!

    Best Journey of 2012: Being part of the Just Give Me Jesus Augusta Revival Team with Anne Graham Lotz – God stretched me and taught me more than I ever imagined through that experience.

    Best Risk 0f 2012: Being an encourager and prayer support for my husband as he has taken bold risks in following God this year. It hasn’t been easy and the blessings are still to come but I am confident we will see God’s Glory through the hard times.

    In His Calm,
    Mary

  505. Best trip we did as a family was go to Drumheller AB, Dinosaur park 🙂 It was SOOOOO fun for us all, we’ll do it again for sure 🙂

  506. The best moments of this year have been our move to a small country town where through a homeschooling group found an amazing family. We have such similarities, personally & family wise that it was like we had been friends forever. I am so greatful to have such kind, loving, giving friends.
    We were also fortunate enough to host two Spanish exchange students this past summer. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. It was amazing to be able to learn other cultures & languages, but also through our family provide so many firsts to our students. It was wonderful to see them trying/seeing something for the first time. To give back and guide, but to learn at the same time was truly wonderful.

  507. This year mom son got married. His best man Brian was his best friend from high school and university. His MC was another Peter, twin of the best man’s brother. Got it? Now here is the good part. The twins’ mother Cecilia flew across the country to attend my son’s wedding and not only attended but spoke wonderful words over my son and the rest of us in attendance.
    Its complicated. Years ago, Cecilia and I met through our sons. They spent all their time together or rather my son lived at her house and her exhusband’s house Tom during their high school years. We became second mom’s to each other’s sons. Cecilia’s divorce was still going through the courts and it was ugly.
    Tom was struggling to get up in the morning and lost out big time in the first court battle. Both wonderful people whom I grew to love along with my husband.
    The time came when we moved overseas for a few years and Tom became our life line while we were gone. When divorce proceedings for Tom and Cecilia approached the Supreme Court of Canada, Cecila and I had a falling out and agreed to let our relationship rest.
    How I have missed her and reflected on my failures and successes in supporting her as a friend. How I was delighted to see her again after all these years and thank her from the bottom of my heart for her gift to my son and to me! God is faithful and good!

  508. the best kitchen tool I found this year is a pizza and pie slicer/server… amazing little tool by King Flour… needless to say, everyone in the family got one for Christmas!

  509. Recipe: Our family has been LOVING potato soup w/ ham…YUMMY! Song= would be the one that says “What do I know of Holy”…BEAUTIFUL! Jeans= a hand-me-down pair of “sevens”…oohh the material is oh so comfy…(hoping she will hand me other items that don’t fit her so well) 🙂 Gizmo: it’s for babies…it is the little ring the baby holds onto w/ the mesh bag attached that you can put food in and the babe won’t choke. We put a frozen peach in our sweet girls’ and her eyes got sooo big and she smiled huge. LOVE this invention! Risk: husband taking new job away from everyone and everything familiar…we are in the country now…it is quiet and still and our family is being made-over-by-HIM! So THANKFUL! Sacrifice: using some of our grocery money to help take care of our new friends who are homeless and hang out under the trees by our grocery store…such SWEET hearts. Favorite Book: Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy…it is a childrens book but I can COMPLETELY relate to this “elephant” mama trying to find 5 quiet minutes. It makes me smile and hug my babies! (I have four of them). One other favorite read comes not in book form but blog form and is transforming my life! I thank the Lord that my precious friend Heidi told me about this BEAUTIFUL blog by Ann Voskamp…”A Holy Experience” It’s rare that I go a day without reading it, and even more rare if I can get through it without soaked cheeks! I thank the Lord for the inspired writings of SWEET Ann! Cherished Words: would come from my 5-year old a couple of hours after gifts (given by friends) were opened on Christmas: “Mama…I’m thankful for all of the gifts…but the best gift is Jesus” I wrap her in my arms…cheeks wet once again…SO THANKFUL FOR JESUS!

  510. Dear Ann,
    It is so precious to be able to join you and the many ladies here who love Jesus.
    My Best Habit this year is looking for God’s timing in all things. He’s always faithful.
    Best Trip – Celebrating 40th Anniversaries together with 40-yr friends
    Best Victory – Seeing so much of my “want to in 2012” list met : Memorize a Psalm, a Hymn, a Poem, a watercolor class, redecorate the bathroom, visit a certain church, etc.
    God Bless your 2013.

  511. Best book – One Thousand Gifts … savored every thought rolling it over the palate and letting it seep down into the heart. Had to share it with several friends who would continually share with me what parts were touching their hearts. We have enjoyed it so much that the Bible study was on order before its release and I am so anxious to share this study with 10 other women who will gather round my kitchen table with Ann every Friday starting January 11th. Can’t wait!

  512. Best books: Building the Christian Family You Never Had: A Practical Guide for Pioneer Parents
    Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus
    Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

    Best Song: Remind me Who I am http://youtu.be/QSIVjjY8Ou8

    My Best Post: http://www.quietgraces.com/a-mother-letter
    My Favorite Link: http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2012/08/dear-sweet-mom-who-feels-like-she-is.html

    Best Risk: Applying to (and being accepted to!) Holley Gerth’s God-Sized Dreams Team: http://holleygerth.com/meet-your-god-sized-dream-team/

    As for the jeans: someone please help a sister out! What on earth fits a pear shaped woman with twin skin that I’d like to avoid muffin topping the best. There’s a 10″ difference between waist and hips on me! And my poor jeans are always too tight the first hours and falling off the rest of the day. Sigh. I ought to just become a skirt/dress girl… but I hate the cold whether on my legs!

  513. Best of 2012…. The best thing we did was pack up and move to Colorado. I know this is where God wants me to be. It’s only because of Him that we are here. I’m not sure of the “why” of it all, but I’ll patiently wait for Him to reveal it me. I love it here.

  514. Best movie of 2012: Les Miserables…something about this musical evokes such emotion in me.

    Best habit: Writing more. Blogging has helped me discipline myself.

    Best song: Never Once & 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman and “Do you hear the people sing” from Les Miserables…

  515. After reading 1000 Gifts on the train to San Francisco during the last of many custody hearings (8 train rides back and forth)…. I’ve found peace in my life and a new ability to decipher the relationships (all of them), I have in my life that are – or are becoming toxic, .. with this new super power to turn that into something good, healthy and productive instead of toxic… that is just Amazing …. God is so Awesome!

  516. Best thing I didn’t want to do–but did anyway? All the times I kept writing and blogging when I felt afraid of opening my life up for others to see. Every time I have heard the words, “Thank you. That really helped me…” or something similar, I have been reminded that this isn’t for me. I write as a servant…even if it’s only for one, one sweet soul who needs my story.

  517. My best book of the year definitely is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I know its a few years old now… (2005), but I was just introduced to it and WOW. To re-read the basic story of Hosea in a real and tangible way. WOW.

  518. I discovered purple Levi skinny jeans at Target, after losing weight… on my road to turning 50 years old and looking awesome!! so happy 🙂

  519. The best jeans I’ve found so far are New York and Co skinny jeans and their boot cut jeans. So comfortable you can sleep in them. Lol

  520. Best book: Kisses from Katie. What a powerful reminder that there is so much that we can (and must) do for others.

  521. The best song was Audio Adrenaline’s Kings and Queens. The best jeans are dENiZEN pull on skinny jeans, found them at Target.

  522. Hi … I’ve never commented here before but after reading a few responses a couple of ideas come to mind … 🙂
    Best recipe – pulled pork – an oldie but new to me and everyone in the family enjoys it
    Best Song – Kari Jobe “O the blood”
    Best Jeans – Madden Straight from the Bay (Canada)
    Best tool – is an e-reader a tool? I love my Kobo because I can read without reading glasses, it has the Bible and various devotionals on it including the following link …
    Best link: http://www.24-7prayer.com/blog/1928 where the “encounter advent” series was another of the ‘best’ habits I took up this year.
    Best Habit – texting my son (who’s away at university for the first time) before going to bed
    Best hobby – sitting around with the family, playing apps together; laughing together
    Best book – not sure this is a life changer but it has opened my eyes to the life of women in Afganistan. It’s called, “In my father’s country” by Saima Wahab

    I write today in memory of my dear friend Paula Pike who gave me your book and introduced me to you. She passed away just over a week ago after living with aggressive lymphoma for a year and a bit. She embodied a thankful spirit and kept her own journal of thanks.

    Thanks for letting me join in the conversation….
    Alison

  523. Best candy this year: Two-tone Almond Bark. Chocolate layer on the bottom, then sprinkle roughly chopped roasted, salted almonds over the melted chocolate, then drizzle very generously with white chocolate, in circular patterns, until most of the chocolate and almonds are covered. Let harden and break into pieces. EASY to make and it was the first tray to be emptied!

  524. Best Memory:
    My husband putting together a new service at our church called Wildflower Gatherings and people coming! And experiencing community, God, love, peace, and life!

  525. Best Happening: Our son became engaged to our wonderful future daughter-in-law! We could not be more thrilled. They are getting married in May 2013.

    Most Thankful for: Job for our son coming out of grad. school. He’s loving his teaching job, loves the new area where he lives. We are so happy he has found what he was made to do!

    Biggest Transition: We became empty-nesters after busy years of raising on homeschooling 4 children, all close in age. Best discovery: Dh and I like each other, and love spending time together!

    Best little purchase: Crock-pot Lunch Crock. I send this with my husband to work. Great for soups or leftovers, and helps my busy man to eat healthfully and frugally at work.

  526. The best trip I took this year was the 2,000 mile trek to get to Colorado. Even though it was long, miserable, cramped, I was able to spend those days with my sister and my nephew. Something I will treasure forever.

  527. Best quote: “I want to learn to play the trumpet. Then I can go to the hospital and play there to cheer up the patients.” -my five-year-old daughter
    best little jingle: “Ann Voskamp, Annie Downes, Holley Gerth, How it sounds.” written and sung by my 11 yr old daughter. Hey, what can I say, i’ve been blessed by you ladies!

  528. Best Book: There are 2 actually that are changing my heart. You’re Already Amazing – Holly Gerth and honestly, 1000 wishes – Ann VosKamp. Ann’s poetic writing and words of truth have opened my eyes and brings meaning to real life. I’m only part way through Holly’s book and wow! How does she know me so well? I wish she lived next door. I’m finally learning how to love myself and really see all the blessings in my ordinary life. PRAISE!
    Best Recipe: My very own potato soup that even my son asks for more of. {I’ve perfected it just recently}
    Best jeans: for my straight shape it happens to be my calvins. 😉

  529. Best Book: The Good and Beautiful Life by James Bryan Smith (part of a 3 part series)
    But what made it the best was discussions in our SISTER’s Bible Study!!

  530. Oh Ann this has been the toughest year yet. My Mom went home back in August this past year. He had sent someone to give me your book a year ago. I knew then he was preparing me for something really hard. I LOVE how he prepares us before we walk through something. My favorite song has been Blessings. I am learning to give thanks for the hard things in life. In October my baby girl was born . Mom would have loved to have made it to see her. I hope God gave her a chance to see her from heaven. Because of what God did in my heart through your book we decided to call her Chara Ann . God really does put lasting joy in your heart when you are able to give thanks for all things. All really is Grace. I can not tell you how many times I have wanted to come and see you and hug your sweet neck. My second favorite book is Baby wise. My little girl was sleeping through the night at 8 weeks because of this book . Thank you Daddy for wonderful friends care. Love and lots of Grace to you Ann.

  531. Best Habit: 4:45am alarm for Faithful Fitness group and quiet time w/God in my easy chair before each weekday begins.

  532. 2012 brought us a mix of emotional things.
    Watching my daughter have break through seizures while waiting to get a replacement battery for her VNS therapy. ( Haylee had her surgery in April 2012.) Grateful to God for that machine. Oh so thankful.
    Song I cannot get out of my head: Like a lion by Newsboys ( A little guy about 3 sang this song at the top of his lungs while we were in the waiting room during Haylee’s surgery @ Children’s ) That spoke loads to me. Very thankful to those parents.
    Best books : This one is hard as I have at least ten books going on at once. 1000 gifts moved me. The little white horse was wonderful. The private world of Tasha Tudor is one I loved.
    Best recipe: Stuffed Green pepper soup. It was divine. so yummy.
    So blessed beyond measure.

  533. Best thing I did (although not daily) this year that was sometimes harder than I wanted it to be? Starting a 1000 gifts journal. I am not to 1000, but getting closer each day 🙂

  534. Best meal – Lasagna soup (my 4 kids devour it). http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2011/03/24/lasagna-soup/

    Another best food – Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls. To.Die.For.

    Best book – 7: An Experimental Mutiny against Excess. Drastically challenged my beliefs about “stuff”.

    Best Bible study: Beth Moore’s study on James

    Best marriage book: The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

    Best tool – Nissan thermos (keeps my coffee hot for hours b/c it takes me that long to drink it w/4 small kids) http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Nissan-12-Ounce-Stainless-Steel-Tumbler/dp/B00004S1CV/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1356642288&sr=8-7&keywords=nissan+thermos

    Best gift — it was a family game – We just got Rush Hour by Think Fun. It has been a HUGE hit for all of us. You will love it — run (don’t walk) and buy it for your family. http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-5000-ThinkFun-Rush/dp/B00000DMER/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356642416&sr=8-1&keywords=rush+hour+by+think+fun

  535. The best book I read? 2 of them… Ann’s 100 Gifts & The Resolution for Women.
    Revisiting them both as this crazy year leads into another.

  536. The best gift I was given is my daughter. She had a horrific wreck in June and had to under go 3 major surgeries. She suffered a broken knee, broken femur, broken elbow, broken jaw, broken wrist, and multiple severed tendons that needed repair. By the God’s grace she’s alive and doing better than predicted. She is my inspiration. I love her so much.

  537. One of the bests of this year was discovering “one thousand gifts” because God had already been speaking to me about being thankful (and stopping being crabby and complaining). Thank you for doing this!

  538. What a beautiful way to share in community by sharing the best of’s!! Not only does it help me reflect on great things from this past year but also encourages me to try new things in the year ahead!!! Thank you!
    2012 Favorites:
    Favorite recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies, thanks to my dear friend, Gina
    Favorite song: At Your Feet by Melissa Greene
    Favorite jeans: affordable
    Favorite book: Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis
    Favorite habit: 5:30am dates with hubby- coffee, reading, prayer, conversation, quietness
    Best gift: David Nevue live in concert with some of the dearest friends in my life!

  539. 1. The best book (other than the Bible of course) is always the one I am reading because I always feel like it’s such an extravegant thing to read. “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
    2. The best jeans: Don’t laugh, but I’ve rediscovered Lee’s. They make different types for different body types! Try them and you’ll agree!
    3. The best appliance: At the risk of sounding like a infomercial, the Nutribullet has changed my life! It has been the catalyst of healthy living for me.
    4. The best risk: my husband. Being faithful to what Christ says a wife should be, God has been faithful in bringing my husband to Christ. Our marriage is a prime example of “ugly-beautiful”
    5. The best sacrifice: I am at the beginning of it. God is stirring my heart about the sacrifice of “comfort” and what it means to carry my cross.
    6. The best workout DVD: P90X — It really does work (and yes it’s hard in the beginning, but it’s worth it!)
    7. The best spiritual website: holyexperience.com Not trying to win points here, but I have recommended the site to countless people. Voskamp’s words are guided by the Holy Spirit and fill me up daily.
    8. The best fashion website: sartorialist.com. I am a sucker for people watching and am always intrigued wondering my a certain person would choose a certain thing to wear.
    9. The best Bible Study: BSF International. It’s an international Bible study not affiliated with any church. A safe place to study the Bible. bsfinternational.org to find a study near you!
    10. The best marriage book: “The Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas

  540. One of the best things that happened this year was moving to Meaford ~ a God orchestrated move in so many ways ~ finding the church and group of people here that are so giving, thoughtful, humble ~
    Best news was from my daughter and her husband ~ They’re having a baby!!
    Best thing that has continued to bless me is the (in)courage site and all the wonderful things that have come of that – linking me to a friendship with another from another country, visiting with that friend and attending a Lysa TerKeurst conference, finding you Ann, reading your book and sharing it with many. Discovering David Nevue’s music has been a blessing – thank you Ann.
    Soooo many beautiful things, so many wonderful experiences, so many lives that have touched me and brought me closer to God….
    That has to be the best, if we’re listing bests here ~ the Love of God and the realization that all things come from Him and through Him…Can’t get better than that.

  541. Best blog for me? Simple Mom… she speaks to many of the hats I wear.
    And One Thousand Gifts… it’s true! Not just buttering you up 😉

  542. Best Christmas gifts: handmade gourmet chocolates from my daughter who is in culinary school. Indescribable!

  543. Our best for 2012 was moving out of a small camper into our new Barn-dominium. A house built in a barn, by my dear husband. This family of four was ready for some space.

  544. The Best Risk: Begging my husband not to leave and to begin marriage counseling with me. It’s not easy but it’s going to be so worth it! Just a few months in and we’re making good changes. God will help us through!
    Best Moments: diving deeper into God’s word and deeper into a sweet relationship after giving my friend 1000 Gifts as a B-day present. We can’t stop calling and writing one another to discuss just one more part that struck our hearts.

  545. Okay best book is definitely One Thousand Gifts, but we all know that already. So, second best book is 7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. Also, Kisses from Katie…A story of Relentless Love and Redemption. Excellent.

  546. Best Book: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp 🙂
    Best Habits: Finding something to give thanks for in every moment I feel like complaining
    Best Recipe: Pioneer Woman’s Lasagne
    Still searching for the best jeans!

  547. 2012 started out pretty crazy! But I have had the best times this year!

    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Pot Roast…crazy good!
    The best book you couldn’t put down? “Number the Stars” given to me by my middle daughter while I was stuck on the couch with a broken ankle.
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Good to be Alive, by Jason Gray

    The jeans that fit best? funny story, my son who is 10 inches taller than me went off to college, he left a pair of jeans in his room. I asked him if they still fit, “too short” he said. I have been wearing them ever since! Skinny guys jeans from Rue21. Guy jeans have awesome pockets!

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? lighted crochet hook, just a fun thing to have!

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.) taking the job at the daycare, never worked in a daycare before. BEST job I have ever had, I smile on my way to work everyday!

    The best link of 2102? The best laugh? The best living? Pinterest? lots of ideas and laughs!

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.) Quit part time job, I still see them from time to time, but I am no longer part of the daily drama

    What was the best habit? prayer
    The best holiday? The best gift? I love Christmas and celebrate year round with “Rudolph Day”. Best gift – Family.
    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…) time spent with children, grandchildren, children at church, and those in the community.

  548. I am thankful for finding gratitude in the mist of the darkness of depression. Your book changed me. Through gratitude I have found healing. Now I can look my children in eyes and be present with them for the first time. Blessings

  549. The best book(s) … ahhh … how to choose? The best book was the one that God sprung on me while I was driving home from a time with my mentor. It was a time of unearthing in my heart and I was cracked open and wide with questions. Then, as I drove the two hours home, I turned to my computer (at a rest stop) and pulled up an audio book I had downloaded for FREE. The book was “All of Grace” by C H Spurgeon. It moved me as God spoke Grace over me in my deeply needful places. He knew the hour and time I would need those exact words. I marked that August date in my calendar: Epiphany. It was mine — one of those moments in a faith walk that make their mark when we can say to our core: I am His and He is mine and this is all very real.
    And then, there was the parenting book “Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus” which I have honestly plodded through, but thoroughly been blessed by as I did. I recommend and buy this book for people all the time. Life-changing books.

  550. Oh, another “best” book…Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

    If you are a person who needs/ likes structure in your devotional time, you may enjoy this book! It has readings, prayers, and songs for each day, and provides encouragement for living with justice, mercy, and care for the poor in mind!

    http://www.amazon.com/Common-Prayer-Ordinary-Radicals-Hardcover/dp/B0080Y2UHY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1356642861&sr=8-3&keywords=common+prayer+for+ordinary+radicals

  551. The best book I read was 7 by Jen Hatmaker
    The best song is Before the Morning
    Best recipe is pepporoni dip- everyone loves it
    Best jeans-NYDJs, amazing fit

  552. Can my answer be bittersweet?

    My “best” for the year was deciding to have a hysterectomy. Yes, it meant that God never looked upon me or remembered me to bless my womb and make it whole. But, it was the method which He decided to heal me of terrible pain, anemia, back and leg pain, tumors, polyps, and most importantly… forever “healed” my wounded hope that kept nagging Him to just *one time* allow the miracle to happen to ME instead of someone else in His world that day who received a miracle and didn’t want her/him.

    So ~ I’m thankful for living in an era where we can have modern medicine to heal a broken body… and for time and a loving Father to heal a broken hope.

    Kate

  553. Best book: hands down, God’s word! It is like food for my soul…next to that, your book, One Thousand Gifts has changed my life and I have given it to everyone I love!

    Hardest thing/risk that I am glad I did: Walking my mother into the Lord’s arms on March 8th, 2012….never have I felt such pain and such joy at the same time; all because the presence of the LORD was so PRESENT!!! I have not lost that feeling all year and will forever be thankful that I was given the amazing honor of being with my precious momma when she left me and went home to be with JEsus! Every day without her is hard a loneliness I never knew is always close, but the LORD’s presence is closer and I will forever be different!

    Best BLOG: a holy experience! thank you, Ann for your words…your blog touches the inner part of my heart with God’s healing so many times a month!! You are a precious willing vessel who shines HIS Light so well!! Thank. You. Love. You.

  554. 2012 Bests:
    recipe: shrimp etouffee~ we’ve been stationed here at Fort Polk, LA for a few years now and this year we stayed here in Louisiana instead of heading to Georgia for CHRISTmas. One of the traditions of our Louisiana friends is shrimp etouffee for CHRISTmas lupper (lunch/supper). We made it and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Even my kids want it again. Makes us happy,happy, happy 🙂

  555. Okay, here goes….

    Best recipe is definitely the Jalapeno Popper Dip found here http://www.simply-gourmet.com/2012/08/183-jalapeno-popper-dip.html

    Best book {this year} would be Hotel On The Corner of Bitter And Sweet…a wonderful book which alternates between Seattle’s Japantown during WWII and current day Seattle…a glimpse into what it was like for Japanese living in America during that time and young, innocent love.

    Best jeans…well I have to say my tried and true Silvers…but unfortunately I may have found some of the pounds shed by one of the prior posters…also a gift in that I have not wanted for food!

    Best gift this year…my new grandson born June 25th…his is patient and wise even at 6 months of age! I also have to share my brother-in-law was able to marry my daughter and her husband this summer…a very small ceremony but very meaningful.

    Best song…hmmm…so many good ones! Zac Brown’s Goodbye in Her Eyes, Adele’s Skyfall, Taylor Swift….

    Thanks so much Ann for reminding us to praise God for these GIFTS!

  556. The best book I read in 2012 was actually two books: One Thousand Gifts (read 6! times) and The Gifts of Imperfection. Found the key to express my soul and give thanks for being me!

    Best memory-a year of praise amid life’s dark and strong storms. Finding the peace that stills the water and allows tears to flow and be placed in His bottle for safe keeping until time to turn them into diamonds.

    Best find-A Holy Experience and (In)Courage blogs. Thank you for sharing your souls and solutions found through grace.

    Best recipe-the staple of decades…………..Mamma’s chocolate chip cookies

    My favorite product is Trind for nails. (nurses struggle to have pretty nails with hands in water continuously!) Will give you 10 hard and beautiful french nails with very little effort! Price is worth it—-TRUST me!

    Best gift-trip to NYC and reconciliation with sister (prayer answered! Thank you Father of Love!) I learned I am a “grape” and she is an “oyster”. Long story, but think about it and you will know our personalities and how they might have trouble relating at times.
    What kind of fruit are you? First thing that comes to mind is probably who you are! Please share!

    • I can’t resist answering the fruit question! Another great bit of fun for the new year! The first fruit I thought of was an apple. I am crisp and sometimes tart, but can be very sweet as well.

  557. The best small miracle with BIG ramifications was answering a phone call with an unfamiliar number and name as I was about to go out the door to an appointment I was already late for on a snowy, stormy day. Turned out it was the women who adopted the half-siblings of my two oldest step-sons. They never planned to have any relationship with their half-siblings because their biological mother was so destructive. No one could have forseen them being taken away and adopted by a loving family and searching for the half-siblings the oldest met only once when he was very small. It amazes me how the Lord provides more when we don’t even know to look for it!

  558. BEST BOOK: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp…that would be you sweet friend…and Healing is a Choice by Steve Arteburn,,,two books that helped me grow this year,

    BEST SONG: 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman…

    JEANS: Gap jeans…

    THE BEST RISK: saying yes to becoming the Director of a Crisis Pregnancy Center…it has been an awesome experience. I love being able to minister to young women who are hurting and help equip them to become a mom.

    THE BEST GIFT: Art Lessons from my husband…a childhood passion that I have fallen in love with…
    WHAT WAS THE BEST HABIT: developing an attitude of gratitude…looking for ways in the ordinary of my day to find reasons to smile. Also, getting a Y membership and going to work out with my hubby.

  559. Best book – Insignificant by Chris Travis. And, by the sound of it – your book. (I haven’t read it YET!)
    Best Christmas present this year – Season 1&2 of Modern Family.
    Best moment – God changing my husband’s heart to want to stop living for ‘comfort’ and instead instill a great desire to serve marginalized people. We are once again on the same page. I go into a young offender prison in my city (3years) and he began, this September, going into a downtown men’s residence to encourage and build friendships. Can’t wait to see where this will lead us!

  560. Best Book: One Thousand Gifts
    Best learning experience aka Challenge: losing our 40 year old family business, the feelings of fear and despair and worry….only to be replaced by peace that Jesus gives, not the peace the world gives. God has been so very faithful.
    Best Recipe: Santa Fe Crock Pot Chicken from Skinnytaste.com
    Best habit: thankfulness-and writing them down!
    Best jeans: Jag from Nordstroms, the ones with no zipper that fit great into boots. feel like maternity but look great.

  561. Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: Walking away from my profession and the promises/trappings of status and material reward…. starting the “downward” migration, as Jen Hatmaker describes in Interrupted. New beginnings in a new year.

  562. The best thing I did but didn’t want to do was being there when my Nana went to heaven. I never knew that dying could be so beautiful. She was fighting letting go. Her room was dark and dreary. I know my Nana liked her house to be bright and sunny because opening all the curtains throughout her home was the first thing she did every morning. So I opened the blinds to her hospital room. As soon as I did so her heart rate slowed, her breathing became less labored, she was at peace. As she took her last breath, she closed her eyes and drifted off to be with Jesus. It was like I opened that window and let an angel in to gently carry her soul to heaven. We all cried, not with sadness, but with joy because we knew she was going home.

  563. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? I kinda sorta made this one up, I do most of my family’s favorites, it’s a chimichanga casserole and it’s delish, but I have no recipe for it, I never use recipes, just tell me the ingredients and I can figure out the rest.

    The best book you couldn’t put down? Yours Ann, I carried that book everywhere once I finally got a copy, even to the potty with me. It fits nicely in my bag so it goes to the store, to our fellowship hall where we meet for Sabbath Studies each week, to Dr.s offices, hospitals to wait for friends, I quote from it in my ‘love letters’ to strangers that I write and leave in ‘hidden’ places. I carried it to several conferences and special meetings that I needed to attend….just in case <3

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? My favorite song, it's by Paul Wilbur and it's called, "Dance With Me".

  564. Love a good party, so here goes!

    Best Recipe: Candy Cane Mocha Fudge Truffles (solely responsible for my extra holiday pounds!) http://dessertedplanet.com/candy-cane-fudge-truffles/

    Best Book: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Changed my prayer life

    Best Song: Cornerstone by Hillsong (our theme song this year)

    Best Jeans: Levis 529 Curvy (for us “curvy” girls…remember those mocha truffles above? ;))

    Best Moment of 2012: Receiving results of another biopsy and hearing that I am still cancer-free after 2 years!

    Thank you for the chance to share my BESTs! Love your book, Ann. Like so many, it came to me when I needed it most and has changed my life dramatically. Thank you for being obedient and allowing Him to use you!

  565. The best shopping experience: online! I purchased some wonderful items with a “slave-free gift” attitude! The Story Company was one of the loveliest online sources: scarves, jewelry, dove ornaments! So easy and the so well received!

  566. Best Song of the Season: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

  567. Best risk: Surprising my husband with his long-desired puppy for our first Christmas.

    Best news: That I was hired full time to work on content for Live58 (a humanitarian group allied with ten partners like Compassion and IJM) to help end extreme, lethal poverty by 2035. I’m working on content for moms and bloggers. Send me an email if I should put you into my virtual focus group. Hope -at- Live58 -dot- org. 🙂

  568. Best of 2012:
    Song: “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Not only does this song connect me with Our Lord, but as a military family the words relate so close to home. “Where you go, I’ll go” “I will follow”…..

    Best habit & thing I didn’t want to do but done it anyway: started running/walking every morning. I use that time to talk with the Lord, catch up on the news, and just have some time to myself.

    Best book: “The Ark, The Reed, and The Firecloud” & “The Dreamer, The Schemer, & The Robe” both by Jenny Cote. (children’s books) Read these aloud to my children during Reading time and enjoyed them eminently. We are now working on her third book “The Prophet, The Shepherd, & The Star” we have enjoyed her writing so very much.

    Sacrifice: My hubby was deployed to Kazakhstan, being without was another sacrifice for the kids and I but during this time we also grew stronger and developed an even stronger relationship with Jesus!

    Jeans: some well-loved Levi’s I picked up at the thrift store! LOVE THEM!

    Holiday: any holiday where my family is together!

    Link: A Love Story in 22 Pictures http://www.buzzfeed.com/txblacklabel/true-love-in-pictures-only-28m7

    God Bless!

  569. Another fabulous gift: bags from Sari Bari – Sari Bari is a safe place of employment where women who have been exploited in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to trafficking can experience a new life in the making. Wonderful to receive and give.

  570. Best recipe: Chocolate Fudgy Wudgy Cookies

    Best book: Apart from the bible, One Thousand Gifts has truly changed my life along with holy experience blog I am weekly spurred on in my desire to live the fullest life right here and now to my wonderful husband and 5 beautiful girls under 8!

    Best sacrifice: The joy of realising what a privilege it is to daily sacrifice my own desires in countless little ways as I meet the needs of my family thus daily serving my Saviour.

  571. Best book(s)? The Bible, The End of Your Life Book Club, Sabbath

    Best Bible studies? One Thousand Gifts DVD study, Beth Moore’s James: Mercy Triumphs

    Best moments? Christmas with my parents (wasn’t sure my dad would still be alive), weekend at our favorite B&B celebrating my husband’s 60th birthday (we were the only guests!), all moments with nephews ages four and two (especially the time my husband was acting silly and caused four-year old to spit milk all over the table because he was laughing), hugging my mom in the hospital parking garage when my dad was really ill, speaking to women at the jail and knowing that God was moving in their hearts.

    Best song? Matt Redman “Bless the Lord, O my soul” – makes me cry every time; Chris August “Center of It” – always makes me smile.

    Much to be thankful for.

    All is grace. I am always loved.

  572. the best ‘unexpected ‘ gift – my 4th little boy – we didn’t know we were expecting again till almost 20 weeks pregnant so he was our surprise and what a special baby he is!

  573. My favorite device/gizmo is my iPhone. I use it to bring me closed to our savior. My favorite app is the YouVersion Bible App. I have a devotional/reading plan that I read each day. It is called “Everywhere I Go, Learning to see Jesus”. I use my iPhone to read the best blogs of all time, A Holy Experience, (in)courage, A Life Surrendered, and Life Your Way. It is also how I read my books through the Kindle app and iBooks. I love reading books that help me in my walk with Christ.

  574. My favorite books are 1,000 Gifts, When God Whispers Loudly (very short, but oh so powerful), The Cure, Core Lies, oh I could go on on. I love christian living books.

  575. The best recipe I’ve made was my Amish Friendship Bread and a copy-cat recipe for Olive Garden’s Zuppa Tuscana Soup. Yummy!!!

  576. My best of 2012… my perfect baby girl being born peacefully at home in the water with my husband and midwife looking on.
    My 3 yo son discovering the little man inside him and seeking to be ‘big and strong’ in all things… including singing his heart out with praises to God and pretending to preach to his sisters.
    My 5 yo shy girl displaying her courage as she danced ballet in front of a large crowd.
    My 7 yo eldest moving from little kid to the big questions of theology and God things.
    My husband passing a very hard certification exam.
    My husband being selected to serve at a local ministry for a job – and loving it!
    the best recipe: this fudge: http://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/crock-pot-refined-sugar-free-dairy-free-fudge/
    my best change: going gluten and wheat free…. it’s changed my and my kids digestive health, drastically reduced the kids’ mood swings, helped with sleep, and made us able to really enjoy and taste our food
    my best of best: growing only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ… knowing that His grace is what blesses me and my family and that without Him, I would not be doing what I do nor desiring to do so. Praise God for His gift! Praise Jesus for his sacrifice! Amen.

  577. The best holiday this year was Easter. This is the first year I have ever given something up for lent. I also followed the lent advent and followed through to the end. Something I rarely do.

  578. THE BEST of 2012 was the birth of my granddaughter, the first-born child of my first-born child, on December 21st! Harmon Catherine Leigh Gray is the thing that I am most grateful for in a year of many things to be thankful for!

  579. Oh, yes, Best Project this year – learning to make an online photo book for my husband’s Christmas gift. I made it a combo of his best photography and memories.
    Best Read: An older book – The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn – very challenging re. having a generous spirit.

  580. Best song – 10,000 reasons and He makes beautiful things. Best moments – the holidays with my family after not being with them for 3 years. Best unexpected gifts – a kindle from friends. Best habit was counting my gifts every day this year!

  581. Best Concerts this year…Guy Penrod and Mark Lowry….such a blessing to spend time with my Mother worshiping at these concerts!

    Best habits…Bible Study usually featuring Beth Moore….this will be starting my 3rd year!

    Exercise…best outlet….Zumba!! Also working with weights now in Circuit Training…God Bless my instructors, Brenda, Rosemary, and Laurie for making the classes so great!!

    Best gift….my son! 22 years old now…what a gift from God! My familiy and my wonderful friends…so blessed to have such incredible people in my life!

    Best daily practice…prayer and being thankful for all my blessings!

    Linda

  582. The best…welcoming our 25-year old son into our family-he married our oldest girl in September. The open heart and arms of a Sister that never turn away my pain, joy, and everything in between. Learning (AGAIN) that I am loved beyond what I can comprehend…

  583. Best risk: watching my daughter go from one asian country to another to foster disabled orphans.
    Best gift: my daughter engaged to a godly man…and since he is a widow, I get grandkids!
    Best book: Well, I read 1000 Gifts last year…and have been recommending and giving it frequently. Best two books I read this year are Elyse Fitzpatrick “Because He Loves Me” and Randly Alcorn’s “Deadline”

  584. Best gadget : My brother got me a Kindle tough this year, love it! it’s like having my whole library in one book, the downside is when i misplace that one book…… 😉

    Best Risk: Letting my hubby figure things out himself. It’s tough to see him struggle when I know the answers, but I can always help him AFTER he asks me and avoid making him feel incompetant. 🙂

  585. The best lotion/potion for skin care is Dermalogica! It’s a bit of a splurge but it goes a long way. The Multivitamin Power Firm for your eyes is amazing. I know this wasn’t on the list, but it’s something I had to share with everyone.

  586. Best book: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand
    Best song: “Where I Belong” by Building 429
    Best recipe: Chocolate chip cookies with pretzels and sea salt (thank you, Pinterest!)
    Best habit: daily quiet time with “For the Love of God” by D.A. Carson

  587. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    Ají de gallina (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/aji-de-gallina/)

    The best book you couldn’t put down?
    The Postmistress

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    Rachel Kurtz Make a Difference (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRPwrHdounQ)

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…)
    Clearance skinny jeans from Macy’s. Add that to the miracle list!

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!)
    Cooking oatmeal in the crockpot

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)

    Went on a service trip with high schoolers–10,000 of them. I’m terrified of crowds, and in general, much more comfortable with middle schoolers. It was immensely powerful.

    The best link of 2102?
    This site! A new one for me.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.)

    I took a leave from my job. Terrifying, financially and personally, but it proved life-giving, renewing, restoring.

    What was the best habit?
    Doing devotionals every morning.

    The best holiday? The best gift?
    Celebrating my birthday with friends outside, with the boyfriend manning the grill 🙂

    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…)
    Huge sacrifice of time and emotional energy to the middle schoolers I mentor–but it’s worth it all

  588. Best Learning Experience – Sad to say it involved that horrible day at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It made me stop and appreciate, give thanks for, love, and cherish my 7 year old daughter. The busyness of the world and my own selfishness was causing me to let precious joy slip away. Now I’m more careful to notice those tiny treasures everyday.

  589. The best habit is learning to see the joy and beauty in everything. To be grateful for the smallest thing and those ugly-beautiful moments. I learned to give it all to God. To know that everything has a season and seasons change.

  590. I don’t know if I really finished a book this year… I read a few snippets here and there all the time. I am not married, but the book ‘What did you expect?’ from Tedd Tripp was an eyeopener.
    Best song I discovered this year, it is from before my time, ‘The colour of green’ by Rich Mullins.
    Best choice, turning my life once more upside down and move international.
    Best comment last week in school was when a little boy asked me if I was gonna tell him about Jesus again. Wow my heart melted by the privilege in this highly secularised country that God still touches hearts
    Best time was spend with my little nieces and nephews.

  591. The best habit was writing in my gratitude journal almost every day and the days that I set the timer to go off every hour so that I would remember to praise God!

  592. Best gift this year–two stand out in particular. My sweet husband’s graduating from Physical Therapy school, passing his boards, and landing his dream job. Then the beautiful new home we just built and were able to move into right before Christmas.

    Best song–two again. Same song, but different arrangements. Peponi by PianoGuys is something that EVERYONE should watch on YouTube. It is amazing and so inspiring. I wake up to it’s ringtone every morning. And the song that inspired Peponi is Paradise by Coldplay. The words ring so true with me. Paradise is here and now, it really could be.

    Best book–I read Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach this year. So wonderful. I’m reading 1000 Gifts again. It is the book that has changed my thought process the most. My favorite book of all time though is the Book of Mormon. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ.

  593. Hmmm I’m a newbie but found u guys because of Jesse Tree and A Holy Experience.

    My fave gadget this year has got to be my Crockpot, it has saved many an anxious moment trying to figure out “what’s for dinner”.

    My fave jeans are from Old Navy, they have just enough ‘stretch’ to give a girl breathing room.

    I’m going to cheat a little on Fave. song and just say anything by 3rd Day. Love the way they sound and my heart is always touched.

    Fave. recipe, well of course it has to do with the crockpot, it was Sesame Chicken in the crockpot. LOL

    Best change, God has put a pep in my step about nutrition for my family. I’ve found that without any forethought from me that I’m becoming quite the healthy – real food eating mama/wife.

    Best time this holiday, there were some good ones, but the best was when my kids put on their annual Christmas play that they write and direct and act. The main message was that Christmas is about Jesus and family. Love the Lord for that one!

  594. What a wonderful idea… reading the postings of our Sisters in Christ is so encouraging!
    Best Jeans: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ) Fit a 50+ body just right! Find at Zappos.com (another ‘best’ for shoes… free shipping in both directions) Yippee!
    Best Tool: Knit Picker from Dritz. Takes care of annoying pulls in sweaters & scarves in a jiffy.
    Best Book: My Utmost for His Highest (Updated Edition) Classic insight into joyfully serving Christ.
    Best Recipe: Wild Rice, Apricot & Almond Salad @ Tastebook.com (Great for gluten free gals)
    Best Risk: Completely surrendering our alcohol & drug dependent son to the LORD. Still a work in progress, but He is bringing help and peace to us all. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

  595. Best read of this year was Vision for God by Margaret Brand. Inspirational and down to earth. She is very real and transparent and inspiring as she and her son-in-law tell the story of she and her husband’s adventures in India and the US working with people who had leprosy. Highly recommend.

  596. Best holiday recipe – my dad’s peanut brittle – never fails, salty/sweet – the best combo
    Best song “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave
    Best books after the Word of God – OneThousand Gifts – not just saying it, but it HAS been a life changer for me. The next one is “Redeemed” by Francine Rivers. I’ve read it probably 10 times. Love, love it!

  597. 2012 – Every day in 2012 has been life changing. Learning and growing myself – teaching myself, with numerous books and magazines on how to be the best me yet! I am still working on the physical side of things but my insides have changed. Im more positive, smiling huge amounts more. I am able to let things go easily with out causing myself too much of a headache anymore. I recently got back with my daughters father – after taking 2 years apart for ultimately growing by ourselves for the better. Before we went our seperate ways we would always fight. Now we have both grown enough to talk it out and our daughter has never been happier.
    I am still looking for ways to do things better and count my blessings. Enjoy life and, when I do occasionally fall into old bad habbits be able to turn myself around in a few minutes!
    xx

  598. Okay, my best book was “Winning Him Without Words”. Being married to an unbeliever was a conscious choice at a rebellious time, but I don’t regret marrying him because he is my husband, however, I deeply desire his salvation. This book is helping me to be a better wife whether or not my husband is a Christian, because it directs me to be a God-lover and servant. I also received your devotional from a friend and EVERY time I sit down and open it, God speaks to me in the very moment that I am in. It is amazing!
    The recipe I could not not make again was the Italian Style Frittata and probably a dozen others. Cooking is my peace.
    My favorite song of this year? Hmmmm… I have so many. Probably “Away in a Manger” sung by my sweet 6-year-old. And the duet of my 4-year old son with his sister singing “Frosty the Snowman” while watching the first snowfall of this winter.
    The risk? Allowing my husband to freelance while going without health insurance and a predictable steady income. This is freeing up my faith and building my endurance. And he has gotten so close to me and the kids and we are strong. The Lord sustains us even when we haven’t all got faith.
    Thanks Ann for allowing God to speak grace through you. He has gifted you greatly.

  599. Best treat of the year: Brown butter brownies, gluten free. Recipe is on fireandsaltblogspot.com. You will love them even if you do not need to be on a gluten free diet. Delicious!

  600. The best gift I received this Christmas was an angel from my daughter but that was not all. She was a praying angel and along with her came a poem my daughter wrote for me. You see my only daughter has been going thru infertility treatments, endometrosis etc. this year. It has been painful because she has been praying for this baby since she was a child herself and she so loves the Lord and wants a baby so bad and I want to be a grandmother. I’m not getting any younger and afraid I won’t get to see it grow up. Along with that angel came a poem that my daughter wrote for me about her pray-er – me – on my knees. I cried when I opened that precious gift.

