Podcasts about gratitude challenge

Have you ever been desperate?  Desperate not from someone else's doing, but because of your own.  This is Samson in Judges Chapter 16.  His unnatural strength from God led to a life of getting what he wanted, when he wanted it.  Ultimately, Samson's wanting of women that were not his wife led to his desperate situation.  Which brings us back to our own desperation stories.  Stories of desperation that lead us back to God - back to God to be restored in body and soul.  Even in our sin, in our own mistakes, God will not leave us forsake us.  His Spirit remains in us to help us in our weakness.  “He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”  Intercedes and restores us with grace won for us on the cross.  Yes, we too are too cry out to the Lord in our weakness and He will make us whole again.   Judges 16:4-9; 15-22; 28-30

Pastor Dustin explained that gratitude is far more than a feeling or a seasonal practice—it's a way of life that has the power to reshape how we see everything. When we fix our attention on what God has given us, complaining becomes harder and our hearts begin to shift. The 25 Days of Gratitude Challenge was designed not as a short-term exercise, but as a catalyst for lasting transformation. Changing our patterns is difficult, but it's essential if we want to live in the fullness God intends.Just as understanding flight changes the way we see airplanes, encountering Christ changes the way we see our entire lives. Paul experienced this firsthand. Once a Pharisee who valued status and outward achievement, his meeting with Jesus completely reframed his perspective. Writing to a culture obsessed with honor and appearance, Paul reminded the church in Corinth—and us—that Christ came in humility and suffering, not worldly glory.Before Christ, we tend to see our time, talents, and treasures as ours alone. But in Christ, everything becomes a gift to steward. Our time is entrusted to us, our abilities are on loan from God, and our resources become tools for His kingdom. Stories from people in our own church, like Roger and Jason, show how talents and resources can be used to serve others and give glory to God.This matters because we are called to be Christ's ambassadors—people who carry His message to a world longing for hope. We don't save anyone; only Christ does. But we are invited to stand in the gap, pointing others back to Him. Generosity, then, isn't simply an obligation. It's a privilege and a sign of spiritual maturity.For believers, the invitation is to open our hands and grow in generosity and sanctification. And for those who don't yet know Christ, the call is to stop searching for peace and belonging apart from Him, and find it in the One who became sin for us so that we might be made right with God.[00:00] - Welcome[00:24] - The Challenge of Gratitude[01:23] - Changing Patterns and Life Transitions[02:22] - Questions About Flight and Learning[03:58] - Discovering How Things Really Work[05:42] - Paul's Transformation and the Gospel[07:17] - How to Read and Understand Scripture[09:00] - Paul's Background and Hypocrisy[11:04] - Corinth: Wealth, Honor, and Culture[12:20] - False Teachers and True Apostleship[13:44] - The Way Things Were: Old Perspective[16:24] - The Way Things Are Now: New Life[18:54] - Stories of Stewardship in the Church[22:36] - Treasures and Generosity[23:25] - Why the Change Matters[24:00] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation[27:06] - The Bobsled Analogy: God's Equipping[32:39] - Challenges for Believers[35:56] - Invitation to Non-Believers[39:29] - Prayer, Response, and Generosity Opportunity[40:47] - Closing and Sending Forth

This week we see how gratitude isn't just for the good days. In Philippians 1, Paul writes with joy and thanksgiving, not from comfort, but from prison. He shows us that joy isn't about how life is going for us, but about how the Gospel keeps moving forward through us. We see that when we look through the eyes of the Spirit, even hardship becomes a place where Jesus is at work.   Genesis 50:15-21 Philippians 1:3-19 Matthew 5:1-16

