Our (double) Winner Wednesday today is Ann Voskamp of Holy Experience. She won Best Inspirational Blog in 2005 and Best ‘Live-What-You-Believe’ in 2007. If you have never been to Ann’s blog, you are in for a real treat the first time. Her words are magical. Be prepared to stay a while and savor her posts.

“moon rising over farm fields… another day for Your glory by Your grace”

Tell us a little about your family.
[Ann] I am married to that Dutch boy who made my stomach go flip-flop in grade nine math, and whose Mama taught me of Jesus in Good News Bible Club. I still pinch myself that God graced me with that boy as a husband! Gift for the undeserved! And He has multiplied grace with our six exuberant, curious children: two boys (12,10), a girl (8), two boys (6,4), a girl (2).

You were the originator of the 1000 Gifts List, could you please tell us more about this and your inspiration behind the idea.
[Ann] My name means “Full of Grace.” And, frankly, I haven’t been. Instead of brimming with gratitude for His grace, its true: I have been critical–of self, of the world, of family, of God–everything. I’ve been a critic. Been one of unclean lips–demanding, dissatisfied, fault-finding lips. It was part, I am embarrassed to admit I thought this, of pursuing perfection (holiness?) –in me, these kids, our lives. The 1000 Gift List began as a way of becoming present to His Presence and steadfast, overwhelming love, of intentionally choosing to see the giving heart of God in ordinary life. It was about repenting of being an ingrate and deciding to take seriously His command to give thanks in all things–to thank God specifically and in detail. Its an idea that resonated with other bloggers and caught. It isn’t much, really, but it really is: The Gift List is about cultivating the soil of gratitude in the center of everyday living, it is about waking up to wonder and writing down the gifts, a thousand, (more!) from God’s hand.I’ve found the way into God’s presence begins, simply, with gratitude. “Enter in His courts with thanksgiving…” And yet, it hasn’t been so simple. It can be hard, in the midst, in the vortex of pain, suffering, soul-soreness, to see that all is gift, all is grace, all is God. The 1000 Gifts List has been about moving that theological knowledge down from the cerebellum into lips, feet, hands, to an everyday, transformative perspective. Not to mention that a daily gratitude journal has been found to measurably increase our happiness by 25%! And who doesn’t need to walk in more joy? Even if chronically ill, jotting down His gifts makes us feel happier, more optimistic, sleep better and feel more connected to others, facts confirmed in recent scientific research. Personally, I want–need– joy. And at His right hand, where we are when we are giving thanks, are His joys evermore. Committing to the act of writing down the gifts, (could I record a 1000?), and begin hopefully the genesis of a life-long habit. I have stumbled into transformation. (And, oh yes, did I need it!)

(May I enthuse further?) Letting even just 15 minutes per day “overflow with gratitude” (Col. 2:7) scientifically reduces the stress hormone cortisol (and as a homeschool mama, I think I have a bit much of this one flooding through these veins a few times a day!), and calm neurological and endocrine systems (And, oh, do I need that too!) Yes, as a still-recovering-complainer, I confess: I am passionate about gratitude and wholeheartedly concur with J.I. Packer: “…the true driving force in authentic Christian living is, and ever must be…the heart of gratitude.” Simply, we were made to give thanks and glorify Him. And I am learning: our bodies, lives and souls work best when we are giving Thanks.

I would like to invite you all to read more about the genesis of 1000 gift list…. and join the ongoing journey!

Tell us more about your farm and what crops you and your family harvest.
[Ann] God has given us six hundred acres in Canada to steward and work. We plant a rotation of corn, wheat and soybeans, and take care of six hundred and fifty mama sows, raising up litters of piglets. We are both 5th-7th generation farmers. It’s a quiet, (and sometimes crazy!) life. It’s what we know. We are grateful.

What led to your decision to start blogging?
[Ann] Just over three years ago now, I simply wanted an out-of-the way place to scratch down His story on the pages of our lives, a listening place to hear what He speaks into our very common days, making these sometimes frayed and tattered days, hallowed and holy, not because of anything we DO, but because *He* is here….

Who was the first blog you read online?
[Ann] I am not sure… but I think the thoughtful Cindy from Dominionfamily.com — we had been part of a small e-homeschooling support group, and someone passed on her blog address.

Can we see a photo of your desk where you blog?

[Ann] The little corner where I scratch it down. (I write on a Neo Alphasmart, then upload to the main PC.) Hanging on the wall is a quilt stitched by my Mama of continents and oceans–because His glorious globe and geography fascinates me.

And the far wall quilt was stitched by my Grandma, reminding me to live well and love long: our time on this earth is short and eternity is forever.

What is your favorite topic to blog about?
[Ann] I think more than what we teach our children, it matters most who we are. And for me, that is deeply unnerving. I fall so short. (and then to remember His torrent of daily gifts: I, even I, am loved!) It’s not about what books or curriculum we read and implement. But what words, actions, thoughts flow from the essence of who we are. For that is what we are *really* teaching. And that is what rivets me, what I blog about, what I spend a lot of time reflecting on: soul stuff. Core stuff.

What do you love most about the homeschooling lifestyle?
[Ann] Where two or three are gathered, there He is also. What I love most about the homeschooling lifestyle is that we are all together, in all our glorious mess, day in and day out. We are not time-torn or fragmented. We are gathered. There is no dichotomy between God and secular: we are making a one-piece life. We are real, transparent, and growing –sometimes painfully– with each other, season upon season, and God is in the center, bathing us sin-scraped ones with His Grace. That’s rich.

Thanks Ann! I enjoyed getting a little glimpse into your life and blog that might not have come about without direct questions. Your writing is so beautiful. Thank you for your golden contribution to the homeschool blogosphere. I hope you’ll continue blogging for many years to come. Be sure to check out Ann’s columns at Christian Women Online as well.Join us next Wednesday as we continue our series - learning about the inner workings of the HSBA winners’ blogs and more about their lives away from the computer desk.Love in Him,