  601. best?
    do you know this is a foreign word for me, probably for many?
    When you are busy surviving, the best thing is to keep your head down and keep silent.
    Now, all this talking about best, makes me cry for the life I’ve squandered just surviving. You have inspired me for 2013, to seek out the best, to try on that word for my life, to believe that I deserve the best as well. Any one else going to be a first time striver/explorer for best ? I’d rather not be alone in this new journey.

  602. Best habit was writing a gratitude journal as Ann encouraged. Best book I just read “Born to Deliver” by Kathy Brace. Very good book.

  603. Best habit was writing a gratitude journal as Ann encouraged. Best book I just read “Born to Deliver” by Kathy Brace. Very good book.

  604. Great accomplishment of the year: Our youngest son graduating as an Honor Grad from Air Force Basic Training and also at the top of his class in his specialized training. God gets the Glory!

  605. Best Book(s) IN ADDITION TO 1000 Gifts (of which I have given over a dozen copies):
    “True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia” by Jerry Bridges, and
    “Vertical Church: What Every Heart Longs for. What Every Church Can Be” by James
    MacDonald. If you’re serious about your Christian walk as it relates to the Body of Christ, these books will bless you!

    Best Blog to Center My Day: HolyExperience.com because I love the combo of photos and prose. It sets just the right tone of thankfulness!!!

    Best Blog Post: This one(!) because I’ve gotten SO many great tips on “bests!”

    Best Song: “Love Came Down” performed by Vertical Church Band. (Video here: http://verticalchurchband.com/)

    Best Not-Strictly-Christian Album done by an awesome Christian: Heather Headley — Only One In the World

    Thanks for giving… and giving…

  606. Being pretty much shut in, I was blessed with a home health aide that I am able to mother and mentor. She’s a babe in Christ and seeking a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. It’s truly a blessing to be used to encourage and share with her His love.

  607. The Best of 2012 …
    Gifts ~ another 900 daily blessings added to 700 from 2011… still counting
    Book ~ re-read favorite parts of 1000 Gifts
    Miracle~ son in law home from middle east
    Bible study ~ Beloved Disciple
    Worship experience ~ Awake live event with Priscilla Shirer
    Christmas read ~ Finding Noel
    Song ~ Tell Me Who I Am To You
    …and too many more BESTs for this comment section <

  608. This one might seem odd, but for 5 months my family and I lived in the wilderness because we wanted to know that we could live without amenities. That’s right no water, no electric in TENTS!!! We LOVED it and really want to go back to that lifestyle.

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best, for us was taking all the electrical cords and electrical wiring off of all my electric appliances to use to cook with over a campfire. This worked fantastic for us because the appliances are made thicker than just soup pots and we couldn’t afford to go out and buy a bunch of new iron cookware. It was a GREAT idea!!

  609. Best follow through on a goal: I nearly forgot. I set a goal in January of 2012 to memorize Psalm 119 in it’s entirety and I did it. It took me the whole year because I got off track a bit in the summer, but I memorize the final stanza last week.

  610. Great Post: Have enjoyed reading them. Refreshing to my soul. I have been at home this week helping taking care of my nieces/nephews. It is encouraging to read stories about risk.

    Best Jeans: Lucky Brand Jeans ( I found 3 pairs at Savers a thrift store) but another favorite is Banana Republic jeans
    Best Book: Jesus Calling Devotion (always in my purse)
    Best Recipe: Penne a la Betsy by Pioneer Woman
    Best Tool: Garlic Peeler
    Best Risk: Spending my holiday break at home taking care of my sister children due to some family circumstances. It has been a great time of connecting with family but exhausting taking care of three children.

  611. Best jeans: these…http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=851201&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bananarepublic.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-jeans.jsp

    And these…http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-supply-co-juniors-bootcut-denim-assorted-colors/-/A-13457870?reco=Rec|pdp|13457870|TargetClickEV|item_page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|TargetClickEV|item_page.vertical_1 Unless you wear a jr size, buy 2 sizes up…I wear a 10 and ordered a 13R. Love the fit.

  612. Best Day of 2012 — Easter sunrise service at SeaWorld with music by Selah, and speaker, Angie Smith! Amazing!
    Best site online hands down is “A Holy Experience” ! Nothing else comes close.
    Best Book — “Duty or Delight” by Tammie Head
    Best restaurant food — Cracker Barrel grilled trout and Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (I just cook simple stuff, but I love these items when I eat out.)
    Best new habit — prayer before breakfast and gluten free diet (1 spiritual and mental habit, the other physical habit)

  613. 2012 has been a crazy roller coaster ride for this broken heart…however His light seems to shine brightest in our dark doesn’t it? 🙂

    – best recipe…homemade chocolate chip cookies…who doesn’t love them??
    – best book…I’m not lying when I say One Thousand Gifts…bought it a year ago and finally picked it up this summer during a time of suffering and can honestly say the practice of thanksgiving worked wonders for this little heart!
    – best song…Who You Are by Kristian Stanfill…I had the opportunity to attend Passion 2012 in Atlanta and this song stayed in my heart all year, a wonderful reminder of who our God is
    – jeans that fit best…my Target skinny jeans! I’m a college student…these jeans fit me and my budget well!
    – tool/gizmo/idea that worked best…my Kitchen Aid mixer that I received for my 21st birthday…how else could I make all of those cookies?
    – risk that returned best…after a nasty break-up with the man I thought I was going to marry…the Lord provided an opportunity for me to intern in San Francisco for the summer…I jumped on a plane not knowing what was next but it was the best risk I ever took!
    – best link of 2012…goodwomenproject.com…an incredible place for women who are seeking truth
    – best laugh…too many to count! always laughing with friends and family
    – best living…exploring San Francisco and finding God in unexpected places…also adventures and taking road trips with my best friends to Gulf Shores, AL and Nashville, TN.
    – best thing you didn’t want to do but you did anyway…breaking up with my boyfriend after three years together…lost a best friend and a great relationship…I rest in the truth of the Lord’s much BIGGER and BETTER plan for me
    – best habit…spending time with the Lord every morning and journaling!
    – best holiday…Christmas…we always have family and friends over, as well as people we barely know which I love!
    – best gift…my friends taking the time to throw me a birthday party!
    – best sacrifice…everything my parents do for me (college tuition, living expenses, my car, the list goes on and on)
    – best of everything 2012…growing in my faith, deepening relationships, serving on student leadership at my church, learning to TRUST

  614. Best book I read in 2012: a thousand gifts!
    Best sermon series I listened to: David platt’s Matthew series
    Best discipline I kept up: thankfulness list

  615. best song: Don’t You Want to Thank Someone by Andrew Peterson… I am not sure but I am wondering if he wrote it after reading 1000 gifts

  616. Oh so many bests this year!
    Best book: Praying Circles around your children by Mark Batterson
    Best vacation- Michigan’s UP with our amazing friends
    Best Family Field Trip: Greenfield Village & Henry Ford Museum
    Best Birthday- My daughter turning Sixteen
    I could go on…..

  617. Great book I read this year was 31 Days to A Happy husband…awesome inspiring book that really changed how I viewed my married life 🙂 Best recipe a peacn pie recipe online , best moment my 5 year-olds smile!

  618. Best gift…Lily Belle, my first baby.
    Best song…Abide with me.
    Best continuing traditon…waking up to hot drinks and bible reading with my husband.
    Best new tradition…Advent (Jesse Tree Journey)
    Best shirts…Old Navy Vintage T-shirts, clearance $4, bought every color!
    Best book…One Thousand Gifts, but along another line too, Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson!
    Best hope to come…a small bible study group in my home, for moms.

  619. Well, I am sure this doesn’t sound great but I am grateful for one major thing this year…that it is over. Now, it is easy to think that is terrible but the truth is seasons of suffering are just that…seasons. There is peace in my heart knowing that God has brought hardship this year but a new year is coming. Even if everything doesn’t “go my way” there is a patience in me that only Jesus Christ could have placed there. Next year, books and jeans will bless me more as I wait in the palm of His hand for joy to return in the morning.

  620. I had to really think on this challenge……
    I will post about a “best of” moment in my life that happened this year.
    When I became a believer 12 years ago, the Holy Spirit gifted me with the courage to sing in public. I never turn down an opportunity to sing for Him.
    I had decided to audition for a small vocal group which is to join the Detroit Symphony on stage at Carnegie Hall in May of 2013. As I put my hand on the door to enter the audition, I breathed a prayer “Lord, I leave this all in your hands, win or lose.”
    And proceeded to sing an awful audition!
    Didn’t beat myself up on the way home, just felt peaceful about it – after all, God was going to either put me in New York or leave me at home.
    Well, I am going to New York! What I thought was horrible must have sounded sweet to the panel, because I was placed in the group after all.
    We are singing during a performance of Charles Ives’ Fourth Symphony, which contains the hymn “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night”. It will be an experience of a lifetime, which, for this 58 year-old, is beginning to wind down!

    • Wonderful story, Linda. Good for you. I love Charles Ives’ work. You will have a great time of fellowship as you rehearse among others who love to sing.

  621. Best book I read: “7” by Jen Hatmaker
    Best song: 10,000 Reasons
    Best decision this year: started volunteering with Boaz Ministries, a highlight for sure!
    Best gift: a silver cross necklace from The Vintage Pearl….from my hubby 🙂
    Love your blog, Anne and I received your new devotional for Christmas. Plan to start
    counting on Jan. 1st. Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration!

  622. The best reads: probably The Hiding Place by Coorie ten Boom and Focus by Leo Babauta (it’s free in PDF!).
    Thinking over some more bests…

  623. The best gift we received this year was that 2 of our grandchildren brought their potential mates to meet us, get our approval and pray over them. We felt so honored and blessed. Lord willing there will be 2 weddings next year. Also we had our 11th great-grandchild, what a blessing. Best Book – Confident Heart

  624. Best Book: Genesis – Bible study this year
    Best Risk: Going to day shift after 13 years of nights
    Best Recipe: Green Chile Enchiladas
    Best Song; 10,000 Reasons
    Best Habit: Letting go when I feel stressed out and handing whatever it is to Him!

  625. Best book….no doubt, One Thousand Gifts. I am on my second reading and have given the book eight of my friends including one women that just accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

  626. Best Books: 7 by Jen Hatmaker, Inspiried You by Miss Mustard Seed and The Rest of the Gospel by Dan Stone

    Best thing to wear: scarves!!! can’t get enough of them

    Best Cookbooks: Pioneer Woman

    Best Buy: Glass top stove. Love it!

  627. Hi Ann, just plain lynn here (no fanciful “e”) and a bit of lurker too but gonna jump in 🙂

    Best book: Bible , of course, and Dinner With a Perfect Stranger is short, interesting read.
    Best recipe: Cheese Stuffed Meatballs (dill gouda cheese & Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce)
    Best jeans: “perfectly slimming” Levi’s, boot cut (mine are perfectly stretching 🙂
    Best shoes: Reebok Simply Tone, on my 3rd pair (super comfy but treacherous on ice!)
    Best habit: gratitude memos on phone (copy later in journal), #1214 and counting…
    Best (?) song in my head: hmmm, Little Drummer Boy: pa rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pummm…

  628. Best date of 2012–still yet to happen tomorrow night–overnight at a Bed n Breakfast with my hubby! A break from normal life and an opportunity for uninterrupted conversation, just the two of us!

  629. Best book: “The God I Never Knew”
    Best gift: A handmade “Eucharisteo” sign from a dear friend.
    Best recipe: So many, but this, wow this is warm, yummy AND easy http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/chicken-soup-with-cornmeal-sage-dumplings-recipe/index.html
    Best risk: Hosting a marriage seminar with my husband. (Yes, that one was leaping along the mountain tops of faith for both of us…we still are, really. Scared, but forging ahead into new territory)
    Best song: “O the Blood” sung by Kari Jobe (this might be old, but I just found it)

  630. I was at a homeschool meeting one night this year when Amy Kelley kept waving around a book that she said was worth reading. I knew the Holy Spirit was nudging me to get that book to read. I did and I can say that I couldn’t believe how it ministered to me. The Lord Himself speaking through Ann and her humble experience. I cried through many of the chapters. I’m reading it again – slower this time. The first time I devoured it, this time I am walking through Ann’s pages to be encouraged in my own walk with Christ.

  631. My best habit….starting the day everyday in my Bible.
    Best book….1000 Gifts
    Best thing I did spiritually…tough, may be preservering through a tough change in my Sunday school class when I just wanted to give up. Definitely reading through my Bible..(I only lack a couple chapters and I’ll get that done by the 1st).
    It’s hard to pick a lot of bests…..I learned and grew and appreciated my wonderful life everyday. Thanks for the gift of your book to help me do that!

  632. books I couldn’t put down: Her Mother’s Hope & Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers

  633. Best book – made to crave, helped me to focus more on God and less on myself and choices I make.
    Best gift was having all our kids together at one time. They are all busy and it’s hard for us to find time together all at once.

  634. Best haircut, EVER! 1.5 years ago, my hair was above my ears; this summer I got a cut/shape/do that was amazing – and it’s now past my collarbones. Whoopee!

  635. I’ll start with one of the bests for me. The best jeans are jeans that are about 3 sizes smaller than what I was wearing this time last year, at about 40 pounds smaller. These comfy, thrifted jeans are happy-celebration jeans keeping me on a “in-all-things-moderation” during this feasting Christmas season.

  636. Are we allowed to leave more than one comment? ‘Cause my best blue jeans ever are from Wal Mart – really. Boot-cut, Faded Glorys, dark wash. I’ve gotten more compliments (at 40# overweight) in these jeans that I EVER did in my “smaller” sizes.

  637. best kid quote – my 2 year old niece carrying on a conversation with 2 decorative Christmas nut crackers and calling them ‘graham crackers’

  638. Best book I read in 2012: 7 by Jen Hatmaker. Changed the way I look at a lot of things!
    Nicole

  639. Best jeans – Express barely boot cut (after 6 months of searching!)
    Best song – “I’m With You (Ruth & Naomi)” from The Story
    Best gift – tea with my mother-in-law and a mutual friend for my birthday *love*

  640. Last year, One Thousand Gifts was my book of the year and remains in the top 3 ever! But this year I really loved…
    Bob Goff’s, Love Does..really good!
    Best thing that happened was after a year of grueling treatment for HEP C , my husband was healed of HEP C!
    Best gift: (see above:-) And after 3 years of sobriety and 34 years of marriage, my husband is becoming the leader, the spiritual head of household, my covering, my soulmate.
    Best (and hardest) thing spiritual: this year has been about detaching from people and things that keep me (and others) from depending on God. It’s been bizarre as one relationship after another either ended or boundaries were made. I can see that my need to control people and things has been futile, and since I wouldn’t give them up willingly, God fixed it!
    Best Recipe: any I don’t have to cook!
    Best Jeans: the ones I don’t fit in right now:-(
    Best lotion: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion…REALLY!
    Best thing I’ve done: I’m up to #821 in my gratitude journal.
    Best thing ever: My 4 year old granddaughter, Mylee, AKA “The Punkin!”

  641. Best moment, making vows to the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. Best gift, my husband after waiting more than 10 years for someone to love, someone to love me. God’s timing is the very best!

  642. Favorite Recipe – anything with chocolate
    Favorite Song – Blessings by Laura Story
    Favorite Book(s) – One Thousand Gifts, 7, Kisses from Katie
    Best Habit – praying at wake-up and bedtime
    Best Gift – answered prayers for ailing friends and family

  643. This is so fun! Just found this link via twitter. Okay…diving into questions…

    Best Jeans–Just found the first pair of skinnies that look right. ALTHOUGH they do shrink in the dryer (agh). Levi’s Mid-Rise Skinnies from Kohl’s.

    Best Lipstick–Hands down, it’s Maybelline’s Color Sensational–cheap and chic. I love the Rum Riche.

    Best Recipe–I love the white chili on my Pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/pin/192599321534414777/

    Best Song–“Blessed Be Your Name” by Tree 63 (I know, it wasn’t this year!)

    Best Risk we took–Obeying God and moving back to my family home in WV, with no job lined up for my hubby. Left a wonderful church and tons of friends behind. But after several months, God did provide a job. Obeying Him is ALWAYS worth it.

  644. I teach first grade and the “best gift” for me was the Monday after the Newtown tragedy, a student who has difficulty connecting with people, came up to me and threw his arms around me and said “you is the bestest teacher in the whole world and I love you!” Needless to say, my eyes welled up and I just hugged him. I was so touched.

  645. Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: Eggplant Parm
    Best book I couldn’t put down: 7 Habit of Highly Effective People
    Best song I couldn’t get out of my head: 10000 Reasons
    Best jeans: Mother Brand Skinny
    Best risk: I am sad to say can’t think one. Need to have one this year!

  646. My best dip, guaranteed! The dish is always empty before I am ready to leave the party.
    Dice one medium onion. I like to do 1/2 white or yellow and 1/2 red onions. Mash into 4 blocks of softened cream cheese. ( I sometimes add a few dashes of garlic powder) Press down into pre-sprayed baking dish. Bake at 250degree oven for 20-30min or until it begins to be all bubbly. Serve with wheat thins, or the flavored melba thins. ENJOY
    My best blessing this year was the URINARY TRACT INFECTION in Oct that led to the removal of 2 cancerous ovarian tumors. God is so good!!!

  647. Best jeans … a $3 pair from the local thrift store!
    Best song … Miraculum by Lincoln Brewster on his Christmas album … the worship band at our church did this to open the Christmas Eve service this week, and it was so awesome! It’s been a difficult year in many ways, and a difficult Christmas season, and this song just made me soar!

  648. Best recipe this year was one I found recently when I needed a little something sweet but didn’t have anything in the house. Gooey brownie in a mug! 4 tbsp each of flour and sugar, 2 tbsp each of oil, water and cocoa powder. Add a dash of salt and mix REALLY well. Microwave for one minute and voila! It hit the spot perfectly 🙂

  649. Best book: Choosing Gratitude – Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – $1 library book sale – had same impact on my as your book Ann, and have been once again listing my gifts, and a more joyful heart!

  650. Trying to think of my bests of 2012 … my high schooler telling me thanks for homeschooling him, a thank you from our church for 25 years as their pastor and family, and thanks from my daughter for loving her baby girl so…. all of these things people have thanked me for that are such gifts to me. Crazy. Oh, Thank You, God! What a circle of thanks from the Giver of all Good Gifts! Maybe this party can have an eternity party on His Porch together. Thanks, Ann, for so many times of re-speaking what I hear Him say here in my heart. Can’t wait to see each one of you at the Big Feast!!!!

  651. Best discovery…O Holy Experience -I find myself there when ever I need to regain perspective and to find peace and quiet.
    Best recipe made this year…it’s an oldie, one my Mom made often when my siblings and I were kids. Oatmeal cake with brown sugar, coconut and walnut frosting
    Best celebration…my niece’s wedding

  652. Best healing moment: telling a community of women at a retreat something I was struggling with and having them lay their hands on me , to cry out to God with me, to speak truth and let me cry it out…to not be ok and yet they and Jesus did not leave me!

  653. Best moment: renewing our marriage vows for our 30th anniversary! Amazing to recommit to each other and all that God has in store for the next 30!
    Best news: we will become grandparents in June 2013!! So excited!
    Best book: You’re Already Amazing by Holly Gerth

  654. Best “letting go” moment: my 16 year old son getting his license and driving off on his own in the car with his younger brother. So proud of those boys, so amazing that we are here at this stage already.

  655. The Best of 2012 for me was what I did for me, I lost 120 pounds. This was the best thing that I have ever done for me. I rejoice in the Lord for giving me the strength to carry through and to reach a goal for myself that only I could do for myself. From a whopping size 274 to a size 154, it still amazes me when I look at myself in the mirror and for the first time in years I feel pretty and for the first time in years when my Husband calls me beautiful, I believe him.

  656. The best gift I received this year was seeing all three of my adult children get married! Yes, three weddings in one year! The gift of love multiplied three times over. And all of them chose godly mates. 2012 was the best year for our family!

  657. Best Song: God is Able, Hillsong, but the men at our church really nail it better!
    Best Book: this month: the book of Luke!
    Best recipe: Prime Rib! Bring the meat to room temp, sear it, put on your favorite rub. Bake in a 500 degree oven for 5 minutes for every pound of meat. Turn off the oven, but don’t open the door for two full hours. Perfect every time!

  658. Best thrift store find-a wonderfully warm and cute winter coat, just before the first big snowfall and my husband was gone, so I had to do all of the shoveling. Truly, the Lord provided just in time.

  659. Best gift – His grace and comfort as I’ve learned to walk this earthly road without my Mom who passed away in February 2012. Best jeans (at least for me) Signature brand at…… Walmart. I know, but hey they fit well.

  660. My favorite thing of 2012?

    My father is alive and well and overcoming his addiction. I thank God every day for his life and I pray for his salvation.

  661. Best Recipe – crockpot tri-tip tacos
    Best Song – Hillsong songs
    Jeans – skinny jeans from Kohls. I never thought i would get them and now i love how comfy they are.
    The risk – moving into our new home. God put everything in place, set things in motion, and now we are here!! I still can’t believe we are here…what a blessing.

  662. Best book: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
    Best Memory: My son’s laughter- Every. Single. Day.
    Best Gift: Every breath Every day

  663. Best Choice – taking my 11 yr old son out of public school and sending him to a classical Christian school AND switching prosthetic companies for my daughter, now she’s rockin’ a sweet new leg!! 🙂
    Best vacation – Myrtle Beach as a family this summer
    Best experience – helping a family who lost their house in hurricane Sandy
    Best memory – taking my daughter to 3 diff states to experience 3 Camp No Limits!!
    Best jean – NY and Co curvy skinny jean – whooot!!! w/ boots 😉

  664. Best recipe- anything take out, or a quick pot of 4 bean chili.
    Best song- depends on the hour, and the minute. But Good Morning by Mandisa always gets me moving. 🙂
    Favorite moment? sharing moments of grace with my daughter and mom, both of whom don’t live near me.
    New habit– to actually write the thankfulness. at least some of them!

  665. A book I couldn’t put down…that’s a hard one, because I started so many books and never finished any except for one called Heaven’s Child. Though I don’t agree with the author’s religious views and some of what she wrote, she did write from the heart of a grieving mama, and she was REAL! Though it’s not a necessarily helpful book to get one through grief, it’s an easy read that you can’t put down. It leaves on on the edge of their seat, waiting to see what happens next.

  666. Best song: 10,000 Reasons
    Best book: Isaiah 40-66, which I reread every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas
    Best jeans: Eddie Bauer, which I bought at Goodwill 2 yrs. ago and are still my bestfitting jeans
    Best event: our daughter’s wedding to her best friend Aug. 4
    Best recipe: Lentil Soup made by my husband
    The risk: in Jan. my husband went on staff of an agency that sends experienced, older pastors to Africa to train pastors there. He raises support, and we’re trust God to meet our needs at a time when most people are retiring
    Best habit: giving thanks every day and writing it down in my eucharisteo journal…now on #1295. Thank you are not sufficient words, Ann, for your book. I love you.

  667. The best thing I did (but really didn’t want to do) was to call hospice for my mom. Though it hurt so badly to say goodby, it was time for her to leave us on December 4. We’ll be together again and I am holding tight to Paul’s words: “For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of lift.” Bless the Lord, He is faithful…I’m sorry, I can’t think past this to answer the rest of the “Best of” questions.

  668. The idea that worked best for me was eliminating most household cleaners, and using white vinegar. Dawn and white vinegar work wonders in tubs and showers, and on kitchen faucets and sinks!

  669. The best thing I didn’t want to do but ended up doing anyway was leaving my husband and son behind to go visit a friend who really needed some fellowship. It ended up being a very blessed time for the both of us, and a respite that I needed more than I knew!

  670. One of the best gifts I recieved this year would have to be the birth of my first grandchild, Jackson David, on July 25th. A beautiful baby boy who had the nose of his daddy and the eyes and mouth of his mommy (my daughter). With the happiness and celebration of his birth also brought heartache as he was born with esophageal atresia (the upper and lower parts of his esophagus were not connected together). Jackson would spend the first 5 months of his little life at Children’s Hospital in Omaha NE, 1 1/2 hours away from his mommy and daddy and the rest of his family. After enduring surgery, infection and a small leak in his esophagus, God gave us the best Christmas gift when Jackson was discharged from the hospital on December 25th. My daughter was only able to spend weekends with him as she and her husband needed to work to provide for their family. On Christmas night she was able to rock him to sleep and place him in his crib in his blue room. God gave us the gift of Jesus over 2000 years ago and this year he gave us the gift of Jackson coming home to his mommy and daddy. It truly was the best Christmas we could have ever had.

  671. The best gift was the watch my hubby gave to me while we were on our family vacation (during our anniversary, and our oldest son’s going Home anniversary this past summer) in South Dakota. He hid it on the pillow in the hotel room! Love that man, and adore my watch!

    • Shannon, I did not see the reply button before. So in case you do not see my comments to you below:

      1) Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of my heroes. One of the things I’m grateful for in 2012 is her life and example. Oh, and I’m a bit in love with Almanzo Wilder, too, but I think Laura would understand.

      2) Today is Cap Garland’s birthday (December 27, 1864). I’m grateful for him, too.

  672. ღ Best Books from 2012: John Adams (James McCullough), The Scent of Water (Elizabeth Goudge), and every Annie Dillard I can put my hands on! (Aside from not one but two personal copies of 1,000 Gifts whom the good Lord strongly nudged me to gift all dog-eared, underlined and starred in pencil to a very dear coworker and a dear longtime friend. Will I never get to own my own well-read copy?) 😉
    ღ Best Jeans: are always {{still}} from Ann Taylor Loft.
    ღ The Best Gift: A koi pond my husband and teenage sons dug for me in July, complete with a little waterfall. Although it’s a work in progress, there is nothing so peaceful as hearing the burbling water, feeding the fish or watching a long-legged frog push off from a lily pad on a starry moonlit summer, fall, or winter evening.
    ღ Best Song: Currently Kerrie Robert’s, Oh Holy Night, listen over here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDUg88d9Hbw AND, strangely, Owl City’s In Christ Alone. Quirky, yet sweet to share with daughter. Listen over here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipl-rLRxOrs
    ღ Best Finds: Goodwill! Compliments are often followed by queries of where to find a the same shirt, skirt, sweater, etc. I refer to my style only as “vintage!” Indeed, many dearly treasured decorative objects in my home are ala “Debra Hall Lifestyle” at flea market & Goodwill prices. <3
    ღ Best face product: Pixi Flawless Beauty fluid. Gives a beautiful luster to a 40-something face.
    ღ Best Musical Artists: Michael Chertock, Jennifer Haines, David Lanz, Paul Cardall, Michael Dulin, Jon Schmidt.
    ღ Best Artist (and supremely dee-lish recipes!): SusanBranch.com
    ღ Best Bittersweet Moment of 2012: When I realized one Sunday morning in church that "and deliver us from the mule" is forever gone from daughter's proudly recited-from-memory Lord's Prayer with the congregation. It was both sweet and childish and I will tuck it away and remember it always! <3

  673. The best recipe- Awesome Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing from allrecipes.com

    The best song – my church’s rendition of Silent Night with violin, banjo,mandolin, & more instruments plus talented voices

    The best jeans-Target Mossimo

    The best link -incourage!

    The best tool-my slowcooker, finally I am hooked

    The best gift-my husband deciding to not give up on our family!

    The best sacrifice-sponsoring a second compassion child

  674. The best holiday would be our 10th wedding anniversary, spent very far away from home in De Smet, SD–home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family (the first family to settle that area). We were on the road/away from home for two full weeks, and drove 4100 miles total!!! Loved our prairie adventures!

  675. The best habit–though I have not kept it–is rising early and receiving my Daily Portion from the Lord. I cannot say enough, to all of you ladies, about how important this is in your spiritual walk and general well being! I’m determined in 2013 to KEEP this habit–it’s a must!

  676. Best Risk that Returned Best– I just have to share this even as it continues to unfold:
    I didn’t know him in High School. I only remember him in my peripheral vision and thinking “There goes David in uniform, there goes David in uniform.” He was in ROTC and…always in uniform.

    Fast forward 30 years to our high school reunion. There he was, not looking the same but I knew it was him. I had the same thought three times “Go talk to David.” I didn’t. And he didn’t approach me even though he says he meant to.

    After the event I sent him a Facebook friend request. He answered with a sweet note and we began “talking” through the instant messaging. He had moved away to Kentucky after his time serving as a Marine right after high school. Two weeks after we began, he mentioned that he it was the first weekend in two years where he wasn’t working and didn’t have his son with him. He didn’t know what to do and thought he might come back to Illinois to see his sister. I said to call me if he did that and we could get together. He ended up working that weekend but told me he was thinking of an adventure with me.

    The next day, he sent a message that invited me to Kentucky for the Annual Marine Corp Birthday Ball being held in Louisville. He said he would fly me down and of course, I would have my own hotel room. I said “yes” immediately. I suggested that we should probably talk on the phone. So, the first time I heard his voice was that night after I had accepted invitation. The first time I ever had a conversation with him in person was when I got off the plane.

    Since then, we’ve grown closer, and are “dating” as much as you can long distance. He’s a wonderful, sweet Godly man. Who knows what adventures God has in store for us in the new year.

    Thanks, Ann for your life changing book. I go back to it all the time. Happy New Year to you and your family.

  677. Absolute best thing I did in 2012 was saying yes to that little tug I felt to contact Holley Gerth about life coaching. She was able to get me moving through my fear…and to finally begin speaking. 2012 was the year I started to truly live out my purpose. Praise God!!!

  678. In 2010, our oldest son, Ethan (7) died in an accident. We have declared his birthday, November 29th, to be The Golden Rule Day–in his honor, and in honor of his favorite verse from Matthew 7:12.

    We decided to adopt a family that we know that was able to bring home their special needs daughter for the first time in 3.5 years!!! Praise the Lord!!! They were not able to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle. So we raised money for them to help out.

    The results were amazing, and many folks who didn’t even know them donated generously from the heart! Over $7000 was raised, and they were able to buy a good, used van!

  679. Oh, for me to pick one song or one book is sooo hard! Music and reading are such a big part of my life and I find myself struck by so many different things, thoughts and ideas at various different times. Two of my favorite current songs are “10,000 Reasons” and “All Things Possible”. My favorite gadget is probably my smart phone – I am addicted!
    2012 has been a year of change for me, my husband has gone from working full-time to permanent disability and tomorrow is the last day of work for me at my job of 15 years. I have had two years to get to this point, and it didn’t happen overnight, but I am looking at this as just another way God is encouraging me to change and grow. New opportunities to grow the kingdom.

  680. Best gift: helping my daughter birth Isaiah Jamin. Amma has no words. It’s overwhelming.
    Best book: Wiersbe Bible Commentary – NT, gift from my youngest son who is not a reader.
    Best time spent: with my Sweet Auntie Clara a few days before she went home to glory.
    Best recipe: Soup, always soup. Philly Cheese Steak Soup from YWAM Denver.
    Best Party: Bible Study apron exchange
    Best Date: Just me and the Biker on the Harley
    Best surprise: Cedar ceiling and windowsill in the bathroom when I came home from being away.
    Best boots: Double H Packers I bought to wear on the bike but they fit perfect and are so comfortable I wear them all the time everywhere.
    Best new thing to think about: God anointed Jesus with joy.
    Best Skype: Another grandson coming in the New Year.

  681. The best book I couldn’t put down was by far One Thousand Gifts and I purchased 30 for Christmas gifts so everyone could experience the transformation of journaling in giving thanks.

    The best song I couldn’t get out of my head was “I’ll be home for Christmas,” because my mom died in July and this is the first Christmas in 56 years, I’ve not been with my mom at Christmastime. Missing her.

    The jeans that fit best was finally my size 8’s. I lost 20 pounds in the last 10 weeks using the Daniel Plan – just eating right. Wow do I feel great, 3 more pounds to meet my goal.

    The idea that worked for me the last several months is truly thinking about what I am eating and feeding my body. Realizing that educating myself by watching videos and reading articles helps me stayed focused.

    The risk that returned best was accepting the challenge to take on the position of the President of the Ministerial Alliance. Even though it’s scarey, I know I’ll regret it if I don’t try.

    The best link of 2012 was “A Holy Experience,” you are my mentor and don’t even know it. The best laugh was Christmas morning when I played a game with false clacking teeth in honor of my mom.

    The best habit was finally flossing my teeth on a regular basis.
    The best holiday was by far this Christmas hosting Christmas for 85 people at the Homeless Shelter. The best gift was seeing the 17 children at the homeless shelter experience joy over Christmas morning, especially celebrating Jesus birthday.

    The best sacrifice was my time organizing Christmas at the shelter. It took so much preparation, raising funds, delegating etc. but was so worth every minute spent. Hearing him say, “If you do it for the least of these my brethren you do it for me.” and “If you take care of my children, I will take care of yours.” The most wonderful Christmas ever.

  682. Best Memories: 1) a day trip with my mother in which we picked out material for a quilt she wants to make for me. 2) Watching The Lord of the Rings Trilogy with my ill grandfather. He loves those films.
    Scariest Decision: Applying for a different job at a library after already being turned down for a position there. No, I didn’t get that job either. But I’ll never have to wonder, “What if…?” about the situation now. It’s in God’s hands.
    Best Accomplishment: Making two crocheted wraps for family members; making a rosary for myself– finally!– in the style and colors I like instead of wasting more years thinking, ” I should design a rosary….”. I’ve since made three more rosaries.
    Hardest part of 2012: Watching my grandfather become weaker and weaker. However, if I *had* gotten one of those library jobs earlier in the year, I would not have been able to help take care of him or spend this time with him.

  683. Best novels read this year: The Warrior and Unseen. Seriously, you have to read Unseen!

    Best tea discovery: Lady Grey. Slightly lighter than Earl Grey, but still delicious!

    Best outdoor activity: Taking the kids camping with my husband’s folks. It was so fun to spend time with the kids, my husband, and my wonderful in-laws!

    Most precious read-aloud moments: Listening to my husband read The Hobbit to the children!

    Most amazing blessing: Grace! I do not deserve this wild gift of grace, but oh, how I need it!

  684. Best jeans: my old worn favorites with the green/brown embroidery flowers on them soon to be retired cuz they are tired and getting holes. Sigh.
    Best new habit: chewing my food better and eating less processed carbs.

  685. Best song, so powerful, the world edition of “How Great is Our God”, the numerous singing voices in many languages makes me cry every time I hear it.
    Best book…anything by Max Lucado…he truly touches my heart
    Best new experience….receiving Ann Voskamp’s website through a friend, who I met by mistake online…all the way from Maine to Texas…wow…so thankful for this site !
    Best moment this year….sitting with my son and daughter in law from CA, here in Maine, and learning that my youngest daughter in OR would deliver her first child in Jan 2013 which is truly a miracle of God. She once was heading down a dangerous path, and God showed me back then that one day she would have a family…that vision from God kept me faithful that this day would indeed arrive….prayers please for the safe delivery of little Gabrielle Louise at the end of Jan.

  686. Shannon Wallace, Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of my heroes. One of the things I’m grateful for in 2012 is her life and example. Oh, and I’m a bit in love with Almanzo Wilder, too, but I think Laura would understand.

  687. Best Books: 1000 Gifts and Kisses from Katie
    Best Change: In July my husband and I went on a 40 day fast to seek God. My heart was broken over a desire for more children and money and time wasted on infertility treatment. I was obsessed with a desire to “complete our family”. During our fast God called me to his sweet presence and showed me the many distractions and idols in my life. He called me to turn off the tv which was adding too much noise. He called me to begin writing the blog that I had no idea existed in His mind. He changed my heart and my husband and I will be approved foster parents in the next few weeks. He is making all things new…
    And Ann, it was a sweet blessing to meet you at Allume. Thank you for pouring the blessings of God over me in prayer. It was as if you had read my heart when you prayed over me. You are a prophet for our time and you are dear to me.

    • I have to reply…my brother has raised alone, an adopted son, mom had personality disorder, and abandoned 5 children. His son is now 20. We gave the boy so much unwanted attention that he pushed us away. He went to church with dad Sundays, but chose street people over church friends. He is in our family’s prayers daily, and struggles with addictions. Looking back, all that we could have done differently would be to ‘teach him everything in life needs to be earned’….giving him taught him nothing. He needed strict boundaries and structure, which are hard to stay firm on. Discipline was not my brother’s finest trait, nor mine , as auntie. We wanted to love him and make up for the missing mom piece…sometimes that is just not enough….tough love is more needed. He is still God’s child, and I encourage him to journal his days and struggles…he has such a story to tell inside him. God Bless you in being ‘his hands’…a co worker told me the best day of her life, was when she was rescued from her bipolar mom and put into safety in foster care.

  688. Best Books: 1000 Gifts and Kisses from Katie
    Best Change: In July my husband and I went on a 40 day fast to seek God. My heart was broken over a desire for more children and money and time wasted on infertility treatment. I was obsessed with a desire to “complete our family”. During our fast God called me to his sweet presence and showed me the many distractions and idols in my life. He called me to turn off the tv which was adding too much noise. He called me to begin writing the blog that I had no idea existed in His mind. He changed my heart and my husband and I will be approved foster parents in the next few weeks. He is making all things new…
    And Ann, it was a sweet blessing to meet you at Allume. Thank you for pouring the blessings of God over me in prayer. It was as if you had read my heart when you prayed over me. You are a prophet for our time and you are dear to me.

  689. So many best gifts from the big (the birth of my second son and my husband\’s second deployment getting cancelled two weeks into training) to the small (snow at Christmas and many mugs of coffee with heart-friends).

    Best book: Carl Medearis’ Speaking of Jesus. It’s not necessarily that it was the “best” book that I read this year as that it thoroughly challenged my thinking about Christ. And I have to say, closely following that is One Thousand Gifts. I’m at 1193.

    Best song: 10,000 Reasons, as sung by my two year old.

    Best habit: a new cleaning schedule that keeps me from doing too much or too little and helps me enjoy my boys better.

    Best risk: being more vulnerable in my writing as I share about what Christ is doing in my life.

  690. best book this year (besides the bible 🙂 ) is probably “What You Must Think of Me.” I couldn’t stop reading it!

  691. The best of 2012 – the best book for me would definitely be One Thousand Gifts alongside the book of Isaiah. I too have shared it with many. The best movie for me is Les Miserables. The best change is purposefully living on God’s presence through a grateful attitude. Thanks Ann for teaching me “the how to” of this. Thanks for being so vulnerable to the world so that we can all grow in this area. This was a difficult year with much loss but still great joy because of this understanding of giving thanks.

  692. Best book was 1000 gifts!! And I have shared it with everyone
    Best jeans were found for$7 at GoodWill!! They are so comfortable! Lee brand
    Best risk with major returns: volunteering at a local pregnancy center
    best tv show: duck dynasty!
    Best snack recipe: spiced oyster crackers- great with tomato Basil soup!

  693. Best Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas
    Best Book: Unglued because I read it with a friend
    Other Best Book: same kind of different as ME
    Best Present: UGG Boots and a Calendar
    Best Habit: Training and Finishing a marathon after knee surgery

  694. **Best song: 10,000 Reasons!!! 🙂
    **Best book: 1000 Gifts!!!! 🙂
    (Goodness!!! Right there I’ve got 11,000 blessings)!!!!!! 🙂
    **Best event: Thanksgiving – when two of my six daughters became friends again! 🙂
    WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!! God is GOOD, and He answers prayers!!!!! 🙂
    **Best jeans: Two sizes smaller than the ones I wear now (yes….God has been talking to me about the condition of His temple….house cleaning IS in order)!

    Thank you, Ann, for being so open and honest with all of us! You are a gift to all of us, and you really do help us to hear the sweet God song!! Blessings all over you!!! 🙂

  695. Best book of the year: Technically I read 1000 Gifts in 2011, but it has impacted my 2012 in so many ways… more on that to come below. Also the book “7” by Jenn Hatmaker. OH SO GOOD about our need for excess and her monthly fasts to eliminate the waste from her life. Get it. Read it!

    Best song of the year: too many to name. I too loved 10,000 Reasons, but the one that brings me to my knees and makes me weep is How He Loves by David Crowder Band. I don’t know if that is a 2012 release or if it’s older, but it made my year.

    Best Habit: Love notes. After reading 1000 Gifts, I shared my new “habit” with my two young daughters, ages 4 and 6. I explained the concept of gifts as love notes from God. We’ve been looking for them all around all the time. It’s lovely and humbling and beautiful to see my girls, especially my 6 year old, really get to know God in a new way by choosing to see His “love notes” to her.

    Best Recipe: Creamy chicken and wild rice soup in the crock pot.
    http://chefmommy-brandao.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-02-24T20%3A56%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=3

    Best jeans: from Kohl’s Lee Style Ups. And the message to the wearer on the inside of the front waistband is fabulous… it says “You are gorgeous” Love wearing them!

  696. Best recipe: My Mom’s green bean casserole. I didn’t even know I liked green bean casserole!
    Best moment: Having a true heartful talk with my best friend. She made me realize we all have a past and made me understand how God brought us together as friends for a reason.
    Best change: Deepening my relationship with Christ.
    Best song: Fallin’ by Trip Lee

  697. 1st thought that came to my mind… best song: One Thing Remains by Kristian Stanfill!!

    I asked my son & hubby too; Youngest son says – \”Best thing (thang) ever this year, of course was waking up each day!\” Hubby says – no clue, let me get back to ya!

    Youngest son return – can I change my answer – \”God\’s Love is the Best Everrrr!!\”

  698. Best recipe… my mother-in-law’s croissant bread pudding with homemade caramel sauce & candied pecans. She is a jewel and has taught me so much more this year than how to make decedent bread pudding (:

  699. I’d have to say best book is One Thousand Gifts. I found it in mid 2012 and it has helped me so much. I have given two copies as gifts! Thank you, Ann!

  700. Best hard season: birth of our first granddaughter as a micro-preemie in April at 25 weeks, 1 lb. 9 oz. She is now 5 months old developmentally and thriving; her momma needs prayer as she continues to struggle with deep postpartum depression. In we are filled with thanks for the sustaining power and grace of Christ.

  701. Best Books: The Impact of God, SoulTalk by Larry Crabbe and One Thousand Gifts

    Best Risk: choosing to quit my job of 12 years to go back to Grad school full time and take better care of my family. The risk is still proving quite trying every day but I’m still believing it was God’s purpose for my life and for my family.

    Best Trip: the last mission trip I took with a group of young adults to Ecuador.

    Best sounds: hearing my son learn to read and my daughter laugh.