What if cultivating joy in your homeschool could be as simple as saying "good morning" with intention or creating one silly family tradition? In this conversation with Amber Smith (mom of 10!), we're exploring how gratitude practices transform not just your homeschool, but your relationships with your kids and your ability to handle the overwhelming seasons.From speaking life over a strong-willed child to filling your own tank when you feel depleted, Amber shares honest, practical wisdom that will help you step back and see the beautiful life you're actually building.In this episode:✅How cultivating joy through simple habits like "good morning" changes your family atmosphere✅The power of speaking life over difficult children instead of defeat✅Why remembering where you've come from creates gratitude in overwhelming seasons✅Practical gift-giving traditions that build thankfulness (including a hilarious "most beautiful of women" story!)✅How to find community and fill your tank when you're running on emptyReady to practice gratitude with your family? Grab the FREE 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge hyperlink mentioned in this episode and join hundreds of families starting November 1st!Recommended Resources:30 Days of Gratitude ChallengeGrand Prize GiveawayThe Six Keys to Your Successful Homeschool Year: Self-paced Course & Guided Journal. Book available on AmazonIn Due Season CoursesAmber Smith Amber Smith and her chef husband of 28 years raised ten wild children in southern Iowa. Her desire to help homeschool parents avoid burnout and build their best lives with strong relationships led her to start blogging at 200 Fingers & Toes. That is where you can find the latest articles, product reviews, and new In Due Season Homeschool Podcast episodes.Show Notes:Why Gratitude Can Give You PeaceWe are talking about a topic that I really think can slow you down and move you to a little bit of peace and joy, and a chance to maybe take that coffee break, or a bathroom break, or whatever you need to just get some peace. We are talking about gratitude today.My friend Amber Smith is here, and she's gonna be able to just bless you in your homeschool and in your family.Amber: I really enjoy getting to share with you and connect with the audience, and I'm looking forward to this 30 Days of Gratitude. I feel like it's such a good and important season to remind moms to just kind of step back and evaluate and assess kind of where we're at, and bring back an attitude of gratitude so we can kind of go forward into the holiday season realigned.Y'all, I'm gonna tell you right now, if Amber can focus on gratitude, and she has 10 kids, she calls herself 200 Fingers and Toes, then any homeschool family, any family at all, can take a step back and not get into the pressure.Meet Amber Smith: Homeschool Courage LenderAmber: One of the reasons why I started the blog was because so many people were hesitant to homeschool, and thought they weren't capable or equipped, and didn't have enough of X, Y, or Z. Really the main reason that I started sharing my story was because I wanted to show people that anybody could homeschool.Really, the desire to homeschool was the most important thing. Beyond that, it's just skills that you could learn. I was a high school dropout, I was involuntarily homeschooled for my last two years of high school. I got a job and took some classes at the community college.Coming forward as a homeschooling mom, I really didn't have a view of homeschooling and kind of had to find my own way. I have a heart for moms who are jumping into homeschooling and discovering it for themselves, and kind of making a roadmap for themselves that makes the most sense.I call myself a homeschool courage lender. I want to lend the courage to moms who are starting, so that they can get that for themselves, and then take that and start building homeschool that really fits them and is personalized to their life and family.We have 10 kids. I have graduated 7, and I have the last 3 at home right now. I am kind of on the downward slide. We're all down to high schoolers, and it's a very exciting time at our house, because I get to see the fruits of that, and I get to see the fruits of all of our children's lives, and how homeschooling has provided them with some skills.Cultivating Joy Must Be PracticedYou have made a comment that gratitude must be cultivated, nurtured, and practiced. What does that really look like in a real family life, especially when you have 10 children, or you still have those 3 at home?Amber: I was thinking back, what were the things I had to reset my brain to imagine me back at the table with 7 children, 7 and under, starting our first day of homeschool. Even that just makes my heart just so excited to see it was just an idea at the time, and we weren't really confident about what it was going to look like long-term in the future.One of those things that I think is so important about practicing gratitude is kind of looking at where you've come from and looking at what you have accomplished so far. I think so many times, we get to this certain place, and there's so many obligations and so many things we need to do, but sometimes it's just to sit back and be like, hey, you know what? This was the struggle we started with this year, and we really have come a long way, and we really have overcome that challenge.We kind of do yearly evaluations, and we talk about the skills that we want to build with our kids, or maybe character things that we want to address. At the end of the year, we go back over that list, and we see what we wanted to work on at the beginning of the year.Some years we've missed the mark completely, and we just put that on the list for next year. But oftentimes, as we go back and look at the things that we've wanted to learn or establish with our family, we can see that, oh wow, actually, we did make a lot of groundwork.The Power of Simple Daily HabitsOne of the things as a homeschooling mom is your job is never done. Never. The dishes will always be there, laundry will always be there, school will always need to be done. Without a finish line, I think it's really important to set some artificial places where we can stop and kind of evaluate what we've done personally.Amber: With our kids, a few really small ways we've established gratitude—I think it was a quote from Little House on the Prairie, but Pa said, good morning is one of the best words. I deeply feel that. Good morning is probably the most important thing that we can say to each other every day.That's just a tiny habit that we've established. When you wake up in the morning, when you see that first person, we greet each other, and we say good morning, and we usually give each other a hug. We're a huge I love you family, so we obnoxiously say I love you in our house, and we say it to our friends, and we say it to people's parents.That's just a habit that we've created, because we do love each other, and we want to acknowledge that. Taking the time to acknowledge the people in the room, taking the time to stop and say hello and how are you—those are little things that sometimes we just think are niceties, but actually they're establishing a heart that looks at other people and sees them.That is so good. When you started, you were talking about homeschooling just keeps continuing, sometimes you need to take a stop and look at what's happened. It made me think of the word remember, and it's a word in the Bible that's used over and over.God was telling the Israelites, remember when I did this, and remember this. Now, whenever I see it, I use colors in my Bible. I put an orange rectangle around it, and it just pops out. That idea is used over and over in the Bible, and I think we do need to remember all the good things that God has done.I also like that you didn't say, we failed in this. You said, we missed the mark, and I was like, what a great way to say, okay, we missed the mark, but we're going to keep moving forward.Gift-Giving Traditions That Build GratitudeLet's sort of take that gratitude. We're in the holidays, the Thanksgiving holiday, which is all about thanks. How do you use gift-giving and your family traditions to build gratitude during the holidays?Amber: The first holiday I thought of, was we actually have a tradition for Valentine's Day. I buy a little cup, and I fill it with candy, and we put them all around the table, but I always put a card and pens. I make all of the children write a little note, so each person has their name on the card, and then all of the other kids go around the table and just write a little message to their siblings, just what they love about them.I just think it's just one of those times—we can create different opportunities. I just felt like Valentine's Day is about love, and so it was a great opportunity to tell our siblings what we love about each other.Now my oldest daughter's married, and my son-in-law came over for Valentine's Day, and he got a card with all of the things that the kids love about him. About a month later, I went to their house, and it's on the fridge. Those are actually really meaningful things.I'm a words of affirmation person, and so sometimes maybe our gifts and our love languages we can use to kind of bring out things in other people. You can create your own holidays, you don't have to wait.Definitely at Thanksgiving, it's busy, and so I really try to create some intentional opportunities that we don't bypass and forget. We try to just create some times where we sit together, because the holiday I host, it's 30 people plus at our house.When She Forgot to Actually Give ThanksI know we had one Thanksgiving where everybody left, and I thought, oh my gosh, we did no actual Thanksgiving things. We just ate. We ate, and we visited, we played games, and we moved on, and I just remember feeling like a check in my spirit that I don't want to do this again. I don't want to miss the opportunity of having gratitude and sharing with each other what we value about each other and what we're thankful for.So we try to set a time that we can say what we're grateful for. For me, Christmas is really busy, and so the same thing kind of happens. We host, we have family come in, it's just a swamped, crazy house over here.Amber: I bought—I can't remember who it was—but they had a Christmas tree fold-out book that just did an Advent every day, and it was an ornament that you got out of the little book, and you hung up, and it had a little card. I just thought, I just need a crutch. I need something to help me become grateful. I need something to help me practice gratitude.I love how the Lord had the Israelites build pillars, and build remembrances, and build things that they physically saw in front of them to help remind them of that moment, and to help them be grateful for what happened. When they passed the river, they had them put the pillar of stone so they would remember their crossing and remember what God did.I think it's very on task to say, let's use tools that we have in front of us to help us be in the front of our mind about gratitude. If you find a devotional—the She Reads Truth had some kids cards that had a little Advent plan all the way to Christmas.Finding a tool that helps you be intentional, I think, is a great way to just help you all focus. The kids loved it, so if the kids like it, they will make you do it, and I think that's a great way to have your kids involved, because they will make you remember.Kids will remind you. When I was at my daughter's last January, she just had a baby, and I had the other two. She was at the hospital longer than was expected for various reasons. I was going through this devotional that I had given the kids.By the end of the week, they come home with the baby on Friday or Saturday, and the little 3-year-old at the time, he's like, GG, Bible book, Bible book, Bible book, because every day we were doing this little devotional. Even a 3-year-old, they're like, we've been doing this for 4 days, so get us going.You said something I think is really important, and that is you need crutches. I think crutches are not bad. You don't feel like, I'm not good enough, so I've got to use this other stuff. That's why God's given us a lot of different gifts, to be able to be intentional. Sometimes we have to think ahead, and then we need to choose what might help us the best.The "Most Beautiful of Women" StoryLet's talk about self-care and taking care of ourselves. If moms are struggling to sort of take care of themselves, or to just feel grateful about what God's doing in their life, what would you suggest to them? I know some of them are overwhelmed and not appreciated, and they got a lot going on.Amber: First of all, I thought of a funny memory. I had a period of time where I am a words of affirmation mother, and I felt very empty in the gas tank. I had 7 little ones, and just a high-intensity need life. I just felt like I was not