  702. Best Books: The Impact of God, SoulTalk by Larry Crabbe and One Thousand Gifts
    Best Risk: choosing to quit my job of 12 years to go back to Grad school full time and take better care of my family. The risk is still proving quite trying every day but I’m still believing it was God’s purpose for my life and for my family.
    Best Trip: the last mission trip I took with a group of young adults to Ecuador.
    Best sounds: hearing my son learn to read and my daughter laugh.

  703. Best Books: The Impact of God, SoulTalk by Larry Crabbe and One Thousand Gifts
    Best Risk: choosing to quit my job of 12 years to go back to Grad school full time and take better care of my family. The risk is still proving quite trying every day but I’m still believing it was God’s purpose for my life and for my family.
    Best Trip: the last mission trip I took with a group of young adults to Ecuador.
    Best sounds: hearing my son learn to read and my daughter laugh.

  704. The best song is Mark Schultz’ “All Things Possible.” heard it this fall on the car radio when my husband was in continuing health crises for 3 months. It seemed it played just when I needed to hear it – a God-incidence that was just for me.

  705. Best Books: The Impact of God, SoulTalk by Larry Crabbe and One Thousand Gifts
    Best Risk: choosing to quit my job of 12 years to go back to Grad school full time and take better care of my family. The risk is still proving quite trying every day but I’m still believing it was God’s purpose for my life.
    Best sounds: hearing my son learn to read and my daughter laugh.

  706. Best Books: The Impact of God, SoulTalk by Larry Crabbe and One Thousand Gifts
    Best Risk: choosing to quit my job of 12 years to go back to Grad school full time and take better care of my family. The risk is still proving quite trying every day but I’m still believing it was God’s purpose for my life.

  707. Ouah ! such great feedback can’ t wait to take notes…
    Best new song : Dance with me Lord, lover of my soul by Paul Wilbur
    It will move you !
    Best fiction book : any of Francine Rivers my favorite author for christian fiction
    Best devotional book : Jesus Calling by Sarah young learning to live in His Presence loved it!
    Best pair of Jeans : American Eagle followed after my teen girls!
    Best risk : getting off my anxiety/depression medication and learn to turn to God to fill me up….learning to trust him moment by moment your book was instrumental in this.
    Best movie : The heart of Christmas
    Best new tradition : preparing gifts for Jesus by planting the wheatgrass seeds the weeks before Christmas and cutting it for his bed on Christmas eve! brought so much more meaning to our Christmas this year!
    Best seminar : healing streams with Steve and Eunice Evans
    practically free resources for a full week in Savannah Georgia filled with great depth in learning the source of our disease “Above all things guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life” . Very practical, life changing!

    Thanks for the way you give and inspire us all to grow in our love!
    You are the best and wish I could give you a big hug!

  708. The risk that returned best?
    Informed my work I was going away for a week to attend the For The Love Workshop. I had already taken time off from it so they were not excited that I asked to go after getting back from a wedding in another country. I probably risked a little more than I should have by going. I also barely had enough money to attend, but our father is so faithful in his provisions. At the workshop God spoke to me, called me by names, worked in my husband & I separately but at the exact same moment, redefined the business I was running, lit a fire in my heart for ministry that is about to explode.

  709. The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway?

    I decided to majorly cut back on my dream as a photographer in order to work full time so my husband could quit his job & be a fulltime student. Limiting myself to one wedding a month or three in two months tops. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done was the realization that the gifts God gave me weren’t properly balanced & were being asked to change their direction. My eyes were opened to the truth that just because there is fruit in your giftings, that does not always mean its from the Lord. Busyness is often disguised as a blessing while it deceitfully pulls you from family, time with the Lord & the true reason you were given those. I cried for months, but I know that God is growing a blessing in our marriage because of it. I carry a peace that is overwhelming. Giving me the ability to stare at the industry & say I don’t need to be defined by you, by any number, nor do I need feel acceptance to be accepted. My heart is in ministry. The release of my desire to “succeed” is now giving me time to start my own ministry & be the photographer for a new blog geared towards young woman as a light of Christ. I could not be more excited to be working for free 

  710. What was the best habit?
    I’m learning to say no to appointments, to emails, to checking my phone. To not being fully present with others. I miss the days reading all that my hands & head can hold. The days of watching the pen hit the journal & the ink spread. I don’t know if I would consider it a habit yet, but it is growing…and it is good.

  711. Wow – what a list!
    Best thing I did that I didn’t want to do: I took a job that I knew God was leading me to, but I didn’t want to go there…but I did, and I couldn’t be happier! His way really is the best way 😉
    Best thing about my new job – it allows me to worship with my husband again (I had been on staff at a chuch different from the one he pastors)
    Best new “must make again” recipe – McCormick’s slow cooker pulled pork, but change out the pork for a beef roast …delish!
    Best book – I read so many good ones, but being introduced to 1,000 gifts and Ann was the best gift my friend could have given me, it and A Holy Experience are ongoing balm for a sometimes very weary soul.
    Best fiction read: I loved Nancy Rue’s “Reluctant Prophet Series”
    Best thing about this year- weekends away in the motorhome. A chance for us to reconnect without distraction or phone.
    Best “i can believe that happened” moment – flying into Hurricane Sandy and safely landing for Women of Faith in Florida! We overcame huge obstacles for an incredible God-filled weekend…all 27 of our group with women from Ontario, and Bahamas!

  712. Incourage has been part of my life as I ever thought it would be possible. I feel many times my tears been wiped off, other time it shakes me to shape up, and other times I just cry a little more knowing that there are out there a community of sisters who care enough for me. At this season, I’m hiding away my sorrow to rejoice on the Creator and on reason of the season. I miss those who are away from me but I know He is with me to cheer me up for the new year.

  713. The best sacrifice?
    My husband & I recently decided to take a part time position with a company that belongs to dear friends of ours. It is half the pay, half the hours & I will be losing my insurance. However, that is what appeared to the eye & not the full plan of Gods will for our lives. We are already seeing where the provision is going to come, the healing it will bring in the form of time for our marriage, the blessing it will be to our hearts, the prayers I have listened to my husband mouth in ways I’ve never witnessed before. It’s slightly terrifying & yet the most beautiful thing to jump from the cliff onto the mountain that is on the other side of a gaping depth. When you look back after you have landed across the crevasse its breathtaking.

  714. Most defined moment of the year that was clearly the hand of God?

    God birthed a ministry in me that will hopefully launch next year. I was able to travel to another state to do a free photo session for girls removed from trafficking. Hair, makeup, a car, gas money, lodging, gift bags, finances, bibles, jewelry, shirts, no red tape, video equipment, training on how to use video equipment was all taken care of. In full. And this happened in about 2 months start to finish. By the end the girls were claiming the goodness & grace of Christ!!!! It’s begun a ministry that will hopefully occur much more often as it becomes a focus 

  715. My favorite book is “One Thousand Gifts” ~ my prayer since being diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago is that God will help me open my eyes, ears, heart and mind to all of the blessings he surrounds me with each day and your book is helping me learn to do a better job doing just that! My life has been filled with many changes this year and I have tried to always look for blessings even in the midst of difficult times.

    My favorite saying that I have posted at my desk at work is “Thanksgiving ALWAYS proceeds the Miracle”.

    My favorite songs are “Blessings” by Laura Story and Chris Tomlin’s “I Will Rise” and “Amazing Grace”.

    I pray that I will be even more aware of my blessings in this coming year!

  716. The best gift you received?

    I bought it for myself. After the For The Love Workshop we went to Pike Place Market. We visited the vendor who sells handmade journals. They are beautiful, all unique, smell lovely of leather & contain hand made paper. It is the journal that I have begun writing in, where Gods voice has come to life in liquid ink, the place my heart cries out. It is my most treasured gift. Although it came from me, it’s the best gift I’ve gotten this year.

  717. ***Best Jeans Alert***Best Jeans Alert***Best Jeans Alert***

    They are not quite jeans, but they work for me, and I am 55 years old, so they’ll work for you, too:

    Denim Jeggings/Leggings, by HUE…I got mine at the Nordstrom Rack, but you can find the Hue brand at many stores. These leggings are heavier fabric than a lot of the ones I see in stores so there are no unsightly bulges and they aren’t too revealing. They have real back pockets, and that gold-ish color topstitching like real jeans. I can wear mine both inside and outside of my boots (my boots are tapered nicely), and most important of all, they are VERY comfortable and I am wearing them all the time, paired with a long, trapeze-style sweater; very stylish yet comfy/cozy!

    • I will have to check these out Linda. At 43 most jeggings are just not feasible for my body but these sound promising.

      • Hi, Lynn–I hope they work for you! I forgot to mention, ladies, it’s like wearing jammies….shhhhhh…..don’t tell!!!

  718. Best Books: This was the year of being messed up for Jesus and taking a long hard look at my life. By the worlds standards I’m probably getting a little “weird” but I (with the the Lord’s help) am pulling my friends in one by one! My favs:
    “7” by Jen Hatmaker;
    “Anything” by Jennie Allen
    “Radical” by David Platt

    Best life changing Experience, that was also the hardest: Leaving my husband (and kids) 3 days after his knee surgery to go to Nicaragua to meet our sponsored child. Playing with our little guy everyday, hugging his mother in the living room of the home they share with 20+ family members…knowing that I will never ever live another moment of life in America without gratitude.

    Best Song: 10,000 reasons
    Best Jeans: Levi curvy boot cut

  719. Best moment: the birth of my surprise baby, a little boy, in July.
    Most life-changing book: Yours, because I found you and I found this wonderful world of women and I’ve learned so much from you and your blog and I so wish I could meet you, though I wouldn’t have a clue what to say. 🙂

  720. Best Read of 2012: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp! I’ve given a handful away and tell endless friends about it. Can’t wait to get in on the DVD and group study. The Lord used it to free me from anxiety that had become a monster. I still have many struggles but by GRACE know that God is for me and He’s looking upon me with love and care, in every season.

    Best Gift of 2012: The Lord gave me a business opportunity that jumped and blossomed before my very eyes. And now I get to hand it over to another to own/manage as its more than I really have the time and energy to handle. I’m so grateful to have been part of this new beginning, been able to meet some incredible people, and have trusted friends/workers to hand it all over to!

    Best Mayhem of 2012: My hubs has applied to become a full-time US Air Force officer. I’m partly terrified of all the unknowns but surely confident that God has it all under control.

    Best Mama-feat of 2012: Getting my two children out of cribs and sleeping in the same room. They’re now 3.5 and 2 and I’m so glad to be beyond cribs…. and soon to be diapers : )

    Best recipe of 2012: Mandazi. My husband grew up eating these and I think he almost cried when he tasted them. He definitely went off “diet” : ) http://www.kadirecipes.com/2012/05/20/mandazi-recipe/

  721. Best Movie~I really enjoyed the Hobbit, it was really good.
    Best Book~There are so many but I have been enjoying A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.
    So those are a couple of my bests.

  722. I don’t have answers for everything, but overall it has been a phenomenal year, with God to blame for good changes in my life 🙂
    Book: Money, Possessions, and Eternity – by Randy Alcorn. Won’t ever view “my” money the same again
    Jeans: I wear them all the time so finally decided it was worth trying to find a cute pair – now the owner of a pair of Bodens from the consignment store, and Old Navy skinny jeans that are actually surprisingly comfy
    Habit/sacrifice/thing I didn’t want to do, etc: getting rid of stuff! Started small and it just keeps snowballing!

  723. Best recipe: Broccoli Casserole–made it 3 times this season.

    Best song: “Winging my Way Back Home” by Inspirations. I do sign language to music and my pastor said it looked like religious zumba as my hands were busy the whole time (did both parts).

    Best gift received: got woods cleared behind our house.
    Best gift given: adopted a Salvation Army Angel and bought some gifts for him.

  724. ***Best Song of 2012***

    “You Know Me” by Steffany Frizzell. Please look this song up on Youtube. The way the song starts out, so simple and quiet, gradually builds, then explodes into the unfathomable reality of the Lord’s intimate knowing of us, is riveting and heart pounding. I have emailed this song to grown men who break down in tears when they hear this.

  725. Best family news: Mother-in-law recovered completely from knee surgery. She is doing fine.

    Other good news: Aging father doing well after small bout of skin cancer, depression, and other maladies. He made it to Christmas gathering which was special!

  726. A great best is that my niece-who lives in China with her Chinese husband and child is expecting another baby in January. WHoo hoo that will make 7 great nephews and 1 great niece from 3 nephews and 3 nieces.

  727. What a wonderful idea.

    Best Recipe: Bangin’ shrimp (www.skinnytaste.com). We use it to make shrimp tacos with mango salsa. Mmm.

    Best Book: The Bible. I am reading it like never before and it has become my go-to source for everything.

    Song: 10,000 blessings

    Jeans: Venezia, I bought them two sized to small in September and was wearing them for Christmas.

    Risk Returned the Best: I chose to follow God instead of my family and stood with my husband as he finally tackled his addiction to alcohol. It has been a road full of healing and growth, based on God and His grace.

    Best Habit: Running. I began running in June on a whim. It has carried me much further than I ever thought it would. I can now run two miles.

    Best Classroom Decision: Each of my fifth grade students’ has their own gratitude journal that they write in every morning. Of course, our ideas come straight from One Thousand Gifts.

  728. Best song: 10 000 Reasons – a true worship song!
    Best jeans: A hand-me-down pair of Silver brand boot cut jeans. Fit just right, SO comfortable and everyone comments on how much weight I’ve lost when I wear them 🙂
    Best recipe: Hard to choose….perhaps homemade dinner rolls and Double Corn and Chicken chowder
    Best gizmo: My new Kobo eReader, a gift from my daughter-in-law
    Best gift: my “new” engagement ring. I lost the stone from my engagement ring some time ago. My mom gave me the beautiful diamond from her ring which she no longer wears and my husband had a new ring custom made for me from the gold of my original ring and my mom’s diamond. It is beautiful and holds a lot of sentimental value!
    Best holiday: Christmas this year. My son, who lives in another province, made it home this year and we were all together again.

  729. Best feeling of the year: God has his own sweet relationship with my kids, and it’s actually not about me. Plus Lemon Thyme Cornish Game henshttp://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Lemon-Thyme-Cornish-Hens
    works in the crock pot for chicken. really. really. well.
    Joy

  730. I’ve read so many interesting things in the comments of this entry, I can’t even believe my eyes. I’m learning so much! 😀

    For me, the Best Sacrifice of 2012 was to accept that my dad would spend Christmas with us (my mom, sister and me) in spite of us asking him not to stay here that long. We’ve always had a difficult relationship, which has gotten better since my parents split up, thanks to distance. But, if we spend too much time together, things star to go South pretty quickly and it always ends up in an ugly and hurtful fight. This year, my sister’s college graduation was on Dec. 20th and my dad planned to come from where he lives to stay here since that day and until Christmas, in spite of what we told him and asked of him (because, for my mom, Christmas would be ruined if he stayed that long…). He said one thing and then did another, but I prayed for patience and understanding and strength to try to be in my best behavior in spite of everything I felt and thought, and He helped me survive all those days of sharing A LOT of time with my dad without fighting. He also helped us to have a nice Christmas, in spite of my dad’s “unwanted” presence, and helped us all make a sacrifice and bring out our best side to share those days without letting our bad emotions get the best of us.

    That was, by far, one of the hardest and, at the same time, most beautiful things that I had to face this year and I’m very grateful that it all turned out well. 🙂

    That was the Best Sacrifice. The Best Moment was when, at the beginning of 2012, my mom was told that she’s, for now, cancer free, so we could start going to her check-ups only once per year instead of every six months! That was one of the happiest moments of this year and one of the biggest blessings the Lord sent us! *o*

    The Best Practice, for me, was to finally begin to read the Scripture daily and devoting a moment, every day, to pray wholeheartedly. It was a big turn for me, a big turn towards the Lord and something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but never found the time to do. This year, I managed to change part of my life style and become more God-centered, more focused on Him, His blessings, His word and His mercy… And it was, in a big part, thanks to your inspiration, dear Ann. I discovered your blog this year, I discovered your book and Eucharisteo, thanks to you, and I’ve tried to follow your example, applying it to my circumstances, life and family… And it’s been life-changing. I’m sure that, if it weren’t for this, for my inner change of this year, I wouldn’t have been able to withstand these many days with dad without a fight and to do so many other things!

    So, thank you for blogging, thank you for writing, thank you for this website and for sharing so many good things with us.

    A big hug and the best wished for the new year from Viña del Mar, Chile!

    Andrea.

  731. Best recipe: Cracked Grain Bread

    Things I am glad that I did in 2012: Embroidered a keepsake motto for my mom with the names of her grandchildren.
    – Learned to drive my dad’s bus and passed my CDL test.

  732. One thing I dreaded doing after back surgery in the spring was caring for two of my grandsons while their folks went on an anniversary trip in December. Though it was exhausting, I got to know them in new ways and was touched by their unique personalities. God showed me I can manage two toddlers even though I doubted my ability. Where we are weak, He is strong especially if we pray for his help. This was a week I will never forget in 2012!

    Best recipe: chicken pot pie
    Best song: 10000 Reasons
    Best gift: donation to feed the hungry in my town

  733. A few years ago my hubby and I adopted a little girl from Ninos de Mexico mission. This year she decided to get baptised. We are very very happy and pray she continues on in her Christian walk@! We are blessed to be part of her life.

  734. Best new tea: Bengal spice … perfect when you are craving something sweet that has no sugar

    Best new habit: almost eliminating sugar (almost because I still indulge in a little dark chocolate once in a while) without using artificial sweeteners

  735. Best book from this year– Womanly Dominion: More Than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit by Mark Chanski. Makes you hate it, but can’t stop reading–I read it twice before returning it to the lender. So challenging for us women attempting to follow Christ counter-culturally.

  736. Best Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup in a crockpot, or Mexican Shredded Pork in a crockpot, or pretty much anything I can make in my crockpot…
    Best Book: One Thousand Gifts, From Clutter to Clarity
    Best Women’s Bible Study: A Woman of Wisdom by Dee Brestin
    Best Life Group Study: Radical by David Platt
    Best Moment: Watching Courageous and seeing my hubba sign the pledge with our oldest son
    Best Song: Manifesto by City Harmonic — watched on YouTube so our three kids can dance and sing at the top of their lungs
    Best gift: The pinch pot by 5 year old made in kindergarten art class
    Best blog: A Holy Experience — it has been a life changer for me and I have shared it with lots of friends
    Best experience: Making Christmas gifts for previously homeless single moms with lots of ladies from church, we were blessed more than we could have imagined
    Best jeans: The ones that still fit and I can even breathe!
    Best trip: Family reunion — camping out on 40 acres in the country for a few days

  737. My husband has Parkinson’s Disease and felt he was at the end of his working days. At 62 he was too young to retire – an event we had not financially planned on until he was 65. The day our Pastor called to tell him that someone wanted to pay his health insurance premium in order for him to retire early was THE BEST DAY of 2012. We are humbled, amazed and overjoyed at God’s provision.

  738. Best new book in 2011: 1,000 Gifts! It was a Mothers Day gift from my daughter-in-law, waiting in the mail for me when I returned home from her home where I helped to care for their family of four little ones when #4 was born. Read it twice myself then passed it on to a friend at church, resulting in the ladies from church reading it for a book study group. Transforming!

    Best gift book in 2012: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, wonderful devotional book; have just purchased the sequal, Jesus Today, to read in 2013. Can’t wait!

    Be blessed, Ann. Your transparent honesty and refreshing perspective on life are life-changing.

  739. Best kitchen gadgets: crock pots and my new “panini grill/griddler” by cuisinart–given to me/hubby by his nephews!

  740. The best book for 2012, in my opinion, was “The Christmas Jars” Definitely needed Kleenex as it was so touching and inspiring. We did a Christmas Jar for a couple who was going on the mission field…what a privilege to share our jar of coin with them.

  741. The best moment was when our twin girls were born at 36 wks this yr – alive and both screaming! (At 22 wks we were told that our little one was not growing like she should and if we made another 10 wks that would be fantastic). Then bringing home our little one home after being in intensive care at the hospital for 15 days, then finding out her heart murmer was not a hole and her immature hip had fixed itself!!! Praise God for blessing us with our twin girls and also our 2 yr old!

  742. The best gift… Our bonus gift , baby girl #4, prayed for by her sisters and given by the God who know a mama’s heart’s desire when even the mama didn’t.

    The best song. . . Ten Thousand Reasons, Matt Redman, hands down. Theme song for our home for now and forevermore.

    The best recipe? Jamiecooks, moist Gingerbread Bars, yummy amazing need more now! Gotta stop eating them but just one more first.

    The best decision? To keep trying again and in everything giving thanks. Hard. So hard. Repeating this class in 2013.

    The best cuppa warm? Timothy’s German Chocolate Cake coffee brewed on top of a hot chocolate, covered in whipped cream, drizzled with caramel and served in my turquoise Fiestaware Jumbo cup. Mmmmmmmm.

  743. Best Book: the Bible. I’m loving the lessons from my Genesis study this year.
    Best Gift: traveling to Italy, Spain and Portugal with my wonderful husband in celebration of our 25th anniversary. God has been so good to give us one another.
    Best Recipe: Triple Ginger Gingerbread with Salted Caramel Sauce: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O5ZuXprq7du8WTb9sX4JWtlPEVOhwKvB–91_FRCofs/edit.
    Best Moment: cuddling with Zaq, my Bernese Mountain Dog, on the couch. He’s had 8 1/2 years to perfect his technique; and he’s a master cuddler!

  744. Best Book: Definitely yours, Ann. I am reading it for the second time, and slower this time. So much to digest. Gratitude has changed me and I have been trying so hard to pass it on to others this year.

    Best gift: my husband’s return from deployment to Afghanistan. I could not imagine going through it again, but am grateful for all we have and love.

    Best song: Plumb, Need You Now.

    Best jeans: still looking . . .

      • Thanks so much, Katy! This process of adoption (we’re foster parents as well, a whole ‘nother challenge) 🙂 has brought us to our knees more times than we can count (and we’re still there, praying for God to intervene as Samuel’s adoption is currently being contested). But what better place to be than on our knees, praising God in the midst of storms, right? He is so faithful and teaching us a lot during this journey to parenthood 🙂

  745. Best online party: This one! 🙂
    Best adventure of 2012: Accompanying my friend to Ethiopia to help her bring their fifth adopted daughter home!
    Best lesson: Listening for God’s direction, paused at a crossroads of life.

  746. I am normally just a wallflower content to read the daily posts late at night when the kiddos have gone to bed and I have loved seeing so many women and mamma’s share stories that have touched my heart. So here is my little share of the best of 2012..

    Best Song: : “Worth It All” by The Vintage Band (I sing the whole cd to God, but especially this song)
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-worth-it-all-project/id549336351

    Best thing I didn’t want to do, but did anyway was join weight watchers. I lost 20lbs and got in shape, but more than that God taught me that little choices have great impact and can change your life. He also taught me the importance of taking care of discipline in my life rather than just doing what I feel…mainly feeding feelings of anxiety and lonliness or choosing to be fed by Him.

    The best risk I took this year was blogging and accepting an invitation to a little Christian writer’s group of women that just was starting. I met with a women that God put on my heart to share my story with and a week later got an invitation to join the group….only I didn’t think I was a writer….I mean I have a blog, but not me. God really laid it on my heart to join and it has been the biggest challenge and risk. God wants me to share my story (stories) of all the things He has done/is doing…it scared me out of my mind and still does. I have no words. My blog suffers because I just sit at the computer afraid and empty. Yet He wants me to share. Whenever I verbally share my stories of moments with God and the workings of God in my life people are in awe of Him and so I am now on a journey to share and write. God is teaching me so much by bringing me to the end of myself and totally reliant on Him…surrendered and trusting no matter what life brings. Which brings me to the next best thing
    Best thing I read: A blog post by Ann Voskamp about Why she blogs, and The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
    Best Recipe: French’s Friend Onion Chicken (mmmm….kids love it and hubby too)
    Best moment: When I stopped trying to make my life into the picture in my head and just started to love the life He has given me. With that going through rough times with my family and realizing if the worst happened God gets the glory because I didn’t give in to the enemy…I didn’t give in to the fear.
    Best gift given: homemade scarves I made myself
    Best gift received: moments… precious moments with my kids and hubby that are like mental pictures of smiles and laughter and joy.
    The best jeans: American Eagle skinny boot….I can fit in them now! 🙂

    ~Kelly

  747. Best clothing discovery of 2012…I am a huge fan of Gap MEN’s jeans! We were going through a donate pile, and before passing them along, I figured I’d try them on. They fit perfectly, haha! And I have short legs, so the fact that you can pick the length (why aren’t women’s jeans like that?!) is so wonderful!

  748. The best part of this year was having the ability to pick up and camera and look at life completely differently.
    It was as if I had been walking around in a state of sleep and now my eyes are open to the beauty around me. I feel that I am closer to seeing things the way God intends or maybe the way he sees them. I don’t know. It is such a blessing!
    Another highlight of this year was reading your book, Ann. I have started carrying around a notebook so that every time I think of a gift, no matter how small, I will write it down.
    Best jeans are pajama jeans! Laugh if you wish! They are them most comfy pants, hands down!
    I am excited for what this new year will bring as I embark on the journey of telling stories and sharing experience, strength and hope through my testimony and photographs.
    I am truly grateful for each one of you and your heart for Christ and women.
    Thank you. I can’t wait to hear of your stories of his bountiful goodness.
    Love and Light to you!

  749. The best part of this year was having the ability to pick up and camera and look at life completely differently.
    It was as if I had been walking around in a state of sleep and now my eyes are open to the beauty around me. I feel that I am closer to seeing things the way God intends or maybe the way he sees them. I don’t know. It is such a blessing!
    Another highlight of this year was reading your book, Ann. I have started carrying around a notebook so that every time I think of a gift, no matter how small, I will write it down.
    Best jeans are pajama jeans! Laugh if you wish! They are them most comfy pants, hands down!
    I am excited for what this new year will bring as I embark on the journey of telling stories and sharing experience, strength and hope through my testimony and photographs.
    I am truly grateful for each one of you and your heart for Christ and women.
    Thank you. I can’t wait to hear of your stories of his bountiful goodness.
    Love and Light to you!

  750. The best ugly/beautiful gift we received: My daughter and I were hospitalized with a severe illness. Through our illnesses I discovered a healthy products that changed our life. I now sell those products to help others live healthier lives.

  751. BEST Song: ringing in my heart all of December. . . Hallowed Manger Ground (Emmanuel) by Chris Tomlin
    “God Incarnate Here to Dwell!”

  752. Best Book-Unglued by Lysa Terkuerst
    Best Song-God’s Not Dead… by Newsboys
    Best Memory-Family road trip from PA to MS
    Best Achievement-my 8 year old daughter learning to sew on the sewing machine.
    Best Resolved-Finding out my daughters health issues where coming from Gluten and Caisen.
    Best Fashion-Stella & Dot
    Best Friends-Sue, Kristie, Tanya, Jody and Heather
    Best Ever-God’s Grace…

  753. So many things to be grateful for… the best thing of ALL is really Jesus has shown his love towards us while we were yet sinners. Thankful for his redeeming love to all those who believe. That is best for this year.

    Best recipe…..crepes with vanilla yogurt and blueberry filling with powered sugar.

    Best book….Thelma Wells…God Wants You to Win

    Best moments…are those spent with my family

    Best blessing….opportunity to educate my children at home

    Best risk….organizing a Read a thon for poor children

  754. Best Books? Bonhoeffer -on second read through-thought provoking for our times: and One Thousand Gifts has transformed my heart…I want to share it with everyone! Ann, your blog is a must read for each day and touches deeply into my heart.
    Best fiction books – so many good authors but one is spoiled for the ordinary after reading the many series by the Thoene’s. When one’s heart is truly searching after God He will meet you in the moment.
    What is truly best- when God brings you back..from self,…mistakes….stupid words…hurt….loneliness. When one remembers…God is faithful..He is Hope…He is Truth…He is JOY!

  755. Best Husband.
    Gave me a surprise Birthday party with thirty of my friends a a really nice restraurant.

    I love Him.
    Lorrie

  756. best holiday? that’s easy. This one. Cause when you’re tired and broken down and tired and ready for a break and did I mention tired–right down to the soul–all you need is a break and some grace. And Christmas does that best–grace.

  757. Best book – The Shack

    Best time – My oldest son started high school and so far it has been so fun experiencing it again with him, playing high school football! This fall all my boys played football just busy, busy but so much fun!

  758. best habit: counting my blessings. there’s this wonderful book called One Thousand Gifts by this lovely lady named Ann Voskamp that will absolutely change your life. 😉

  759. BEST…
    Recipe: Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust. My husband’s favorite pie…I finally got around to making it after 11 years of marriage. My bad. It’s fantastic! I should have blessed him with it sooner.

    Book: Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. All about how God has wired men. As the mother of 3 boys, I thought it a necessary read (and my husband suggested it)! I had no idea that God would also use it to set ME free in many areas!

    Jeans: Gap Long and Lean. I’m 6 feet tall, and these are the only jeans I have found that work for me!

    Habit: Worship music playing all day

    Song: Hillsong’s “Savior King.”

    Gift: The Lord stirring a desire within me to write again. I stopped for foolish reasons, and the Lord has prompted me to start again. I remembered how much I love putting words together, and want to be faithful with His gifts.

  760. Is it possible to find a “best” in a year so filled with grace-gifts? Oh, God is so good.
    The best gift – Learning lessons from Him and opening eyes to all His gifts to me…
    The best book- His Word. How I’m learning to make Him in my life.
    “One Thousand Gifts”. This book has been a blesssing that I keep picking up –
    and I rarely read a book through from cover to cover.

  761. Best recipe – I couldn’t tell you, but the best thing for me was having my kids each take a night to be responsible for cooking!

    Best book – 1000 Gifts (technically last year); I don’t think I’ve actually read a book this year. But I do read Oswald Chamber’s devotions, Ann’s blog daily as well as resolved2worship’s blog.

    Best Song – Jason Castro’s “You Are”

    Jeans – I’m just happy to fit in some – have gained some weight this year.

    Tool – My Shark vacuum cleaner and steam mop!

    Best link? – I’d have to say reading 2 of my daughters’ blogs and hearing/seeing things about them that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Also watching their abilities with photography increase. They capture such neat perspectives. Also watching my other daughter work diligently every night on her jewelry/polymer clay creations.

    Best laugh? – The subject can be random, but for some reason it strikes me funny, and I can’t stop laughing and every thought of it brings it back on again – usually in the car or at the table with my kids. They laugh at me, but they have the same kind of laugh coming out of them as well!

    Thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway? – Surrender my fears of homeschooling high school for fear of messing them up

    Best habit – doing the gratitude journal, having my girls do it as part of their lessons, and doing it with my 5 yo son. Also, saving copies of people’s writings that are meaningful to me and print them out in a notebook and hopefully reading over them again to see what GOD was trying to do over the year.

    Best gift – GOD bringing me out of the deep, DARK valley I was in. A polymer clay gingerbread man necklace from my oldest daughter, my 5 yo son wanting to have “morning dates” while I read my Bible and he does his Bible apps on his iPad or watches something on Netflix. Sometimes he will bring me breakfast. 🙂 Some of the wall breaking down between myself and another daughter. The sensitivity of another. A VERY patient, loyal husband. Not having my dog die/have to be put to sleep while on vacation.

    Sacrifice – I wouldn’t call it a sacrifice, but helping a family out when unemployed; giving towards the adoption of another family.

    Best holiday – I’d usually say Christmas, but my grandma died unexpectedly (at least to me) on our anniversary (11/20). Having the kids open her gifts that she had already gotten them was hard. Knowing my 89 yo grandfather is now sitting alone in his house after being with her 24/7 for 20-30 years, and I live 2 hours away just rips at my heart. I want to move back closer, but there’s no opportunity.

  762. Best book: 7 by Jen Hatmaker

    Best recipe: wisconsin beer cheese chowder with homemade honey cornbread

    Best jeans: bass pro shops “natural reflections” line. yes. bass pro shops.

    Best risk: joining team in training to complete my 3rd half marathon, shaving 32 minutes off of my pr and raising $1300+ for leukemia research

    Best song: “always” by kristian stanfill, because my two year old son sings it to me every day!

  763. best music: Andrew Peterson. I just discovered his Christmas cd–amazing. I got his most recent album for Christmas. you must listen to it–so peaceful. so beautiful.

  764. Best drink . . . Homemade Chai Tea
    Best preserve . . . Homemade Nectarine Salsa
    Best grow . . . Acorncup Squash
    Best book . . . Living Water by Max Lucado
    Best music . . . Chris Tomlin’s Christmas CD
    Best gift . . . 2 new grandchildren arriving healthy and beautiful
    Best online sites . . . in(Courage) and Ann’s blog\
    Best thing I do for myself . . . record my daily gratitudes

  765. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? let’s see–white chicken enchiladas (thanks pinterest), cranberry pistachio biscotti (i’ve made three recipes in the past week…), and oreo truffles!

  766. Fun! And I’m loving discovering all this other great stuff!

    Best Books – 7 by Jen Hatmaker
    One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp -reading, re-reading, gifting…. 🙂
    Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

    Best Song – This is the Day by Travis Cottrell

    Best Jeans – Old Navy Rockstar Skinny Jeans – I wear different sizes in different colors so try on lots!!

    Best Tools/Gadgets – in the kitchen – Keurig coffee maker, julienne peeler, & my Silpat
    in the bathroom – Neutrogena make-up remover wipes

    Best Lipstick – Laura Mercier Rosewater

    Best Moment – I’m married to a preacher and we have 3 daughters, the youngest of which is 6 years old and has some special needs and is non-verbal. A group of pastors from all over our city of Austin, Texas and from across all denominations came together one evening and prayed for our baby girl with everything they had. Sitting in the middle of this group of godly men pouring their hearts out on behalf of my baby was one of the most touching, heart-wrenching, and HOPEFUL experiences I’ve ever had.

    Thank you, Ann, for making 2012 a year of learning to count it all joy, no matter what comes my way. And for inspiring hope for 2013, a fresh, new year straight from God and the opportunity to keep on counting!

  767. and don’t get me started on books…The Kite Runner-Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns-Khaled Hosseini, Secret Daughter-don’t remember the author, One Thousand Gifts-Ann Voskamp…so many more.

  768. Best jeans: Lucky jeans, easy riders. You have to buy a size smaller than you normally wear! What’s not love about that?!

    Best book: Jesus Calling

    Best recipe: Raspberry chocolate truffle cake,

    Best happening: my son. Came home in September after being out of the country for 7 years as an ESL teacher

    Best habit : shining my sink every night.

    Best song: Christ Alone, the Gettys

  769. Best Song: David Crowder….How He Loves
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCunuL58odQ
    Best youtube video: Kid Snippets…Kids Tell…Adults Act (with the kids voices)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV9CVJr97Yk
    Best….#4 Baby Grand…….Birthday Baby Grand!
    Best….Caring for 87 yr old Dad and getting opportunities to tell him about the things I appreciated him doing when I was growing up
    Best…Went to weep with those who are weeping in Newtown…bought hope and healing with recording artist friend…in song…
    Best….Being grateful for all God has done is doing and will do.

  770. The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? “The best part of waking up, is . . .” found this little jingle on you tube. If I ever get a cell phone, this will be my ring tone!

  771. The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.) Sharing a heavy heart with a dear friend – the Lord brings healing when we open up and make ourselves vulnerable.

  772. This is such a great way to reflect on the year gone by… a good year, indeed. Let’s see…

    BEST RECIPE: Chicken Tortilla Soup (my own recipe), AND… Glutenf-free Autumn Harvest Cake with Maple Creamcheese Icing.

    BEST BOOK: Undaunted by Christine Caine

    BEST SONG(S) of 2012: 10,000 Reasons (M. Redman); Worship the Great I Am (Gateway, Keri Jobe), and, ok… Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen). Yes.. I love it!!

    BEST JEANS: Kut from Kloth “Skinny Diana”. They’re tight without cutting off your blood circulation.

  773. OK, here’s my second “comment”…

    BEST TOOL/GIZOM/PRODUCT: Aveda’s Pure Abundance style prep. .After I had chemo my hair came back very fine and limp, but this product adds weightless volume!!

    Also- Makeup Forever’s Aqua Rouge waterproof lip color- stays put, won’t bleed.

  774. BEST RISK: Writing. As one of 20 contributing authors for a forthcoming book, I wrote a short version of my testimony alone with 5 daily devotionals. Will be published in Feb. 2013.

    BEST THING I DIDN’T WANT TO DO BUT DID ANYWAY: 1) Worked with a professional life coach to help me make the most of my time… and learn to say “no” to things without feeling guilt. 2) Took a sabatical from teaching Bible study in order to write book and curriculum.

  775. Best book I’ve read this year (and I’m not just saying this because this is your post): One Thousand Gifts. It was truly changed my life and my perspective. It’s making me a better wife and mom and friend.

    Best lesson: That the opposite of faith is fear – that it will keep me from living the life God intends me to live if I don’t stare it down and pray it gone. It keeps me from embracing whatever it is that God gives me, and whatever He gives me is His perfect gift (still scares me to say that and mean it sometimes).

    Best inspiration: Creativity takes the courage to do it out loud. I learned that best from you, Ann, and Emily Freeman (or rather, your blogs).

  776. BEST LAUGH: “Bernie”… the true story of the funeral director from Carthage, Texas.

    BEST HOLIDAY: Celebrated 11 year anniversary in Kennebunkport, ME.

  777. Best Blog-Holy Experience
    Best iPhone Game-Bejeweled
    Best Hair Products-Bumble and Bumble
    Best Beauty Product-Boscia bb cream
    Best Nail Product-Sephora by OPI Quick Dry Top Coat

  778. BEST GIFT: A t-shirt that says, “FREE BATES” w/ a picture of Mr. Bates from Downton Abbey. My friend, Michelle, gave to me this Christmas!! Can’t wait for season 3!!

    BEST HABIT: Early morning time with Jesus in His Word. I absolutely crave that time alone with Him… when it’s still dark out… quiet… before the lawn mowers and blowers and noises of the day kick in.

  779. BEST SACRIFICE: My time… t spend with the women I disciple. Mostly single women of all ages… in need of someone to show them how the Bible works… how it dresses up on a real woman, with real-life stuff going on. I will never, ever, ever regret the time I invest in those dear ones.

    BEST LIFE VERSE: Luke 7:47 – Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.

    BEST MINISTRY VERSE: Matthew 9:36-38
    When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

  780. BEST ANSWERED PRAYER: My mom… pursuing her faith and falling in love with Jesus at age 77. We’ve prayed together and talked about The Lord, His Word and His work in us… and in my 53 years this has never, ever happened until this year! Praise The Lord… and trust the slow work of God.

  781. Best Recipe:: The Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls & my mother’s peanut butter fudge
    Best Book: 1000 Gifts & Kisses From Katie
    Best Jeans: Yoga Jeans & Red Engine
    Best Blog: aholyexperience.com & thepioneerwoman.com
    Best Perfume: Creed Spring Flowers
    Best Christmas Tradition: The advent wreath
    Best Christmas Song: Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
    Best Shower and Bath Product: Kiehls Coriander Body Wash

    • Pioneer Woman is hilariously wonderful. Check out her roasted chicken recipe. She cracks me up!
      And fyi, I’m kind of a Kiehl’s addict. I just finished slathering on some eye and face products!! Don’t ask me how much I spent there on Christmas gifts!!

    • I just made those cinnamon rolls yesterday! YUM! Love Pioneer Woman! AND I have NEVER heard of Yoga jeans!!! I’m looking them up soon!

  782. I love your book, Ann. Got it for my birthday this year, Dec. 19 and am reading it for the second time, already! Ranks right up there with my favorite for this year, one that I think EVERY MARRIED WOMAN should read: What’s it like to be Married to Me? by Linda Dillow. Read that one 4 times. Need to read it again. It has changed me and my marriage. I also read through the Bible from cover to cover for the very first time this year. I had read it for college, but not straight through. I loved it. Gonna start it again next week.
    Best Recipe: Chicken Massaman (a thai curry that is out of this world).
    Best Jeans: ?? still searching!!
    Best song: Rescuer
    Best thing I did for myself: wow! that is hard. taking time with God listening while he speaks through his word, and journaling each day in my garden having Jasmine tea. Also, hiring a single mom who is a housekeeper to come twice a month during the holidays.
    Best thing I’m doing that I didnt want to do? Loving my daughter and her partner (both christian women) who have chosen a lifestyle contrary to Christ’s best for them. Learning to love in my pain, disappointment and hurt. Learning to trust God with her, place my hope in Him and be grateful for the pain, because it is keeping me on my knees and ever so close to him. It has been my best year ever with him. And I am so grateful and humbled. I am so in love with Jesus. I still have a hard time loving my daughter and her partner, but I am doing it anyway. Because He didnt stop, I cant either.

    • Oh, Leslie… I hear your heart. I just had this conversation with my bff this evening. Her youngest daughter (my goddaughter) has chosen the same path. Oh, for grace to love them… and that is truly what it is. His grace enables us to love beyond our human limitations. I praise the Lord that He has graced you with that kind of unconditional love for your darling girl. And you keep praying, sister. The prayers of a righteous mama are POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE. Trust in the slow work of God, my friend.

      • thank you, Punky. I know you speak the truth. And his timing is never late. Although it seems slow and painful for me, He knows what needs to be done, and how The Healing can truly take place. I am a vessel and a conduit. Sometimes not as willing as other times, but thankfully he is cleaning me out and making me usable in the process.

  783. best discovery-Spotify
    best family activity-running our first 5K as a family
    best challenge-being the president of the girls swimming team booster club

  784. BEST SURPRISE “GIFT”: My stepson relocated to Dallas. 11 years ago I married a widower and inherited two adult “step-children”. Shortly after we married we moved to Dallas for ministry- with no family near us. This was an unexpected surprise to have our Luke move out to Dallas this year… truly a “gift”.

  785. Best Time:Celebrating 35 years of marriage with my husband this October with a free dinner at a hotel we got a good deal on! Nice ambiance for us and instead of wine, it was “vintage” Marinellis sparkling cider. We are still in love and so happy with each other. I am so thankful God put us together so many years ago, so many miles away. We were both in the Air Force in England and met over a cheeseball (really)
    on Christmas eve, after a chapel candlelight service. And the rest is history.

  786. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?
    The best book I’ve read is “Comforts from the Cross” by Elise Fitzpatrick. My husband was on a deployment and I had so much grace to learn for myself- accepting and giving to my children and my husband. Even through the hurt.
    The hardest thing I had to do sprung from that deployment- being thankful for misplaced trust and mistakes so the grace that abounds from God can abound in me and through me. Forgiving my husband. Allowing God to do a work in him- without my help! 🙂 — He is gone again as I write this. I am thankful gor God’s peace.
    From all that, my husband and I have grown so close to God and depend on him and so “Lord I need you” by Christ tomlin and “As for me and my house” by John Waller are a couple of our favorite songs from this past year!
    Best Habit I hope gets a hold of me is working out and putting things in a certain place!

    • I forgot a recipe! I LOVE all soups this time of year! The simplest vegetable soup hits the spot every time!

  787. At women’s retreat I finally decided to do the zip line. I heard it was fun, was a bit apprehensive. But it’s almost like flying or skydiving, not quite. Um, so I tried it and I think I did it twice! It was fun!

  788. Best time spent on the Internet this year: right now reading through this list. I am feeling encouraged and connected to sisters in Christ all over the world!

    Best book: Hands down, it’s the Bible! Another one I am enjoying is between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin, SJ. It’s about why joy, humor, and laughter are at the heart of the spiritual life.

    Best Christmas cookies: cranberry and white chocolate chip cookies. A little bit of heaven in your mouth.

    I started counting gifts last Christmas dear Ann! One year of joy, a completely changed frame of mind, and a much happier household!

  789. Oh my goodness. What a beautiful, hard, memorable and crazy year!
    The hardest, bestest “sacrifice” I made this year that I wouldn’t trade for anything?
    Giving God my dream, desire, IDEAS and hope of marriage (again)… Scribbling it out like the hardest test of my life onto a piece of notebook paper and then tossing it into the flames and watching it curl into smoke.
    Telling God I was choosing, yet again, to put my focus on HIM alone and trust Him with my future.

    About two weeks later, I’m serious, friends; I met the man I was created for…. And we will be married in 50 days!

    What a joy to put my life into the hands of my Father and watch HIM wrote my story. I honestly couldn’t have written it half (one millionth?) as beautiful as it is becoming.
    Trust Him with all your hearts, sisters! He cares for YOU!

  790. Best song: Just Think by me. I will be recording in 2013.
    Best book (so far) Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee
    Best devotional (besides 1000 Gifts) Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
    Best moment: My daughter graduating from college and my grandson from high school
    Best shopping: http://www.myblessingsunllimited.net/dottie
    Best sermon: No more sheets by Juanite Bynum
    Best coworkers: Mine Please lift up all airline employees.
    Can’t wait to read more of your posts.
    Thanks for allowing me to share. My guy needs a job so please lift him up in prayer. Thank you. God Bless You Ann!

  791. The best fun book… a novel, hysterically funny~ “The Do-Over” by Kathy Dunnehoff. I couldn’t stop laughing!

  792. The best gift I received, a Kindle Fire! I love it~ The best gift I gave, a Shutterfly book I made for my boyfriend with photos of our trip to Amsterdam & Paris~ he loved it!

  793. Best risk: letting go of my doubts and coming back to God and allowing Him to prove Himself to me. He has not disappointed!
    Best song: Rising Sun by All Sons and Daughters

  794. The best day… This Christmas day, when we spent the entire day together, relaxing with the family~ my boyfriend, 2 sons & their girlfriends, together all day, cooking, eating, watching movies, opening gifts, eating again and just enjoying one another & our time together. Possibly the best Christmas ever!

  795. I am loving my Levi’s this year! And a favorite book would have to be “Shattered Dreams” by Larry Crabb: God’s plan for His children may not be what we expect (healing, a job before the money runs out…) but He does have a plan. Even though it may be different than what we think it should look like, it will be better than we know. (The book shows God’s faithfulness in the story of Naomi.)

  796. Best times? Oh, I tell you what: FAMILY times. I will be marrying a {wonderful, Godly, beautiful-gift-of-a-man} Canadian in February and moving from my home in Missouri and my family of 12 (of which I am the eldest child) all the way to British Columbia.
    I only wish I would’ve embraced the lazy crazy days with the family more….. The teaching geography class to the 7 younger ones… The cuddling on the couch… The singing silly in the car… The bike rides….
    These are the best times of this year. Of my life. And tho they are numbered they’re not gone…. So I’m going to cherish them the best I can these last 50 days at home. Pray for me Ann and sisters? That I won’t get so caught up in the wedding planning and preparations that I miss the HERE and the NOW. This is the BEST time.

  797. There are so many best moments this year, but the best holiday moment would be talking to my niece via skype since she couldn’t be with us this Christmas.
    There was exploring Washington DC with my hubby, discovering Coco Sala and playing in the Atlantic Ocean at one of my favorite beaches.
    I feel like I took a lot of risks this year. I tried my first water slide…and I liked it! I stayed at my job and I have gotten to know my manager better. She actually said that she can see Christ in me, which is incredibly humbling. My husband and I decided to become freshmen mentors at our local university. I would not trade the girls I mentor for anything. They are the most amazing girls I’ve met.
    The best song is What Faith Can Do by Kutless.
    The best food blog I’ve found is For the Love of Cooking.
    and I’ve really been blessed by Ann’s blog and Stacy’s blog this year. I’m trying to make a habit of being thankful.
    There are too many good books out there to just pick one.
    And jeans…the ones I love are from Old Navy…the sweetheart…fits my curves without hugging too tight.
    This post and all the comments have blessed me today. Thanks, ladies. And blessings in the new year.

  798. My favorite thing I got in 2012, a Nikon D90 with a 50mm lens. And beautiful pictures I’m still learning to take.

  799. The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway?: Getting my daughter a feeding tube to help her grow and gain weight in her fight against Cystic Fibrosis. And I praise God that she has gained about 20 lbs. since getting it put in…that is a gift 🙂

  800. The best thing about 2012….my relationship with God. Having gone through 5 major life changes in this year I am clinging to Him, trusting He will help me settle into whatever the new BEST life is going to be. I’m careening through my days, wondering where my life is and He alone is my Rock. He is the best, always and forever. He already knows, He already sees the path, He is directing my path even though it doesn’t feel like anything is settled. HE IS THE BEST when life doesn’t make sense.

  801. Best book- Returning Home.
    Wow! and the best thing about the story was that it was nonfiction. Hard to believe that all these things could actually happen in one story.

    It was a privilege to actually hear that author at a Writer’s Conference this spring.

  802. The best recipe: I learned to cook my dump recipe that I cook in my cast iron pot. After a brain injury even this is not a possibility always but I make it often as even if I forget something it tastes good
    Best book: Is my Bible. I have a TBI that makes reading hard but guess what? God had His word put into verses at some point so I can read these small pieces and understand. I read and forget but I write comments and share with others although I forget. But it’s truly the Best Book for me right now in all situations
    Best Song: Jesus Loves Me. In the hospital my husband would sing it to me and I would join in. Our area felt peace surrounding us
    Best jeans: Ann Taylor Loft Curvy fit
    Best Blog: JRUSTUDIOS I love her wise Christian insight at such a young age plus her photography and art. Her 31 Days series was very moving. She is the caregiver as my husband is to me.
    Best Devotional: turning Point by Dr David Jeremiah and Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling
    Best thing I’ve don’e but did not want to: going to doctors. I cry on the way but its better to go
    Best laugh this year: riding around IKEA parking garage seeing where we want to be but cannot get there so we leave, make a u turn, get back in and make same mistake again!!! We laughed so hard!!! Free entertainment
    Best tool: needle nose pliers
    Best gift: my handmade gifts for Christmas especially from my step grandson who was so proud to have participated!!!
    Best moment: being able to walk again and have my grandson run to me!!!
    Best sermons: Jack Graham, Charles Stanley and my son in law
    Best times: I don’t remember. I like to have friends over

  803. Best Book: my Law and Religion casebook in law school (I graduate in May…52 years old!). We are giving up our liberties so quickly due to apathy and a culture of religiosity that is void of biblical Christianity, and churches where there is no Christ.

    Best Recipe: Rachel Ray meatloaf patties.

    Best Song: When Will the Happy Moment Come…old hymn sung with new tune by Jeff Pollard. Don’t think it’s available to public though.

    Best Ever: my daughter and her love for Christ.

    Please pray for me and this nightmare I am in. I beg you all to please pray against the evil done to me and my daughter. Please ask The Lord to send immediate help. Thank you.

  804. Best recipe for my gluten free family ~ http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/hearty-chicken-pot-pie-gluten-free/78b0ab8f-a1c1-43a3-8258-e0bb35751d55

    Best book ~ reread Severe Mercy by C.S. Lewis
    Best Song ~ Allelujah by The Museum
    Best Jeans ~ Gap Sexy Boot
    Best tool ~ Magnetic white board from Costco (we homeschool)
    Risk that returned the best ~ marrying my husband
    Best link ~ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
    Best laugh ~ a 4 year old belly laughing down an aisle at Safeway with her dad.
    Best living ~ living simply- in order to bless others
    Best thing I didn’t want to do, but did anyway ~ to lead a small community group w/ my hubby.
    Best Habit ~ making and drinking coffee
    Best holiday~ Christmas
    Best gift ~ Polaroid camera – LOVE capturing precious moments!
    Best Sacrifice~ Jesus rescuing me!
    Best of 2012 ~ Being more thankful & grateful

  805. My heart and mind can only think in small chunks right now… Life has avalanched, and left me like an overstretched rubber band. I know I NEED to give thanks, because in it all, the Lord has been faithful, Here goes! 🙂

    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? I have found that no matter how many times I have botched it, the recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook for White Chocolate Cake has turned out great, moist, and yummy each time!! I have used it for the past few birthdays with awesome and relieving success.

    The best book you couldn’t put down? Right now I am being blessed by Pollyanna (simple, isn’t it?? yet, just the kind of reminder my heart needs right now.) plus, obviously, the Bible as number one.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? At Your Feet by Casting Crowns is my banner song… For Christmas I had this on my heart in my awe, wonder and emotional appreciation for Jesus… “Such Love, Such wondrous Love.. That God should love a sinner such as I, How wonderful is love like this…” hymn

    The jeans that fit best? I found these butterfly pocket jeans on sale for like 7 bucks back on our last trip to the States. they are my faves. I always disliked looking for and trying on jeans because nothing ever made me feel lovely… after years worth of looking, and avoiding, hahahah… God allowed me to find these.

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!) Learn the art of using what you have on hand, thinking outside the box, before you go to the store to buy what you think you need. This makes a creation TRULY unique, and stretches the brain. PLus, then you don’t spend extra money, you recycle or reuse, and whatever your finished project is, becomes truly YOURS. An Original. 🙂

    The risk that returned best? Trusting God like a child… Surrendering even my dreams… Letting God be Mediator when my words just won’t do or be understood…

    The best link of 2012? The best laugh? The best living?
    AHolyExperience as a link.
    Got the best, most unexpected giggle from Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs, when the reporter’s face ended up in the camera. hahahahahahahhahaha… caught me pleasantly off guard.
    Best living… partnered with Jesus.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.) Went to say goodbye to my dying grandfather, leaving my hubby and kids in Italy and travelled by myself. I wanted to and needed to go to my very-loved Pop-pop but broke down just as I was getting on the plane to leave. I have not been apart from my family for a full 9 days EVER, since I married and had kids. It was very hard, but… left me time to love on my grandparents undistracted in his last days… He died two days after I returned to Italy. If I may… 2012 also presented my grandfather’s salvation, which is too awesome not to share… My mother got saved at 17. My grandfather would have said the Spanish version of “it’s crazy nonsense”. He did not believe in God, but he believed in Science. the only reason he would come to church was to support his grandkids doing their holiday presentations. He loved recording family events and making memories. My mom and her sister prayed hard over the years for the salvation of their family members. Some got saved, some didn’t, but always on their hearts was their hard-hearted father. it took many years, but I remember seeing a gradual change, and was shocked when I heard him say once that he now believed in a “higher being”. that was new and amazing, though not quite the whole answer to prayer. He would walk away in a huff when we talked about Jesus, faith, or being saved. He was a crankier soul to begin with, but would be worse around such conversations. (by the way, cranky on the outside with all others, but mush with his grandkids) It took him having to move closer to us, his family, from Florida because of the health of my grandmother, to see other changes. It took entering the struggles of Alzheimers. It took him becoming as weak as a child for him to see his need for Jesus. One day at the beginning of 2012, he told my mom that he knew he needed Jesus. So she, my dad, and my always-praying aunt experienced the miracle of leading my grandfather through the sinner’s prayer. He did not have a lot of time to grow. His alzheimers got worse. in his confused state, he stopped eating or drinking, and slowly, painfully starved himself. When I went… he remembered me for the first few days, then mid visit didn’t anymore. i was crushed. I sobbed in a hallway filled with residents at the home he lived at. I sobbed and aids came to put a hand of comfort on my shoulder. I sobbed until the tears ebbed. I sobbed and looked up when others had walked away, begging the Lord for “something” just to have hope for him… He was not himself, but I asked anyway… “Pop-pop, do you remember asking Jesus to come in your heart?” He had not answered me for a few days anything I asked him, so his hard nod to the affirmative made my heart leap for JOY! “Pop-pop, do you still feel that way? like you did when you first said those words?” another nod, HARD, to the affirmative… And, that is when the Lord put on my heart Romans 8. Nothing can separate us from God’s love… not even a mental, eating-away-at-the-brain illness. My dearly-loved Pop-pop died two days after my return to Italy. My heart aches that my grandfather is no longer with us, but my heart rejoices that 30 plus years of prayer, which included me when the Lord also captured my heart, led to the result of my grandfather drawing close to Jesus in his last days. Led to him passing on, into the arms of our faithful Lord. I have NO doubt. Praise Jesus!! My mom and aunt and dad and I have no doubt where he is…

    What was the best habit?
    us praying holding hands before sending the kids off to school.
    each of us giving thanks for three or more things just before the kids headed off to school, especially on cranky days. 🙂

    The best holiday? The best gift?
    Each of the kid’s birthdays were of a forest animal. I planned and planned and planned, and gave each kid an original, handmade birthday, complete with activities. No Michael’s or craft store near, so, the final products were rough, but original… The animals I chose based on characters or interests of my kids were Hedgehog, Squirrel, Raccoon, Fox, and Owl… Such fun memories.
    Not to mention Christmas morning!! When I put into practice ideas the Lord has had to help inspire me to make traditions in our home. Being isolated and away from what I have always known for Christmas, I had a hard time coming up with traditions that would work for our family for the holidays. after several years of challenges and heartache regarding this, the Lord truly gave some neat ideas that we have put into practice for the last couple of years, and they have been such a blessing. He is faithful in every way!
    The best gift… each of my kids and a godly husband… my oldest son being born ON my 24th birthday, nearly 12 years ago… salvation…

    The best sacrifice? Myself: “Take my heart and form it; take my mind, transform it; take my will, conform it… to Yours, to Yours, Oh, Lord…”
    My comfort , my pride, my before-desires, my before-dreams to raise my kids in the way of the Lord… and to really focus on encouraging my husband and kids even through misunderstandings or hard times.

    • Celita,

      God bless you and your family. My family is going through a similar situation with my grandfather. Sometimes I think that his crankiness is a good thing, because it means that he is feeling better. However, his attitude is very difficult for those around him who are just trying to help. I know my grandfather’s life is hid with God. I just hope that, before his death, he realizes how much he is loved.

  806. Having written 15,050 thanks to God since January 10, 2012, how can I pick just one or two! Christmas Eve was really special when one of my daughter-in-laws mother took a picture in church of six of my granddaughters with their great-grandmother and asked me to join in the picture! So special because my son will not even let his three girls talk to me. Wow! I even talked to them!!!!!!!!! Peter needs a lot of prayer. He rarely misses a church service and has his girls attend our Christian school where he went. Satan is still blinding his eyes, but someday, he will again join us! God is sooooooooo good! 🙂

  807. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again- The duck that i cook at Christmas-slow roasted in the oven-delicious!
    The best book you couldn’t put down- Seven by jen Hatmaker
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head- any song that we have sung at worship practice that particular week

    The jeans that fit best- still searching for these-did buy a pair of NYD jeans but took them back as couldn’t justify the cost!!!

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best-just rediscovered using my slow cooker-amazing how easy it is to produce tender meat!

    What was the best habit-reading the bible from the start- a bit each day- and still going!
    The best holiday- our trip to the Para Olympics-so inspiring
    The best gift-attending my son’s graduation

  808. Best moment of the year my grandson calling from camp in tears saying mommy I accepted Jesus in my heart and then at. Only ten years old giving his testimony in front of our huge congregation just before he was baptised. It was a sweet sweet day.

  809. Favorite book besides Ann’s are Uncle Arthur Bedtime Stories by Arthur Maxwell. Was able to find on E-Bay, the 1941 edition of the 20 little paper books of how children’s prayers are answered from all over the world. I grew up with them, and now was able to give a set to my oldest son as a Christmas present! JOY! Does anybody have No. 10 they could share with me? Can’t find that one yet. And it contains my most favorite story “A Mother’s Love”.
    Another favorite was “Little Anne of Canada” by Madeline Brandeis. Best book I ever read in Cross Lutheran School but was lost over the years. 🙁 My youngest son found one on E-Bay and had it sent to me from Florida last year! There were tears of joy! My son is so thoughtful and kind! 🙂

  810. Good gracious!!! It took quite a while to scroll to the bottom of these joyful and heartfelt comments! While I can see my chances of being the lucky winner are slim, I’m here to share. To be a part of this beautiful community of sisters. To cuddle up warm in the embrace of eucharisteo…
    2012 was a year of struggle and victory for me…and my biggest cheerleader was Jesus himself! Growing closer and going deeper with Him was this year’s greatest gift. Feeling my eyelids slowly open to blessed revelation…

    Best meal I couldn’t stop making? Kale (from our garden) with white beans ~ loaded with herbs and a generous smattering of butter!

    Music? Well, let’s just say the REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT’s “Homemade Worship by Handmade People” got my entire family on their feet to sing and worship!

    Book? If you had asked me a week ago, I would have said John Eldridge’s “Beautiful Outlaw”. However, a few days ago a beautiful gift found it’s way into my already swollen and HEAVY library book… One Thousand Gifts. I finished it just last night and didn’t want to turn the last page… Thank you, Ann, for your inspired words and for being courageous enough to share your beautiful journey.

    Thank you…

  811. 1. BEST song 2012… “Blessings” by Laura Story
    2. BEST book 2012… “1000 Gifts” by Ann Voscamp… every friend who has had a birthday or needed encouragement (or for no reason at all!) has been given this book this year! It’s been a blessing in my life these last few years to see and focus on and write down 3 gifts each day.
    3. BEST (easy) recipe 2012 … CADA that’s for sure. CADA (made in the Thermomix – 2 seconds!) or (made in a blender) consists of a handful of Coconut (shredded), handful of Almonds, handful of Dates, and an Apple (cored) => blended for a couple of seconds to make a beautiful, sweet, grain-free, healthy breakfast! Top with some yoghurt.. or kefir! or just eat it plain – YUM!
    4. BEST family experience…. my husband and I and our 4 children all saw our calf being born early one Saturday morning.
    5. The BEST website 2012 … GNOWFGLINS – God’s natural, organic, whole Foods, grown locally, in season. WHAT a name! and what amazing things Wardee does in her ‘homestead’. AND when I started this blog in Nov 2012, I was featured in her Down Home Farm Tours!
    6. BEST project to support for 2012 – Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan – My friend, Karen, who has just returned from Tajikistan, has set up this amazing project that raises awareness and supports children who experience Autism and their families. This project has to raise $5,000 from 40 donors by December 31, 11:59 PM EST to earn a permanent spot on GlobalGiving!!! Please consider giving today – Donate here – http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-for-children-with-autism-in-tajikistan/
    7. BEST things this year? The things that are NOT things and they are free!!!! … hugs, love, prayers with children, good memories, gratitude, family, friends, sleep!, contentment, kisses, laughter, touch, character growth, …
    xxx

  812. idea that worked best…well I used to be close to the borderline between normal and overweight…then I started inching towards anorexia, and while I am pretty much not fighting that battle anymore, I never fully gained back the weight I lost (makes it interesting to look in my closet because I have such a range of sizes from too small for me now to too big for me now)…I get frustrated with belts so I’ll usually either just commit to frequently pulling my pants up, using safety pins, or tying a couple belt loops together…so the idea that worked best was to roll the waistband of the jeans down. On most of my jeans it worked really well, and as a bonus I don’t have to find string or safety pins every time I get dressed 🙂

  813. 2012-What a year of blessings!
    My husband and I went to Puerto Rico for a business trip and to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip. We celebrated our 40th anniversary together. He is alive and well, after heart surgery 11 days ago.
    My sister in law had open heart surgery and was sitting up in her hospital bed yesterday. We almost lost her twice, lungs filled with fluid, kidneys quit, but dialysis continues to help.
    These last 2 weeks have been so stressful, but I kept praying without ceasing, giving thanks.
    Nothing is impossible for God-Luke 1:37
    With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.-Matt. 19:26
    These 2 verses kept coming to me on my daily devotional calendars.
    I am a believer in Jesus and His gracious hand of mercy!

    Your writings on the blog have been encouragement to me. I have been purchasing your book, Ann, and giving it to friends. I pray for you and your family daily, and hope to meet you one day-here, there, or in the air.

    My little gratitude journal is on number 2, 598.

  814. My best book would be …can I have two…1,000 gifts & also Choose Joy by Kay Warren, & my best new habit, that I am choosing daily to make a habit, is thankfulness…it seems to lead to wonder.
    Thank you so much

  815. Best books…I am a major fiction reader, but the most life changing books for me this year have been (yes!) One Thousand Gifts, and Discerning God’s Voice by Priscilla Shirer.

    Best recipe I discovered (and have since made several times in a row!) is Chicken Brunswick stew. I don’t have much time to cook, but this is easy and delicious!

    Best pair of jeans is my Levis…tried and true.

    Best song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman- we sing this at my church, and I find myself bursting with praise randomly throughout the week with it too.

    The best thing of the entire year (hands down) has been growing closer to my Savior. I am never where I want to be, but He keeps drawing me closer to Him, and I keep falling more in love with Him. I chose to trust Him with every aspect of my life, even when (especially when) I am completely unsure where I am heading. My life has felt a little stuck in a rut lately, not bad, but just the same thing day in and day out. So I am praying for God to help me know if I need to make any changes, or if I need to be here for more of a season.

    Thank you for encouraging us with your words Ann.

  816. The best book I read this year was “Kisses from Katie” by Katie Davis…
    “Closer” by Steffany Frizzle has been the best song this year or “This is amazing grace” by Jeremy Riddle…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn5zk3yCRr0
    The best recipe I tried in 2012 is the Boston Cream Pie. That’s just delicious. 🙂

  817. Best book in 2012….The Dove Keepers by Alice Hoffman, couldn’t put it down, historical fiction about Masada…..just so happened to come at a time I was studying this time period with our kids ….love when that happens 🙂

    Best gift in June 2012….the birth of our son, a healthy baby boy, after 4 miscarriages and too many complications….an absolute light in the midst of brokenness…God is good!

    Also, working toward my 1000 gifts, started then stopped, then started again as Thursdays of Thanks on our blog to keep myself accountable.

    Blessings to you all…..

  818. I love reading these and am slowing working through all my favs, fav song of all time by David Crowder Band~How He Loves Us
    My kindle and crock pot are fav tools
    Created a Bible journal fav project!!
    Pinterest is fav web-site! But also many blogs by women such as 1000 Gifts, Six Sisters, Proverbs 31, Time Warp Wife, Unveiled Wife, Women Living Well, Refine Us,
    Another fav book besides 1000 Gifts, Unglued by Lysa Terkurst

  819. The best moment…a hug from my daughter. You know, the one who hadn’t purposely touched me for about 4 years? Yeah, that one. Gave me a burst of hope to hold on, and wait on God. She will be restored.

  820. Best of 2012….
    Best book for me was Jen Hatmaker’s Seven, an Experimental Mutiny against Excess
    I wish I had the best jeans that fit! Haha!! Need to have a mutiny against some excess poundage…
    The Best of the Best of 2012?? Finally getting moved to MA after being separated from my husband for nine long months (that included spinal fusion surgery while he was gone and suffering seizures all year, alone, and still not knowing what’s causing them) It’s such a wonderful gift to have our family all under one roof again, with all of hubby’s family so close by. Okay and that the ocean is a mere twenty minutes away, seriously thick icing on my cake that I keep eating and having it too!!! Haha! So happy, so very, very happy!! Happy that I found Ann’s blog and this amazing community of women who have made a long painful year one filled with even more gratitude….Thank you Ann and thank you all but mostly thank you to our One and Only Father above!!!

  821. one of the best things is having my 5 year old fall in love with French and make great progress in it, as well as fall in love with her 60yr old Arabic teacher and make great progress in that! her kindergarten has been such a blessing to us so far. also so thankful that my 7 yr old daughter is participating in school (also in her 2nd language) and making friends and the honor roll! big improvement over 2011! also best joy is knowing that this ‘weary world’ isn’t nearly as weary as it would have been w/out Immanuel and that we will be united with Him for eternity. oh! and my mom’s cancer is gone again. whew!

  822. First timer here…
    Best music – the dwarves theme from The Hobbit. Just saw it last night and I wept at the perfect harmonies crafted by Howard Shore. I am a nerd.
    Best moment – seeing my biggest boy cross the finish line in 2nd place in a cross country race of hundreds of other boys and seeing his three little brothers jump on him in a brothers’ hug.
    Best struggle – walking closer and closer with my husband and my God as we walk a rough journey with a teenage child.
    Best recipe – Maple Vanilla Granola, just found at random in a google search. Many friends have benefitted from that search result this Christmas.
    Happy 2013 to all. This has been fun!

  823. So this chili may not be that exciting, but with all the food restrictions I currently have, it thrilled me to be able to eat something so yummy: http://www.elanaspantry.com/turkey-bean-chili/
    I did make a few adjustments: added more chili powder, added cumin, used canned tomatoes, browned turkey before adding to chili in soup pot. I also found I needed more water.
    I’m very thankful for these cut-out sugar cookies that fit my restrictions (dairy, egg, gluten, and refined sugar free) http://realsustenance.com/paleograin-free-cut-out-sugar-cookies-gluteneggsoydairy-free-with-directions-to-make-sugar-free/

  824. Best moment of the year was the night that I had a rite of passage party for my 13 year old daughter. I used your video as the intro into it and I discovered your voice. Awesome night as at the end while the ladies were speaking blessings over her, she was smiling and taking it all in. Because of discovering your voice in October, I also had a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas time, using the Thanksgiving tree and The Jesse Tree cut-outs and devotional.

    Best book this year was the devotional, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Awesome daily readings!

    Best recipe of the year was the Cranberry-sausage stuffing recipe that I used at Thanksgiving.

    Oh, and my favorite song is also “How He loves me.” by The David Crowder Band.

  825. Best book: Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber…a rich look at seeking and finding told honestly and humbly. A real gem!!

  826. Best gift: a treasure hunt created by my best friend leading to all the places special to our friendship with a beautiful journal at the end
    Best beginning: the relationship with my Dad began anew
    Best journey: To Germany and France on a mission trip and visit to family

  827. Best fitting jeans came from a bag of hand me downs. The best part is they didn’t fit me at first, but I’ve lost enough weight that they fit me perfect. Actually best fitting pair of jeans in my life. I guess they are a UK brand or something. They’re size 44 (I wear an 8/10 in American sizes). The logo is DTA (the A is sideways and in a circle). They have sparkly sequins on the waistband in the back which is fun.

  828. The best thing I did, even though I didn’t want to, is continue meeting with a small group from our church plant even after we closed the church after just one year. My husband was the pastor and I was the worship leader. It had been hard and I just wanted to be done and move on. We’ve continued to meet every other week and do the “Not a Fan” video series and it has been a real blessing.

  829. The best tool/gizmo is my kindle – I LOVE it! It is the cheapest, most basic one, but I figured out how to send my google reader updates to it, so I can read all of my favorite blogs offline, wherever I am!
    The risk that returned best? planting a church with my husband, even though it ended just a year later, we saw great fruit and now I’m excited to see the new thing God is going to do in 2013
    The best link of 2102? I love the blog at rabbitroom.com, also kindlebuffet.com has a list of free ebooks everyday.
    The best living? several road trips, conferences and retreats. The best was the Radically Undone retreat with Erin Campbell Ministries in Kentucky – where I also led worship.

  830. Best Recipe: chicken pie – a firm family favourite this year

    Best Jeans: city chic bootleg, makes my backside look less big!!

    Best Decision: to become a respite foster carer, our little respite girl has been such a gift to our family

    Best Gift: drawings from my son AND my new push bike from my husband

  831. What was the best habit? The best habit was radical diet changes to bring about healing in my body .
    The best holiday? The first that comes to mind is Halloween because I was on a florida beach vacation with my family (parents, siblings, nieces and nephews). The best part is how well we all got along, the peace and love we shared which I would’ve never thought possible. Glory to God! If you knew my family and our history……you would marvel at this miracle.
    The best gift? Freedom.
    The best sacrifice? Taking in two housemates in order to not have a paying job so that I could give my time in ministry.

  832. So I never do this…

    Best book- Redeeming love, oh what a picture of God’s relentless love for us!
    Best song- too many to really choose but one of my fav’s right now is Whom Shall I Fear (Chris Tomlin)
    Best Recipe- baked french toast-http://mormonmavens.blogspot.com/2011/11/baked-french-toast.html?spref=fb
    Best risk- going to Peru for a medical missions trip
    Best adventure- I have a 2 year old, so every day is an adventure
    I’ll have to think about the rest!

  833. 2012 began with the diagnosis of PTSD, acute anxiety and panic disorder, and depression when the mere thought of running to the store with my daughter caused me to freak out! The year ended with me working a three-month temporary job AND my completing my first ‘accelerated’ (or insanely-paced) semester at ASU. I would say that is a miraculous improvement!

  834. I happened to purchase One Thousand Gifts. Turned out to be one of the tools that began my introduction into faith and Christianity. AND as an avid reader…even more surprising…is the only book I have ever wanted to read twice, much less three times!

  835. A divine ending to 2012…attended Christmas Eve service at a new church and was so moved that I wanted to stay for the second service. Possibly have found a church where I ‘belong’….

  836. Book: The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets by Deb Richardson-Moore
    Gadget: toe separators for my bunions
    Recipe: Lasagna Soup (from 300 Sensational Soups)
    Risk: Inviting my niece to spend the summer with us. While it did not work out in the short term will are thankful for being obedient to God and are still praying for life change in the long term
    Song: Glory in the Highest, Chris Tomlin
    Best jeans: Talbot’s Heritage

  837. Best song: good morning by Mandisa
    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway: 40 day Daniel Fast
    Best blog: likeathread.wordpress.com
    Best vacation: Macinac Island for 30th anniversary

  838. Ann’s book, One Thousand Gifts, the best book I read in 2012. I often had to sit and soak in what I read it was so powerful.

    Best overall gift this year: pregnant with our first child, a little baby girl!

  839. The best link this year is definitely: a holy experience.com … I do believe it has changed my life!
    Best song was: Come to me- featuring Jenn Johnson. It’s soo good! I listened to it over and over!
    Best times: Working in the kitchen with sisters, laughing til our sides ache.
    Best habit: That’s not hard! Finding something to be thankful for every day. It really does bring joy!
    Best Quote: “Radical living always begins right now.” by -Ann
    Best book: A shepherd looks at Psalm 23
    Best website: setapartgirl.com
    Best news: My sister-in-law pregnant again after being married for 7 yrs and miscarrying their first baby!

  840. The best moment of 2012 for me was holding my 8 year old daughter in my arms while she slept through a wedding reception. She’s all little girl now, and running and jumping and playing. Too busy to sit with me. But to be able to hold her like this. Like when she was a baby filling my arms and my heart with love. It was one of many gifts that I am so grateful for.

  841. My favorite song this year was Restless by Audrey Assad which describes the way I felt until I found my way back to the arms of my Savior.
    The best risk this year was trusting in God and seeing how He has provided for me in ways that I could not even begin to imagine. I know that soon this dark trial will be over and God’s Will will be done.
    Best gift my whole family received this Christmas was a precious gift from God – a baby girl born to my niece and her husband and arriving several months early, weighing only 3 lbs 5oz. She is doing great and we have thanked God for His love mercy and goodness to our family.

  842. The Best Book …..1000 Gifts. It’s tea stained, tear stained and chocolate stained…read 3 times through and it continues to change my life. Thank you, dear Ann.

    The Best Gift….giving a Kindle to a missionary in Germany as he fought Stage IV lymphoma 1 year ago. Doctors proclaim him “cured”!

  843. The best thing that happened for me this year was the decision to start taking care of myself again. Ever since my oldest child was born , I had put myself after everything else. I felt guilty if I wasn’t spending 100% of my free time with my children . The beginning of summer I was introduced to a fabulous trainer and a wonderful group of women to workout with. We meet twice a week with the trainer and get together on our own one more time during the week. I am slowly getting into better physical health and words cannot describe how much better I feel mentally and spiritually.

  844. It is great to see all the best and recognize some are the same in my life. The best I would like to share is advice. This year has been difficult on many levels. I was talking with someone on how difficult it has been. I was gently reminded that the disciples and the storms they faced were all when they were following Jesus. Jesus took them into the storms….and through them for a purpose. May we see the BEST in our storms.

  845. The risk that returned the best 2012 blessing:
    The birth of our beautiful daughter ‘Leah’ after a high risk and complicated pregnancy and on the back of two lost baby girls. Thank you, thank you Lord!!

  846. The risk that returned the best 2012 blessing:
    The birth of our beautiful daughter ‘Leah’ after a high risk and complicated pregnancy and on the back of two lost baby girls. Thank you Lord!!

  847. What a blessing to read all the comments! I re-read “one thousand gifts” this year and gave away around 20 copies…..and will continue this year. So many women have been blessed through counting the blessings from God! He is so good and generous and such a show off!! 😉

    Another book I read was “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (she could be your sister Ann….lovely, kind and humble) This book is based off her experience as a foster mom, she once had a little girl she mentored who only had a number as her name….put into foster care at birth. It is a required reading for all of our mentors at Saving Grace. http://www.savinggracenwa.org

    Old habit that came from trying to make good changes….in small ways: putting my cart back with every trip to the grocery store. 🙂 small, but it reminds me every time that I can do good through a simple gesture…other people see and always follow the lead. 😉

    New habit: Putting “Jesus Calling” in my car and having my children read out loud for all of us, this way we are all together and even when we are all crazy rushing about, trying to make it to school on time….there is a pause, deep breath, and the sweetest treat and nourishment for our soul before heading out to dodge what the evil one may throw our way…focusing on the fact that we are never ever alone.

    New Recipe: Sam’s club fresh readymade meals! I had the precious honor of being a home maker and having my main job as taking care of my family and our home for almost 20 years….then God moved mountains and placed me in the position I am now…unbelievable how it all happened…miracle after miracle. It has been a wonderful experience, but my home suffered….I wore down due to so many demands and still trying to be “Ms. Becky Homemaker” –silly me! I discovered Sam’s Club (Walmart) has readymade dishes…meatloaf, chicken alfredo…and so much more. I add salad and a side and we enjoy meal time without the stress and fuss….(where before it just didn’t happen…we had pizza a lot)  I’m so grateful for this find. Honestly, I’ve looked and asked for the last couple of years to see if there was a stay at home mom who would like to make home cooked meals on the side…never found anyone. Are you a good cook and looking for something to add to your income? 

    Clothing: GAP’s super soft long sleeved T….found for $6, got one in every color 

    Scripture revelation: Everyone knows John 3:16….right? For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. –But, do you remember verse 17? I’ve read it more times than I can count….but it never registered in my soul for some reason…. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. So if God didn’t send His Son to condemn….then how is it my job? Wow, that convicted my heart. I have judged so much in my life, from my high and lofty place. I am so very sorry. My heart still wants to judge, but I do find that I pause and ask for grace and forgiveness…then start again. He is so good to lavish His love…even while teaching.

    His very grateful girl,
    Becky

  848. Hello. I’m more comfortable in the background but I have enjoyed all the wonderful “Bests” posted here….I think I spent more time reading the conversations than I intended! Even my son (12) joined me…so nice to hear what others do, listen to, enjoy and think even on small things that often are our big things. A nice distraction from the trials and struggles of life.

    Hmmmm…..my “bests”….the surface issues are even tricky! I will do my best here:

    Jeans: none….a necessary evil if you ask me. The ones I found that I like the best are the ones called Perfect Waist by Levi Strauss. The waist on these fit fantastic…the only problem with them is they shrink everywhere else. Still, beggars can’t be choosers and so far these are the best for me.

    Music: Easy Peasy! Casting Crowns…anything by them! Oh how their music humbles me, lifts me, reminds me of my focus…this season I have much enjoyed their Christmas songs, especially I heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Christmas Offering, yeah, I’m a fan of what the Lord is doing through this group.

    Make-up tool? Who the heck has time for that?! LOL!!! Actually, this year I’ve been learning to love myself without make-up and hair dye. I’ve discovered an allergy to hair dye so cannot use it anymore. I have used Henna but it is either too red or too dark so I’m learning to walk in grace (and gray) and to see myself as needing to be more beautiful inside and let the Lord worry about the outside.

    Book: Yup, the Bible. I haven’t been able to purchase 1,000 Gifts (sorry Ann…been an advid lurker at A Holy Experience and we all love the music you have there but time and budget have not allowed…..will pick up this year though! Thanks for posting the monthly downloads for making a list….lovely and gives me an idea of what I’m missing yet I’m still getting to participate! 🙂

    Movie: No favorite. There have been many that have moved me to tears or made me laugh histerically because sometimes slapstick is a good medicine! The Encounter, Rat Race, Plains Trains and Automobiles (edited version only please!!!!)

    Food: Everything? Are we allowed to put that? 🙂 My husband’s recipe for hamburgers and also his made up Chicken and Sausage with creole seasoning! YUMMY!!!

    Best of life: Learning to love. How hard it is to love those who hurt us. To be Peacemakers with those who do not want peace and seek to hurt us, even when it is family. Seeing the Lord strengthen me for the day and tasks despite my severe health issues….He steps in and hold me up, bears it with me, edures it with me and gives me victory. He has given me a wonderful husband, 3 boys, various critters, a home and is always there for us. Oh how He is faithful when we are faithless! How He loves us perfectly and we just fiddle with our justice meters and want to be vindicated…yes, He is and was and still will be for us…..I pray He does the same in our hearts.

    Best: Gratitude and Love. If we possess these we will be a beautiful fragrance to the world that is dying around us.

    Ok. there it is. sorry to butt in and throw my thoughts at you all. Well, not exactly sorry, I enjoyed reading yours as well. May the Lord bless us with more love, gratitude and diliverance from ourselves in 2013…Peace be to you.

  849. By far the best risk I took was re-investing in my marriage. Second best was re-investing in my health. Still working on that one.

    Best song: Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye

    Best book: same as always, my fave ever fiction trilogy by Liz Curtis Higgs: Thorn in My Heart, Fair is the Rose and Whence Came a Prince.

  850. Hi,
    best bit of 2012, going to the M W Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman concert in Belfast with 2 great friends. Best book: Anns book(and the new version of 1000gifts with the DVD and study guide that I’m working on at the moment) Best song: I have two! : Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave and Miracle by Third Day. Bets recipe: Black Tea with pink and white mallows(drop them in when the teas hot and they melt! Lovely on a cold windy day) Happy new year to everyone and thakyou Ann and Holley for your encouraging bogs and posts, I really look forward to receiving them by email each day and they are always so appropriate! God bless for 2013

  851. The best book for me this year has been Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts. 2012 has been a year of change and heartache and sorrow, and towards the beginning a dear friend of mine handed me this book. It has been a safe place to cry and dream and believe to find those grace moments and overwhelming joy and most of all Jesus in the hard places. Forever grateful.

  852. Best new culinary habit: making my own sprouts

    Adds a whole new dimension to our winter eating habits

  853. When you live on a farm-sometimes, the “best” moments are those wrapped in the “worst” moments. As a shepherd of a small flock of sheep, I have the joy of seeing little lambs into this world. This past lambing season was filled with sorrow as for the first time, I had three lambs die in the birth process. As I stood in that barn, cradling that new lamb, limp and lifeless, yet still warm in my arms-I felt the heart wrenching pang of the sacrifice that my Lord gave up for me. God, sent His son, to die for me….and my sins. He was the Lamb of God-who came and lived among us-to give his life for us. Tears streamed down my face that morning-tears of sorrow for this little lamb who came so close to taking its first breath and tears of joy and praise for a God who loves me so…
    Yes…..these are the best of times…

  854. Being this far down the list, wondering if anyone will read this:). I have loved reading these posts. So encouraging.
    Best book- I have to say 1000 gifts. It came to me at a Low point in early summer. God used it to lift my eyes to Him, and to open my eyes to Him! I am trusting that my college aged son will once again live for Christ. Keeping a list of His goodness and Grace has simply brought true Joy!
    Best vacation- anniversary cruise to Alaska with my husband of 27 years!
    Best new cookbooks and recipes- Ellie Krieger’s. Currently loving her Comfort Foods Fix. Healthy and tasty!
    Best study – loved leading women through Unglued – saw God use it in all of our lives!
    Best risk- leaving a job of 9 1/2 years, with God’s prompting and seeing God provide a new direction, even this late in my career.
    Blessings to all of you as we live in Grace this year.
    Pam

  855. Without a doubt my favorite book continues to be the Bible..a fresh word from Him stirs me and keeps me moving..also, One Thousand Gifts (life and heart-changer) and “7”!
    Favorite jeans continue to be Levi..any kind of Levis!
    Lots of new and favorite recipes but one I thought I could never do was truffles..how fun to make, how easy and oh, so delicious and addicting!
    The best event..the marriage of our daughter on our farm to the love of her life..a godly young man that God hand-picked for her and for us as a family. (Began praying for this young man when my daughter was a baby).
    Thank you Ann, for reminding us to look back and be reminded of all the best things that God has so graciously provided in our lives.

  856. I wish I had time to read all the comments and praise God with each and everyone. Just want to say I am thankful to be healthy enough to care for my 99 yr old Mother and also to babysit with a three year old granddaughter. God is so awesome there are just so many wonderful things He continues to give us even when things are hard. His presence is so wonderful to experience each and every day. God bless each and everyone with a most blessed New Year.

  857. I would have to say that the best book was…..drumroll please… One Thousand Gifts. This year was a year of unexpected sorrow with the loss of my sweet little 3 1/2 month old niece, taken too soon and of my dear father-in-law. Your words in One Thousand Gifts have reminded me of the important truth, that this place is not the end of our story. If I am grumbling or feeling sorry for myself, I am not being grateful. God deserves my worship in the form of gratitude. Blessings for a grace-filled 2013 all!

  858. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again?