getting enough positive words fed back to me.So I made a rule that the oldest boys, whenever they answered me, they had to say, yes, mother, most beautiful of women.It was hilarious. It went on for a year. For a year, every time I said, boys, go do this, yes, mother, most beautiful of women. I tell you what, it was kind of a joke, but it filled my tank, and it made me—it just really did. It filled my heart.Sometimes a silly game—sometimes just take the stress and anxiety and horribleness out of it, and just try to be fun, and create some silly ways that you can maybe communicate things that you need to hear, or that your kid needs to hear.It was very funny, but it was at a really hard time in life for me, and I really needed positive words. It was such a great season that the kids answered me that way, and they would do it at church, they would do it at the store. It was very, very entertaining, and it just became a fun little habit. Sometimes you can be creative, and you can fill your own tank in ways that maybe just are silly and cute.Building Community That Fills Your TankAmber: I have a book, Six Keys to Your Homeschooling Success, and one of the chapters is about community, and building community. I really think that in seasons where we are the sole person at home with our kids, and carrying the responsibility of homeschooling, we need support.It's really, really important to find people that are maybe in your same life area, people that you can talk to, and people that can support you, and also people who can reflect back to you the same situations or what's going on.I have probably changed friends groups 3 times. My early friends who had kids that were my oldest kids' ages stopped having kids. Then we kind of outgrew those friendships, because then I had a whole bunch of little kids again, so we made some new friends.Each time that we have come to a place where I had a different set of needs, and I had a different set of situations that I was dealing with—when I moved to having high schoolers, our church had closed. We really forcibly lost our community because we were a very rural church, and so when it closed, all of those people lived 70 miles outside of our circle.I remember hitting a place where it was about a year that we didn't go to church because we were kind of in a place where we weren't sure where we wanted to go. I remember just telling my husband, I need people. I'm gonna find somewhere, because I have high schoolers, I am in the middle of just all of these things, and I need support.I think it's really good for us to kind of maybe evaluate and say, where do I need support? If that's joining a women's group, if that's getting involved in your church community, if that's joining a homeschool co-op, wherever it is that you can maybe find a place that fills your tank.Even if that's something outside. I started blogging and writing because that was one of the things I really wanted to do. I wanted to be a writer when I grow up. Working with other writers and bloggers—something that filled my tank so that then when I had to give out and homeschool and do all those things, I had some things that I looked forward to.In whatever capacity that is, looking at somewhere that fills your tank and can kind of give back to you, but I think in building community, it's one of the best places where you can get human interaction that feeds your soul and fills you up.I love that story with your kids. We should have fun together as a family. You do need to fill your tank. I also think sometimes when I write down things that I'm grateful for, that actually lowers my stress and gives me peace and joy, because it's like, get your mind off your problems and get it on to God.Laughing and having fun together—when you just have that really deep belly laugh, it just feels so good. Find ways to add some fun to your family, even if you're a really serious, somber person. Everyone needs to laugh as well.We do have different seasons of life. You might need to find some new people. You want to find people that will encourage you in your season of wherever you are right now.Speaking Life Over Strong-Willed ChildrenI know you also mentioned how gratitude changed your relationships with your kids. Is there anything that you could say about gratitude, about how maybe it changed your marriage, your relationships with your kids, or maybe even the way that you homeschooled?Amber: One of the ways that gratitude has really helped me in my relationship with my kids—I am not a controlling person, and I'm a pretty mellow, even-keeled person. I have some intensely control-oriented children. That can be a conflict, and it can be really hard.There are personality things that we have to resolve as homeschooling mothers that can feel all-consuming, and can feel really difficult. I remember going through a really difficult time with my oldest daughter. It was hard, and her personality is very different than mine, and it can feel personal.When you're dealing with a child who just doesn't think like you think, and maybe challenges you and your parenting, it can feel like they're out to hurt you. That's just because our mother hearts are tender. We want to love our kids, we want to do best by them, and so when things are hard, that can be really difficult.I remember going to my best friend, and I was just complaining. I just needed somebody to hear me. I remember she just kind of called me out, and said, hey, you know what? I'm hearing the words that you're saying about your daughter, and what a brave, beautiful friend to say this. She just said, I think that you should really think about the words that you're speaking, and maybe look at that and see if you could speak life over your situation.For half a second, I was deeply offended, because your friend should hear you, and should hear your heart, and let you complain, but you know what? God bless that she loved me so much that she called my attention to that. I was being really negative, and in my negativity, I was being defeated about that situation. I was really giving up my power and claiming that I was powerless.In that check that she gave me, I really became intentional and started to speak life over my daughter. Even though she was very strong-willed, I just said, you know what? God made this child this strong-willed. That means that he has a purpose for her that is so great that she needs all of this tenacity to be able to accomplish that.If I destroy that, she will never be able to do what God has called her to do. My job as her mother and the person who's helping her hone these skills and talents is to help her use this power well. I started being like, I'm a partner with God in helping this child create her purpose.I just started to speak life over her, and I think that is gratitude. When we can look at a situation and step back and call out what is true and what is real, because we know who God created us to be, we know who God called our children to be, and speak life.That was just one of the ways, and that really was a turning point in our relationship. As I began speaking life over her, we went from screaming at each other in the living room. It was a hard season. Now, she's 25, and I will say that child is my best friend.All of her siblings are kind of shocked that we are so closely knit together, but we did the work. We worked really hard on our relationship, and really worked on being grateful and kind and forgiving and grace-filled to one another, even in difficult situations.Sometimes stepping outside of what you see and just shaping your view of your family, your view of your situation—sometimes husbands can be frustrating. They live in a different world, and they come home with different mindsets and different things that they've got on their mind, and so we can battle, but also we can step back, and we can be like, you know what, I'm so thankful for the things that my husband does so that I can be here in this place and in this position I am now. We're a team.I think gratitude kind of puts us back on the same level again and gives us a heart where, hey, we're equals in this place. Sometimes my husband and I will sit in bed at night, and we just talk about when we first met, or the funny things that brought us together. I think that's one of the ways that we practice gratitude, is by remembering all of the ways we've succeeded, and all of the hard things we've gone through.I think it's important in our relationships to remember the struggles and the difficulties and the overcoming, so that we can get back to this place where our hearts are knit together and we're on the same team.The Power of WordsWords are so important. Words can cut you down, but they can build you up. Too often, I can get really negative and start saying things, even about—I love my children, but they could do something that sort of grinds on me.I have a statistic—something like, kids hear 300-something negative words a day and 17 positive. That applies to probably our marriages, our kids. We need to—you don't do false positive words. You don't just say good things to say them. You need to speak truth to them and speak life.Words are so effective, and even if they aren't acting like it, you can speak the truth of who they are. Like, you're a strong-willed child. God's got things in her life that she's got to be strong. My mom would have told you I'm a strong-willed child, too, and my husband would say I was stubborn.Yet, that stubbornness can be used to be faithful for years and years and years, despite bad things going on in our family and our lives. Use even things that grind on you—speak life to them, and really focus on speaking truth, and building them up, and noticing. You gotta pay attention to when they're actually doing something that you can praise them for as well.The other word you used was forgiveness. We were talking about this at Bible study, because we were going through Ephesians 5 on husbands and wives. We need to forgive, and they're going to get on our nerves. Forgive and go on and let God take care of that. He's the only one that can change anyone.Six Keys to Homeschooling SuccessYou mentioned your book, Six Keys to Homeschooling Success. Can you tell people a little bit more about that, and where they could get it if they're interested?Amber: Actually, it started off as a course, and so I have a full course online that basically helps parents build their own roadmap, because I think so many people are trying to fit themselves into homeschooling, and trying to fit a model or the school.I think if we step back and really ask some deeper questions, we can personalize our homeschool to fit, A, our goals, but B, our kids' needs the best way. It started as a course, but then I thought, you know what, I need this to be accessible to people in a broader sense.We took it to Kindle KDP, and now it's available on Amazon as well. It's the 6 Keys to Your Successful Homeschool Year. I just wanted every parent to have access to ask the right questions before they start.It's just a course and a guided journal in the back, and it asks questions each week. As you answer those questions, you build a roadmap for you. I remember reading online, somebody asked the question, hey, I'm in a homeschool, what curriculum should I use?I just thought, that is a crazy question. Anybody who answers that question to you right now is doing you a disservice. There are a whole bunch of questions that we should ask before that, so that you know exactly what you want.I think if we could help parents ask better questions, then they know exactly what they're looking for, and I want people to start their homeschool year knowing exactly what they're looking for and what they want to accomplish.I have a ton of articles and things, 200 Fingers and Toes, because I had 200 fingers and toes to clean up after for a lot of years. One thing that people always remembered about me was that I had 10 kids, so I thought, I'm gonna capitalize on this.The blog is 200 Fingers and Toes, and there we have probably 300 articles that are reviews, devotionals, curriculum ideas, and just life situations that we've shared about what our homeschool looks like, and maybe problems that we've overcome. You can search by topic, you can search by questions. We've done graduations and college prep, and just lots of things that we've covered over all the years that we've been homeschooling. Just a resource to get information and answer questions.You make a good point, because you need to do what's best for your family, not the family next door. Amber has 10 kids. Maybe you live in downtown Chicago and have one kid in a high-rise. Your homeschool will definitely look different than Amber's.For you to say, what's the best third grade curriculum, you need to use some of these questions that Amber is providing for you, because you need to find out what's best for you, your children, your family in this season of time, and it may change.