    Chicken Enchilada Dip
    cream cheese, shredded chicken, mayo, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, diced peppers + tortilla chips = dinner.

    amazing, simple and probably not healthy. but delicious, nonetheless.

  859. ps – i also didn’t realize that it was such a dirty song. please don’t look it up – i’m embarrassed to have posted it. it’s got a catchy beat, yes – but the lyrics are bad.

  860. Best thing I lost: 18 lbs.
    Best thing I found: my job
    Best memory of the year: seeing The Hobbit with my 4 teenage sons

  861. Best Risk? I lost my job then I had two offers on the table. One was the company I had been wanting to work for and it wasn’t guaranteed a permanent job as I was filling in for someone on maternity leave. I took it anyways…..and 3 months later I have a new position with a 5k a year pay raise. God always takes care of His children 🙂

    • Wow! I just copied down the recipe and think it’s destined to become a family favorite! Thanks Debbie!

  862. I would LOVE the calendar! This is something that I actually gave to my mother and sister for Mother’s Day 2011 .. but have yet to get one for myself.
    Here are my lists of bests so far….
    BEST ….
    ~ RECIPE: Cranberry Cornbread Casserole .. so easy…. so yummy!
    ~ BOOK: 1000 Gifts (ever since I first read it in June 2011!)
    ~ SONG: “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave… such powerful lyrics.. cry every time
    ~ JEANS: by Liz Clairborne .. hers have always fit me the best …
    ~ TOOL/GIZMO/IDEA: My single cup coffee maker that I bought at Family Dollar for only $10!!! In fact I bought my sister one and she loves it too!
    ~ LINK: http://www.onethousandgifts.com … really!
    ~ HOLIDAY – Thanksgiving (of course) spent with my Sister and her family (which wasn’t possible until just recently… in fact it was the first time in over 20 years our family was able to spend Thanksgiving together – and what a special time it was!!)
    ~ GIFT: attending the Grace Women’s Fellowship in February 2012 with Ann as the guest speaker in Gettysburg, PA! This was such a GOD thing in so many ways! First, I found out about this quite by accident on Jan 13 while on Facebook which is a miracle because I am rarely on FB! Second, I shared it with my dear friend the same day – which she had gone thru a crisis (that I was unaware of at the time)! Third, God made a way for us both to be able to pay the fee to go. Fourth, God performed miracles in both of our lives during the weekend… AMAZING!!

    The rest of the BESTS have actually been the most difficult and challenging for me this year … I will come back and post them soon …
    ~ RISK THAT RETURNED THE BEST
    ~ LAUGH
    ~ LIVING
    ~ THING YOU DIDN’T WANT TO DO – BUT DID ANYWAY
    ~ HABIT
    ~ SACRIFICE

    Thank you Ann for sharing with us. We are forever GRATEFUL! You and your family are in our prayers always!
    Dennise

  863. Best Book: Ann Voskamp’s one thousand gifts. Transparent truth in poetic prose!
    Best Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
    Biggest Risk: Daily letting go of my silly belief of self-sufficiency and acknowledge my complete dependency on my Creator, Father, Redeemer!
    Best Gift: Eyes opened to all of His gifts… so many that I had taken for granted.

  864. Best jeans I’ve found are made by Silver – the “Suki” fits me best – works with my hips and doesn’t gape in the back like most others.

    Best recipe – Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Always looking for an excuse to bring these along! http://www.fortysomething.ca/2008/10/cheddar_biscuits_like_red_lobs.php

    Best song…can I choose a whole album? Isobelle Gunn’s new album “Losing the Ground” – glorious harmonies and fantastic lyrics. Specific songs that I love (and actually make me think a bit of your work, Ann!) are “Losing the Ground”, and “Everlasting Peace.”

    Best book was definitely Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” – so good that I decided to work through it slowly over the next year and blog about it as I go – a kind of online book club. I’m giving a copy away right now on the blog! http://www.rachelwallace.ca/2012/12/celebration-of-discipline-a-giveaway/

  865. Bests of 2012? Because it is newest in our lives, our best surprise by far is finding out that what I thought was early menopause isn’t that at all but a baby boy joining our family in March. Even though I didn’t know about him until Thanksgiving weekend, he is healthy. Praise the Lord! Unexpected blessings so often are the best ones. Adding this little one as a gift of gratitude and choosing not to think about my age, 41, or any of the other circumstances, only at God’s rich soon to come reward.

    • Bless you and congratulations!
      I had a little boy at 39…it was a wild ride which I would have not missed for anything.
      He is now a delightful 9 year old.
      There is something about later pregnancies which defy explanation.
      Hallowed ground full of purpose from Him.
      Praying for your health as you welcome him to your family!

  866. My best hard thing has to be my mission trip to Kenya. Seeing the destitute, the orphans, girls in sex trafficking–it will rock your world and break your heart and change the way you see things.

    It’s hard to go–I won’t lie. It’s very hard. But it is totally worth it.

  867. The Best Song: Farther Along by Josh Garrels. I have just been loving his voice and his passion for The Lord.

    The Best Book: Not a Fan. It has been so challenging to read this book and change perspectives on my lifestyle.

    The Best Moment: When my husband and I decided to start trying to have a baby : )

    It has has been such a wonderful year and I feel so blessed!

  868. Bests of 2012? Every morning in my corner with Jesus, quietly reading and listening and praying and looking for God in my life. Watching my husband return to worship leading.
    Joining my husband in worship leading. Finding out I’m going to be a Grandma in 2013! Spending time with my wonderful children.
    Best Book – Limiting God – Jonathan Hunter
    Best Recipie – can’t decide yet.

  869. The best was reading a devotion everyday in 2012, and also
    i have lost 27 lbs in the last 18 months, just cutting everything
    i eat in half, i get to eat what ever i want, just half of it, i also
    learned that if i take a bite, and it really isn’t great, i don’t have
    to eat it.

  870. The best song: 10,000 reasons by Matt Redman. It embodies not only our time here on earth but eternity.

    Favorite recipe is impossible, so I’m going with favorite cookbook. Nope, make that cookbooks, but I am making it easy with they have the same author: The Pioneer Woman aka Ree Drummond. They are art in and of themselves. They are great teaching tools for women wanting to learn how to cook. I’ve not had a bad recipe out of them yet. They are tasteful comfort food to be shared with family and friends.

  871. The risk that returned the best ~ My 10 year old son who his non-verbal, and can not communicate like you and I, he was welcomed to the Lord’s Table of Mercy. He had his first communion on the same day of our Christmas program. The risk was that due to my son’s uniqueness his participation might not looks the same. Nevertheless, he’s made known his desire to participate in this holy meal and he was incuded, and welcomed. Pure JOY.

    Best Gift ~ A soulful Birthday gift to myself. Lisa Leonard’s By Grace Alone Necklace. The daily reminder I need. “As I face the trials of today, His Grace will sustain me.” (I lost the charm oon my necklace, so I’m praying that I can cling to it’s message and that one day the tagible charm will show up again.

    Best Recipe in 2012 ~ the family actually loved it, so we will definetly be making this again. Cauliflower Cheese Soup, yummy! http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup-2

    Best Book ~ One Thousand Gifts. Ann, your words I can listen to over, over, and over again! Autism and Alleluais, by Kathleen Deyer-Bolduc. The honest stories and spirtual connection that I’ve been longing for. Both books have been a divine treasure!

    Best song ~ Slow Me Down by Emmy Rossum. This is an older one, but I still listen to it. (Rushing and racing, and running in circles, moving so fast, I’m forgetting my purpose…) I love how the words ring so true in my life, but I love how it makes me realize that I need to slow down and take Jesus hand. He’s the only one I want to lead me.

    Best Jeans ~ Have yet to find a pair, still searching. Continued misson for 2013.

    So here’s to counting gifts, and blessings in 2013.
    Eyes wide open to finding PEACE, JOY, and GRACE in the here & now.

  872. Best movie: “Les Miserables”
    Best moment: finishing the 50,000 words of my first novel during National Novel Writing Month (November).
    Best live production: My daughter’s Senior class Christmas drama.

  873. This is great! Thanks for doing this, Ann. I’ve enjoyed (with a cup of tea, of course) reading the comments.

    My favorite song: My Soul Sings by Brian Johnson (Bethel Church)

    My new find: Better Homes & Garden jar candles! Only $5 and they smell as good as Yankee Candles!

    Best New Habit: Making sure kitchen is clean before I go to bed at night!

    Favorite Musicians: David Nevue, Jim Brickman (solo piano) and David Klinkenberg (solo violin).

    Favorite Non Fiction Books: Fasting by Jentezen Franklin, Honor’s Reward by John Bevere, Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

    Favorite Fiction Books: Anything written by Elizabeth Goudge. (written back in the 40’s). Sweet stories.

    Favorite Read Alouds to my children: Hedge of Thorns by Lamplighter Publishing (beautiful stories written long ago). Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John.

    Favorite Lady in History: Susanna Wesley (read her biography) What a lady! John & Charles Wesley’s mother

    Favorite Tea: My new favorite is Nutcracker Sweet. My other favorite is Roastaroma both by Celestial Seasonings.

    Favorite Christmas Song: O Holy Night performed by David Phelps (watch full version on YouTube – powerful!)

    Favorite Movies: Victoria & Albert, Fireproof, Little Women

    Have a great day!

  874. The best of 2012…the gift of a thank you… given and received. Written and said. With the healing touch of a hand or even a glance passing by…
    That I have true purpose! Everyone, has true purpose!
    To not be afraid of the quiet times…
    That unlike the turning page of a book, once the day has turned, it can’t turn back…
    looking at 2013 with arms ready, heart ready, joy…ready!!!

  875. The best recipe was anything I made that I could share with someone else…the best book (besides Anne’s – which literally changed my life) was Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)…the best song was “Remind Me Who I Am” by Jason Gray…the best risk was to embrace God’s Grace everyday with Gratitude, to start a 1000 gifts list, so that when my husband passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56 in July, I was able to immediately thank God for his life and receive His blessings and Joy through my tears and know that that He is working out all my griefs for my good and His glory! It has been the hardest, but the best year of my life.

  876. Favorite Recipe: Pioneer Woman’s Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork. We use beef instead of pork because my husband prefers beef…super yummy!

    Favorite Book: 1000 Gifts and the Devotional!

    Song: I couldn’t decide. I have loved “The Stand” by Hillsong and “You Are I Am” by Mercy Me here lately

    Jeans: a pair of Gap jeans i found at Goodwill

    Gift: Attending Ann’s book signing in Nashville. I met a lady standing in line who I later found out passed away from the Meningitis outbreak here in Tennessee. I am continuing to learn about the preciousness of time and how deep an impact we can leave on another life in just one encounter. I’m so thankful I was brave enough to go to the book signing alone….I never would have met Diana otherwise.

    Risk: It’s one I’m still in the middle of, but I am learning to forgive and move past deep, deep hurts by someone I looked up to and admired.

  877. Best Meal: Tri-Tip prepared on best gift – a new grill!

    Best Risk: Husband stepping out into self-employment

  878. Best gizmo: my Kindle Fire which allows me to spend my quiet time in the morning in bed with devotions and blog posts right in my inbox

    Best book: ‘Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption’. Our church gave each family a copy of this NY Times Bestseller by Laura Hillenbrand on Christmas Eve. An absolutely amazing story. And…Stormie OMartian’s ‘The Power of Christmas Prayer’ which was the perfect read during the advent season.

    Best (daily, ongoing) risk: giving up control and letting God do His work in the lives of my teen and 20 year old as they figure out how to be responsible young men.

    Best habit: jotting down my daily joys and graces

    Best movie: ‘Chocolat’…an older movie, but such great life messages. It just makes me happy.

    Best songs I’m listening to: Hillsong – “At the Cross”; Jeremy Camp – “Overcome”; Jadon Lavik – “I Surrender All”; Mercy Me; – “You Are I Am”

    • I haven’t watched Chocolat since it was new. Thank you for reminding me of that magical movie. I will add it to my watch list again. The secret ingredient most definitely IS love.
      Blessings to you, Beth and thank you again.

  879. My Best of 2012
    Recipe: Elk Chili
    Book: “Elegy for Eddie” by Jacqueline Winspear
    Song: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
    Jeans: Signature Boot-Cut Midrise Levis (on sale for $13 at Wal-Mart and in a smaller size than I usually wear!)
    Tool/Gizmo: Cuisinart Food Processor (Just got my first one for Christmas!)
    “Find”: Blogs! (I just found them last year. Since I love to read, it’s like having new magazines every day. I also find so many good inspirations & ideas.)
    Project: Cleaning out the farm buildings and house & having an auction. (How nice it feels to declutter!)
    Holiday: Christmas. (First Christmas in 5 years that all the kids were home.)
    Gift: What my husband & I gave to others.
    Habit: Telling God my thanks & blessings every morning while watching the sunrise & with a cup of hot green tea.

  880. Best captured moments- time with family this summer/fall fall who is scattered across 3 continents and four states. All of us at one place at one time is such a gift. Watching one of the younger generation bring laughter, grow, and mature.
    Best habit- giving thanks. Strategically thanking God every day for 6 weeks with five gratitude items for a painful situation with disappointments in the past year. Watching God transform my attitudes and heart through the process where the negative thoughts no longer dominated… God gift.

  881. Wow!! Here I am, late to the party…again! and wasn’t going to bother, but I’ve had fun taking a few more minutes in bed to read some of these Best’s and had to join in!!

    Best risk: going to Allume, what a God story that was! Met and got to love some of the best ladies I can imagine having the joy to know! And God set up an almost impossible moment for me to meet you Ann, while I was telling my farmer it wasn’t likely to happen, but I wanted to keep my promise to Tonya….and He did it, yes He did.

    Best event: celebrating 20 years of marriage…it’s been such a good ride, looking forward to 20 more

    Best music this year: 10000 Reasons (Matt Redman), I Will Lift My Eyes (Bebo Norman), How Great is Our God – the international version (Chris Tomlin), Keening for the Dawn CD by STeve Bell (and hearing him speak)

    Best books: So Long INsecurity by Beth Moore, Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman (going slowly through this one and letting it sink in – I have been SUCH a good girl)

    Best God thing: turning my daughter’s heart back towards us…oh what sweet grace we now have, soooooooo thankful

    Best Christmas moment: my 6 year old singing all over all the time, Christmas carols..so sweet

    Best family event: taking my 3 oldest on a mission trip to Mexico, watching them work and interact and grow…so good

    Best surprise: being chosen to be on Holley Gerth’s God-sized Dream Team, scariest thing ever to write that dream out where other people can see it!

    Best thing I did for Me: finally went gluten free – dropped off 17 lbs and counting, feeling better than I have for the last three years!!

    Best creative moment: designing a Jesse tree hanging and dolls from my own head and producing them and they actually worked!!

    one more: seeing my oldest son blossom during a design class…seeing that he truly is gifted in this process and his dream to become a designer/architect is well within his reach!

    This has been fun to think about….now off to finish birthday cakes and giant checker boards! Blessings to all!

  882. Book- “Girl Meets God” Lauren F. Winner (after 1000 Gifts, of course. Picked up “Gifts” on a whim because of the cover matched my reading room. Read it twice and gave one to friends. Signed up for the blog. I’m grateful for that cover.
    Recipe-Spinach-Cheese Breakfast Squares
    Jeans-switched to long skirts this year-fell in love with ’em
    Risk-loving my step-daughter
    Habit-giving myself time
    Sacrifice-learning to open my hand, flat, held- out.
    Song- “Redeemed” BDW
    Holiday- everyday, He has enlarged my territory. Big.
    Laugh-that He has enlarged my territory (giggle)
    Thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway-gave up caffeine
    Word- Don’t you just love Him? I love Him! When I think about seeing Him face to face I hiccup and giggle and laugh all at the same time. I want to run madly. Here is good but ahhh there is going to be so much better. Blessings to you and yours in 2013.

  883. “The Best of Everything 2012″
    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie – yum, yum, yummy!!

    The best book you couldn’t put down? The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Some Nights by FUN

    The jeans that fit best? Trouser jeans 🙂

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? My book club 🙂 I’m so proud of myself!

    The risk that returned best? My husband leaving to the USA, leaving my daughter and me behind, in search of a job and better opportunities. He always toyed with the idea until it finally materialized, although it can get sad and difficult at times I am convinced it was the best decision.

    The best link of 2102? The Gypsy Mama

    The best laugh? Always with my daughter 🙂

    The best living? As a family.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Letting my husband go.

    What was the best habit? With a toddler: picking up once a day!

    The best holiday? Christmas

    The best gift? My husband and my daughter.

    The best sacrifice? Did I say letting my husband go?

  884. “The Best of Everything 2012″
    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie – yum, yum, yummy!!

    The best book you couldn’t put down? The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Some Nights by FUN

    The jeans that fit best? Trouser jeans 🙂

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? My book club 🙂 I’m so proud of myself!

    The risk that returned best? My husband leaving to the USA, leaving my daughter and me behind, in search of a job and better opportunities. He always toyed with the idea until it finally materialized, although it can get sad and difficult at times I am convinced it was the best decision.

    The best link of 2102? The Gypsy Mama

    The best laugh? Always with my daughter 🙂

    The best living? As a family.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Letting my husband go.

    What was the best habit? With a toddler: picking up once a day!

    The best holiday? Christmas

    The best gift? My husband and my daughter.

    The best sacrifice? Did I say letting my husband go?

  885. Just posted the best of all of the amazing blessings I have had for the year on my blog. I’ll have to say at the top of my list….renewing my wedding vows with my hubby for our 25th wedding anniversary celebration!!! Wooowhooo!!! God is SO good!!! Thanks for writing some amazing posts on your site, Ann!!! I love you and your family!!!! Such a blessing to me!!!
    In His Love, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds

  886. Best song for me this year was Seeds of Family Worship –Phillipians 4 : 6&7. What a blessing having those verses with a peppy, upbeat rhythm available to me when ever I was anxious, worried or even just a bit grumpy. It was doubly a blessing to have my 4-year-old daughter join in with the Words of God at times of stress.

  887. I have two wonderful books i would like to mention,

    The first is Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst. I have always lived with the notion that my pastor and other members of the church are perfect, you know, they never have a bad day, or have a meltdown, Lysa’s book talks about those moments when even the best christians can come unglued. It make us realize we are all human and have times we would like to forget.

    The second book is Perfect Lies by Jennifer Crow. It talks about the lies that we all live with such as when I have a monent and come unglued I hear that little voice in my head say well you really screwed up this time, you are no good, If you can’t control your temper there is no use you going back to church, you will never fit in with those perfect people.

    Give theses books a try and have a teriffic 2013.

  888. Best recipe: Pecan pie cheesecake. Yum!
    Parenting moment to enjoy: Watching my 18 month old learning to pray, bowing her head with us and folding her hands and patiently waiting to say “Amen!”
    Best kitchen trick: you can shred chicken easily by putting the big pieces of meat in a kitchen aid mixer with the paddle attachment. Shredded chicken in seconds!!

  889. Ohhh, best jeans are Lee Riders – of course, the ONLY place that I get them (Vanity Fair) requires a trip to Branson ;D

    Best recipe – lately, it’s been 2×4 Soup – modified to accommodate whatever similar ingredients I have on hand, fortunately, we were blessed with power, cable and internet during the snow and ice in AR.

    Best book – while weather-stranded this week, read The Perfect Gift by Dan Walsh – fair warning, it requires kleenex!

  890. I have to say the best thing from 2012 were the trip we took to see Grandma & Grandpa in Florida. We’ve never been before and got to experience quite a bit.

  891. Keeping a gratitude journal has given me 1,835 highlights of 2012 of my own. I love cherishing those moments as I read back over them. I love remembering God’s goodness in my life through each gift. I love the legacy that those moments leave behind for my kids as I live my life in such a way to be an example of living with eyes and hands wide open.

  892. Best experience – diving into being a full on Catholic. My first step was learning and practicing Natural Family Planning with my husband. ( ccli.org )

    Studying Christopher West’s Theology of the Body course. An easy way to understand the amazing words of Blessed Pope John Paul II. (wow, does our country need this to turn around!)

    Best decision – to turn my computer off more and invest in my family. Hug my kids longer, play more, and relax about doing the dishes! 🙂

    Best song – not new, but The Nativity Carol is one I always love to hear and sing at Christmas time. (runners up – Joseph’s Carol and Breath of Heaven)

    Best recipe – pizza stuffed peppers, because they don’t taste like disguised meatloaf like my other recipes for stuffed peppers do.

    Best volunteer activity – Being part of a CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) road team. Blessing others fills our cups so much.

    Would like to brainstorm and add more, but I am needed to build legos. 🙂

  893. ~Best Habit Ever!~ Having communion every morning before I start my day~ Just little ol’ me and Jesus~ me Remembering & Giving Thanks for His torn apart body so my life could be put back together~Remembering his Royal Blood Dripped for the pardon of my sins~ I take my cherry juice from my jar of cherries(that’s all I have that resembles His precious blood) and my broken rice cracker . I look out the window and stop , I wait , I ponder, I give thanks and I feel His life surge through me like an ocean of Love~ I’ve never enjoyed getting up in the morning (after 8 children,well, you girls get the picture 🙂 Now I can’t wait!! Oh How I Love Him~ He is my Song~and so I Sing!!!~

    • Roz, this sounds like a wonderful morning ritual. When you run out of your cherry juice, could I recommend Northland juice blends? They have a number of dark fruit juice blends that would meet your need. I don’t drink juice often, but I have been impressed with how dark and rich their superfruit blends are.

      • Awesome, thanks Dineen, I’ll see if they have some up in Canada, I still have about 25 more jars of cherries to go 🙂 LOL! Blessings to you in 2013

  894. Best recipe – Balsamic Chicken with spring greens & mashed potatoes…makes everyone in my family happy…even if we are eating it 2000 miles apart.

    Best book – 1000 Gifts…carried it with me everywhere.

    Best song – Arms that Hold the Universe by 33 Miles.

    Best Hug – running into a family at Christmas Eve services that we haven’t seen in ages.

    Best new routine – cooking dinner with my mom once a week to give her something to look forward to while she cares for my cancer struck father.

  895. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Orange Poppyseed Bread
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Streams in the Desert Part II
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Lord, I’m Amazed

    The jeans that fit best? My Tanjay black jeans

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? As much as I don’t like to admit it, if I make a list of things that need doing, I get more done! DUH!!

    The risk that returned best? Refusing to go on vacation with my husband unless we went to marriage counselling when we returned. Best thing I ever did! We will now enjoy year #42.

    The best link of 2102? The best laugh? The best living? It’s the best laugh…from my former Administrative Assistant – it’s two dinosaurs sitting on top of a very tiny island, looking at Noah’s Ark on the ocean in the distance, and one dinosaur says to the other, “Oh crap! Was that TODAY?” Google it…

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Determined to get healthy concerning weight beginning January 7th, 2013. (Jan. 6 is our church office party.)

    What was the best habit? Putting my quiet time first thing in the morning.

    The best holiday? My birthday…over 70 people sent me greetings on my facebook timeline.

    The best gift? Watching three of my teenage grandchildren open their Christmas presents from each other. It was such a demonstration of their generous hearts and great love for each other!

    The best sacrifice? Raising our Christmas budget on behalf of our daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

    And wave your friends in here too. I have the most precious BFF in the world. Her name is Nancy, and she is such an example of the sacrificial love of Christ to me.

    So… what was the Best of Everything 2012? Knowing I’m secure in the love of Christ, and following Him to the best of my knowledge; knowing He will continue to guide, direct, challenge, cleanse, and make me into His image.

    • The “to do list’ — Peggy, I think you are right! I’ve fallen down on using mine the last few weeks, but I do believe it’s the best tool I’ve used this year. When I’ve used it, I was much more peaceful and got more done.

  896. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Orange Poppyseed Bread
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Streams in the Desert Part II
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Lord, I’m Amazed

    The jeans that fit best? My Tanjay black jeans

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? As much as I don’t like to admit it, if I make a list of things that need doing, I get more done! DUH!!

    The risk that returned best? Refusing to go on vacation with my husband unless we went to marriage counselling when we returned. Best thing I ever did! We will now enjoy year #42.

    The best link of 2102? The best laugh? The best living? It’s the best laugh…from my former Administrative Assistant – it’s two dinosaurs sitting on top of a very tiny island, looking at Noah’s Ark on the ocean in the distance, and one dinosaur says to the other, “Oh crap! Was that TODAY?” Google it…

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Determined to get healthy concerning weight beginning January 7th, 2013. (Jan. 6 is our church office party.)

    What was the best habit? Putting my quiet time first thing in the morning.

    The best holiday? My birthday…over 70 people sent me greetings on my facebook timeline.

    The best gift? Watching three of my teenage grandchildren open their Christmas presents from each other. It was such a demonstration of their generous hearts and great love for each other!

    The best sacrifice? Raising our Christmas budget on behalf of our daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

    And wave your friends in here too. I have the most precious BFF in the world. Her name is Nancy, and she is such an example of the sacrificial love of Christ to me.

    So… what was the Best of Everything 2012? Knowing I’m secure in the love of Christ, and following Him to the best of my knowledge; knowing He will continue to guide, direct, challenge, cleanse, and make me into His image.

  897. Best Book – no doubt ‘One Thousand Gifts’..
    Best Risk – After 2 years of God tugging at my heart to begin a blog, I finally did. Ann, you were the last bit of inspiration I didn’t know I craved until I was introduced to your book and blog this year. God used you to set my heart to writing.

    Another huge risk was beginning a monthly mom’s group 9 mos ago. It has stretched me and blessed me to see eyes opened and lives changed. In March, we’re beginning your DVD/book study. Thanks so much Ann for taking so many risks, for living the life of crazy faith. It makes it all the easier for the rest of us. love, love~

  898. Best YES that was hard, but so rewarding — agreeing to travel to see family for Christmas. I really was not looking forward to driving 8 hours there and back with a husband on the Autism spectrum and a 5-year-old. I needed to do it; I needed to challenge myself. The resulting back pain after it all was worth a lot of “gifts” of family times. My back and hips are still recovering but seeing my sister as she deals with 5 months into chemotherapy (2nd bout with colon cancer) was worth it; was necessary.
    Best new habit– drinking caffeine free herbal tea instead of coffee. It helps so much with pre-menstrual hormonal issues (for me it was swollen tender breasts).
    Best coffee replacement for me– Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice herbal tea, so rich and warming. It is good black without any sweetener. It also makes great chai with coconut milk and some stevia. Celestial Seasonings Apple Cinnamon is a close second. It’s sweeter, but hasn’t got the deeper rich spiciness of the Bengal Spice one.

  899. Best recipe: Pineapple and Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema. (Flat Belly Diet Cookbook) Yum!
    Best money-saver: Making my own laundry detergent and fab softener. Saved tons and I know exactly what’s in it!
    Best book (besides God’s Word!): Well, there were sooo many for me this year, but 1000 Gifts (Ann Voskamp) and Vertical Church (James MacDonald) were among my favorites.
    Best experience: Mission trip to Haiti in August. I’ve been to Haiti 3 times, but this was such a God-trip. Love those precious people!

  900. Best food: homemade potato soup, poppyseed chicken
    Best reads: 1000 Gifts; Andy Andrews books- The Traveler’s Gift, etc., John Maxwell’s Minute with Maxwell-leadership
    Best jeans: Massimo from Target
    Best risk: Trusting precious Jesus and taking a job that paid less, no stress, more time for my first mission field- my precious family!
    Best habit: saying no to good things to make way for the best things…I am… still learning and journaling 1000 gifts…still counting… early morning quiet time

  901. Stepped out of my comfort zone and started a ladies book club every first and third Wednesday of the month. We are enjoying “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann, which wins Best book. A couple of the ladies I am just getting to know and all six of us just bonded right from the start. Best Habit would have to be, being intentional about being thankful…every day…a few dozen times a day. Also started a Bible study with my husband. We go to breakfast and are studying the Bible together…love it! Also my husband and I work out together and run together 4 or 5 times a week. God is strengthening us spiritually and physically. Best Risk: stepping out on faith to put our son in a Christian high school. God has provided the tuition money every month. My son has grown closer to God and love that he has learned so much in his Old Testament class this year. Best sacrifice: adopting a family for Christmas and surprising a few others with a financial blessing….God returned it all to us 10 fold. God just amazes me. The Best Song: Big Daddy Weave’s “Redeemed”. Best Recipe: Cornbread Casserole and my Chili, especially on a cold day. Best Links : “incourage” and “holy experience”. Other favorite books this year include: “Captivating” by John and Staci Eldridge, and “God loves Broken People” by Sheila Walsh.

    • Best jeans, Luck brand that I bought at the outlet, they are light weight and have a little stretch to them.
      Best laugh- usually when I’m laughing at myself
      Best gadget – Keurig coffee and tea maker that my 14 year old bought me for my birthday with his grass mowing money. He wanted me to have something to serve the ladies at my book club. What a great son!!

  902. Best Food: Black Bean Soup – yum!
    Best Song: 10,000 Reasons
    Best Book: LOVED reading Tom Sawyer out loud with my (teenaged) boys!
    Best Gift Given: Surprise 60th Bday party for my mom including flying her sister in from CA

  903. I read the Chronicles of Narnia out loud to my two youngest and then I read What I Learned in Narnia by Doug Wilson. I hadn’t read all of the Narnia books and it gave me hope and a different look into heaven. I count that worthy of my time and it fed my soul.
    I loved Doug Wilson’s remarks/essays on Narnia and it validated why I loved the books so much.

  904. Best book: Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead and Homecoming. I could sit down and re-read them on this snowy day in Maine
    Best recipe: Almond Coconut Triangles–gonna make ’em again for New Years Eve
    Best risk: Announcing the start of a new Sunday School class for ladies who do not currently attend our church. Will anyone come?? I’ll find out on January 20. Can’t wait to talk TRUTH with ladies who need it.

  905. Best book, One Thousand Giffts…hands down! Best songs, Blessings by Laura Story, Nobody Greater by Vashawn Mitchell, How He Loves Me by Kim Walker. God healed my mind. My brother adopted his son Matt the best Christmas present ever. Growing in my relationship with God- loving Him more and trusting Him more. Sharing Bible devotions with my son. Realizing the God miracle of thanks, thanks, and more thanks.

  906. The best thing I didn’t want to do was attend the funeral of my sister-in-law’s father. It was a 3hour drive and my husband had to take a day off of work. We debated. Hubby’s parents wanted to attend and it was going to a late night so we picked them up and went as they are in their 80’s.
    We were blessed by the service for a godly man and we blessed our grieving family members.
    A friend once told me,”You won’t regret going, but you might regret not going.”

  907. Best Thing you Didn’t want to do, but did anyway:
    I survived the physical death of my father in January, after a year’s battle with Pancreatic Cancer, and helped to bury him, and continued to breathe through the next 11+ months, trying to help his mother and my mom and my children come to terms with our loss, experiencing all the “firsts” without him. It was shockingly hard, and shockingly easy – life just keeps going on whether you want it to or not. Whether you participate or not. God keeps loving us and blessing us and giving us more opportunties to serve Him. We just need to open our hearts and engage. That’s my goal for the coming year – to really engage in my life and find God’s plan for me in it.

  908. BEST SONGS!
    Born is the King(It’s Christmas) by Hillsong-I have listened to this so many times-I love the song and the video of the kids on a treasure hunt. It will make you smile-check it out on Youtube.
    Also LOVE We Have a Savior by Hillsong.
    Make a joyful sound it’s Christmas!!!
    Lift up your voice it’s Christmas!!

  909. Thank you Anne for posing the question and making me dig deep to find the real best of this last year. You see, this year, my dear father died unexpectedly and left a huge hole in my life… Of course my life was still filled with so many, many blessings but sometimes they were harder to see or feel in the fog of grief.

    Best Connection: I got to see 4 of my cousins that I haven’t seen in almost 30 years!

    Best Memories: Though it was terribly sad, my siblings and I also found relief and laughter while cleaning up our Dad’s house and trying to keep each others spirits up.

    Best Funeral: This may be an odd thing to write but the preacher we had do the service was fantastic. Dad attended a different church than I do and my siblings aren’t church goers. It was a truly remarkable service and lots of attenders were touched, hopefully some eternally.

    Best Comfort: I have some of the most fantastic friends on the planet and they moved their schedules and lives to help me along the hardest days. I am forever in their debt.

    Thank you so much for helping me to focus again on the blessings as the holidays were extra hard this year.

    Blessings,
    Lina

  910. The best recipe – Tomato Basil Tart – http://www.annies-eats.com/2009/09/28/tomato-mozzarella-basil-tart/

    The best book – “One Thousand Gifts” of course!

    The best song – “Forgiveness” by Matthew West

    The jeans – haven’t found those yet. 🙂

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best – KitchenAid mixer bleater blade

    The risk that returned best – running a half marathon

    What was the best habit – going to bed earlier!

  911. Best Coffee- Equal exchange- Fair Trade “Love Buzz” — knowing that I am helping a farmer adds to this great product!

    Best New hobby- BeeKeeping- lost my first hive but I am determined to rebuild. The Bees have shown me what an incredible God we have!

    Best New Christmas Cookie: Date Pinwheels (recipe given to me by my friend Martha)

    Best new habit- Journaling my gratitude/blessings/ gifts… Since April 4– I’m at 793 and counting!

  912. Best book! One studied with a friend!
    Best song, a thousand little things, love it!
    Best meetup, with Ann v in our little town, listy! …and our own incourage meetup in my home with 2 sweet friends!
    Best website, aholyexperience!

  913. Best link- aholyexperience.com Someone posted a link on facebook and the blog has been such an encouragement. Especially the blog post The grateful Christmas project. It was really encouraging to my husband and I to see that there are others who feel the same way about Christmas gifts, and who have a desire to change how we celebrate in order to really celebrate Jesus birth and the gift of his life. We are excited to be able to start our own traditions, and raise our children with all the focus on Jesus at Christmas.

  914. Best habit …. starting to write down and mentally track all the gifts that the Lord has given to me! So many I would have missed if I wouldn’t have taken the time to write them down!

  915. Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: cranberry crisp (love it!)
    Best book I couldn’t put down: Kisses from Katie
    Best song I couldn’t get out of my head: One Ting Remains – Kristian Stanfill
    Best jeans: I wish I could find some! (With no stretch!)
    Best risk: Quitting my job and staying home full time with my daughters!

    Thanks! This was fun and really made me think. I have been wanting to read your book, and a friend of mine told me how good it is.

  916. Just found your site! Am very excited to read your book, trying to get my library to get it in!

    Best Recipe – hard to say, since I have a food blog, I think they all are pretty darn good!

    Best Book – the Dave Ramsey’s books….the hubby and I are cruising through them now.

    Best Day – any day spent with the family, a little quality time to myself, a good meal and a night in!

    Best jeans – surprisingly a pair I got from Walmart last year (of all places!)

    Best treat – my homemade knock off Twix bars or Snickers bars:)

  917. So many ‘bests’….thank you for the opportunity to reflect on this past year and everything God has done! Also thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway!

    A very, very few of my ‘bests’:
    -Best book read: Besides the Bible? ‘1000 Gifts’ of course; ‘Unglued’ by Lysa Terkeurst was also amazing.
    -Best song: Either ‘10,000 Reasons’ or ‘All I have is Christ’.

  918. The best recipe ~ Butter Chicken

    The best book ~ Reaping the Harvest by Diana Waring

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? ~ Jesus, There’s Just Something About That Name

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? ~ Usborne Christmas Decorations to Cut, Fold & Stick ~ decorate your whole house for $12.95 and build those fine motor skills

    The risk that returned best? ~ Calling my brother, who is in prison

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? ~ Reconnecting with my mom

    The best gift? ~ Travelling with my husband when he works and being able to cook his meals, wash his clothes and just be with him

    2012 was a year of grace for me. Freedom from many fears, opening of many doors.

    Happy New Year!

  919. BEST MASCARA: My lashes never made a full recovery after chemo; they are pale and not as thick. MAC’s False Lashes Mascara in Intense Black did the trick!! It’s worth the $20.00!!

  920. Best book read: “The Hiding Place” (by Corrie ten Boom)
    Best song :” How Many Kings” (by Down Here)
    Best recipe tried: My mother in law’s homemade pizza/ pizza crust (family recipe) 🙂
    Best place visited: Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
    Best experience shared: God’s amazing power in restoration – our marriage this year has been tried & tested in the fury furnace – I thought I lost my marriage and yet in the midst of the ashes God came down and brought my husband and I in humility to tried our marriage again, not juts for the sake of our little boy but because God cares and He is bigger than our trials, problems, stubbornness and selfishness – as long we allow Him to interfere.

  921. I have a heart for music. It is going all the time when I am home alone. The best songs: Michael W. Smith’s Take Me Over. The song makes me weep. And More Than Amazing by Lincoln Brewster. I put that on and dance around the house and praise God for all he has done and is doing in my life.

  922. I have had so much fun recovering from pneumonia, because I have had time to read all the comments here….love it. My turn:
    BEST RECIPE: Honey Sesame Pita Crisps http://kitchenencounters.typepad.com /blog/2012/04/-a-sweet-little-snack-honey-sesame-pita-crisps-.html and Chickpea and Cucumber Salad http://greenlitebites.com/2012/02/08/chickpea-cucumber-dried-cherries-cheese/
    BEST BOOK: and old one I re-read It Takes so Little to Be Above Average by Florence Littauer and Fiction: The Next Target by Nikki Arana and best book studied in the Bible this year Romans
    BEST SONG – I will not Forget – Mia Fieldes – Christ Tabernacle Choir http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvwW3cDgc9A
    BEST JEANS – Lois from the BAY
    BEST TOOL : iPad and my Bernina sewing machine
    SACRIFICE – taking a leave to babysit my grandson
    BEST HABIT : Cod Liver Oil everyday
    BEST VACATION: Coronado Island (San Diego) with my husband
    BEST BLOGS: aholyexperience; http://reluctantentertainer.com/, http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/beautyfromashes/
    That is it I am truly blessed so many good things, Christ is the true good thing in my life year after year.

  923. Fave moments of 2012:
    Listening to my daughters’ laughter
    Food: white Bean Soup
    Activity: walking with my family searching for fun things in nature

  924. Best Habit – finding “A Holy Experience” blogspot and reading it faithfully
    Best Gift – finding grace in gratitude
    Best Sacrifice – learning about Compassion International
    The Best Gift -hosting an orphan from Latvia for a month through New Horizons for Children
    Best Book – the book of James

  925. The best recipe: Chicken soup with lemon.
    The jeans that fit best? a stretch pair my friend Gretchen gave me
    The tool that worked best: long screwdriver! Does wonders in taking apart sewing machines 🙂
    The risk that returned best? Asking old friends to open their home to me.
    The best laugh: Hop, the movie. Amazing reliever of stress!
    The best living: three women eating yoghurt & fries, listening to Middle Eastern music, remembering where we came from and celebrating who we are.
    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway: quiting my job
    What was the best habit: daily exercise
    The best holiday: labor day, one last picnic with my community
    The best gift: yellow sticky-note with a word and two numbers
    The best sacrifice: late, late night with a woman feeling unsafe, with a woman who would later die.

  926. BEST CHOCOLATE: Askinosie Chocolate (askinosie.com and @askinosiechocolate).
    I absolutely love their Dark Milk Chocolate with Licorice! Oh my word!!! It’s the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten (also love their hazelnut chocolate butter and malted milk dark chocolate bar).

  927. Best book: Mended by Angie Smith
    Best recipe: possibly the french toast I made this morning
    Best Christmas gift: superhero masks I made for my boys
    Best run: hopefully the 10 miles I have tomorrow!
    The best husband: my own

  928. Another wallflower here, timidly stepping out from the shadows in case it might help someone?

    BEST DOCTOR for CHRONIC ILLNESS: Dr. Paul Anderson of Anderson Medical Specialty Associates in Seattle, WA
    ( http://www.amsa1.com/ )

    Dr. Anderson is brilliant, compassionate, and persistent. An enormous answer to endless aching prayers. After long years of devastating illness, my body is finally beginning to heal. There are no words to express the gratitude of a soul for a doctor who fights for me, who never gives up no matter how hard and long the journey.

    If you are anywhere nearby and in need of hope in this regard? Please, please reach out to Dr. Anderson. You are not alone, Friend.

  929. Best songs: (Can I share two?)
    “Everlasting Place” by Nikki Leonti. Sitting in a Haitian orphanage, children on my lap, I heard it a capella. I’ll never forget the rich, low voices singing, “Don’t you want to come with me to an everlasting place? No tears and no pain, forever we’ll remain…”
    “Sing Along” by Christy Nockels. Over and over the words run through my mind. This is my continual prayer for Haiti. “Great God, wrap your arms around this world…” around all of my kids in Haiti.

  930. BEST RECIPES:
    Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Apple-BBQ Chicken
    http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-bacon-wrapped-apple-bbq-chicken/

    Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken
    http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/04/outback-steakhouses-alice-springs-chicken/

    Snickerdoodle Quick Bread
    http://lilluna.com/snickerdoodle-bread/

    (These recipes are all easy because, well, I’m not that talented in the kitchen–but they are all *outstanding* in flavor and my whole family loves them!)

  931. BEST JEANS

    Levi’s Curve ID Jeans
    http://us.levi.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=4370093&cp=3146849.3146880&ab=leftnav:women:leviscurveid:seeallcurveid:curveid-bold:leviscurveid:curveidquiz:4370093

    Seriously. Only pants that fit me. Without a belt. And they look amazing. I’m a “Bold Curve” because my waist is so much smaller than my hips, but the best thing about these jeans is that they come in different waist/hip ratios so you can find the one that works for your shape.

  932. OK, hands down, bar none, the best of everything for 2012 was the marriage of my middle son, Ben, to his lovely bride, Andrea, in British Columbia. It was a lovely wedding and I was blessed to be asked by them to spend the week before the wedding helping them get ready. This is my first son to get married, so it was brand new experience for me being the mom of and not the one being married or just attending. God gave a truly blessed time with all my family there to witness this wonderful event, even my 85 year old dad was able to attend!! God is so good!

  933. BEST SONG

    Sara Groves – “Mystery”
    http://youtu.be/L2EVKmM1QFY

    This song? It’s carried me for months. “My body’s tired from trying to bring You here. My brow is furrowed, trying to see things clear. So I’ll turn my back to the black and fall, and wait for the mystery to rise up and meet me.”

    Yes. I’m waiting for the One True Mystery to rise up and meet me right in the midst of all the hard days.

  934. Today is my b-day and my daughter just got her license today…..so thankful that with Christ we are made NEW….old things are past away. Thanking GOD for HIS NEWNESS.