This week we kick off our new series, The Gratitude Challenge, by taking a closer look at something we usually overlook, our breath. In Genesis, God breathes life into dust. In Ezekiel's vision, His breath turns dry bones into living people. And in John 20, Jesus breathes His Spirit into His followers.We'll talk about how gratitude starts with things that we might overlook, like the everyday gifts God gives: air in our lungs and the Spirit that fills our hearts. Because what you look for is what you see.Join Pastor Gerber as we explore how learning to see and thank God for the “ordinary” things changes how we see everything. Genesis 2:5-7 Acts 17:22-31 John 20:19-23

This episode is a full recording of a summit interview Shilamida did on the power of gratitude; a deep, practical conversation about how gratitude shifts energy from lack to abundance, why it's more than a checklist, and how daily grateful practice changed her life (from surviving on food stamps to building a life of purpose). If you're in the November gratitude month vibe, this one is a gem: actionable, real, and full of heart.In this episode, you'll learn:✨ How to recognize negative thought patterns and rewire them into awareness and appreciation✨ The connection between gratitude, God/Source, and manifestation✨ Why thanking before receiving is the real secret to manifesting✨ How small daily gratitude practices (morning gratitude, mirror work, short breath practices) can shift you out of lack and into abundanceJoin the Free November Gratitude Challenge!Every year Shilamida leads a Gratitude Challenge throughout November — and this year it's completely free. Hosted in her Facebook community (and sometimes shared on Instagram), the challenge helps you:

What if gratitude could actually make you more beautiful from the inside out? In this conversation with Meredith Curtis, we're exploring the transformative power of cultivating gratitude in your homeschool family—and how thanksgiving changes not just your heart, but your entire countenance and home atmosphere.From Thanksgiving traditions that knit families together to miracle stories of God's provision, Meredith shares decades of wisdom on raising grateful children who focus on Jesus instead of consumerism.In this episode:✅How cultivating gratitude transforms you into a more beautiful person (yes, really!)✅Simple Thanksgiving traditions that build faith and family unity✅The crab legs miracle story that reminds us nothing is impossible with God✅Practical activities for the holiday season that shift focus from presents to Jesus✅Why serving others creates grateful hearts in your childrenReady to make gratitude a daily practice? Grab the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge mentioned in this episode and join hundreds of families started November 1st!Recommended Resources:30 Days of Gratitude ChallengeGrand Prize GiveawayGod's Girls Beauty Secrets Bible StudyCelebrate ThanksgivingJesus, Fill My Heart & Home Bible StudyChristmas Unit StudiesMeredith "GrandMerey" Curtis, mom of 5 homeschool grads and grandmother of 8, writes, speaks, leads worship, and loves celebrating God's goodness at every opportunity possible, believing that gratitude is the secret to joy. She enjoys creating homeschool curriculum and Bible studies for Christian families, as well as writing Maggie King Mysteries, wholesome cozies. Find her at PowerlineProd.com, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.Show Notes:The Beauty Secret That Changes EverythingMeredith Curtis is here with me today, and we're talking about gratitude. Meredith, y'all know I run the 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge, and I get guest bloggers to come in and post on our blog. I think Meredith has done it every single year I've ever done this. I know that's your heart. I know that's my heart. Gratitude just can do so many things for us.Meredith is a homeschooling mom who graduated her 5 children. Now she's grandmother to 8, so far, and all of them homeschool. She's a pastor's wife, a worship leader, a writer, a speaker, and she loves ministering to homeschool families. She's created a lot of curriculum, and she just started a mystery series called Maggie King Mysteries.Gratitude as a Beauty SecretMeredith, you have actually talked about gratitude as being a beauty secret. Can you sort of explain what you mean by that, and how you've seen gratitude actually transform someone from the inside?Meredith: I've always believed this, and I remember my grandmother used to say to me, beauty is as beauty does. When I was a young woman, teenager, young adult, young wife, I wanted to be beautiful on the inside. From my grandmother, I grasped that principle that beauty on the inside flows to the outside.One of the passages that really stood out to me was 1 Peter 3:1-7, and how God commends Sarah as a beautiful woman because of her gentle and quiet spirit. That got me on the road to thinking about beauty. I actually have a Bible study called God's Girls Beauty Secrets.When you're kind, when you're grateful, it changes your heart. Gratitude changes your focus from self to the Lord. Kindness changes your focus from self to others. When you're grateful and you walk into a home, or you walk into work, or you walk into your homeschool co-op or church, and you're having a conversation with people, it changes the expression on your face.You have more of a smile, you don't have those frowny frown lines. You have a beauty that emanates from you, and I think people want to be around you when you're like that. They want to be around people that are grateful, because it's gonna be raising them up rather than pulling them down.I'm a pastor's wife, and I see all the terrible things that happen to people. Mike and I have gone through so many trials. I think that sometimes the Lord just has to remind me, be grateful, be grateful, be grateful. When I am grateful, I notice the way people respond to me is very different than when I'm complaining and bitter.Beauty isn't just about a symmetrical face. Beauty goes so much beyond that, because it's your poise, it's your confidence. A truly beautiful woman walks into a room, and she's like, God is good, I'm so happy to see all of you, and her focus is completely on other people. That is beautiful.The Physical Impact of Bitterness vs. GratitudeYou know, as you're saying that, I do believe that however you're thinking on the inside is going to come out in your facial expressions, in your gestures, the way that you hold yourself. I also think, unfortunately, the opposite is true. Someone who is bitter—I have friends that are still holding bitterness towards people, and they're the ones that are in the hospital all the time. They've got illness, like, physical illnesses.Bitterness in your heart can actually mess up your insides. But the opposite of bitterness—you're forgiving, and you're grateful, and you're thankful, and you're kind—and that person, I think, God just blesses. When you have that attitude, people are like, oh, I want to be around them. Who wants to be around someone that's just complaining all the time?Passing Down Gratitude to GrandchildrenLet's talk about your grandchildren. Are there some things that you have been doing, or are doing, to pass down these values of gratitude and of your faith as well? Do you have any traditions that you're really cultivating a spirit of gratitude?Meredith: With Thanksgiving coming up this month, the first one I think of is we have a Thanksgiving tradition where before we say the blessing, we all pass around—sometimes I pass around kernels of corn, there's like this Thanksgiving poem about kernels of corn—or sometimes we just share things that we're thankful for.That is really powerful, because there's always tears. There's always something that's bittersweet, where someone's gone through something hard, and yet they're thankful for the things God did through it, or the people that helped them through it. There's just so much knitting together of family as people are thanking one another.Another thing I do with my grandchildren specifically: whenever they come over, I always ask them, what was the best thing that happened today? And then I always say to them, isn't God good? And then they say, yes, he is so good. That's not necessarily a tradition, but it's a habit that I've purposely cultivated with them to focus on the positive and be grateful.That's so interesting. When I'm with my grandkids, especially if I'm taking care of them and their parents are gone somewhere, and we're getting ready for bed, especially when they're younger, like 5 and under, I'm like, okay, we're gonna pray before we go to bed. I want you to think of one thing that you can say thank you to God for.That way, I'm like, we're gonna think. The only thing you have to say is, thank you, God. It does sort of make them think, well, what did happen? What can I be thankful for? That's such a simple way to say thank you, and it's thank you to God for whatever had happened.The Birthday Tradition That Honors PeopleMeredith: On birthdays, we always go around and talk about why we're thankful for the birthday person. Everybody shares, like, I'm so thankful for you because I love the way you do this, I love the way you do that, I appreciate it. My kids have carried it on, so at Cooper, my grandson just turned 9, and we were at the birthday party.They always start all their family birthday parties with just the mom or dad saying what they're thankful for, with all the kids there. They do it with all the kids' friends there. I think not only is it a blessing to the other children, but it's a blessing to the parents that are there.We do that a lot in our church, too, with people on a birthday. I noticed Paul does that in his letters. He'll say, I so appreciate you because of this and this and this. I was talking to someone the other day, and I was like, Paul wrote to the Corinthians, who were the squirreliest church in all of the New Testament, and he starts out thanking the Lord for them. There is no one we can't find something to be thankful for.You know, that's really important, too, because I have heard people say they're in a really difficult marriage, and they're just like, there's nothing good about my husband, there's nothing good. And I'm like, does he go to work every day for your family? Okay, there's one thing. Do you have a house that you live in? There's always, even in the most difficult situations, you can find something to be thankful for.When Gratitude Shifts the AtmosphereIs there anything else? Maybe you're walking through a difficult situation at your home. Has there ever been a time where gratitude sort of shifted the atmosphere during that difficult situation?Meredith: My husband right now is battling cancer, and it's been really hard on my kids. The Lord has been really good, but one of the things that I notice is talking with one of my children, and we'll both be talking about dad, and then we'll both kind of sniff, you know, like, suck back the tears, and then we'll just talk about what we're grateful for, like, what the Lord has done.There's just so much that God always has done. I think because of that psalm that says, enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise—I always start with thanking God. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I just lay there and start thanking God. I've trained my children to try to find something to be thankful for, so even in the most difficult situations.The Miracle of Crab Legs and Strawberry CakeI remember years ago, this is over a decade ago, we didn't have money. We had enough money to pay some bills, but not all. The whole family, we got in the family room, and we got on our knees, and we were praying. We were desperate for God to come through, but yet our prayers were so filled with thankfulness.We were thanking Him for all the times in the past that He had provided. I remember when we got up as family from our knees, we were fully, fully confident God was gonna come through. I remember Jenny Rose saying, well, I just wonder how God is gonna take care of this. I know He will.There's no testimony without a trial. Sometimes in the middle of a trial, when you can even just thank the Lord—I thank you that there's going to be a testimony in this.One story I can tell you that has to do with thankfulness: my niece came to visit one summer. This is when Mike was in seminary. We had no money. I would make hair bows and sell them, and that was our grocery money. My niece was there, it was her birthday.I said, what would you like for your birthday? And then I thought, wow, why am I asking her this? She said, I would like a strawberry cake with vanilla frosting, and I would like crab legs.I took her hand, and I prayed with her this really simple prayer. She wasn't a believer at the time. I said, Lord, thank you that you're the God who provides, and you hear this little girl what she wants, and I pray that somehow you would do a miracle and provide for that. I was not necessarily full of faith. About 5 minutes later, I was kind of like, what have I done?We had this food pantry, and they would have, like, you could pay a dollar, and you could get a bag full of groceries. That day, never before and never again, they had a strawberry cake mix and a vanilla frosting. We brought it home, I made the cake.It was getting close to dinner, so I thought, okay, I'm just gonna have to tell her, sometimes God says no. We get a knock at the door, and our pastor comes in with a grocery bag, about 4 feet high, filled with crab legs. Can you take these off our hands?I just remember saying, nothing is impossible with God. That filled our hearts with so much thanksgiving, and believe it or not, almost every time we face a difficult situation, we remember that story. God has probably been thanked for that story by my kids that weren't even alive then.When we pray boldly and see God answer, it builds a thankful heart in us even more. When we see God move, it helps us when we face difficult circumstances, because then there's a groundwork that, yes, God is good.Building Faith Through GratitudeJust the fact that y'all—I think it's growing thankfulness with our kids, but also their faith. When they see things like that, they do want to be thankful and continue to look back at that, but that is just another little step of building their faith that, look, God came through for us.It's really important, personally, keeping a gratitude journal. If I had to do it over again, I would keep a family gratitude journal. That way, you can record the things your kids are saying, and when bad things happen, you pull that thing out and read some of them.God wants us to record what He's done, and to be able to remember. Sometimes it's just verbally saying it, but sometimes we forget what He's done. The other idea is that we really believe in miracles. Sometimes we don't ask, because we don't think he's going to come through, and yet you just shared stories. He came through!Practical Activities for the Holiday SeasonWe're going to be sort of in that Thanksgiving-Christmas season. Do you have any practical activities that parents could do, families could do, to really build a habit of gratitude in the hustle and bustle? How can we be intentional during these holiday seasons to build that habit of gratitude in our kids?Meredith: First of all, the 30-day gratitude Challenge. That is a great one. I love that it's geared for children and for teens.The thing that I talked about earlier of going around before Thanksgiving dinner and sharing things that you're thankful for. As we were talking, I just thought, you know what I'm gonna do for our church is put a post at the top of our Facebook group, and just put the word gratitude, and I'm just gonna ask people, would all this month, when things happen, will you just post under that things that the Lord did to come through, or answers to prayer?What I used to do when the kids were little at Thanksgiving is I would put up a poster. Sometimes I did an answered prayer poster, I would write answered prayer, and then I would make columns, and then as God answered prayers, we could list the prayers. Or other times it was just what I'm thankful for.There's a craft that I've done, a thankful tree, where you make leaves and write something you're thankful for and glue that on.Serving Others Creates Grateful HeartsI also think just serving others gives us a grateful heart. There's one thing that it's almost the time will almost be up to turn them in, but it's the Shoebox Franklin Graham's ministry. When the grandkids were really little, like 2 and 3, the oldest ones are 9 and 10, I would take them to the Dollar Tree, and they could fill the box, and then I would just purchase everything, and we would wrap it up, and they would write a note.That just instills thankfulness. It could be serving at a soup kitchen. One year, I remember we adopted a poor family, and I remember it was a really dilapidated part of town, and we climbed up these rickety steps to the apartment on the second floor and delivered presents. I remember my kids, on the way home, they were thinking, wow, we're so blessed. When you see other people struggling, you realize how blessed you are.Christmas Carols and Focusing on JesusAnother thing that we do is we sing Christmas carols and have devotions all through December. On Christmas Day, we have these super long devotions. It's basically Luke 2, with a Christmas carol after every verse. We always sing, like, 3 or 4 verses, so it takes us, like, an hour. Then we sing happy birthday to Jesus.What that has to do with thankfulness is it sets the tone that Christmas isn't about presents. Christmas is a birthday, it's about a king, it's a king's birthday. We're gonna make the main focus of this day, Jesus. When you focus on Jesus, even the fact that he came in the Roman Empire, which was so evil—we think times are evil now, but the Roman Empire was so evil.He was born to a poor family, and he lived a perfect life, and how many times did they try to kill him? Finally, he let them take his life, and he died for sins, and he rose again. The more that we can gaze on that as families, in ways that are fun and relaxing and filled with love, the more children can gaze on Christ, the more they will be thankful.I think Christmas carols—there's something so powerful about the words to Christmas carols, especially if you go beyond verse 1. Even the song, God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen, there's, like, 8 or 9 verses, and every one of them is powerful. I think that there's something about the theology in them and the old hymns, too, but especially at Christmas time, the carols. Focusing on Jesus creates a thankful heart, too. Above all.Oh gosh, it's been 10 or 15 years ago, we were singing O Come All Ye Faithful, and we were singing the third verse. There's a line in there, God of God and Light of Light. We were studying the Roman Empire after Jesus' time period, but the church was growing in our history. Athanasius was standing up to say, no, Jesus was actually God. He was on the run because they wanted to kill this man.That phrase in that O Come All You Faithful verse, God of God and Light of Lights, was exactly what they were saying back in history at that time. We need to expose our kids to the verses. Pick one Christmas carol each year, and just sing it all the time. Go into the verses, use it for copywork, talk about what that means at the dinner table.Serving others—we did the same thing. Steve was head of the Benevolence Fund, and he would pick one of the families that really needed help. We'd go buy a turkey dinner for them with all the fixings for four or five people. The first time I did it, I was at the store, and I was like, they've got kids. We should get some Christmas gifts for them.We did that for 10 or 15 years, and would take it to a family that didn't have much. It really puts your kids in—it gives perspective to what is going on around us. Too often, we see the people that seem to have more than us, and we don't always see the people that have less than us.Resources From MeredithIf people want to reach out to you, Meredith, what would be the best way to find out more about you?Meredith: I do have two resources that I think people would enjoy. One is called Celebrate Thanksgiving, and it has hymns and prayers and poems. It has the entire story of the pilgrims in it from going to Holland, and then coming back, and then going to the New World.It has a lot of different Thanksgiving things, like the Macy's Parade. Then it talks about how to plan Thanksgiving festivities, like a pie breakfast or a praise and prayer brunch, or the big traditional family dinner, or a family football game. It's got a lot of different social things that you can plan. Some are really simple, some are more challenging, and then planner sheets to do it.The other book is called Jesus Fill My Heart and Home, and it's a Bible study. It talks about, first of all, letting Jesus live and abide in our hearts. Then it talks about how to bring the presence of God into your home in a really practical way. It touches on cleaning and all kinds of aspects of homemaking, but it does have a great chapter on holidays.It goes through the different holidays and how to celebrate holidays with a Christ-centered focus. Those are available at PowerlineProd.com. I have a store, lots of resources, lots of curriculum, lots of high school classes, and Christmas unit studies.I also have a blog on the site, PowerlineProd.com, and if you go there, there's links to our Facebook group, Powerline Productions. You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and everything else from there. I'd love to hear from you.Final EncouragementAs we close out, is there anything that you would like to leave our audience with?Meredith: Yes, I would like to say this. Life is hard. I'm sure some of you listening are going through challenges, maybe challenges with homeschooling your kids, maybe grown children who've wandered from the faith, maybe health challenges.Jesus promised—the least favorite promise in all of the New Testament is, in this world, you will have trouble. But it doesn't stop there. It goes on and it says, take heart, because I have overcome the world.I just want to remind you that Jesus has overcome the world, that He is for you, not against you, and that if you put your hope in Him and your trust in Him, He will pour out grace and provision for everything you go through in this life. He will open your eyes to see so much beauty, and so many blessings, and so many people who end up coming in and just wrapping their arms around you and loving you that you don't expect.Draw near to Him, He will draw near to you, and eventually, one day, if you know Him and are born again, you will be with Him in heaven forever. It starts with just opening your eyes and being grateful, but there is so much more.Ready to transform your home with thanksgiving? Sign up for the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge at HowToHomeschoolMyChild.com/gratitudechallenge. Join hundreds of families cultivating gratitude together starting November 1st!