  935. Best Recipe– Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers…. Easy and so good…
    Best Smile– My daughter’s and son when they are loving each other
    Best Moment– Getting Baptized on Mother’s Day with my Husband…
    Best Decision– Celebrating Christmas with Less Shopping and more Simplicity
    Best Friendship- connecting thru Blogs with women that touch my life daily, weekly
    These are some of the most important moments of 2012 that I will remember for my lifetime… and I am Thankful for people like Ann Voskamp for putting herself out there so women like myself can learn and value what is most important…..

  936. Best recipe: Gluten Free Mexican Wedding cakes, Crescents, powdered sugar cookies…whatever you want to call them and they taste just like the ones I remember before gluten free!!! I was so excited!
    2nd best are ammonia cookies which I adapted for gluten free. They are made with bakers’ ammonia and flavored with peppermint extract. I read about them in a fiction story about 1880s Mennonite German-Russian immigrants.
    Both are delicious and I have added them to my holiday baking.

  937. By far, best time; family vacation at Bible camp in Upper Peninsula of Michigan!
    Dream come true it was!

    Best time with girlfriends, 5k in October raising funds for breast cancer patients..2 out of the 4 of us,have had breast cancer, one skin cancer..precious precious time..

    Seeing my oldest daughter walk across stage at her college and get her degree, with honors, as a home educator mommy..oh..did that ever bless my heart!! Thank You Lord..

    Watching my children as we pray and seeing those prayers come to be; like the other day when we couldn’t find a key and out loud, “Dear God, please help us find this key” and there it was, not 10 seconds later…those are the BEST times..

  938. Best time on vacation: Besides my son’s wedding it was visiting my mother in law and spending time with my sister in law and her family. We were so blessed to be able to visit and it was truly God ordained. Little did we know at the time that it would be our final visit with her. Oct 31 she went to be with the Lord. Always God’s timing and for His purpose!

  939. Best risk of the year: I said yes to the man who bent down on his knees and asked me to marry him. It must have been a prayer. He washed my feet, he served me Communion, prayed Scripture over us, played & sang me a song on a borrowed banjo — he spoke my language, even though he doesn’t normally sing — and it is so important to my heart. And now it has changed my eyes.

  940. Best song: Hillsong’s Forever Reign
    Best book: The book of Colossians
    Best jeans: Old Navy skinny jeans
    Best recipe: split pea soup in the crock pot!
    Best Decision: going to visit my grandfather who passed away a month after the visit
    Best habit: memorizing a book of the Bible this year

  941. Best song: Jesus, Friend of Sinners: Casting Crowns
    Best Risk: Coming out of my shell and accepting my friend’s invite to join the ladies bible study/women’s group at her church. I’ve made many new friends and learned a lot!
    Best book for me this year has been “Made to Crave” that we used in the above mentioned group.
    Best observation: Seeing the above mentioned friend grow in her walk with the Lord.

  942. A few women bloggers on this site have been incredible encouragements to me this year. My best risk of 2012 was beginning a blog of my own. It is a place where my heart is inked visible and my creative passions released. Thank you.

  943. My biggest accomplishment this year was finally finishing my dissertation and passing my defense to earn my Ph.D. It took me 15 years but I stayed with it, through marriage, two moves, and two babies, one of whom has behavioral/psychiatric and health problems. I am proud of myself and give glory to God!

    • CONGRATULATIONS Kelly … I celebrate your greatness … Your achievement is so awesome. I completed my Bachelors degree this year at age 54. Amen, you have every right to be proud. To God be all glory!

      • Thank you Phyllis – and congratulations to you as well! You should be proud of yourself for your accomplishment. I was very inspired many years ago by a friend who grew up overseas, moved to the states, earned her bachelors degree (in English!) in her 50’s then went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling when she was 60 and went on to have a very productive career as an addictions counselor with teenagers. God bless you in your endeavors Phyllis!

  944. The BEST: each of you beautiful ladies who are the hands, feet. and heart of Jesus each and every day, in whatever circumstance God may place you. May God continue to bless and keep each one of you.

  945. Best song: “God My Rock” by Benton Brown
    Best hard Eucharisteo: not being able to get engaged this year like we had hoped. With my boyfriend not being able to find a job after graduation we are both being forced to lean on Him to provide and guide our steps
    Best gift: getting to spend Christmas with my 94 year old great grandma who lives 1800 miles away
    Best Habit: weight watchers- trying to take care of this body He has given me to steward
    Best gift: just His grace. Always His grace- I am blessed above and beyond what I deserve

  946. My best book this year “One Thousand Gifts” hands down!
    My best song “Amazing Grace”
    My favorite recipe “Aunt Orietta’s Baked Chicken”
    My favorite drink “Orange Flavored Coffee”
    The Best of the Best: My wonderful family – they bless me every day!

  947. best recipe: when a church member gives us a Longhorn gift certificate and I show up there, and my family is fed, connected, away from home, and we eat – free, no mess, and again, we are TOGETHER – even my teenagers make sure they are free to join us on a Longhorn night.

  948. The best book you couldn’t put down?
    UNBROKEN, Laura Hillenbrand – survival, forgiveness, depth of a soul – a must read for all – and the one and only pleasure book my husband could NOT put down.

  949. The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?

    Switchfoot, Vice Verses (album) – but favorite song on there and my theme song for 2012, “Afterlife”
    I’m ready now, I’m ready now (to fully live, and give, and spend my life today)
    I’m not waiting for the afterlife

  950. The best gift – our son that came home from China with us on Thanksgiving! We have alot to be thankful for!

  951. The risk that returned best? letting go of how I wanted my relationship with my adopted son to look, and allowing him the freedom and space that he needs to attach, trust, and learn what it is to be loved by a mommy. The risk – I feel out of control and vulnerable all the time around him, and the return – he is free to be HIM, all the way, no strings attached.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? book proposal for the book my twin sister and I are writing together – it’s raw, our lives, unearthed, for the world to see…and it’s in the hands of an agent right now, and we believe will be in publisher’s hands by July 2013. or sooner!

    Best advice: It doesn’t have to be hard. We make things hard, because it feels more spiritual to “suffer”, and yet, God says, our burden can be light, when we truly rest in Him. So, even the hard things, the challenges I would rather avoid, the conversations that I’d rather bury – even they can be easy, restful, peaceful – hard is heavy. Easy is light.

  952. Best
    Song: Though not new at all, Jon Foreman’s House of God Forever.
    Book(s): Birthed in Prayer by Kim Barker; Fiction: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
    Recipe: Tried making sour dough bread for the first time this year. It was my favorite because it felt like having a weird pet, like a newt, when it came to keeping care of the starter.
    Gift: There was more than one. Finding out I’m pregnant in early April. Finishing renovating our theatre. Being blest with monetary gifts and needed essentials through out the year when needed. A wonderful, fully paid trip from a friend to the Mark Centre in Abbotsford, BC for a weekend silent retreat. Another amazing year with my favorite person, my husband.
    Risk: Taking my six month pregnant body on a week long hiking/canoe trip as a supervisor for my old Bible school, CLBI, and thriving through it.

  953. Best book: The Art of Being You: How to Live as God’s Masterpiece by Bob and Joel Kirkpatrick.
    Best song: Symphony by Chris Tomlin
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-aCezsg4Ko

    and Lord I Need You, also Chris Tomlin on the same album:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-043_AMUcA

    And one more: Beautiful, by Mercy Me.

    Best jeans: broken-in ones from the Salvation Army store!

    Best recipe: (661) 298-0157. Phone number for the pizza place down the road!

    Biggest risk: showing up to do church work and ministry when I’m in the dark valley myself — being transparent, but not playing the victim — speaking, singing, acting, or writing on days it was tough to get out of bed — adding to my very long list of “stupid things I’ve done for Jesus” — not sure any of it was meaningful or if I just made an idiot of myself. Never missed a staff meeting or a Sunday morning. Also, faithfully keeping a gratitude journal, day after day (up to #2194 on page 226 for 2012) even though most of the time I didn’t feel it. My plan for New Year’s Eve: read the whole thing.

  954. The best… The best of everything…wow theres do many bests!!

    But whats on my heart tonight is the best gift… His forgiveness. I’m in awe right now. He’s forgiven me so many times this year…and i totally dont deserve a bit of it, but *how*He’s forgiven!! im so so grateful…

    I’ll try to share more bests later…

  955. The best… The best of everything…wow theres so many bests!!

    But whats on my heart tonight is the best gift… His forgiveness. I’m in awe right now. He’s forgiven me so many times this year…and i totally dont deserve a bit of it, but *how*He’s forgiven!! im so so grateful…

    I’ll try to share more bests later…

  956. The best… The best of everything…wow theres so many bests!!

    But whats on my heart tonight is the best gift… His forgiveness. I’m in awe right now. He’s forgiven me so many times this year…and i totally dont deserve a bit of it, but *how*He’s forgiven!! im so so grateful…

  957. The best… The best of everything…wow theres so many bests!!
    But whats on my heart tonight is the best gift… His forgiveness. I’m in awe right now. He’s forgiven me so many times this year…and i totally dont deserve a bit of it, but *how*He’s forgiven!! im so so grateful…

  958. Best Recipe: Taco Piles

    Best Book: Kisses from Katie

    Best Jeans: I’m a Mauices fan

    Best song: Me Without You, Toby Mac

  959. BEST GUILTY TV PLEASURES: The Voice, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who

    BEST GIFT: PRAYER! Have had the privilege of praying with friends through some tough challenges, what sweet ministry we have enjoyed giving & receiving.

    BEST BEAUTY FIND: Zoya Nail Polish – free of 5 big chemicals & 100s of beautiful colors

    FAVORITE DISCOVERY: Finding ways to share Christ & minister His hope & love when I can’t do it with my presence.

    BEST NEW PASTTIME: Quiet & rest. It’s an art and most of us need more 🙂

    BEST BIBLE STUDIES: Nehemiah by Kelly Minter & Malachi by Lisa Harper

    BEST MOMENTS: More intentional family time, simple & sweet 🙂

  960. Best songs: 10,000 Reasons, and Pray by Christa Wella
    Best books: 7 by Jen Hatmaker and The Sacred Echo by Margaret Feinberg
    Best Habit: Counting gifts from God, Ann’s book was a God send 🙂
    Biggest hurdle: trusting my Lord that He has a plan for my daughter, that I can give the control to Him, so very hard for me.

  961. Best Book: Seven by Jen Hatmaker. It remains by my bed while cleaning up my home for my new life.
    Best habit: visiting Meet Me at the Meadow and Incourage weekly for devotional time.
    Best time: hearing Wesley, my grandson, asking me a ”hug” and spending some quality time with him.
    Best to come: 2013 will be a turn around year for me.
    Best recipe: Gingerbread house I assembled for Wesley.

  962. Best Book = One thousand Gifts ( a dear friend gave me) and The Purpose Driven Life
    Best Recipe= anything with pumpkin
    Best thing that happen 2012 = answer prayers I lost my job in 2011 and got a job at the end of 2012, and the Lord gave me more friends than ever before.
    Best thing to do = Counting my blessing.
    Best Friends = Are truly ANGELS ON EARTH

  963. Bests I Can Remember …
    The best recipe: Not cooking much these days, but the Standing Rib Roast I made for Christmas, I will definitely make again.
    The best books: Between Fear and Love SELF-WORTH: The Tie that Binds by Lauren Cropper (haven’t finished); Managing the Nonprofit Organization by Peter F. Drucker (a textbook)
    The best songs: There are many, I love music!
    Flow to You (Bishop Paul S. Morton & Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship)
    I Won’t Go Back (William McDowell) has been my mantra this year.
    Jesus At The Center (Israel Houghton & New Breed)
    I Need You More & He Loves Us (Kim Walker & Jesus Culture)
    Awesome (Pastor Charles Jenkins)
    Heart of Worship (Tim Slaughter; also, William W.Smith)
    Ancient of Days (Darren Thomas & The Movement)
    Best jeans: I’m not a pants/jeans wearer, but I have some Jeggins that I love, comfortable AND cute.
    The tool … I guess my iPad 🙂 Not much into tools or gadgets.
    The risk: Blogging at http://simplyphenomenal.wordpress.com
    The best events: Finishing my Bachelors degree at 54 years old and walking across the stage at my college graduation and the celebrations for my December graduation and 55 Birthday all days before Christmas … just a season of joyful celebration.
    Committee organizing, facilitating, and singing in the Reunion Concert of my spiritual birth church celebrating the music legacy of our spiritual father who is in Heaven. Also, The King’s Men Tour, gospel music concert featuring Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton and Marvin Sapp … an amazing and memorable worship experience.
    The best link of 2012? http://purenourishment.wordpress.com and http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/ which has connected me to women across the globe … God has enlarged my borders in way I never imagined.
    The best online discovery? Women who love God blogging about their faith and their lives, inspiring.
    The best laugh? Any laugh with my husband … I love the moments when we just laugh together.
    The best trip this year? Travel to Albuquerque NM for the Empowered for IMPACT Women’s Conference.
    The best living? Empty nest with my husband.
    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.)
    What was the best habit? Walking every morning for many weeks before getting Plantar Fasciitis and now a diagnosis of Knee osteoarthritis
    The best holiday? Mother’s Day is always my best holiday, but any holiday when our family is together is the BEST.
    The best gift? Our new granddaughter, Astrid Emilie; and my Graduation Cap Charm for my Pandora bracelet from my son for Christmas.
    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…) … I love being a blessing to others and in the present economy anytime I give is a sacrifice but I consider it an opportunity to sow and know God will give the increase.
    Best quotes (of many): “Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” —Robert Brault
    Also, “Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.” ~Thomas Carlyle

  964. Best book Experiencing the Fathers Embrace by Jack Frost and You’re Already Amazing
    Best recipe oh, so healthy cilantro dressing, jammed packed full of vitamins and minerals…good for just dipping, too!
    Best thing to do soaking in The Fathers love and building new relationships
    Best pair of jeans Wishing I would have bought more, Angel jeans at Fred Meyer
    Best thing that happened Surrendered more of myself

  965. This is so fun!

    My Best for 2012? There are many. A few standouts…

    – Best Holiday Moment: Hearing my 17 month old Grandson ‘ooh’ and ‘ah’ at the Christmas lights all over our home. Just lit me up!

    – Best self revelation: Breathe deeply, step back, and truly see.

    – Best fun stuff: Instagram for Android (finding online community & keep up with family)

    – Best discovery: Quiet reflection

  966. My new best book! “The Wedding Dress” by Rachel Hauck
    My best Christmas moment – When my 9 yr old grandson handed out all the gifts to each family member that he ‘bought’ at school with the ‘school bucks’ he saved! It was a total surprise for all of us! 🙂
    Best new recipe – Dill Dip (so easy and tasty)
    Happy New Year to you all!
    May 2013 be the ‘best’ so far!
    Blessings,
    Susan G.

  967. Best Recipe: Tom Ka Soup
    Best Book: Having a Mary Spirit in a Martha World
    Best Jeans: Levis
    Best Blog: aholyexperience.com
    Best Perfume: Florabotanica Balenciaga
    Best Christmas Tradition: Thoughtful advent, candles by the nativity set & giving to those who cannot give anything in return – bliss!!
    Best Christmas Song: Ave Maria by Christina Perri
    Best Shower and Bath Product: Homemade brown sugar scrub, followed by coconut oil. 🙂

  968. I was given the 1000 Gifts book by a friend when I entered the states in September of 2011. I didn’t start reading it until the beginning of this year and have loved it. I am back in Romania now making my list in my journal and the start of 2013 will be me giving notebooks to all the Romanian children in my Sunday School class and my own 6 children to start their own thankfulness list.
    The best song I heard this year was Clear the Stage sung by Jimmy Needham.
    Best Gift Jesus gave me after himself was getting me out of the rat race life of America and allowing me to raise my family in Romania and serve the needy children here.

  969. Having started off 2012 almost financially bankrupt and depressed, and still sufferingt depression, I’ve decided to post, even though I’m, feeling hopeless after reading the “bests”. So guess my best risk is even posting on this thread – 2012 has been the Best of Times and the Worst of Times. Sorry my post is such a downer after all the others.

    One of the best moments was the birth of our 7th grandchild – a boy. We are now the proud grandparents of 3 girls and 4 boys aged from almost 15 – 6 months – gifts from God and all healthy!!!

    A organisation called” Christians Against Poverty” are helping us work through getting rid of our debts and yes, miracles have happened. It is still a hard slog at times, esecially keeping up our mortgage payments.

    I have to admit I haven’t read a book right through – hardly read the Bible by myself, but belong to the best small group in our Church, along with my husband. They have been a great supprt prayerfully and pratically. I can’t even afford a new book and yes, have to confess I feel jealous when others can buy books I can’t afford.

    Another best day was having our family together for my husband’s 70th Birthday all paid for by our wonderful 4 adult children and their spouses. My husband has had to return to the workforce because of our financial position. We feel so blessed he could get a job he enjoys as a Community Carer for a Christian Organisation. Having said that – I feel bad he has to work.

    I’m grateful for the small amount of money I bring in selling items online – but hate the thought I spent so much money on stock in a mad few months!!!! One of the many reasons we are in so much debt!!!

    We continue on making the most of what we have – a roof over our heads, although our house needs much work and no money to buy the materials we need.

    We have food in the pantry and fridge and just enjoyed a great Australian salad.

    My husband cooks most of our meals and makes some great recipes – can’t think of a best!!!

    My favourite all-time song is “How Great Thou Art” – have loved it since first singing it at a Sunday School Anniversary many years ago – am in my 60s. My mother requested it for her funeral, my Dad “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – another one of my best loved songs. Am going to look up some of the best songs mentioned on here.

    One of my very best moments was when I wasn’t feeling well – I suffer from chronic migraines – was my 5 year old grandaughter laying next to me singing “Jesus Loves Me” with her hand on my forehead!!! Will never forget it!!!! Thank you God for that beautiful memory stored in my memory bank.

    Now I’m off for a short walk to start the “rest of my life” – haven’t been for a walk for ages and need to get exercise to get the endorphins moving and lose some weight.

    If you’ve managed to read through my post – thank you and God Bless You!!!

  970. HMMM the best of 2012 – the best book I read would have to be Corrie Ten Boom – Not good if detached. The best sermon I listened to was Twenty Miles Short by David Platt. I started homeschooling – that would be the best (and hardest) thing I have done in 2012.

  971. I have had pure delight added to the start of my day reading all the posts!
    Ann, as many have mentioned your book of A Thousand Gifts has changed my life.
    I am getting ready to read your new devotional.
    But another book that feeds my faith is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Every time I read it I gain new insight.
    Song You Are I Am by Mercy Me that was hard to just say one because music is my life
    line.
    My kindle would be my tool that I love.
    Lane Bryant Right fit jeans- oh yes
    Best Habit – waking EARLY and having my quiet time along with praise dancing ( well moving would be a better word (LOL)
    My word to focus on this year is gratitude.

  972. Books are another topic that is hard to limit. I had to mention this one though because I have underlined so many wonderful words.
    It is called Fresh Air by Chris Hodges ( from my stomping grounds Louisiana).
    So much insight on how to blow fresh air into your sails of life.

  973. Best recipe: Cheesy Ranch Potato Wedges…yummmmm!
    Best thing I didn’t want to do: 5k Obstacle course race. Muddied, tired, wet, cold, and victorious!

  974. Best Book: 7 by Jen Hatmaker
    Best Moment: Getting our first official family of 6 picture when we adopted our son
    Best (easiest) New Recipe: Salsa Chicken in crock pot–2 frozen chicken breasts, jar of salsa, 1/2 package of taco seasoning in crock pot on low all day..shred it and enjoy it in a tortilla
    Favorite Healthier swap out food: Plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream
    Favorite “time out for mommy” spot- Leaving the radio on in our garage on our fav. Christian station (bc we can’t get it inside our house). When the kids get loud and I need a second to breathe, I just walk out to the garage and soak in some encouraging music for 30 seconds. 🙂

  975. Best of 2012 for me was the birth of twin grandbabies (other side of the world, haven’t seen them yet) but for kids struggling with infertility, they were a huge blessing. And I can’t forget the blessing of skype as we have talked to them and seen them laugh and cry. We hope to hold them ourselves this summer!! Thank you, Jesus.

  976. The best book was and is (Still reading…it’s wonderfully LONG!) Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Martin Lloyd-Jones. Thank you for the recommend, Ann!

  977. Best recipe…nacho cheese dip and tostitoes
    Best book…when your world falls apart
    Best song is You are by Colton Dixon
    Best jeans…yoga pants!!!!
    Best decision…putting the children in the Christian School this September
    Best moment…ummmm too many 🙂

  978. Best Recipe: ham and cheese sliders (see Women Living Well)
    Best gift right now: red cardinals at bird feeder on a glorious, snowy winter day!!

  979. Best tool/gizmo: InStyler. It’s like a curling iron but it has a brush attachment with a silver rod and it’s the ONLY gizmo I’ve found to make curly hair straighter, shiny and manageable! It allows you to have the tension to pull the hair firmly-something only a stylist or another person could do for you.

  980. The Song I couldn’t quit listening to this year was a new song by Gordon Mote – Wake up Dancin’. I lost my Father in July and this song reminded me of him. He was a great dancer and I just imagined him and Mom (whom we lost in 1985) Waltzing across the Heavens.

    Marilyn (Sunny)

  981. I’m usually a lurker too Anne, when it comes to comments …but this one I love! LOVE reading what everyones favorite books and songs and gifts were!
    FAVORITE BOOKS…1000 Gifts(Life-changing during a difficult season of life…have read it cover to cover 5 times and shared it with countless friends!), What Do I Know About My God by Mardi Collier (the simple method of Bible Study outlined in this book has changed my life!)
    FAVORITE SONG…Much of You, Steven Curtis Chapman
    FAVORITE GIFT…,an intimate friendship that God grew out of an ugly package of life
    FAVORITE THING GOD DIRECTED ME TO DO….lead a 40 day Bible Study via FBook!!!

  982. The One book (rather several books) that I just could not put down and left me wanting to read more were The Zion Covenant Series by Boadie and Brock Thoene. They were wonderful…

    My husband and I read them together and now I am ordering The Zion Chronicles.

    Marilyn (Sunny)

  983. Best moment – after 8 years, 3 lovely children, and losing 29 lbs. I got into my wedding dress and surprised my husband!
    Best recipe – Russian teacakes, a favorite Christmas cookie
    Best book – 1,000 Gifts, still keep rereading snatches,

  984. Love reading all these highlights from the year…
    BEST BOOK READ… “The Circle Maker” – absolutely changed my prayer life!!

  985. BEST APP DOWNLOADED… 1,000 Gifts… it has been so amazing to go back through the moments from this year and see how God has blessed me and my family

  986. BEST HOLIDAY PURCHASE… “Our First Christmas” year ornament… can’t wait to hang in on our tree next year and look back on our first year of marraige

  987. BEST SONG… 1,000 Reasons… we had this song play out our wedding when our grandmothers and mothers walked down the aisle and it is such a reminder of how amazing our God is

  988. Oh yes…..the year is winding down…..looking back is good for the soul, to see where we have come from to where we are now.

    THE BEST RECIPE …. Homemade Italian Breadcrumbs (takes the place of Shake n Bake beautifully! http://www.aroundhawaii.com/lifestyle/food/2007-06_homemade_italian_breadcrumbs.html )

    THE BEST BOOK…..1000 Days the Ministry of Christ by Jonathan Falwell

    THE BEST SONG…. We are the Generation by Sean Quigley

    THE BEST JEANS…. Miss Chic

    THE BEST TOOL…. God’s Word

    THE BEST RISK….. Beginning a blog based on being a Help Meet to our Husbands

    THE BEST LINK…. A Holy Experience

    THE BEST THING I DIDN’T WANT TO DO….. Share my difficulties and pain openly online for “all the world to see”

    THE BEST HABIT….. Counting gifts with eyes wide open

    THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT….. A changed heart for CHRISTmas

    THE BEST GIFT…… Art from my blessings hands

    THE BEST SACRIFICE….. Sponsoring a beautiful little girl in Peru

    THE BEST OF EVERYTHING….. Learning that I don’t have to be perfect right here, right now. I am God’s work in progress and the Proverbs 31 woman didn’t do everything in one day, it was over her entire life! THANK YOU Angela & Courtney from Good Morning Girl for sharing that!

  989. Best food: sandwich: raisin bread, Brie, and orange marmalade grilled at Granger Commons in Granger, IN
    Best book: Love Does
    Best jeans: bought for 2.99 at Goodwill
    Best Song: Blessings by Laura Story. Ministered to my soul these last two years since my son experienced a traumatic brain injury in Jan of 2010 and is now graduating from High School

  990. BEST JEANS: Christopher and Banks boot cut jeans that they don’t sell anymore 🙁 and Coldwater Creek Mini bootcut.

    BEST BOOK: Who You Are When No One’s Looking

    BEST GIFT: Kheurig

  991. It has been a hard year for me. 2012 would not have been survivable, perhaps, without the best habit – one of thankfulness. Gratitude. Ever since my husband died in 2006, I have opened my eyes to a new day with the immediate thought of 4 random things I am thankful for. That helps me start the day with grace and a smile. 2012 has tested that beyond measure, and I am still here smiling. (Although, as my car expired not 15 minutes ago, that is, again, being tested!)

    Best book – Doing Life Differently by Luci Swindoll. A fabulous book!

    Best gift – for Christmas, a dear friend gave me the promise of an adventure each month for 2013, including tea/lunch as well, and I get to choose! Just love the idea and the prospect as well.

    Best tool/gizmo – the blade scraper which gets paint off the glass easily when painting doors with little panes. Brilliant. It was in my husband’s tool box. And I am so thankful I kept everything in there.

    Best recipe – Pioneer Woman’s Apple dumplings. The village I live in here in the UK is now hooked on them too.

    Best risk I took – sending my son to do his Masters degree with no idea what so ever about how I am going to fund it all. So far the Lord has made provision. And I am so thankful.

    Best result from something I really did not want to do – I have CRPS – a pain thing, and it has spread this year and vibration is agonising, but I got on a plane and flew to my sister in Switzerland. Not easy (Horrendous) but I did it. I made it all the way there and back. Go me!

    Best gift of the year – my daughter coming from New Zealand. I haven’t seen here for two and a half years. Oh the delight. The joy.

    Best talent – I made all my presents this year. I have always sewn things, quilted, played with wood, and have learned to crochet, to make jams, to gift people i love with food from my kitchen, or made by my hands. Not fancy, but real gifts of my heart.

    You know, I started this in a panic re the expired car, and thinking that 2012 has been a seriously hard year, and now, having listed some of the best things, I may have been a little hasty. Gratitude does that to you, doesn’t it – but you know that oh so well, Ann, don’t you??
    There is always something to light up the soul. Always.

  992. Best book-One Thousand Gifts-I’ve started reading it again for the fourth time! I’ve given copies to friends or co-workers going through tough times. It has given me a different perspective on God’s work in my life. this past November, God called me to share my testimony of His presence through a difficult healing over the last year. I love God’s ripple effect!
    Best recipe-An old-fashioned version of chicken-n-dumplings! Oh my stars!
    Best jeans-Bandolino
    Best songs-10,000 Reasons (Matt Redmon) and Redeemed (Big Daddy Weave)
    Best devotional book-Jesus Calling b y Sarah Young
    Best event-Birth of our 3rd grandchild, Asa James in September!

  993. Best friend: my husband
    Best verse: Col. 2:6,7 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
    Best Bible study: Colossians with Good Morning Girls
    Best book of the Bible: Ephesians
    Best trip: 3 weeks to a tribal location where my husband and I lead a Latin team to build a tribal church
    Best challenge: 17 weeks of praying for the 17 tribal groups in Paraguay
    Best God-story: reading the Bible through with my kids and seeing them grasp more about their Savior
    Best learning experience: taking a step of faith and changing ministry focus
    Best stretching experience: doing my personal devos in Spanish so that I can lead an online Bible study
    Best family project: saving $ for a family trip to another country
    Best serving opportunity: leading a Good Morning Girls Spanish Bible study group
    Best homeschool activity: making a Biblical Chronological chart
    Best stretching experience: mentoring Latin girlfriends as they seek to find a helpmate
    Best fun activity: going to the creek as a family
    Best new activity: starting my own Spanish/English blog
    Best food: my Paraguayan mom’s sopa (type of cornbread)
    Best gift: the inheritance that Christ has given me
    Best coffee: Sello Rojo from Colombia
    Best website: Women Living Well
    Best Spirital growth blog: Good Morning Girls
    Best Homeschool blog: Simply Living…For Him
    Best Spirital growth book: A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George
    Best personal growth book: Hula Hoop Girl by September McCarthy
    Best thing about 2012: I’m still in my 20’s! 

  994. Best moment: my Phoebe’s birth almost a year ago…January 17th!
    Best books: since I read 100 + it’s hard to narrow down ;)… oldie but goodies – Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot and Coffee and Conversations by Ruth Beth Graham had quite a few gems to be mined…I loved Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and A City of Bells by Elisabeth Goudge also…Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Kathrine Boo and Too Small to Ignore by Wes Stafford were eye-openers… I think maybe If by Amy Carmichael was one of the best devotional type books…so many books, so little time. Without a doubt though, the Bible, was the best book that I almost got ALL THE WAY through this year (I read the OT & NT at the same time – Jeremiah & Ezekiel bogged me down a bit…it’s hard to go fast through all the wisdom in the Word isn’t it?!) Who knows! I have three more days to finish these minor prophets! Maybe I can do it?!

    Best song: So many!!! Right now, I’ve been so enjoying Light of Your Countenance by Misty Edwards…just learning to rest & bask in the Lord’s Presence.

    Best revelation: Just to turn my eyes upon Jesus! He is truly the Author and Finisher of my faith! As I gaze on Him, His reflection is going to trickle down into every area of my life…I can’t do and be ANYTHING without Him…

  995. My favorite book is The Bible, God’s Word. No matter when I have read, I have always found new treasures of wisdom. My next favorite book this year has been “1000 Gifts, A Date To Live Right Where You Are” I took Ann’s dare and recently met my goal of counting 1000 things God has graced me with. Now one all time favorite of mine and my family’s is Crock Pot Barbeque. Nothing could be simpler. Just season a boston butt roast and let it cook at least 12 hours. Next remove the bone and pour off all the juices. Next shred the meat with two forks and add your favorite sauce. Heat on low for 2-4 more hours. It is so good and soft and will melt in your mouth. Just takes the time to set aside for the cooking and you can be about enjoying a cup of something warm in the meantime. This year has brought me a peace and a hope that I have never known. Thank you Father for all your grace <3

  996. Best Healthy Thing… Zija. It has truly changed my family’s life. We are all healthier because of it.
    Best Book…1000 Gifts
    Best video…1000 Gifts DVD study
    Best gifts…The snow laden pine trees…the soft snow drifting down…the woodburner warming the home

  997. The best book you couldn’t put down? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Hymns that my husband and I sing each night after we do our evening devotion. I so love the Hymns.

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.) The risk of truly helping and working for my husband in our business – with joy. I love working with him and the rewards are wonderful – we get to spend even more time together.

    The best link of 2102? http://www.aholyexperience.com The best laugh? Laughing while playing games with our family – especially Catch Phrase. The best living? Living simply.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.) We are still recovering from mental issues – it is hard to get family to understand but even though we have done things we didn’t want to do this year – we know we are doing the right thing.

    What was the best habit? The habit of being Gentle and Kind to everyone you meet. Philippians 4:5

    The best holiday? The best gift? My sweet mother – in – law celebrating Christmas this year in the presence of her Savior. She is no longer living in a body that failed her. We miss her so but know she is doing great.

    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…) – We started supporting three little girls through Compassion – two from Honduras and one from Nicaragua. I feel like they are ours.

  998. I was blessed to share a hug with Ann this year when two friends and I drove up from VA to meet her at a book signing in PA. What a wise decision!
    Favorite book – I’d have to go with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn since I read it every year.
    Favorite song – Jesu Joy. Many are on my list, but I even manage to jog to this song.
    Favorite recipe – Julia Child’s Chicken Supremes De Volaille Aux Champignons with her Risotto. Don’t let the name scare you, very simple yet elegant.
    Jeans – I’m loving a pair of 1969 Gap skinny jeans.
    Movie – Just saw Les Miserables and loved it, but my heart stays true to The Sound of Music.

  999. My favorite website is the holy experience.com This has been a phenomenal year . . .
    After the death of my son, my mom and my dad this year this site has continually kept me and reminded me of joy. I can live fully and be blessed! So glad to have a body of christ like this to support me.

  1000. -Best books (I can’t just choose 1!): StrengthsFinder 2.0 (led to some great personal insight, after taking the online assessment), When Helping Hurts (veeerrry challenging for anyone who seeks to serve with the heart of Christ), One Thousand Gifts (took me a couple months to trudge through because of my schedule AND the weight and challenge of Ann’s words)

    -Best creamer for my coffee: International Delight’s White Chocolate Raspberry

    -Best coworkers that I consider friends: MINE!

    -Best moments with my hubby: celebrating our 10th anniversary, kid-free for 2 whole days 🙂

  1001. BEST VERSE… Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope a future.”

  1002. Hmmm. This is a hard one for me. The year has been extremely hard both emotionally and physically. One of my older sons has been in outright rebellion for almost 2 years.

    I read Ann’s book, One Thousand Gifts, in June. It has changed how I think about everything! The pain and sorrow still overwhelm me at times but learning to simply (? hmmm) praise God has been life-changing.

    Learning to praise God has been my highlight. But I must say it is H-A-R-D.
    -Carol

  1003. We are getting ready to leave town, wishing I had more time for reflection…
    I am eager to take the time just to read all of these comments. Soon. Won’t our 2013 be even sweeter if we try what everyone else considered to be the BEST in 2012.

    Best book, no question, One Thousand Gifts! Reading OTG and naming God’s goodness in my everyday has transformed my thinking and brought so much JOY, overflowing to others!
    Bursting out in song/embarrassing the teens – song, (ugh, not sure of the name) I Just Want to Thank You (thank you, thank you).
    Best Gift – Green light from my hub to adopt from Ethiopia and referral in December!!!
    I think I’ll ask all 6 in the car today to write down their Best of 2012 – they’ll groan but it will be so good for them 😉

  1004. OH MY!

    I forgot to proof what I just posted.

    It was difficult both emotionally and spiritually, not physically.

    OOOPS.
    -Carol

  1005. Best Book: One Thousand Gifts (life changer for me)
    Best Song: How Great Thou Art (Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood)
    Best Risk: blogging and learning photography
    Best Gift: donations in my name to Childrens’s HopeChest Trees of Glory
    Best Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Grill Vegetables Pasta with Parmesan.
    Best Habit: daily random acts of kindness

    Thanks for the opportunity

  1006. Best and easiest to use unit study of late 1800 and 1900’s to do with your boys and girls : The Prairie Primer best support, best info. most adaptable, and fun, fun, fun

  1007. Best adhesive for scrapbooking: Creative Memories Taperunner, no substitute for ease and long term effectiveness

  1008. Forgot best drink:
    Chai tea made from a recipe on Pinterest
    I keep the mix in a gallon pickle jar so my blessing daughter calls it “Heaven in a pickle jar”

  1009. Best Quote for me for the year: Have you prayed about it as much as you’ve talked about it? or as my niece said last night when she saw this hanging over my kitchen sink, as much as you’ve complained about it?

  1010. BEST LESSON LEARNED… “Don’t put a period where God puts an ellipsis.” My husband and I did a couple’s Bible study with our church where we went through the “Circle Maker.” One of the lessons that really hit home was how quickly we put a period in a situation when it seems like God is not answering our prayers as fast as we would like. Sometimes it is that waiting period – the ellipsis – that God really does a wonder on our hearts and our faith.

  1011. BEST NEW ADVENTURE… Starting a job at Children’s Healthcare in January. This change in career has been prayed about, cried about and prayed about even more. And definitely was my “best lesson learned” being lived out.

    • Best book: Wonder Struck – Margaret Feinberg
      Best song(s): All Christmas Carols!
      Best food: Giada’s (food network) Italian Pot Roast

      Thank you Ann for sharing so much of YOU with US. Thank you God for Ann!

  1012. Best jeans: Gap Always Skinny
    Best Book: When Helping Hurts
    Best Song: “Call Me Maybe” (I’m way too old to vote for that, but all summer my car was full of laughing teenage refugees who moved 3 houses away from me after having me them on a trip we made in 2011 to a children’s center in eastern Europe to visit a boy we’d hoped to adopt. Their presence here has been a daily reminder of God’s crazy-grace-filled love and His ability to take the dreams I think are lost and sculpt them into something beautiful to hand back to me. So all summer long, my own kids and the kids who now are family to me also laughed and sang “Call Me Maybe,” making silly car videos and making me feel like a kid again myself…)

  1013. Several things I have loved and experienced in 2012.
    1. Read Ann’s One Thousand Gifts…started to journal thank you’s to God…reminder’s of His goodness and grace.
    2, We did an all day retreat using Ann’s book as our theme. It was wonderful and the women where overwhelmed and we gave away several of her books.
    3. I have read Ann’s blog everyday and feel I am so much better for it…it is changing me.
    4. Also did Beth Moore’s study of James twice with two different groups. It has changed me in several area’s…God will not waste His powerful Word on me.
    5. Love my new bicycle…road countless miles this past summer and fall.
    6. Ran my first 5K in many yrs. love walking so much better.
    7. More time spent on my front porch this summer and loved just reading, praying, listening to life.
    8. Further life changing was going through The Story with our church. It was a great experience us beeing on the same page and learning together.
    9. Right now enjoying a wintery wonderland and I love the peace it seems to bring.
    10. Love this site…(in)courage…thank you for sharing and loving us in Christ.

  1014. Best thing I didn’t want to do: endure 2 years of court and guardians ad litem, knowing I was not in control of my daughter’s circumstances the way a mama should be, and I saw the Lord take circumstances intended to create fear and pain and turn them into an unbelievable handing over of freedom to my daughter, who now has control over her schedule and has no more anxiety about visitations. God always is faithful.

  1015. Best Book: With sincerity I say that 1,000 gifts is the best book of 2012.
    Best Blog: aholyexperience.com has made me look at life differently. a.life.changer.
    Best Song: Courageous – Casting Crowns
    Best Concert: The Story – that night will never be able to be repeated. God was in the Excel Energy Center that night!! AMAZING!!
    Best Risk – Our decision to adopt a special needs child from China. Just completed our home study… waiting to send in our Dossier!!
    Best Recipe: Cornflake, ranch, chicken breasts – off Pinterest. Shared by a co-woker; so simple and man is it good!
    Best Party: Celebrating my Grandma Dolly’s 100th birthday in August. Grandma Dolly passed this Christmas Eve; but is with Her Savior in the Glory Kingdom!!
    Most Thankful: My husband, son and family.
    Best place to be on the Weekend: EagleBrook Church in Lino Lakes, MN!!

    Blessings to All in 2013!!
    Natalie

  1016. Hey I don’t even know where to start here. So many great things about this year. But this recipe is from my childrens kids cookbook. It’s called Emril’s there’s a chef in my world. What a great kids cookbook. It has recipes in it from around the world. The one for Canada is Tourtiere from Quebec. This is such a good recipe! If you are thinking I have had tourtiere and it was to salty or just plan bad. Well this recipe is nothing like you remember. Give it a try. My daughter who was 7 at the time made it with our help of course. The recipe can be found here. http://www.emerils.com/recipe/7879/Tourti%C3%8Bre-Qu%C3%88becoise Bon Appetite!

  1017. Best book: Wonder Struck – Margaret Feinberg
    Best song(s): All Christmas Carols!
    Best food: Giada’s (food network) Italian Pot Roast

    Thank you Ann for sharing so much of YOU with US. Thank you God for Ann!

  1018. One if the best gifts of the year – all those eight little grandchildren just loving me all day when we had our Christmas gathering! Not for the gifts we gave them, but just because they love me so much! They would be playing and would run to me saying, “Oh, I love you so much, Grandma!” One had to sit by me when we ate and when we passed out gifts! I spent all day just being with them while their folks talked and laughed for hours. We even went up to the attic and got a few things out their dads played with, and made memorable Christmas cards for those they love! Since they are all 4 and under, I spelled out their messages for them! What memories were made that day!

  1019. O.K. here is one of my favourite blogs. Aside from Ann’s of course! lol http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/ You don’t have to be Mennonite to enjoy their site. They post about recipes. Mennonite ones and just lots of generic ones. All the women who blog here are great cooks. The recipes are fab. On Sunday’s post they do a devotional. They just recently put out a cookbook with all the proceeds going to charity to feed hungry children. Got to love that. Fab site go and check it out.

  1020. Best gift given was a Bible I gave my husband, he had never received a Bible in his entire life til now.

  1021. A most precious habit: Tom and me having devotions together every morning for at least an hour. We had had devotions on all our dates – at his instigation! Time has expanded over the years! Hugs and kisses are an added feature! What a God led tradition of over 42 years! Gets better all the time! And as Corrie ten Boom said, “The best is yet to come!”

  1022. Thank you Ann for coming up with this post. I have been reading it for two days now and my list is a mile long of books to read and stuff to try.
    Best book: One Thousand Gifts. Totally turned my way of thinking upside down.
    Best Blog: aholyexperience. It is truly the light of my day. I have recommended both to several friends.
    Best little road trip: Seeing you at WOF in KC. It was a God thing that I got there, with the crazy schedule I had this fall. Everything fell into place!
    Best moments: Anytime spent with my precious granddaughter. She fills my heart with such joy. And grandchild number 2 is on the way!
    Best milestone: Married 35 years to my best friend. I thank God everyday for him.
    Thank you for teaching me how to slow down and count, count, count those gifts.

    • Marilyn, I think we must be very much alike! I, too, have been reading this list for the past two days and taking pages of notes! I have one grandson I absolutely dote on and another on the way! Been married 32 years this September! So thankful for all the wonderful ideas and encouragement here!!

  1023. Best moment of finding more of who I am…….”A Holy Experience” blog, reading, learning, growing, and being inspired by the words of other women.

  1024. My gratitude sharing is my list I call “God’s List: The Root of Joy,” which I started July 1, 2012 after reading Ann’s book. Numbering 911 this morning, this list speaks to me daily of God’s presence and blessings all around me every moment of everyday.