In this heartfelt and high-vibe episode, Shilamida brings us back to one of her favorite topics, gratitude. As October comes to a close and November begins, she reminds us that being grateful isn't something we do once a year on Thanksgiving. It's a daily practice that changes everything.Shilamida shares her personal experience of how gratitude helped her shift from surviving to thriving, from living on food stamps to living in first class all by choosing to see the blessings in her everyday life.She also opens up about how easy it is to fall into negativity (yes, even for her!) and how awareness, intention, and connection with God or Source can completely shift your mood, mindset, and energy.Get ready to transform how you see your life; one grateful thought at a time.In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why being grateful once a year isn't enough and how daily gratitude transforms your energy ✨ How to recognize negative thought patterns and rewire them into awareness and appreciation ✨ The connection between gratitude, God, and manifestation✨ Why thanking before receiving is the real secret to manifesting ✨ How small daily gratitude practices can shift you out of lack and into abundanceJoin the Free November Gratitude Challenge! Every year, Shilamida leads a Gratitude Challenge throughout November and this year, it's completely free!Hosted in her Facebook community (and possibly on Instagram too), this challenge will help you:

What if 5 minutes could completely shift your perspective from overwhelm to peace? In this episode, we're diving into powerful gratitude examples from history and my own life that prove thanksgiving isn't just feel-good advice—it actually changes your brain, your home atmosphere, and your children's mental health.From Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving during the Civil War to Corrie ten Boom thanking God for fleas in a concentration camp, you'll discover how gratitude transforms even the hardest circumstances into blessings.In this episode:✅2 practical activities you can do to go from complaining to gratitude✅3 real gratitude examples that prove thankfulness changes everything✅The 5-minute kitchen table practice that pulled me out of a breakdown and into peace✅Scientific proof that gratitude increases joy, decreases anxiety, and improves sleep✅How to raise grateful kids who are more satisfied, happier, and mentally healthier✅Daily thankfulness practices you can start today to shift your family's atmosphere from complaining to contentmentReady to transform your home with thankfulness? Grab the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge mentioned in this episode and join hundreds of moms starting November 1st!Show NotesWhen Complaining Takes Over Your MorningIt's Tuesday morning. You get up, you get breakfast ready, and your kids come in complaining, complaining, complaining. All of a sudden, someone spilled their milk, and the phone is buzzing, and before you realize it, you are mentally listing everything that's wrong.I'm going to share a way to flip the switch in your head and get back into a place of peace, a place of gratitude. Today, we are talking about changing complaining to thankfulness, to gratitude. I'm going to be giving you several gratitude examples along the way.Abraham Lincoln's Example During America's Darkest HourLet's start with Abraham Lincoln. Back in 1863, the war between the states was tearing America apart. Families were divided, thousands were dying, no one knew what the future held. And President Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving.He knew that the attitude of thanksgiving could actually change our country. He wrote, "Year filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies, gracious gifts of Most High God." He was looking to God to say, even though everything around us is falling apart, we are gonna look up, and we are going to say thank you to God.So when everything in your life feels chaotic, you can still choose to focus on God's goodness.The Kitchen Table That Changed EverythingSeveral years ago, I was having a mental-emotional breakdown. In our house, I was walking back and forth, just reeling out in my head all the things I wanted to tell all the people that were giving me a hard time.And all of a sudden, I was like, stop, Kerry. Just stop. I went to the kitchen table, I just grabbed a piece of regular notebook paper, and I started writing down anything I could think of to be thankful for. It could have been a blue sky outside, a hot cup of coffee, I don't know. But I went and just wrote everything down.Got all the way down the list, and even got to the top, and started a second column. Almost to the bottom, I quit thinking about the things that God had given me, things to be thankful for, and I started to write down things about God. I started to praise Him for who He was in my life.By the time I finished that list, peace came over me. There was joy in my heart, because I knew that God was taking care of me, and it really didn't matter about all the craziness.Recognizing the Enemy's AttackMaybe your marriage is falling apart. Maybe you're rejected by your friends, or your mother-in-law's giving you a hard time. Maybe you're just totally overwhelmed, because you got 5 kids under the age of 7, and you're trying to homeschool a few of them.That is the enemy attacking you, and you can change that overwhelmed, rejected attitude to something positive. You need to realize that the negative voice and all those bad things is not yours. It is the enemy attack. He is trying to get you to think about you, your circumstances, instead of God and trusting in a faithful God.It only took me about 5 minutes, my perspective changed, and my heart and soul changed as well. My self-pity changed to praising God for His faithfulness, His character, and His provision that's always there.The Science Behind GratitudeI've been keeping a gratitude journal since about 2010 or 2011. This is actually my second gratitude journal. I actually hit 10,000 items earlier this year, and I know that keeping that journal changes the way I think.It's not just God saying this, which is all that really matters, but there is scientific evidence that gratitude and thankfulness changes the way we think. Research shows that gratitude increases our joy and our contentment. It decreases our anxiety and our depression. It even helps you sleep better and gives you a stronger immune system.If you are stressed out, I highly recommend that every day, you start a gratitude journal.Corrie ten Boom's Gratitude Example: Even for FleasLet's talk about Corrie ten Boom in the middle of World War II. Her family housed Jews up in the attic, and eventually they got caught. Corrie and her sister Betsy were sent to Ravensbrook, one of the worst concentration camps in World War II.The barracks were overcrowded, they were cold, and there were fleas everywhere. Her sister insisted, we have got to thank God for everything, even the fleas. Well, Corrie thought she had lost her mind. Seriously? You want me to say thank you for fleas?Let me tell you, those fleas were a blessing from God. They discovered that those fleas kept the guards away and gave Corrie and Betsy time to share Jesus, to share things about the Bible, to have prayer meetings in their little barracks, without any interruption. Those guards didn't want you talking about God, but they were staying far away from the fleas.Betsy knew something: We can thank God for even the hard times.Finding Blessings in Your Hardest CircumstancesIt's hard to say thank you that someone rejected me, or thank you that I have a child that's not walking with God. You're not thanking Him for that, but we can say, God, thank you for your faithfulness in the midst of this situation.The things that we complain about the most are sometimes blessings in disguise. God uses anything for our good. Over 9 years ago, my husband left, and I would never wish this on anyone. It has been the hardest thing I have ever walked through in my life.But I remember about 2 years ago, I was sitting with my dad, and I said, Dad, I would never wish this on anyone, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am closer to God than I have ever been.That rejection, that hard time, the suffering, the trials that I continue to walk through—when you change your attitude to gratitude, it can sometimes become a blessing, and it is a true blessing.Raising Grateful KidsWhat about my kids? My kids were complaining, everything's falling apart. If you can raise grateful kids, then they will be more satisfied with their life, they will have happier emotions, and they will actually have better mental health.The key is you, Mom. When you are more grateful, your children will express more gratitude. Steve and I said thank you to our kids all the time, and we told our kids to say thank you when they're young. Now, as they grew up, they just naturally said it.I've had parents say, Hunter or Gentry or Ashley, they're the only ones that said thank you for the meal when they came over. That was because we modeled it, and it became a part of who they are in their mind and in their heart.It's not just changing their attitude for today, it's modeling a life skill for children for the rest of their lives.How Gratitude Activates the BrainWhen you are thankful for things, you activate dopamine. Dopamine is that happiness neurotransmitter. As we are grateful, it will happen to us, and as we model it for our kids, it will happen to the kids.Let's face it, it is biblical as well. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God." It is not an option. God's will is for you and me to give thanks.Teaching gratitude to our kids moves them from being entitled to a heart focused on Jesus.George Washington Carver's Daily PracticeGeorge Washington Carver grew up born into slavery in 1864. He was orphaned as an infant, he had a chronic illness, he was denied an education, and yet he grew up to be a celebrated scientist and inventor.He had a daily practice. He would walk in the woods at dawn, and he would look for little bitty things in the woods to say thank you to God. He said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks."When I go for a walk and I hear the birds sing, I'm like, oh, thank you, God. When I walk outside and see a beautiful sunset or sunrise, thank you, God. When I see green leaves on the tree, thank you, God.Do you make it a practice to say thank you all day long? Gratitude in the simple things leads to extraordinary discoveries.Gratitude Is a ChoiceListen, if you're multitasking, come back to me. Gratitude does not require perfect circumstances. It's a choice that opens our eyes to the possibilities of what is out there.Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude DailyI suggest daily thank God for at least one thing in your life, or your family, or your kids. Your family and kids should start to participate. Model your attitude of gratitude, and let them see that you keep a gratitude journal. Rest in God—He is always in control, no matter what your circumstances are.Find something that you already do every day. Like, we ate meals together. So maybe you keep all the gratitude challenges at the meal table, and after breakfast, lunch, or dinner, everyone writes one thing down that they are thankful for.Maybe it's during your morning time, basket time, whatever that family time is. It only takes—it didn't even take 5 minutes sometimes. Each person can share what they're thankful for, and you can write that down.With preschoolers, you can use prompts, and they can just tell it to you, you can write it down. Maybe if they're able to draw a picture, they just keep a little notebook of everything that they're thankful for. As they get older, they can actually write words.With older kids, I would encourage them to write at least 3 things daily. That changes the neurons in your head and the way you think, because you are changing from negative, complaining thinking to positive, thankful thinking.Anchor Your Practice in ScriptureChoose one Bible verse about thanksgiving and practice it all of November. You could use 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God." Simple.Practice it at the dinner table every single night. Say it together, let them take turns saying it, whatever the verse is. This will anchor your gratitude practice, your gratitude actions in God's Word.It also teaches our kids to focus on Jesus and what He's doing, not just positive thinking. This isn't all about positive thinking. This is about following God, because we know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit is what can change what's inside.Start Today, Not When Crisis HitsDon't wait for crisis, like I did that time, to start practicing gratitude. Start it right now. You don't need perfect circumstances, you just need to start!Go get the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge. We're gonna start as a group on November 1st. You can start whenever you would like. You'll get free printables for the whole family, daily blog posts—I have 30 blog posts coming out in November. Some of them are crafts, some of them are activities, some of them are about the history of Thanksgiving, some of them are about being thankful in hard times.This is a proven strategy to shift your family's atmosphere, home atmosphere, and your kids' minds, and yours. You'll have a community of moms doing this together as well.Sign up now at HowToHomeschoolMyChild.com/gratitudechallenge. Choose gratitude together this November. Show your kids your thankful heart, and how it changes everything, and you can create a peaceful home that you deserve.

252. Join me for a 7-Day Love & Gratitude Challenge! Tune in as I explain the simple practice: every morning, write down 10 things you love, and every evening, 10 things you're grateful for. As you focus on appreciation, you'll start to see your blessings multiply.AND..... If this podcast has inspired you, informed you, or spoken to you in any way, I welcome your support. "Buy me a coffee" and make a contribution here. ​ As little as $5 helps nourish the podcast of bringing positively anti-inflammatory to life which is here to help support you on your journey. Thank you!