  1025. It’s been a really painful and tough year, Ladies, but I know that God is chasing after my heart in a deeper way. Just stumbled upon your sight, and it’s such good food for the heart and soul. I’ll be counting my blessings this upcoming year:)

  1026. Best time of the year…..Autumn! When everything gives you hope in warm colors that soon there is renewal.

  1027. Sweet, grace-filled Ann. Your words, your offering – you bless me, my soul.
    The best of everything…is only in Christ
    510. A pasto friend sitting beside me
    517. The sweet peace of God
    the thing i didn’t want to do but was glad I did? start going to a counselor, for help, guidence, love, encouragement…
    the best book? for the second time, Ann’s sweet book “One Thousand Gifts” (even better the second time!)
    Best Blog: aholyexperience.com has changed me. my life. my love.
    Best Song: Need you now (How many times) by Plumb
    Recieving emails from Ann Voskamp 🙂
    Dear, sweet, merciful Ann. I love you.
    A blessed and happy new year to you

  1028. Oh, what a year it has been…
    Best book: One Thousands Gifts- kinda started a snowball effect for me to be closer to God & work on my relationship with him
    Best Recipe: Tuna cakes
    Best Song I couldn’t get out of my head: Blessings by Laura Story. Absolutly love that song!
    Best Risk& thing I didn’t want to do: deciding to go back to work 3 nights a week (4hrs night)after being a sahm for 6yrs. Still miss those family dinners & tucking the kids in on those nights but it was a huge step for me to do.
    Best Gift: Date night with my husband after not having time in a long time to reconnect and talk to each other. Love my friend who pushed me to let her watch my girls so we could have a quiet date.
    Best Sacrifice (I guess could be considered one): Sitting down as a family and reevaluating our budget & figuring out needs versus wants. Living a more simple life but yet have so much more than spending money on all those things we dont need like dinners out, etc.
    This year for me has been a year of focusing on getting back to being simple, less stressed and connecting more with my husband and family. Its been amazing to look back and see my attitude at the beginning of the year to what it is now! I feel much more closer to the Lord and more at peace than ever before.

  1029. Much to be thankful for this past 2012 … topping the list is the birth of my oldest daughters first child and number 3 granddaughter for me! A wonderful priviledge to be present and watch her Daddy help bring her into this crazy world! … Favorite blog is undoubtably “A Holy Experience” … Favorite song changes throughout the year, right now it’s Jason Gray’s “Tell Me Once Again” because sometimes I need a reminder … Favorite book is always the Holy Scriptures. Looking forward to much more blessings and perhaps a rapture in 2013 …

  1030. I absolutely love cookbooks. If I had more money it would be an addiction I think. Do I have favs? Yes many. Here is a few. Muffins From the Heart by Shirley M. Hartung. She is from Ontario and knows her muffins. They are refined sugar free. Sweetened with honey. Many recipes inside. All so wonderful. The recipes make huge batches. Love that. The only muffin book for me. The New Betty Crocker’s cookbook. Such a wealth of info. Great recipes too. I could not live with out this one. One other fav is Better Homes and Gardens Old Fashioned Home Baking. Another one if I ever lost this book l would cry I think. Love love love it!! This is just a few of my vast collection.

  1031. Oh, and I’m realizing how to live with my panic dissorder and depression. It’s been the hardest year EVER, but the best year ever…After my rededication, I’m living more for Him again….I’m struggling so much, every day, but He gets me through every single moment…

  1032. Best moment of peacefuleness….not being angry at God anymore for the loss of my Son 4 years ago.

  1033. OH I have to tell you about this new line of products I just discovered this year. I am all about trying to be environmentally friendly. I like to use dish soaps and laundry soaps that are good for the environment. So I found this product called Method. I buy them from this great site I will also tell you about called Well.ca Canadian company that is like Shoppers Drug Mart only much much better. Shipping is cheap. I buy from them all the time. They sell this product called Method Smarty Dish. It is tablets for the dishwasher. They work really well. Then one day I was running out of the liquid dish soap and checked sure enough they sell that too. Method dish soap. Then I needed laundry soap and yup they got that too. Method Laundry soap. I love all of these products. You can check them out here. http://well.ca/searchresult.html?keyword=method

  1034. Best moment on Christmas Eve: My 7 year old singing Silent Night with all her might!
    Best post-Christmas moment: playing Mouse Trap as a family
    Best event of 2012: Going on the Walk to Emmaus
    Best family time: hanging out with my family after Grandma’s funeral — the laughter, the tears, just being together.

  1035. Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
    Best book I couldn’t put down: Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
    Best jeans: If only I’d found these. Maybe in 2013.
    Best risk: asking God to turn my heart toward my children, to teach me to love them more

  1036. Best book: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This devotional has ministered so much to me and my daughter in college!

    Best movie: Les Mis. An incredible story told in my favorite medium, the musical.

    Best coffee and blog spot: Panera, providing sanity to moms like me for over 7 years.(That’s when I started blogging.)

    Best jeans: Hand me ups from my teenagers! I have skinny jeans in about six different colors that I’ve inherited from three of my teens, two of them boys 🙂 –and they fit me perfectly. God has a sense of irony and humor!

    Best job: Teaching drama to kids, 2-4 hours a week. It’s so much fun I can’t believe they pay me.

    Best new kitchen item: Cuisinart immersion blender. Butternut squash soup, cream of broccoli soup–piece of cake now.

    Best car: I just can’t stop praising my Prius!

  1037. Another thing I want to share with you lovely people. Where I buy my eye glasses. I buy them on line from a site called Zenni Optical. You can find them here. http://www.zennioptical.com/ Amazing company. I bought 3 pairs of glassed from them and including shipping it came to $68!! That is amazing. You say to me yeah but I can’t try them on first. Yes that is true but if they look that bad on you when you get them then you donate them to a ministry who gives glasses to people who can’t afford glasses. Many ministries donate used glasses to people in third world countries. So it’s a win win situation and at glasses starting at $6 a pair how can you go wrong. From the time you order the product till it gets to your door 1 week! Wow! that is awesome! I have used zenni often. No more not being able to afford 2 pairs. Also some eye glass places in town will adjust the glasses for you for free.

  1038. “Kisses From Katie” – kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com – Katie Davis

    I wasn’t looking forward to reading the November book for our local book club this year. It was called “Kisses From Katie” and just wasn’t one I’d see on the shelf and think, “YES! I’ve got to read that!!” But I did because I hate to disappoint my friends that were raving about it. I guess I’m a little jaded with my book club because I generally come away thinking,”Well, that was only ok.” But I read this book in a matter of hours. I wept through the pages and the hour I took out to run with my husband for a lunch date, I didn’t dare crack the pages because I knew I would weep right there in the restaurant. Every moment chronicled in this amazing girl’s life has been consecrated and blessed by a loving God. It brought me a sense of overwhelming joy to see it, and a renewed sense of faith that God does still work today in each of our lives. It’s made me want to be better – a true vessel for the Lord.

  1039. I love love love books. Where I buy my books is Christian Book Distributors. http://www.christianbook.com/ Love this company. Great service, and Great books at a low price. from the time I order my books it takes 1 week to get them. If you have not yet checked them out you should.

  1040. After being home for a year and a half, I am going back to work. I had some painful talks with God and after back and forthing and absolutely no promises from God other than that I can trust HIM and to not worry about the numbers adding up in the checkbook, I told God to give me the change to prove I could trust Him. That I was ready to tithe correctly on top of giving. I have been really struggling with this as money scares me. The numbers adding up that is. But I asked for God to provide a job and he did. In this job market and economic climate, in less than a month, beating out 120 other people who applied in less than three days, at a job with hours that still allow me to be home with my daughter in the morning and not miss any of my son’s sports, and pays more than my last full-time job. I would say that is the BEST moment of God’s generosity (and once-again grace) I saw all year!

  1041. The BEST song for me this year is One Thing Remains by Krisitan Stanfill. I struggle with how often I let down God, and sometimes like a little kid that has messed up I feel like there is no way my daddy can still love me after THAT. This song helped me many times remember that it’s not a matter of good or bad, faithful or fallen, God has called me his, and he really , really means it. No matter what.

  1042. Best on-line groups of women…..(in)courage “A Holy Experience” and my (in)courage group of women for age over 50 with Julia Anna Johnson and Catherine Tatem as Admin.

  1043. Now with time to think!

    Best food: La Madeline Chicken Ceasar Salad! I could eat these every day!

    Best Song: Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant. Makes my heart heavy.

    Best Hobby: knitting! I am never without my knitting and I love to knit socks and blankets.

    Best drink: Diet Coke but a close second is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice coffee

    Best appliance: my Kitchen Aid Mixer! Can’t live without it !

    Best car: my Volvo wagon

    Best flower: my peonies ! Hard to grow here in Texas but I coax them!

  1044. The best workout ever is TurboFire! I actually look forward to doing it and I love the positive motivation. And the fact that any activity level works. I started barely able to do anything, and now my flexablity has doubled, as has my cardio capacity. I haven’t really lost any weight and only a few inches, but I have medical issues that make it extremely difficult. But for fun, moving and feeling accomplished, this is the workout! They average an hour a day and you feel sooo energized afterward. I am four weeks in and still loving it!

  1045. Best: When my daughter asked me to go on a needed road trip with her………………always wanting to spend time with my kids! Praying before hand ……………God showing up and showing out big on the trip, over and over and over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yes! Go God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Bring all back to her as needed, Lord!

  1046. I thought I knew all my favorite 2012 things until I had to write them down. Now I’m realizing that I haven’t really stopped to name any of those things. Thank you for making me take the time to stop. and. think. 🙂
    hmmm … I’m not sure there are so many movies and things that come to mind but I can name a few other things that are written in my heart as I ponder the past year…

    I have struggled with and enjoyed home-schooling my 10 and 16 year old this year.
    I love my morning coffees when the house is still quiet.
    I have soaked in the words that God has given me this year that speak straight to my heart.
    I have a new appreciation for the husband-man God gave me.
    By God’s grace, I have survived another year in the refiners fire. Praise him who knows all things, only plans for our good, and redeems everyday.

    A book that opened my eyes with more understanding of my mother, my daughter and my own role as mother and daughter: ‘Marta’s Legacy’ by Francine Rivers: Her Mother’s Hope, and Her Daughter’s Dream

    Thank you Ann for all your words of wisdom and the music that I just let play and run wild through my house as I clean … blessings to you this new year.

  1047. Who cares about my bests? I’m having a ball reading about your bests: listening to new songs on youtube, looking up book reviews, new recipes, and the fun products to look into trying; praying over the lost ones, the coming ones, the soon-to-be new born in Christ ones, the new missionaries, the hurting ones. This was a great idea and a wonderful network that will last for days. Have to be the next joy on the list….

  1048. Best risk: Overcoming paralyzing fear to learn to swim.

    Best song: 10,000 Reasons…Let me still be singing when the evening comes

    Best trip: 1300 miles with 10 kids in the van – to see my brother promoted to major

  1049. Think I only quit lurking and start posting about four times a year. However, part of the resolution for the 2013 is to step outside a bit more, might as well get started sooner!
    The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? A chocolate chip cookie recipe made with garbanzo flour, oats, honey and other goodies to make it something I eat for breakfast instead of a snack.
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series (oh is it 2am again?)
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? It Will Only Bend (Josephs song from Music Inspired by The Story)
    The jeans that fit best? Lees’ at-the-waist in dark blue
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? Using seam strips from torn up jeans to hold up the tomato plants. They are soft enough to not damage and strong enough to hold the massive heirloom brandywine tomatoes up!
    The risk that returned best? Deciding to do my own promoting for the novel I recently published (at least to start off with). While it is has been one of the hardest things EVER, I’ve made two amazingly wonderful friends in the process.
    The best link of 2102? http://www.homeschoolacademy.com (A friend sent it to me for a student I work with and I saw they needed a new advisor. Look who gets to work from home now!)
    The best laugh? Sitting with my sister at her kitchen table for the first time in 6 years. I don’t think we stopped laughing for days!
    The best living? Learning that I did have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome after a decade of suspicion and the “I’m not letting it beat me again” mentality that quickly set in. This is LIVING at its best!
    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Returning to Colorado to face my fears and past. Finding out this was the best healing and a great place for my husband and I to bond again.
    What was the best habit? Making sure I smile at strangers and talk to at least one every time I am out.
    The best holiday? When my husband again declared the day after Mothers Day as “Wife Day” as I am unable to have children and so far adoption is a dream.
    The best gift? Too many, but if I had to narrow it to one…inheriting my grandmothers canning supplies. Wow those jars filled fast!
    The best sacrifice? Money I barely had to make sure my god-daughter (who I love more than my own life) had all the kitchenware she needed for when she moved into her first apartment. I’m still getting thank-you texts!

  1050. I am so giddy thankful for the opportunity to bless a young mama and her two little ones and hubby. God put them in my brain, heart. Asked if they could help, “yes please.”. Asked God what to send. Perfect blessings hand picked by Daddy God, exactly what was needed. After 5 Christmases with my love being sans salary I celebrated the overflow of God’s sweet provision for us. Rejoicing in being used, being able to be used, a new job, a new start,new mercies, a new year, new, just new! Thank you my Lord.

  1051. A,
    I’m loving this list of Q’s for the 2012year!
    Recipe? Babay Back ribs in the oven- with a rub! Daunting dish, but delish. The rub was the new thing. and I can’t duplicate that first try at the recipe.
    Book? The Harbinger. ew, it was captivating, controversial, and to be continued in another book!
    Best song? MC JIN – Brand New Me
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_137633&feature=iv&src_vid=822oS6UVtV4&v=GU7rcOPfiZk
    Best gift?The Christian radio station in my area launched another station that is a bit more rock and rap. LIKE!
    Jeans? Liz Claiborne(I could actually wear a 10!!!)
    Best new habit? Listening more, talking less………….
    Best gizmo? Streaming gadget for the TV – no more cable.
    Risk? ew, you would ask wouldn’t you? letting go of fear in dealing with a straying loved one. and when I let go of fear, then gratitude came along in unexpected realities, small doses that God knew I could recognize and relish.
    Best didn’t want to do it! learning to pray with expectation.
    Best holiday? Memorial Day at the beach.
    Thank you Ann, for making me pause to walk through this list. Your gratitude of the blessings of the Lord and his doses of Grace is contagious! Love that.

  1052. Best book: 1000 Gifts
    Best Anniversary: First time ever at Niagara Falls with my husband on our 40th Anniversary
    Best Friend: God gave me a new friend in Jan 2012 and we have become close like sisters (the sisters in Christ we really are) and I’ve never had a Christian friend encourage me daily through e-mails, phone calls, Bible studies together, taking our grandchildren to a playground, serving together in our church…
    Best fish: Rainbow trout – Yummy!
    Best Nuts: Almonds
    Best trip: To Victoria B.C. to see my Mom and other family members and friends
    Best gadget: the SKrSPr and Cerama Bryte for keeping my glass cooktop clean.
    Best electronic purchase: New digital camera. Like Ann, I just love taking photos of all the beauty I see everywhere around me.
    Best time of day: Early mornings
    Best stretch: Volunteered to be a pastoral care visitor at a local nursing home. It’s had blessings beyond anything I could ask or imagine as far as me loving being anonymous and unreserved in my giving of myself to brighten dull lives.

  1053. This year bests that I did
    I told everyone how much I loved them and what they meant to me. All the time.
    I healed from being hurt from a church that threw away a fantastic Pastor. I prayed, searched & found a new community to worship with and do outreach. I made a commitment and became a member.
    Read the Bible again, Shattered Dreams, Your book & A Testament of Devotion.
    I try to live in a way that will let the Love of Christ shine through me so others may see Christ.
    I am not musical. I sang outloud and loud at church with my husband. Only later did I realize the entire service we were holding hands.
    I got my faith back about being able to have a family.
    My husband and I simplified our entire house. Everything we gave away to complete strangers for free.
    Best New song to me Blessings by Laura Story

  1054. Best of Everything: After a 6 year walk through the Valley of dry dead bones, coming back to the heart and the faithfulness and the grace of my loving God.
    Best Knowledge Learned: It. Is. Not. About. Me.

  1055. Best jeans: my black skinny Rockin’ Republic’s. They served as my “look-like-I-didn’t-just-have-a-baby-7-weeks-ago” pair.
    Best book: 1,000 gifts. Changed my world and answered my 2012 prayer!
    Best risk: I started a blog and my husband started an IT business.
    Best sacrifice: All my sleep to my sweet now-7-month-old

  1056. How fun to think of best of 2012!
    Best book: A Glimpse of Grace by Mary Forsythe-a true story, amazing journey of life change and power of the Holy Spirit.
    Best answer to prayer 2012: seeing our anxiety/fear filled son thrive in kindergarten! He went from endless stomach aches, crying and whining, or being shut down all summer to communicating more than he ever has with words, art, and movement. Joy and gratitute fill this mamas heart!
    Best habit: staying home more, running around less.

  1057. Best scripture memory tool – http://www.scriptureTyper.com and the related app. A fabulous tool for encouragement and keeping accuracy in my heart and mind! Memorized James this year using it! Thanks Ann for your encouragement and links during the year.

    Best goal achieved – meeting the 1000 gifts goal in June and continuing to count daily! Opening my eyes and heart to the uncountable blessings of every day!

  1058. BEST TEA: Republic of Tea’s Vanilla Almond or the Vanilla Almond Decaf. Perfect flavors in a cuppa!!!

  1059. Best Gadget I received: My Nook
    Best movie: The Hobbit
    Great book: Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie
    Great Song: Always, Kristian Stanfill

  1060. Best Book: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
    Best Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
    Best Song: Who Am I by Casting Crowns
    Best Web Site: A Holy Experience (thank you so much Ann)
    Best Trip: 2 month trip from Illinois to Washington State and back
    Best Blessing: My grandson – love that boy so much

  1061. BEST thing that happened to me in 2012: Connecting in the (in)courager communities!!
    BEST recipe: The Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings (Mt Dew, Crescent rolls, cinnamon buttery goodness!)
    BEST challenge: Making me move from a nurturing comfort zone of life and into a new space, role, job, ministry, season of life.
    BEST husband: Same one!! ; ) (hey, I want those entries!!)
    BEST spiritual growth: Getting more, needing it less, so we can live generously (in sharing home space).
    BEST book: “You’re Already Amazing” by Holley Gerth. I keep going back to it over and over, and it’s been useful in my ministry (Missionary Care) as well as in encouraging other women in MANY phases of life (mostly college age right now). LOVE this book!! Have given many copies away, and also led other groups in studying it too!! 🙂
    BEST album: Not new, but new to me: “Your Love Never Fails” by Jesus Culture. SO good, and brings me immediately into worship mode.

    Thanks Ann!! 🙂

  1062. Best recipe: Italian Cold Pasta with kefir
    Best book: Yours 🙂
    Best Medicine: Propranolol (for my anxiety) 🙂
    ~Gotta be real!

  1063. Best Thing that happen to me this year:Taking a sister trip to Canada.
    Best Recipe: Homemade Mac’n Cheese
    Best Lesson I ever learned: When God calls you to do something do it!!
    Best Book:”God’s Heart For You” By Holly Gerth
    Thank to you ladies sharing you stories and encourging me! I know that God has great plans in store for 2013!!

    Jessica Roth

  1064. Favorite trip – our whole family being able to experience Israel. We drank from Jacob’s well!
    Favorite jeans – all of them in the closet that fit.
    Favorite song – The Great I Am
    Favorite book – “Unglued” by Lysa TerKeurst. Just started “One Thousand Gifts” it will have to be on the list next year.
    Favorite recipe – Hash brown casserole discovered in an old church cook book.

  1065. Best New Habit: counting at least 3 gifts daily.
    Best service: Serving my husband, children, five fabulous grandkids and my elderly Mom
    Best recipe: everything Pioneer Woman-love her yummy stuff
    Best blessing: Beach vacation with all my family for my 60th birthday
    Best thing I’m still working on: Seeing Christ in all the illness, pain and heartbreak of the world we live in.

  1066. My best is part of the worst (interesting how that works)….we had a great tragedy in our community….my best part is the physical sense of God’s presence after that. I could feel His arms holding me close. Our community came together and just loved each other, and those most deeply wounded. Jesus was Immanuel, God With Us.

  1067. So much fun recounting the year with all of you! Loved reading your entries. Here is what’s popping into my mind thus far (Did I just use the word “thus”….Oh my. Lol):

    Best Book: (O.K. I am a bookworm, so I have more than 1)The life-breathing Word of God first & foremost. (Of course) Also, Radical by David Platt, And let’s not forget the best selling book “A Thousand Gifts” that just “happened” to become most of my family & friends birthday gifts from me this year! 🙂 (When you have found something good you just HAVE to share it! Lol) Thanks Ann for giving me courage to pen my own blog without fearing boundaries, rules, or my own hindered past. Through it, I also am finding “my voice” that has sat dormant nearly 4 decades long. Eternally grateful!

    Best Event: Having my son home from missions. Family…(& then some)….all under the same roof. 🙂

    Best Risk: Taking in a 12 yr old girl who had experienced the “worst abuse they had ever seen”. I though I was going to help her. Heal her, Sanctify her. But, looking back….the greatest transformation that took place was God using her (And all the hard times associated with it) to change me!

    Best Song: “I am Redeemed” by Casting Crowns

  1068. So many stories and great advice… such wonderful comments!

    best recipe: my grandma’s crockpot meatballs… yum!
    best jeans: oh I am a jeans girl… I love j brand jeans, and I can usually find them on ebay for a fraction of the retail price!
    best book: working through my bible this year!!
    best moment: working to see God in every moment, every relationship, every good and bad. He is there!

  1069. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? sugar-free egg nog
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Streams in the Desert for me, too. I’ve been reading it since the 70’s. Never gets old
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? This is my fav song for 2012 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY7liHKwH
    The best link of 2102? discovering Holy Experience and Ann’s book
    The best laugh? any time my grandson comes over

  1070. I don’t know why, but time after time I have wanted to comment on here and felt like the “incourage” ladies just had this club where I felt like I was on the outs. They know each other rave about each other and I sometimes feel like they are all put together and have this place to hang out and that I don’t fit in. Fancy words sometimes loose me and I am just mulling around trying to keep my spirit alive and the kids from arguments……

    But, I am going to comment anyway. My favorite book this year was “Off Script” by Cary Schmidt. My favorite memory was going to bed and finding one of my little’s savings with a note attached that said, “Git this to the por kids.” My favorite song was “Give me Jesus,” sung by anyone with all their heart.

    • Deena,
      I love the heart of your “little” and your endearing name! What a blessing for a little one to know what giving means! You are a good momma! I also share your love of the song “Give Me Jesus”!! it was my ring tone for a long time. He really is all we need…no fancy words needed for that! I am glad you posted, you blessed my day!
      Grace and peace!

  1071. I love Ann’s book One Thousand Gifts and I am trying to remember to thank God daily. I even started reading a Psalm every morning before school to the girls and we each list 3 things that we are grateful for.

    My favorite song is Good to be Alive by Jason Gray. It speaks to my desire to give a life well lived in service back to the God in gratitude for all He has done for me.

  1072. Best of 2012: I was able to attend the final court hearing when our grandchildren were adopted! Our oldest grand wants to adopt more children, reminding us that “there are so many kids that need a mommy and daddy.”

  1073. Best Benefit of 2012 = Building my trust muscles and growing more intimately close with my Lord through breast cancer and unemployment.

  1074. I’ve read through 1000 Gifts four times in 2012 and keep my list going each day. I was so thirsty! It is changing my life, opening my eyes to see grace everywhere, flooding my heart with joyful thanks! And once the Light starts pouring in, even those dark, forbidden cubby holes begin to brighten into JOY. Thank you for being vulnerable and giving me the courage to step into that place as well. Blessings!….always, Linda Farrant

  1075. The best book to me this year..the Holy Word of God. The bible has been my anchor through this year especially! I am not a computer person but the best blog that I am hooked on is aholyexperience..thank you Ann for inviting this homeschooling mama to thank God through it all, to live for Him all the way, to give more than I ever thought I would be willing and trying to lose myself in His love and grace. A thousand thank yous Ann! The best song ties… 33Miles “thank you for every day, for what you give and take away” and I need a miracle by 3rd day because who doesn’t need a miracle! I opt to share my favorite socks, it gets cold in ND, definitely Smartwool! Last but not least the best coffee in Montana, Colters Coffe…yum!

  1076. Wow! This is truly amazing. Reading all these bests. All glory! And a great prompting to focus on the good in the year. Thank you, Ann! So here goes…

    Best moment, well moments… 1. My daughter facing all fears, God strong, taking the stage and with a parting of lips slayed her giant, and sang with all her heart for God. 2. God giving grace for me to leave this bed and head to Charleston to hear Ann speak. In person! And then to get a moment to hug her neck and exchange a few words. 3. The sound of the judge’s gavel as our adoption of our little one was finally complete.

    Best gifts… 1. Grace upon grace upon grace upon grace… 2. Christa Wells heart poured out for my daughter, as she wrote her sweet words of encouragement. Truly blessed. 3. My husband handing me a package… a signed copy of Ann’s book to replace the one that was lost that weekend in Charleston.

    Best lipstick… Red Apple Lipstick, and shade! Because I can wear it and not get sick because it is gluten free!! And I have lips again!

    Best recipe… Flatbread made with pumpkin seed flour.

    Best jeans… My dark GAP always skinny jeans.

    Best book… Ha! Wish I could finish one!

    Best risk… Writing for 31 days of walking through the dark, thank you, Nester! Who knew God would bring so much healing, show me He was there, always there.

    Ahhh, yes! So many bests found in the mess of 2012!

  1077. Best thing in 2012: The birth of my son, in March. The first boy, (he has a 2 and a 4 year old sister) and the happiest baby I have ever seen. <3

  1078. The Best Thing: The birth of my baby boy in November.

    Best Pivotal Moment: A rainbow I asked God to give – and He did. The beginning of my journey out of depression.

    Best blessing of Ministry: Watching a marriage restored through prayer.

    Best book: “Kisses from Katie”

  1079. This is the first time I’ve been on here (I saw the link on Ann’s blog “A Holy Experience”). It sounded fun and the idea for this website sounds great. It’s been tough year, but many blessings, too. So, thanks for the encouragement to look at the bight side.

    Best gift – my sister getting back her smile, laugh, and wonderful personality after being ill for many years.
    Best surprise – God leading me to the perfect car when I was just trying to help my sister find one (and it was the color I’ve always wanted).
    Best trial – being in a car wreck where God clearly showed me that He was there all along
    Best family time – having a Christmas where everyone was home and happy (for many years illness and other things have left even good days with a heavy feeling in the air)
    Best new adventure – learning to do oil painting

  1080. Best bread recipe- cinnamon swirl bread
    Best book- 1000 gifts so life changing.
    Best moments- Family Tree time this Christmas gathering around the tree and really sharing with our kids about the birth of Jesus and listening to them share their favorite moments.
    Favorite jeans- Kut jeans

  1081. Best of 2012~ Hands down: Gratitude. Without it I would have not known unspeakable joy, unmistakable contentment, true love and supernatural peace. 2013 is a year full of possibilities and hope….eucharisteo in all things!

  1082. Best gift given (to God & family) at Christmas – extending forgiveness and grace to join step/in-law family at their house even though neither my spouse nor I wanted to go. I had been cruelly, maliciously and malevelolently attacked with words by an in-law several days earlier that just piled on top of the other rejection and hatefulness they had extended over the last year and a half. Gave to God the fear and anxiety of “what if … they make a scene…say something ugly…if we show up”. He blessed us all with a fairly peaceful gathering that made many others happy for us all to be together. Who knows how many more days we have with some of our elder family members…with anyone really – right? It cost me to extend grace, but God’s grace was the costliest of all and He gave it without hesitation to me. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

  1083. Best Book – Unglued. (http://www.ungluedbook.com/) Although I also really loved Glenn Beck’s, The Snow Angel and Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Lincoln.

    Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie (or leftover turkey, as the case may be). http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chicken_potpie.html

    Best Financial Risk: purchasing a small dental appliance to try and help my chronic migraines. It was pricey and there is no guarantee it will work but God willing, it will help.

    Best Relational Risk: Inviting several women who I wanted to know better to join me in a monthly group. I am a coward in this arena but it has gone very, very well and I’ve made a few wonderful friends.

  1084. Best recipe – Aunt Elvena’s Lemon Pound Cake

    Best book – 1000 Gifts (read it in a matter of days around Easter – it’s life changing)

    Best song – How Many Kings by Downhere

    Still looking for just the right jeans…

    Best holiday – Christmas when we talked as a family and I reconnected with my sister

    Best gift received – God’s protection from carbon monoxide leaking from our heater

    Best gift given – time spent with friends and family

  1085. What fun! I had to join in.

    BEST MOMENT: The day that I heard the Lord call me “Beloved.” After a whole year of running after acknowledgement from others, attention from others, and the desire to be noticed, seen, heard by others (on the blog, in business, etc.), I may need to tatoo this word to my forehead (okay, not really ;-)).

    BEST DECISION: To ask the Lord for a “Faith Vision” for my one difficult child (the middle of five), and begin praying that over her daily (oh, how I fail this!) and see the results of prayer over her life. The results of worry, fretting, scolding, degrading and berating her, just yield death. Ironically, her name is Joy, the one thing I have chased after for years.

    BEST BOOK: This one. http://akwellspring.com/books/biblical-foundations-of-freedom
    I have been reading this for two years now. Seriously, ladies, this book should be required reading for “Following Jesus 101” :-D. The author was given 2 years to live, and had over 100 allergies in his body. Through a series of events, The Lord (gracious Lord) revealed to the author that he couldn’t receive healing because of the blockage of bitterness over his past, etc. (never end a sentence with etc. HA!). This book is the story of his journey to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing. It has been the game changer for me.

    BEST RISK: Opening my home, making myself vulnerable to a group of ladies for a Bible Study with the aforementioned book. My life has been changed. Forever. Can’t help but share it!

    BEST CRY: Bawling into my pillow on every page of your book, Ann. Your book has been tied for BEST BOOK for me. Your words wash over me, deep calling unto deep, carrying me along. I can see you standing a little further down on the shore, beckoning to me… “Come with me! Enter into the joyFULL life.” Thank you, Big Sis. I am coming along. Hope to hold hands with you someday as we walk this grace-road.

    BEST PRAYER: Hands down, Ann’s “A Blogger’s Prayer” … printed it, laminated it (I laminate ev.er.y.thing.), put it where I can see it. I need to pray it before every post (which has been infrequently lately).

    BEST MAKEUP PRODUCT: e.l.f.’s lip stain in “Nude” … stays on alllll day, and doesn’t dry out my lips. Best part? It’s 3 bucks at Target.

    There are so many great contributions to this list. Whenst I have a few more moments to meself, I shall read it thoroughly!

  1086. My best intangible gift received in 2012 has been the prayers and support of those praying for my healing from cancer.
    My best tangible gift received was a sewing machine to replace my very broken one.
    My best book was a sneak preview of “Wonderstruck” by Margaret Feinberg.
    My best sacrifice was helping pay someone’s medical bill anonymously.
    My best jeans were ones that not only fit great, but were on sale!
    My best recipe I can’t not make again is Overnight Baked French Toast made with homemade bread.
    My best moments have been when I’ve been aware of God’s presence in the midst of great pain, and being reminded that He’s always with me.
    My best year for blogging has been 2012.
    That’s it for now, but there may be a part 2!

  1087. Best jeans: My maternity jeans! I wore them for a good part of the year as I was pregnant with my third child. They were just way too comfy!

    Best risk: Joining a local MOPS group and meeting some moms. I moved from out of state last winter and had a hard time getting out there and making friends as I tend to be quiet and introverted around others. But I am SO glad I joined and I am meeting some wonderful ladies!

  1088. So much awesome-ness here. I was inspired to write my own post…but here’s a sampling:

    The best book you couldn’t put down?

    I’m thankful for so many excellent books this year…One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is way up on top. I’ve given away several copies and plan on giving away many more. Another life changer for me was Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst, because I need help in this area! Also appreciated Renee Swope’s A Confident Heart and am enjoying Greater by Steven Furtick with the online study at http://www.MelissaTaylor.org. Lots more reads coming up…Holley Gerth’s You’re Already Amazing, Karen Ehman’s Let.It.Go. and Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson.

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head?
    Sometimes I find a song startling in its beauty. This was the case with Dara Maclean’s Bethlehem Skies. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryHsD4gaOwc

    The risk that returned best?
    Definitely starting my new website with Kimberly Amici http://www.CirclesOfFaith.org. There were many setbacks. People who dropped out of the project at the last moment. Technical and design difficulties that threatened to derail us. I’m so thankful we pushed through as the Lord led. And now we have a website that’s a growing community with wonderful contributors. I’m so excited for the year ahead…

    C’mon over and read more if you like…http://bit.ly/Wcj0X0

  1089. Best gift: an engagement ring–Given to me by a man I never thought I could deserve. God is SO faithful.

    Amazing Love.

  1090. I’d have to say the best risk was joining a home group at church–always awkward at first, but has already brought some dear people to care for my soul in just a few months time.

    A great laugh is this Ellen bit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCyw3prIWhc (it’s Ellen, so there is a swear word or two, just warning)

    My favorite jeans were just found recently–Lee “Slender Secret” lower on the waist in a really dark wash. Love them!

    Best appliance has been my GE dehumidifier–worked wonders this summer and fall!

    Best holiday event was a 5k at night through a neighborhood filled with Christmas lights, with carolers serenading along the way.

  1091. The best request and answer of 2012 was asking the Lord to heal my relationship with my dad and he did through amazing events which culminated with my having dinner with my dad by ourselves and having the best time ever!

    The best sharing of the gospel was with my Dad and for the first time ever he listened patiently and we talked 15 minutes about salvation. He hasn’t accepted the Lord yet, but is still open.

    The best gift given in 2012 was the Bible I gave to my Dad and he was really excited to receive it!

  1092. Best book has to be One Thousand Gifts. I may have written this earlier but did not share how this came to be. I was ordering some things from Family Christian store and needed another item so I could get free shipping. Looking through the catalogue my eye noticed a book with hands out holding a birds nest with two eggs in it. It looked interesting so I
    added it to my order. I should know that God has his hand in everything, even ordering books. God has really used this book to allow me to look at everything from His eye and count everything as joy. From a husband who has difficulty throwing anything away to a mother who still has not found peace at the lose of dad 8 years ago, to still working at 63. Is it always easy? No, but I do want to live my life in eucharisteo. I do know I am blessed with a loving husband, 3 beautiful children, 4 grandchildren and a wonderful mom. God bless

  1093. I read a lot, but one of the best of 2012 to me was Angie Smith’s What Women Fear
    The best book to give as a gift is 1,000 Gifts
    Even with all the ups & downs of the past year, knowing God wants only the best for me makes me look forward with expectancy to the new year.

  1094. In 2013 we went on our best vacation — for my birthday in April my husband gave me a vacation in the fall. He knows anticipation is important in something like this for me . . . I planned for months for us to be gone three weeks, taking in the Grand Canyon (north and south rims), Zion (God surely was in that place), Bryce, Monument Valley, and (my favorite) Valles Caldera.

    Probably though the best of the best of the best was celebrating eight years with no evidence of disease as a breast cancer survivor.

  1095. Best music: don’t miss the voice and lyrics of Audrey Assad on cd “Heart”. She has the voice of an angel and words of the Holy Spirit. Start with song called Sparrow

    Best risk: early retirement and trusting God moment by moment

    Best recipe:  MAC AND CHEESE WITH UNCOOKED MAC: 3tbls butter, 1qt milk, a little mustard, 2c shell pasta (UNCOOKED), 2c shredded chedder cheese, 1 beaten  egg. Put it all in casserole dish and bake at 375 for 1 hour. Stir after 30 minutes. Not pretty but sooo good. 

    Best gadget: Dr. Dre Beats headphones (red, of course) for when I want to dance in the Spirit and sing like I know how. These were a gift at my retirement.  My grown kids just shake their heads. 

    Best books: 1000 Gifts, 

    Best vacation: beach house with 6 wonderful women

    Best habit: God time and giving thanks

  1096. This year, hands down, the best thing of ALL to happen to me was saying yes to adopting our daughter from India. We have yet to meet her, to see her face, to travel to get her, but saying yes to her, yes to adoption, was freeing and revitalizing to my faith in Him. Praise The Lord!

  1097. Best discovery: Ann Voskamps Blog
    Best jeans: Finally fit into a pair of Silver jeans…(took me for years to lose the weight that I’d gained after having chemotherapy)
    Best recipe: Karen Ehmans Apple Crisp…
    Best number: 4 soon to be 5 (yrs surviving breast cancer)
    Best friend: toss up between my daughter and my husband
    Best employer: I work at a year round Bible Camp and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else…
    Best place to live: CANADA

  1098. Well since the year is not over I guess I can say that one thing I can add on my list for sur this year is discovering Ann Voskamk !!!! She is a true blessing and I praise God for such a humble woman.

  1099. Best Book: 1,000 Gifts
    Best Gift: Prayer
    Best Habit: Memorizing & sharing Scripture
    Best Recipe: Blueberry French Toast
    Blueberry French Toast
    French Toast
    12 slices day-old white bread, crusts removed
    2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese
    1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
    12 eggs
    2 cups milk
    1/3 maple syrup
    Sauce
    2 cups sugar
    4 T cornstarch
    2 C water
    2 C fresh or frozen blueberries
    2 T butter

    Note: This recipe requires 8 hours refrigeration – make the day before for breakfast or early in the day for an evening dessert.
    1. Grease a 13” x 9 x 2 baking dish.
    2. Cut bread into 1” cubes, place half in baking dish
    3. Cut cream cheese into 1” cubes, place over bread.
    4. Add blueberries on top of the cream cheese and then add the remaining bread.
    5. In a large bowl, beat eggs.
    6. Add milk and syrup to the eggs and mix well.
    7. Pour milk and egg mixture over bread mixture in pan.
    8. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.
    9. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
    10. Cover with foil and bake at 35 for 30 minutes.
    11. Uncover, bake 25-30 minutes more or until golden brown and the center is set.
    Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch, add water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in blueberries, reduce heat. Simmer for 8 – 10 minutes or until berries have burst. Stir in the butter until melted. Serve over French toast. Enjoy!!!

  1100. I have been looking at this list for hours! So many greats from everyone!! I\’ve copied recipes, downloaded music and books for my Kindle and reserved books at my local library! Thank you everyone for sharing your greats with all of us! It has helped so much to lift the sadness I have been feeling. I lost my mom a few months ago and it has been so hard to feel happy about much since then. But reading so many wonderful comments from all of you has made me feel good today and made me feel like I\’ve shared time with friends. I started reading One Thousand Gifts after losing my mom and that has helped me so much to see God\’s love around me. Thanks, Ann, for your beautiful words!!

    • Like Roxanne I have gotten so much from these blogs. I have a list of books that I want to read and recipes to try. Roxanne I am sorry about the loss of your mom. Just remember your mom would not want you to be sad but to celebrate her life. You should live life to the fullest and continue your walk with our Lord.

  1101. I am an extreme lurker, especially when I see there are already 1623 comments and so many ‘famous’ bloggers writing in! But, one of these bloggers (was it Holly Gerth?) encouraged this writer-in-hiding that MY story is important too…so here goes:

    Best Analogy: A sculptor in a pottery village in Hanoi telling us (through a translator) how in his line of work he can’t just have a student to train, he needs a disciple. Sculpting is hard, messy work and takes years to learn. Isn’t this a perfect picture of what disciple of Jesus must be?
    (*This man is CLOSE to entering the kingdom! Pray for him!)

    Best News: From a Brazilian missionary in East Timor–that she had finally seen villagers coming to Christ after 9 years of serving there. The hard ground was broken.

    Best Jeans: Second hand ones I got in a thrift store. Someone had already made them soft and comfortable for me:)

    Best Tea: Korean cinammon tea with wolfberries I had in a Korean restaurant (I think it may be this Gugijacha (구기자차, 枸杞子茶) – made from dried wolfberries?)

    Best Song; Wake Up by All Sons and Daughters. A nice version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03YxgFrDreg

    Best Kids’ CD: Boom Chicka Boom by Colin Buchanan . This guy is one crazy Aussie! He puts scripture to music in the most amazing ways–the kids do. remember.

    Best (most disturbing?) Book: Jia: A Novel of North Korea by Hyejin Kim

  1102. Best thing God orchestrated this year:

    Connecting my family with a family who lived in another state who have since moved to the same city where I live. They are all wonderful and compassionate. I live with severe chronic pain and so does their oldest daughter who is very close in age to me, so the two of us can relate really well. So grateful for a new friendship with this family!

    Best gift God gave me this year:

    That he gave me two days where I was feeling well enough to visit my other friend who also had significant health issues in the hospital before The Lord took her home.

    Best risk I took this year:

    Getting involved with Global Media Outreach, an online ministry of volunteers who work as online missionaries sharing the love of Christ with people who contact us from all around the world.

    Best apps:

    You version Bible and Kindle Buffet (this app shows offerings of free kindle books from amazon)

    Best books:

    Jesus Calling and Jesus Today by Sarah Young, 1,000 gifts, Undaunted by Christine Caine, Anything by Jennie Allen, What Women Fear by Angie Smith, and As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur. ( Most of these I have only partially read or have yet to read but they all sound really good).

    Best Holiday: Thanksgiving

    I know this post is really only meant to be about the best of 2012, but I would be incredibly grateful if anyone reading my post would pray for me. My chronic pain is the most severe it has ever been in 12 years and the doctors are all perplexed and I cannot get the pain under control. At this point, I am almost entirely homebound and dependent on my family members to be my caregivers for many of my most basic needs and I’m 23 years old. I grieving and really depressed about the agonizing pain and the death of my good friend. Right now, I’m struggling physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I thought this would be a good to rehearse some of the blessings God has given me this year again even in the midst of intense hardship and suffering. I would most definitely appreciate any and all prayers for faith, trust, strength, relief, and endurance. I really feel that I need others to “hold up my arms” like the men did for Moses when he grew weary. Thank you so very very much for taking the time to read this and minister to and lift up a complete stranger in prayer!!!

    I hope you all have a wonderful new year and that you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!”

    Thank you Ann for sharing the wisdom and insight God has given you with us and for suggesting that we all share our “Best of 2012.”

  1103. Best time 2012: Sharing Women of Faith conference in Kansas City with sister friend, Renate, who introduced me to Ann, “1000 Gifts” and Eucharisteo. Blessed.

  1104. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? chicken and gnocchi soup
    The best book you couldn’t put down? Unglued
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Never once

  1105. The jeans that fit best? Old Navy Diva skinny jeans – so comfy!

    The tool that worked best? Kindle

    The risk that returned best? starting the adoption process

  1106. I am super late to this party….but didn’t want to miss it. This is one of my “gonna try to’s ” for the New Year….not to be late….as much.

    Best Recipe: Mississippi Roast off Pinterest
    Best (heart changing) Book: 1,000 Gifts
    Best Moment: pulling into Times Square for the 1st time…on a bus of high school choir students, including my daughter! BEST BEST BEST!
    Best Vacation: Padre Island with my family
    Best ‘Ugly Beautiful’ Moment: (can I call it the best? yes!) God stretching me and prying my hands off of my Senior in high school! Ugh! But, oh so beautiful and necessary!

    …And I am off to buy the Devotional Journal….and if I am in the contest to win it….I will give it away to share the blessing!!!

  1107. Best book: Not new, but classics that I love and reading again, for pure enjoyment, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s, Little House Books. I find myself wanting to go back to the things in life that are pure and simple (it happens as you get older).
    Best recipe: Weight Watches Legal Vegetable Soup, hearty, filling and 0 points! : )
    Best Jeans: The ones that are a size smaller than the ones I was wearing at the start of this year.
    Best Discovery: Ann’s book, given to me by a friend, I’m still in the process of reading it (on chapter 8), learning what it means to have Eucharisteo~Thanksgiving, Charis~Grace and Chara~Joy, practicing His Presence by Practicing the discipline of thankfulness.
    Best Memories: Time spent with my three beautiful Grandchildren.

  1108. I missed your “Best List” but really felt led to BEST “The Rest of the Story” by Doug Greenwald, ….because Biblical Context matters. check it out at Preserving Bible Times.org it has been an incredible blessing an eye opener.

    the best quote…”The early christians did not say in distaste “Look what the world has come to, but in delight “Look Who has come to the world!”
    Carl C.C. Henry

    Happy, Hopeful, Holy, wonderful, and Joyous New Year!!

  1109. BEST JEANS: my maternity skinny jeans that pulled me through the whole pregnancy…and I’m still wearing them. 😉

    BEST SONG: How He Loves Us by David Crowder Band – pure worship

  1110. 2012, my husband and I coined as our “Year of Tears”. We lost our 3rd son the day after Christmas in 2011, just over 22 weeks gestation. We were given the chance to hold him and do all the things we do for our other two boys, but had to do it all in just a few short hours. This year was full of many tears, but the things that kept coming back to me were themes from your book, Ann, joy and suffering go hand in hand. Everytime I would experience Thanksgiving, I would find my heart choosing Joy over the pain. I read your book twice through in 2011 and those encouraging words blessed me as I have walked this hard and painful road. Thank you!
    Best Book: “I Will Carry You” by Angie Smith
    Best Devotional: “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
    Best Song: “The Hurt and the Healer” by MercyMe (they got it!)
    Best Recipe: Turkey/Spinach Lasagna (gluten free, dairy free, but by no means free of taste 😉
    Best Clothing item: My white infinity scarf with tiny black polka dots
    Best image of 2012: The release of bright red heart balloons in celebration of our third son and the fun messages my two other boys put on their balloons for their little brother. Watching those balloons sail toward heaven and as they faded from our sights, they made a cross. Jesus is here, carrying us through. Thank you, Jesus!

  1111. Best of 2012:
    Book: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
    CD: Christy Knockels Into The Glorious
    Bible Study: Do You Think I’m Beautiful by Angela Thomas
    Started a bible study for neighborhood ladies

  1112. Best beverage of 2012? God’s gift – cool, clear, cold, clean water. Thankful at our home we get to drink so much of it without having to walk miles each way, worry if it is going to be harmful to our bodies, or be so dirty it grits in our mouths and stains our laundry. Oh the blessing.

  1113. My favorite things of 2012 was the adoption of another son. The graduation of my husband from Bible college. Beginning homeschooling. And watching Gods miraculous healing through surgeons hands for our medically fragile foster son over and over again. And watching faith in God grow in each of our boys’ hearts.

  1114. Ann, thank you so much for telling us all about WONDERSTRUCK: Awaken to the Nearness of God in one of your posts on your site!! I was able to download the digital version on my granddaughter’s Nook and have been devouring since yesterday! What a fantastic book! I posted about it on my own blog, too.

  1115. The best book you couldn’t put down?
    I got a Kindle Fire for an early Christmas/Birthday gift and can’t put down the “Courage Series” Almost done with book 3, I haven’t made time to read like this in years!

    The best laugh?
    Too many to count, my 4 kids are always giving great laughs!

  1116. best recipe – in slow cooker: pork center cut loins, apricot preserves, carrots. Serve over rice with a green.

    best book – Gilead, by Marilynn Robinson

    best idea – buy post-maternity wardrobe at Goodwill without checking sizes, until fitting in pre-maternity clothes

    best thing I didn’t want to do – begin to believe that God really has a greater love for my children than I do

  1117. Best Book: I picked up a book with a pretty cover this summer to read. The pretty cover(bird’s nest) made me think…”poolside, easy, fun, reading”. I closed the book in the first chapter and decided I wasn’t up to this…..yet. We’d had a family member sick all summer and I was looking for happy, lighthearted reading. Ha! Then in November a friend shared this book on facebook and it was a man from my church that I highly respect so I thought I’d better give it another try. I was traveling so bought the CDs. As I was listening, I thought that the reader must really know the right inflection to use, etc. Then after listening to the entire book I looked and saw that it was you…just Ann reading the book. One of the illnesses my loved one was dealing with was agoraphobia so I was very thankful you were transparent with all these things too. I’ve purchased this book for just about everyone I know and got the devotional journal for my girls for Christmas. I’ve started “Undaunted” at your recommendation. Thank you Ann for opening your hands again. It’s changed all of us. Eucharisteo!

    Favorite new friend: I’ve started a relationship with a young girl in prison on sex trafficking charges. My pastor told us “do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone”. So I’ve taken this precious young lady on as one of “my girls”. I care about her and her story and how she ended up in prison and if I had been raised in her family and had done to me the things that were done to her…I’d be in prison too. She needs our love and grace. I sent her your book for Christmas…

    Favorite memory: Standing before the judge with my daughter and her husband and her other 2 kids and saying YES to our foster grandchild becoming forever ours. We were all crying….even the judge. The judge said, “I grant this adoption” and our precious CJ squealed on cue. Tears turned to laughter. God moment for sure.

  1118. Best recipe: Butter Chicken. I kept making it for friends and family. I also made chai every time.

    Best book(s): The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh & The Reunion by Dan Walsh

    Best Risk: Seeing a counselor for the first time ever!

    Best Link: A Holy Experience (I’m so grateful for your book!)

    • I’m so glad you posted “The Language of Flowers”. I bought it for my daughter for Christmas but hadn’t read it. I was hoping to see it listed somewhere in the comments and finally–it is!!

  1119. Best Fiction Book: Hold Up the Sky by Patricia Sprinkle
    Best Habits: 1 – Writing in a journal daily (incorporating activities, thoughts and Ann’s 1000 gifts) and 2 – Backing up my computer on a regular basis !
    Best Jeans (for me!) : Kohl’s Sonoma Life-and-Style Boot Cut
    Best Recipe: Marquette Recipe for Upper Peninsula Pasties – a fun thing my hubby and I make together
    Best personal blessing: Finding a wonderful Christian community of bloggers that God has used to uplift and encourage me through this most difficult of years .

  1120. Best risk: leaving an abusive marriage and moving to be near my older children with no job, and no means of transportation. Although I have depended on God’s provisions before, now it’s TOTAL DEPENDENCE! I have an 8 yr old little boy with ADHD that I homeschool and I am raising my 2 yr old grandson.
    Best Holiday: Christmas 2012 , I fell IN LOVE with Jesus because He did what no man has ever done for me: He did whatever it took to be in a relationship with me. He came from a throne to the “poop” of a stable and my life to pursue me. I have asked Him to be my “husband/lover” and I want him more than anything else!
    Isaiah 54

  1121. Best DVD I watched: 12 Biggest Lies
    Best Televised Church sermon: The Living Truth from The Peoples Church in Toronto
    Best new attitude: Eucharisteo
    Best male author: Mark Buchanan
    Best female writer: Ann Voskamp
    Best prayer partner: Davene
    Best bible study partner: Vanda
    Best electronic gadget: e-Bible
    Best tasting food from our garden: Fresh vine-ripened tomatoes
    Best local entertainment: Spawning salmon being helped over the dam at the Bowmanville creek because the new fish ladder isn’t built yet.
    Best way to connect with family: Telephone and/or Skype
    Best way to encourage faraway facebook friends: Send them words of life.
    Best smell: The fragrance of a wild rose

  1122. I see there are already well over a thousand comments here, but I can I add a few bests to the list?

    Best devotional: Jesus Calling – truly, this is a little book that calls loud and has opened the way to many sweet moments with Jesus.

    Best recipe: I have two–
    – this super simple and delicious pumpkin spice cake (for those with allergies, it’s egg and dairy-free, too!)
    – and homemade baked falafel…not as hard as you might think and so worth the effort!

    Best album: Josh Garrels Love & War & The Sea In Between. Soulful and moving.

    Thanks for letting me join the party!

  1123. Best quote- I would always be in the thick of life, threading its mazes, sharing its strife, yet somehow singing,

  1124. Best recipe – a new Potato Soup cooked all day
    Best song – The Lord’s Prayer
    Best jeans – from Eddie Bauer were actually long enough
    Tool – our daughter gave me a yarn swift and a ball winder for Christmas – we have had a great time winding yarn – but now no excuse to not knit 
    Risk that returned the best – going through Antelope Canyon – a slot canyon and I am extremely CLAUSTROPHOBIC and it was beyond beautiful –
    The best sacrifice was participating in Manna Drops (food giveaways) – six of them this past year

    And the best lipstick would be none – being retired and not having to dress in a suit everyday is wonderful

  1125. Charles Dickens said it best with his opening words of “A Tale of Two Cities” – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….” This describes 2012 for me and my family. The best: birth of my first great-granddaughter, Remi-Marie Elaine, and taking my Mom on a road trip to Minnesota for her 65th high school reunion.
    The worst: Losing four family members within 3 months…..my Dad, then my Mom, then my 23 year old grandson and my cousin.
    The best: 14 people were saved at my grandson’s memorial service, and the knowledge I will be one day reunited with each of these loved ones!

  1126. Best way to live- receive His lovingkindness and share it- Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life

  1127. Best Book: 1000 Gifts– on my 3rd read this year, but besides that “The Circle Maker”
    Best Vacation: Spent 4 days and 3 nights hiking the Inca Trail in Peru with my 18 yr old son and husband. WOW is all I can say.
    Best Gadget– Smartphone with music to skateski with (Ok, I admit I’m behind the times somewhat!)
    Best Gift: Protection of my son from life threatening danger he faced from guys that don’t know our Lord. Thank you Jesus!
    Best Recipe: LEFTOVERS!
    Best Habit: Getting up alone and reading the Bible before my day starts.
    Best Cuppa: Homemade Cafe’ mocha that is much cheaper than Starbucks!
    Best Milestone: A son that graduated high school and started college.

    Thank you Anne, for molding the way I think. Things are much better when looked at in the positive than in the negative. You and your book have been a blessing.

  1128. Favorite Book: Andrew Murray on Prayer, by Andrew Murray (a compilation of books that have taught my soul this year to abide, how to wait, how to pray expectantly in faith, and how to intercede).
    Favorite Jeans: Levi classic comfort fit I buy from JCPenney. Comfy, modest and don’t make me look like I’ve had six kids. 😉
    Favorite Song: ” Jesus I am Resting”, by Tricia Brock–I find great solice in this song when I feel tempted to strive and be anxious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQru8LBQaKY
    Best thing I didn’t want to do: Die to my way, my control, my confidence, my words as a parent, and in “ministry”; watch God produce a harvest of His Spirit—in me and in those around me.

  1129. I can’t wait to look up some of these great books, songs and recipes! I will join in the conversation:
    Best reads of 2012: Studying the life of David in 1and 2 Samuel and the Psalms with Beth Moore and dear sisters at Church. Learning with other moms while reading “The Mom Walk,” by Sally Clarkson.
    Best music: My 15 year old son released his first album of Symphonic music on
    I Tunes. It is now my favorite! Such a blessing to see God use his talent. It is called Legend by Timmy Parsons.
    Best risk: I went back to homeschooling my two youngest kids. Loving the time we have to read together!
    Best memory: A sweet couple days with my wonderful husband near lake Michigan for our anniversary. Thanks to the best grandparents who made it happen.
    Best Recipe: Energy bites
    Best organizing idea: every year I am thankful that all our school supplies are hanging on the back of a door in a clear shoe pocket holder. No more junk drawers!

  1130. Best Christmas gift: Ann Voskamp’s 1,000 gifts DVD set with study guide

    Best Gadget: iPad

    Best Jeans: American Eagle medium dark wash Artist Jeans

    Best Encouragement: Receiving a care package from other believers who don’t know me very well who included notes with all their prayers for me regarding the chronic pain
    I’ve had throughout my body for years.

    Best online Christian chronic pain and illness communities I found: Rest Ministries founded by Lisa Copen and the chronic pain and illness community here on (in)courage led by Karen Knapp

  1131. More to come, but…
    Best books, “1,000 Gifts”…making the “work in progress” of my heart a calmer one! Also loved reading “The Hobbit” with my twin 9 yr old boys…made me love their wild hearts more!

    xo

  1132. Best tool/gizmo: the clarisonic mia… it’s worth the money!
    The best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: dieting… ended up losing 40 pounds!
    The best holiday: Christmas with my family
    The best book: Morning and Evening with Charles Spurgeon… love this devotional!

  1133. Best recipe: A three-way tie between The Pioneer Woman’s Tomato Cream Pasta, a crustless cranberry pie I made for Christmas and crockpot Ranch potatoes.

    Best movie: Lincoln. Instead of focusing on the assassination of the President, the focus was on his character.

    Best drink: Caramel chai latte mix from Trader Joe’s

    Best book: Grace for the Good Girl, by Emily P. Freeman

    Favorite song: My Lover’s Eyes, by Mumford and Sons. Like a velvet love letter.

  1134. I already posted best book … had to come back and post other bests …
    Best recipe: Chicken in the slow cooker using cranberries, orange juice and onion soup mix – YUM!
    Best lipstick shade: Burts Bees “Fig”
    Best jeans: CJ Banks comfort waist … soooooo comfortable!

  1135. The best book: One Thousand Gifts

    The best experience: Learning to give joyful thanks in a very challenging, life in the balance year. Praise be to God! \o/

    The best everything: Christ Jesus, our King, Lord, Shepherd, Savior, Big Brother…….our everything.

    The best look to forward moment: January 12th, 2013 when several sisters in Christ will gather together and fellowship with One Thousand Gifts Study.

  1136. Best Reads – “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp; The Holy Bible; The Nutcracker (with my 5 year old granddaughter); Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George.
    Best Music – Handel’s Messiah; One Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord Oh My Soul) by Matt Redman (sung along withy my grandaughter and my grandson).
    Best Risk – Quitting my job to look after my 3 grandchildren because my daughter was sick.
    Best Memory – Hearing my grandchildren say “I love you Grandma”.
    Best Recipe – Cummin Turkey with Orange, Tomatoe and Avocado Salsa.
    Best Organizing Idea – Plastic Rubbermaid tubs or other clear plastic containers of various sizes for everything.
    Best Habit – Counting it all joy!
    Best Movie – Les Miserable (the movie)
    Best Coffee – Starbucks

  1137. Best memory AND best experience–precious grandson Jack at 1 1/2 remembering who i am after 3 months running into my arms yelling “Nammy, I love you!”

  1138. Best book: COLD COMFORT FARM!! Couldn’t stop reading it. For this book-lover, it was a real treat.

    Best Jeans: Jeggings. I can’t believe that I would admit this, but my sister and I bought each other a pair for our birthdays and we love them. Comfy, stretchy, match everything.

    Best recipe: Salmon baked in cream sauce. Nourished Kitchen blog, which is also my new favorite blog, by the way.

    Best area of growth: learning how to care for my body and my family’s health by eating whole, real, nourishing, traditional foods. It has been a wild ride but has already changed my relationship with food to something that is actually holy.

    Best product: my new internet radio that has cheered up our kitchen life.

    Best thing I didn’t want to do, but did anyway: Supporting my parents while they faced a marriage-shaking situation. Forgiving. Healing. Loving.

  1139. Love this idea…so, here goes.

    Jeans: Gap Flare
    Song: True Believers (Darius Rucker) or anything that my hubby plays on our piano
    Books: The Island and One Thousand Gifts
    Recipe: Amy’s Chicken Pot Pie
    Coffee: Barefoot’s Joe (Union University’s coffeehouse)
    Habit: Cultivating a life of gratitude

    Beyond thankful!

  1140. Best Moment of 2012: In June, Husband runs to me with open arms at the Welcome Home Ceremony after his third deployment to the Middle East.

    Best Christmas Present: Finding out we have a third child on the way!

    Best Books I read this year: Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers

    Best New Gadget: My Keurig!!! 🙂

    Best Reminder: The Birth of Jesus was for the Death of Jesus; and was for me!

  1141. 2012 was a hard year, yet a good year. I had an entire year of dealing with colon cancer. Now, I am cancer free….Praise our Lord Jesus. Being a homeschool mama of 8, it was a challenge. So the best thing ever from this year is the love shown to me and my family.
    The best recipe: Nothing tasted as good as broccoli salad once I could have fresh veggies again.
    The best book you couldn’t put down: Loved reading Lamplighter’s “The Hidden Hand”to my children. Great, great read..
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? We learned “Be Thou My Vision” listening to Alison Kraus on youtube when I could barely move from being so ill. It was great.
    The jeans that fit best? spent most the year in pajama pants :D.
    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? I love using a pizza cutter to cut up pancakes for the munchkins.
    The risk that returned best? To not worry that I got laid off a month before getting cancer and learning to trust God one day at a time…..not looking ahead to what if I don’t make it, how in the world we’d pay bills, how am I going to home school, etc. And Praise God…..we made it because He is truly my provider in every way.

    What was the best habit? Daily Bible reading with the family.

    This was truly my hardest year. But it was also one of the best. I’ve grown so much in the Lord and my family watched the Lord work miracles throughout the year.

  1142. The best habit my husband of 38 years and I cultivated this year was to listen to the Daily Audio Bible. We listened every night before bed and it has been such an amazing blessing to our lives.

  1143. BEST RECIPE: Pastel de frutas.. fruit pay..
    BEST BOOK: I’m stil reading.. “one thousand gifts” also.. my life is stil learning of this way and “Cautivating”
    BEST SONG: beautiful_by_mercy_me
    BEST MOMENT: It was.. stil is a hard year because my heart was broken many times this year..so, the best moment is when I´m in God´s arms even when I cry..
    BEST THING I DIDN´T WANT TO DO: leave the man I love as I want to glorify God in the ways I love.. in purity..
    BEST LINK: Ann Voskamp and People of the second chance

  1144. Best gifts of 2012:
    -Seeing our son, Adam, adopted, loved, and surpass all medical expectations and predictions and see a beautiful community of people come around us in every way imaginable. Jehovah Jireh rang true the whole year thru. Adam’s life has confronted my husband’s and my lives daily with the Gospel- us adopted from such unsearchable depths of filth…redeemed and named- and then seeing his life, thru adoption transform us and so many others.
    -tied with the birth of our second son, Elliot Justice, in September. He was so unexpected but has brought my more joy and peace than I could have ever hoped for.
    We write a bit about it all here:
    http://www.babyadamsjourney.com/

  1145. Best Surprise: Learning to love my son’s kindergarten teacher and surviving the shift from homeschooling to public schooling

    Best Sacrifice: Giving up my time to work with the refugees in ESL class.

    It has been a good year where He has been with me every step of the way.

  1146. In this, the hardest year of my life, I have learned the most about thankfulness.
    In November of 2011 our oldest son, 22 years old, went missing — in April of this year we got a call from the police saying that they had found his body — he had taken his own life. In the months of not knowing, and the months after finding out, the *best* thing was experiencing the grace and the faithfulness of God that I had always talked about but never really knew so deeply as I have now known.
    In January of 2011 God began preparing me for what was to come by placing in my hands the *best* book I read that year — 1000 Gifts — teaching me about gratitude not only when God gives, but also when He takes away. I would also put it at the top of my reading list for this year as well, as I have picked it up and re-read portions of it throughout these months since burying our son. I am grateful for God’s work through Ann Voskamp and her blog and book. I bought 10 copies of the gift book this year and gave them away to various friends.
    The *best* experience was the unconditional love, acceptance, grace, provision of needs, and emotional support that we were overwhelmingly given by our brothers and sisters in Christ who surrounded us during our darkest days of walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and who have continued to just be a shoulder to cry on and prayer warriors on our behalf.
    JOY has come in the most unexpected ways this year. . . .
    CHRIST has become more real to me than I ever imagined He could.
    *Best* song(s): It Is Well With My Soul, and I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin — both sung at my son’s memorial service.
    The *best* gift: a letter from my son’s mentor assuring us of our son’s authentic faith in Christ with pictures from his baptism in the river, thereby giving us the hope of reunion and the knowledge of his resting in the arms of Jesus.
    Our family has seen God work in amazing ways this year — how can we not be thankful?
    *Best* devotional that has been spot-on so many times: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
    *Best* blog: Heavenward by Scotty Smith, where he posts a gospel-saturated prayer every day that has taught me so much about how to pray. http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/
    *Best* risk: inviting a stranger I met at a gardening workshop to my house for lunch — she has since become a dear friend who is also a sister in Christ! I had no idea when I invited her that she was a Believer — wonderful grace of God…. :o)
    I could go on, but I’ll stop there for now…….
    Thanks for this opportunity!!

  1147. Best Music: Clear the Stage, Jimmy Needham

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6smGew7dGto

    Best Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies!

    http://kelseysappleaday.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-ever-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

    Best Book: One Thousand Gifts.

    Best Adventure: Getting married to a man of God and learning how to be a pastor’s wife!

    Best Job: Being a 6th grade teacher.

    Best Dog: Murphy (mostly Australian Shepherd a girlV).

    Best Computer: MacBook Pro

    Best Challenge: Getting married to a man of God and learning how to be a pastor’s wife!

    Best Skirts: Ann Taylor LOFT

    Best Buy: Ipad mini for my husband after he gave his Christmas money away (God gave the blessing of an extra check the day he told me the money was in gift cards for other pastors at church)

    Best Memory: Our honeymoon in Colorado Springs -evacuated before we got to our cabin, most popular attractions closed due to fire. Finding a place every night, seeing grandparents married over 60 years, being creative and seeking out hidden wonders. Laughing together, solving problems together, marveling in God’s creation together. Safety. Seeing a bear 15 feet away and scrambling up the other side of the stream after he disappeared. Irony. Being rained out of the chair lift at the zoo while we watched the fire blaze away in the distance. Blessing. Being out of reach of the destruction, knowing God was in control.

    Best new tradition: Buying a postcard instead of a souvenir. Writing a memory on the back and putting it in a box for later reminiscing.

    Best Accessory: Scarves.

    Best Sport: Hockey. You can even go to watch a cute ref (as long as the tall one in black and white is your husband).

    Best Lesson: Remember that Christian “rights” are not earthly, but heavenly. Don’t EXPECT.

    Best Quote: How could you be so greedy with something I want so very much for myself? (Inside joke with Ezra Byer, aka, my husband 🙂

    Best Gift: Forgiveness. Unconditional love. Grace, and learning more of it.

    Best DVD series: Sue Thomas, FB (eye)

    Excited about the New Year and everything God has in store for me! Hoping the lessons I learned in 2012 will be built upon, not relearned!

  1148. Love “best of” lists! 🙂
    Best 2012 Recipe: GF Chocolate Torte from Williams-Sonoma recipes
    Best Song: Beautiful Things by Gungor
    Best Gadget/Tool: iPhone
    Best book: Love Does by Bob Goff
    Best Twitter/Facebook feed: Bob Goff
    Best jeans: Tommy Hilfiger Berry-colored Skinny Jeans (pricey but worth it! 🙂
    Best hard thing to do: ask someone to be my prayer partner when I didn’t know anyone that well
    Best moment of 2012: surviving a house fire Christmas night (just days ago). Wow. Yes. And amen. God was SO gracious, so generous, so merciful…time to gather the dearest things and then fire was put out before much was consumed/damaged. Amazing, really. Isn’t that just like Him…do the unexpected with the circumstance and the outcome? 😉 Yes, the best moment of the year.
    Best habit: creating word art every day
    Best beauty tip: white highlighter on enter eyelids, top of brow lid & top of nose 🙂
    Best fashion-for-a-cause site: Sevenly
    Best thought: “Let faithfulness and love never leave you.”
    Best tradition: singing a lullaby to my little each night
    Best blessing: experiencing loss and becoming a richer person because of it

    Thank you for having this fun “best of” list. Blessings on all y’all!

  1149. This has been the best year of my entire life, and I’m 59.
    Best moment – sitting in a park in La Paz Bolivia teaching a young woman how to hear from God.
    Best book – The Deep Things of God by Norman Grubb – need is the evidence of supply. In every need I have, it’s so I can look to Jesus, who ALREADY has the supply.
    Best Blog – Ann Voskamp – thank you so much
    Best grandkids – all 11 of them:)
    Best experiment – doing my hair with Jesus. For a month, I talked with Jesus as I did my hair – about my hair – as if my best friend was standing there. I’m learning to bring Jesus into all my days, hours, minutes , seconds. I no longer stress (really) about my hair.
    Best question – God, what do you want me to know about this?

  1150. I never participate in these, but I have to take this opportunity to say Ann’s book, One Thousand Gifts was truly life changing. I’ve given ten copies away as gifts and will continue to do so. Thank you Ann!

    The best audio book was by far Focus on the Family’s Screwtape Letters. Truly engaging!

    Best Christmas present, one of our Jr. leaders in Good News Club accepted Christ before Christmas break.

    It has been a most blessed year!

  1151. Okay – I have come back to finish my list of the BESTS…. These have actually been the most difficult and challenging for me this year …
    ~ RISK THAT RETURNED THE BEST: Stopped trying to “fix” things that weren’t mine to fix…..Followed God’s direction and “got out of the way” so that He could deal with my husband.
    ~ THING YOU DIDN’T WANT TO DO – BUT DID ANYWAY: (continuation of the RISK above) …Ended my marriage of 28 years (the last 15 of which were toxic and filled with abuse)….. and because it was the right thing to do. Sometimes because you love someone so much you have to make those hard choices – because they are the right choices – because it is best for everyone. this was the HARDEST thing I have ever done in my life… but God has been with me every step of the way.. I am so in awe of how He has taken care of me and my son.. so very thankful!
    ~ SACRIFICE: see the two listed above … and as a result I have felt like I have been through the “firey furnace” and the Lord was with me through it all and is still with me… this journey isn’t over but the Lord is with me. Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!
    ~ LIVING: see the three listed above. My home is now a sanctuary, although very modest, it is a place of peace for me and my son, where the presence of God is.
    ~ LAUGH: see the four listed above …. my son and I can relax in our safe, sanctuary. we can smile again, we can laugh again.
    ~ HABIT: striving to practice eucharisteo always! Being intentional about this always! Protecting the experience of eucharisteo always! Giving thanks to God for this always!

    Ann … your book came to me at a point in my journey … a journey for JOY which I had been seeking for the past 5 years… a journey that God had been leading me on each step of the way. Your book was the miracle that brought all the pieces together for me, that helped me see. I can’t begin to tell you just how much your book has ministered to me… was used of God to give me just what was needed. Your and your family are in our prayers daily. Our prayer for you is that no matter how many want a ‘piece of you’ …. no matter how much you give of yourself … your well will never run dry… there will always be enough (Luke 6:38)

    God Bless You Ann!
    Dennise

  1152. This is a first for me, don’t quite know if I just jump in, but the comments are wonderful. I now have a whole lists of books. Two best books, of course “One Thousand Gifts” has been a life changer and that is not stretching any truth. I have gifted this book over and over. 2nd best came thru experience. I sent “The Butterfly Effect ”
    to a soldier from our church last year for Christmas. Told him how it was best shared with others. When he returned he came and re-gifted the book back to me. The book was filled with signatures of soldiers who had read it and past it on, some who are no longer with us. He than shared a really tough but beautiful story with me, of how it had affected his life there in Afghanistan. The tears poured heavy. A book I will always cherish.
    Best song, “10,000 Reasons” just want to worship and praise.
    Best recipe, someone mentioned earlier the Cheeseburger soup, a standard for me now, and at church socials. Great recipe!
    Favorite blog “A Holy Experience” Ann, please don’t stop writing!

  1153. I was blessed to be able to introduce your idea of starting a list of 1000 things we are thankful for to several women in 2012. Each of them came with disappointments in their lives and seeking solace. Often times with some of them I cried, but then I shared how God has blessed us and asked them to start their own lists when feelings of disappointment surfaced. I’m glad to say several have come to me saying they are still keeping their lists and journaling their prayers and watching for God’s answers. Hallelujah!

  1154. Best God Inspired Moment of Grace in 2012 ~ In June, I stood outside the door of a little church and answered my phone. It was my husband. He was calling to tell me he prayed about my request and he had an answer. He gave me the name God had given him ~ Grace. It would be the middle name of our unborn child ~ a child we never gave a chance, because like David, we covered sin. And this year, there was a memorial. For parents and their unborn children. For women, like me, who were forgiven and set free. And I entered that church and honored our first child. Her first name, given to me from God, is Eva. Life. Living one. She lives and I live because of God’s grace and nothing else.

    • Oh Melissa that took such courage to accept forgiveness, and then to post this. Blessings and hugs to you.

  1155. Best ever jeans = Gloria Vanderbilt “Amanda” jeans are the very bomb for “mature figures”! They go up to your waist or just barely below it and do not have huge legs so they are slimming, comfortable, don’t fall down at the end of the day. I get mine at Costco and Kohl’s.

  1156. Favorite book: 1000 Gifts–recommended by a friend who “heard” my longing for something more in a facebook post. I have given it as gifts, wish I had more money to give more, and I am reading it for the second time. Looking for JOY in so many places and looking for the word ‘joy” in the Word every day when I read it. Remarkable how often it shows up and how little I noticed it before. Best recipe–maybe not the best but the I use it a lot–teriyaki chicken for the crockpot–nothing fancy, but it it easy and tastes good–especially after a long day and I haven’t had to work hard to get supper on the table. I don’t have favorite jeans, but I am very thankful that I still fit in the same jean size I have been wearing for the past four years after losing 40 pounds. Thankful for beginning a weekly Bible Study Fellowship group with other women–so excited about growing in the Lord in 2013. Thankful for my dear husband and two grown children whom I love with all my heart and more. Praising the Lord for all His blessings.

  1157. Best book – Jesus Calling – a daily devotional. I have given it away to several friends. Every day seems like it is meant just for me.
    Best Healthy Change – Weight Watchers – I finally started losing weight the right way!
    I know there are more bests, but can’t think of them. I know by reading all of these blogs and incourage, I have become a better person. I appreciate the encouragement and tips. I know I will be even better this year!

  1158. Best things 2012…
    Best habit: memorizing Colossians this year…took me through a move to a new state, new church, and new jobs for my husband and I. I reviewed my verses on walks during lunch and was amazed how God used those direct words to speak so much into my life (read, thankfulness!)
    Best thing: spending the year pregnant and giving birth to our baby girl on December 3rd. And yes, being pregnant was amazing–I was astounded half the time of what was going on in my body. Crazy amazing. Now I am very tired (and happy) with a newborn for our Christmas gift. God is good. 🙂

  1159. Best book: Definitely 1000 Gifts! (Really!)
    Best music: Mumford and Sons
    Best Chocolate: Lindt Truffles–can’t resist them!
    Best TV show: Once Upon a Time
    Best football team: Denver Broncos (:
    Best new hobby: loom knitting
    Best Gadget: iPhone!
    Best Movie: The Hobbit
    Best trip: a weekend to San Francisco to visit a high school friend
    Best new social media: Pinterest
    Best new gadget: Keurig
    Best blessing: My sweet friend surviving breast cancer
    Thanks! It was fun to think over the past year and all the ways that God has blessed!

  1160. The best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Ham and Northern Bean soup – delish!

    The best book you couldn’t put down? Chronicles of Downton Abbey – such a treasure for the eyes!

    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Beautiful Things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ4yNYY1hHM

    The jeans that fit best? (It’s paramount never to wear pants that hurt…) Jean leggings! And I found an old pair of Old Navy Jeans in the back of the closet that now fit again. Sweet!

    The tool/gizmo/idea that worked best? (It’s true: One good idea in hand is worth two good friends knowing about it too!) Love The Cinch! Great binding tool.

    The risk that returned best? (It’s why angels always say it first: “Do not be afraid.” You never start living until you stop fearing.)

    Closing a door for someone so that they could walk down a path that would be best for them. Such a risk for me to lose the talent they provided but opening a door for myself too and allowing another person to come in and bring their gifts and talents to the ministry.

    The best link of 2102? http://anextraordinaryday.net
    Lovely posts about making a warm and wonderful godly home.

    The best laugh?
    Tim Hawkins cracks me up. But laughing with my husband is the best. We are often tearing up!

    The best living?
    The fullness of love that has come into our home with the addition of our first grand baby, Ann Elizabeth and a new daughter-in-love, Angie!

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? (Happiness comes to them who pursue hard things.)
    I gave myself permission to stop doing things that I thought had value in exchange for things that did and created better balance in my life.

    What was the best habit?
    Getting off of sugar, dairy, & wheat in order to get healthy! Best thing I did for myself.

    The best holiday?
    Christmas – the house was full – new family members were added and we had a beautiful morning. We spent 4 hours opening gifts and taking the time to share openly about our love for each other and expressing God’s blessings in our lives. Truly sweet!

    The best gift?
    Being given the gift of being a grandma and a mother to boys all grown up. The nest if officially empty this month.

    The best sacrifice? (The best way to have more is to give more…)
    Creating margin in my life to be completely present for some big events in the life of our family. Turning off the ministry hat to just be a wife, mother, and grandma. I had to allow others around me do all my work. Very hard to release it all but my family was given a gift through this. God blessed me greatly by doing this out of obedience and joy!

    And wave your friends in here too — the more we share, the more joy we all give each other.
    I have some of the most faithful friends. They have stood by me for over 30 years. Love the HOP girls!

    So… what was the Best of Everything 2012?
    Seeing God work in my life and grow me and stretch me . Finding my identity in Him this year has been overwhelming and a truly beautiful thing. Having my husband walk through this all with me has been an amazing experience. I could not have done this without firm and faithful handhold!

  1161. Best trip: Costa Rica on mission trip
    Best risk: Trying to knit my first sweater
    Best movie: Les Miserables
    Best TV show: Heartland
    Best new toy: iPhone
    Best jeans: Still haven’t found them yet…
    Best recipe: Pepperoni calzones
    Best Christmas tradition: carol singing around the piano

  1162. Best recipe I couldn’t not make again: MEATBALLS! http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-meatballs-youll-ever-have.html
    Best song: 10,000 reasons/Matt Redman….mmm, praise the Lord O my soul
    Best christmas song: Born is the King (It’s Christmas)/Hillsong United
    Best book: The Bible – so thankful for BSF and accountability to study
    Best gift: brand new niece, i love you Pippy girl!
    Best memory: 1st family vacation and plane ride with my hubby and sons
    Best jeans: AE jeggings in gray. Cute with boots or flats.

  1163. Best Songs: 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman, Lord I Need You by Chris Tomlin, The Hurt and the Healer by Mercyme, Before the Morning by Josh Wilson, Our God Is Coming by Desperation Band ( really their whole album called Center of It All is so good), and any of Meredith Andrews music. I have so many more songs I love too!

    Best New Discoveries: Ann’s blog A Holy Experience, (in) courage, Christine Caine’s blog and podcast, and the Girlfriends in God website.

    Best Devotionals: Jesus Calling and Jesus Today by Sarah Young, Streams in the Desert, Grace Notes by Philip Yancey, and the online Girlfriends in God Devotionals.

    Best Gift Given: A small financial gift to an organization that combats human trafficking around the world called International Justice Mission (IJM). Although my personal gift was small, when combined with thousands of other college students, the total amount raised at one event for several organizations that fight human trafficking totaled over 3 million dollars! This is a cause that my heart is deeply burdened for and it was incredibly awesome and exciting to see God provide so substantially in this way and to have a tiny part in it!!!

    Best Recommended Resource about the status of global evangelism and missions: http://www.joshuaproject.org. This amazing website contains a large amount of valuable data about people groups who have few believers and minimal exposure to the Gospel and those groups who are unreached by the Gospel and Christianity altogether. My father works for this ministry, so I just couldn’t resist mentioning it 🙂 Also, I believe it is crucial to spread the word about Joshua Project to as many Christians as possible so people can become more educated in this area, use the excellent resources and information available here to further God’s Kingdom and fulfill the Great Commission in addition to learning how to pray more specifically and effectively for the lost. I highly, highly encourage any and all to check it out!

  1164. he best recipe you couldn’t not make again? Salsa Verde Scrimp over baked rice. Yum
    The best book you couldn’t put down? It was a Series of books – The Zion Covenant by Bodie and Brock Thoene. Loved them and am now ordering the Zion Chronicles.
    The best song that you just couldn’t get out of your head? Wake up Dancing by Gordon Mote.

    The jeans that fit best? Lee Women’s Slender Secret 5 Pocket Boot-cut Jean

    The best link of 2102? Spark People

    The best laugh? Anytime I can laugh with my husband.

    The best thing you didn’t want to do — but you did anyway? Forgive someone who really hurt me.

    Marilyn (Sunny)

  1165. Wow, 2012 was a year of change, best things,
    We sold a relatively “big” house and moved into a small rental! Best thing is no more big mortgage and less responsibility, more time for family and peace.
    Both of my children were married so I gained two “children” in one year1 ( A 31 year old and a 25 year old!)
    That came with the bonus of two grandchildren, 5 and 3!
    Best jeans; GAP curvy flare.
    Best gadget: i phone…no doubt.

  1166. THE Best:
    Entertainment: grandchildren singing and dancing not just at their uncle’s wedding, but every time music is played! And their sharing stories with me! I love being their audience and sometimes their partner or director.

    Book: Love to read so this is hard. I did love reading my poetry out loud to record it for my Mom who is having difficulty reading with her poor eyesight.

    Song/CD: the Journey by Tammy Shay. This is her debut album. Haunting and beautiful touches the deepest part of the hearer. Love the song “Oh How I Love Your Law.”

    Recipe: giving my daughters the privilege of cooking Thanksgiving dinner…I only brought pies. :o)

    Best experience was learning to give thanks in the tough times. Making new friends and reaching out to ones that have been missing in my life.

    Best decision about my hair was to let it grow out just a little. Not too long, not so short.

    I was thrilled when I had opportunity to share through writing, speaking, or conversing. God has blessed me!

    Oh, BTW, I have the BEST husband! He has been patient and opened up his heart in a deeper place this past year!

  1167. The best risk? Saying yes to adopting a 2.5 year old and not waiting another few years for a “baby.” We got the best baby! God knew just what our family needed!

    Best time spent? Teaching my 4 yo how to read!

    Best thing I stay appreciative of? My hubby who pours himself out for us all.

  1168. The best thing I did this year was start my blog.
    The second best thing was to join the Nester’s 31 Days series and post every. single. day. after my laptop crashed and was being worked on…out of state…for a few months.

  1169. The best vacation my husband and I took together was to Grand Caymen…just the two of us for a week. No special reason, like an anniversary. Just because.

    The best thing I did, but didn’t want to do was sign on to be my eldest son’s Webelos Den Leader. Am cherishing this time with him!

    The best time we had as a family was watching our two girls make their stage debut in How the Grinch Stole Christmas at our local children’s theatre. I think we’ve found their niche!

    The best moments have been watching my youngest boy learn to do so much on his own…getting dressed, making his bed, etc. It’s hard to see him grow up before my eyes, but oh so wonderful! And his beaming face is priceless!

    The best new Christmas tradition we started was our Shepherd’s Pouches…doing acts of love and service for each other and those around us to earn money to buy bed nets and chickens through World Vision’s gift program. And then? My children all said, “Let’s keep doing this all year!”–So, we will!

  1170. Best song: A Living Prayer, Alison Krauss
    Best game: Apples to Apples. Funny, effortless, simple
    Best book: Jane Eyre, finally read. “One Thousand Gifts” more memorable, but had to put down frequently to chew on and savor.
    Best risk: pushing my son to play drums
    Best hard task: waiting and pondering “the answer” rather than rushing to action
    Best moment of living: quiet walk by myself around a favorite lake while camping with family

  1171. Best thing my new sister in Christ Anna
    Best book – Does this Church Make Me Look Fat?
    Best new Christmas Tradition A church service in a barn no candles just flashlights sitting on hay bales.

  1172. Just got a copy of your book……already started it…..what a powerful “1st chapter”
    whew…..!!!!!

  1173. Best Song – Great I Am – New Life Worship (be ready to get on your knees, cry, worship and raise your hands!)

    Best Book – Knowing God JI Packer; one i need to read every year

    Best New Recipe – Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Best Challenge – hosting 2 international students this year. one is from China and one is from Korea. praying for their salvation. love having them with us. the challenge is their being seniors in HS and my having a 3 year old. lol

    Best Movie – not sure. with a 3 year old I don’t get out much. i did see the Hobbit though and really liked it:).

  1174. For 2012
    Best risk: tutoring my next door nephew and niece (whatever you give, you gain)

    Best memory: teaching my 4 yo nephew to read

    Best music: my husband playing Brooklyn Tabernacle songs on piano/anything my kids are learning for praise and worship

    Best Book: Bible (God is faithful to give answers); (longest read) Les Miserables; (just discovered fiction) Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilts series; (most re-reads) Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman (b/c I’m organizationally challenged); (practically useful on regular basis) Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks; (most life-altering) One Thousand Gifts (but read this the last two years and need to get more copies; I can’t keep one!)

    Best Recipe: Rachel Ray’s Portuguese soup w/ kale; Gwyneth Paltrow’s Fried Green Rice (w/ kale)

    Best habit: encouraging my sister/having more hospitality

    Best holiday/vacation: surprise trip to Destin (one of our honeymoon locations) after seeing naval air show in Pensacola…in November! She-crab soup from The Crab Trap (original location) was incredible.

    Best Gift: my 7yo son’s salvation a few days after his birthday!

    Best Thought I never want to forget: Eucharisteo

    Best thing I didn’t want to do but did anyway: giving up activities I enjoyed that consumed precious time with my kids

    Best blog: Ann Voskamp’s A Holy Experience

    Best laugh: daily with my kids

    Best gadget: Kindle

    Best computer: MacBook Pro

  1175. Wow- this is fun! I’m only on comment 200+, but am having so much fun reading everybody’s “bests” and getting ideas. Clicking on links is fun too, meeting new “sisters” through their blogs… It’s like a Christian “Favorite Things” party, and my soul is bursting with gratitude, thinking about my own blessed 2012, and God’s evident, always-present grace. Isn’t Heaven going to be the greatest with all of us together?!

  1176. I’ll immediately grab your rss feed as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

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