Join Dr. Shine on What's Your Shine? The Happy Podcast for an uplifting conversation with Allison Renfro, Program Coordinator at House of Shine, as she shares how gratitude can transform the way we live, lead, and connect. In this joyful and inspiring episode, Claudia Beeney and Allison explore the heart behind House of Shine's annual 21-Day Gratitude Challenge—a movement that encourages people to express appreciation through simple, intentional acts of kindness. Together, they dive into the ripple effects of gratitude and how small, heartfelt gestures can build stronger communities and more connected lives. Allison reflects on her own 21-day journey—giving out one handmade Shine Token each day—and the unexpected ways it deepened her relationships, boosted her happiness, and even inspired strangers across the country. From handwritten notes to quiet acts of generosity, her stories remind us that gratitude isn't just a feeling; it's a practice that expands our joy and invites more goodness into the world. Claudia and Allison also discuss the science behind gratitude, its power to elevate our mindset during difficult seasons, and why the discipline of expressing thanks is one of the simplest, most transformative habits we can form. Whether you're ready to join the Gratitude Challenge or simply need a reminder of the beauty in everyday connections, this episode will leave you inspired to see—and share—the light in your corner of the world. Key Topics: The meaning and mission behind the 21-Day Gratitude Challenge How small acts of appreciation can spark big change The emotional and physical benefits of gratitude Stories from Allison's journey spreading Shine Tokens Practical ways to weave gratitude into daily life

In this solo episode, Nicole breaks down the real science behind gratitude — how it rewires your brain, regulates your nervous system, and helps you stay calm and grounded in the chaos of motherhood.You'll learn why gratitude isn't just a mindset shift — it's a physiological one. Nicole shares how consistent gratitude practice boosts serotonin and dopamine, lowers stress hormones, and even supports your immune system. Plus, she offers practical, science-backed ways to bring gratitude into your day, even when you're exhausted or overwhelmed.How gratitude literally changes your brain's wiring for positivity and calmWhy gratitude lowers cortisol and reduces inflammationThe difference between thinking gratitude and writing it downSimple, actionable ways to practice gratitude daily — in under five minutesHow to integrate gratitude with breathwork and mindfulness for real nervous system regulationNicole is hosting a Gratitude Challenge on Instagram — a 30-day practice of small, meaningful gratitude prompts for moms. Jump in anytime @expandedmamas to start practicing daily gratitude!Access⁠⁠ Calm in 5 ⁠⁠and start regulating now!Join the waitlist for the ⁠⁠Expanded Mamas CollectiveFollow + Connect: Subscribe and leave a reviewInstagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠expandedmamas⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you is fine. Gratitude is joyful. In this final Summer Sip (for now!), Jenn and Shelby reflect on the gentle but potent wisdom of Kevin Monroe — “the gratitude guy” himself. Kevin makes the case for real-time, specific gratitude as a leadership practice, not just a feel-good afterthought. They explore how pausing to name the invisible work behind visible wins changes the tone of your team and your own inner narrative. From podcast production to parenting to just staying afloat, Jenn and Shelby show how noticing what we couldn't do alone leads to more joy, more connection, and way better leadership. Key Takeaway Gratitude isn't about being nice. It's about being aware of what you couldn't do alone. Guest: Kevin Monroe Kevin Monroe is a leading voice on purpose-driven leadership. Through his Gratitude Challenge, retreats, and coaching, he helps leaders tap into the transformative power of thankfulness in work and life. He believes gratitude isn't an add-on. It's a way of being. Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her upcoming book, Joyosity, hits shelves on October 21, 2025, offering leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. Co-Host: Shelby Merryweather Shelby produces many live streaming shows and podcasts, including Joyosity™. She is also founder and CEO of Sunshine Lane, where she helps creative entrepreneurs lead with clarity and calm. Connect with Shelby at shelbymerryweather.com. Pour Yourself a Full Glass: May 2025 Episodes Episode 88: Gratitude is a Leadership Strategy Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 89: The Gratitude Shift: Seeing What You Couldn't Do Alone with Kevin Monroe Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 90: Leading with Thankfulness: Why Joy Follows Awareness with Kevin Monroe Apple | Spotify | YouTube Episode 91: ICYMI: The Joy of Noticing—How Gratitude Changes Everything Apple | Spotify | YouTube Grab Kevin's latest book, *The Ripple Effect Journal: 31 Days of Gratitude with Don't Wait To Thank* Joyosity Book Coming this Fall: Join the Joyosity™ Works Very Important Party and get: Early sneak peeks of the book with real tools to help you in your life, your work, and in your leadership. An exclusive chance to shape this message, including cover art, and help other leaders create positive culture with complex people. Behind-the-scenes updates and bonuses. Get in here: Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life jennwhitmer.com/books Resources & Links: Free 99 Steps: Why Do I Keep Doing This? Enneagram Motivations. You're not broken. You're just being run by a well-meaning but slightly unhinged internal script. Meet the five motivations behind your leadership quirks and learn how to flip the script with this quick guide. Joyosity Explorer Map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart Get crystal clear on what you want, what's in the way, and what's actually working. In this powerful strategy session, we'll use the Joyosity™ Compass to name your roadblocks and map a leadership plan you can actually follow. No fluff, just traction. Schedule your session here. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator Tired of trying to figure out your Enneagram type from freebie quizzes that leave you more confused than a group text with no context? In this 1:1 session, I'll help you decode your motivations and blind spots so you can finally lead (and live) with clarity, not guesswork. Book your Navigator session here. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive What if you could clear the fog, realign with your values, and build a practical plan for joyful leadership — in just one transformative day? This personalized experience combines deep self-awareness, strategic clarity, and honest-to-goodness joy to help you lead with purpose and still like your life. Start the process here. A Party for More: Book Jenn to Speak When your whole team needs the spark — not just the spark notes — I bring the energy, expertise, and real talk that shifts culture. With contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter, I help leaders connect, communicate, and make Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who's ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity — in a quick sip.

As we take a break from our regular devo series, we are offering a trip into archives and sharing a collection of some of our most meaningful messages designed to encourage and guide you in your daily devotion with Jesus. So, feel free to engage in a way that speaks to you whether through journaling, prayer, or sharing with a friend. Join in and keep growing!

What if your checklist is killing connection? You can show intentional appreciation without making people feel like a task. This month on the Joyosity™ Podcast, we've been getting cozy with gratitude. Far beyond the generic “thanks!” you reflexively say cause you were raised with manners. We're talking personalized, purposeful, and strategic appreciation that actually fuels connection and trust at work (and home). In this In Case You Missed It episode, Jenn Whitmer and producer Shelby Merryweather reflect on May's big takeaways — from Enneagram-savvy thank-yous to the surprisingly soulful power of systems. Here's what you'll walk away with: The subtle (but powerful) difference between thankfulness and gratitude — and why only one builds trust. How to give appreciation that's specific to someone's Enneagram style (spoiler: praise what you want to produce). Why “operationalizing your values” (yes, even gratitude) creates more joy and less burnout. And again Shelby brings the question every leader should ask around 16 minutes in.

Are you up to the challenge? Buy my new book, "Gratitude Challenge" here

Send us a textIt's easy to slip into negativity—especially with so much going on in the world. But what if a few minutes a day could shift your whole outlook? In this episode, we explore the simple but powerful practice of naming five things you're grateful for, multiple times a day. It's a small habit that can transform your mindset and brighten your day.Support the showWe're eager to hear from you! Feel free to share your thoughts through our anonymous form or simply write to info@freshouttaplans.com with your topic requests or any burning questions you'd like us to explore on the podcast. https://linktr.ee/freshouttaplans

✨Join the 28-Day Gratitude Challenge in the Manifest it Now app Sponsors: AG1 - Go to drinkAG1.com/tribe and get a free $76 gift when you sign up (new subscribers.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What problem do we solve? This podcast provides clear, actionable strategies for anyone looking to make 2025 their most successful year. It addresses the challenges of goal setting, personal growth, and habit formation, helping listeners reflect on the past year while preparing to tackle their dreams for the future. The episode offers practical tools to guide listeners in achieving their goals, whether personal or professional and establishes a mindset for growth and achievement in the new year. Small Business Answer Man Show Notes Tune into the Gratitude Challenge to reflect on what personally and professionally has shaped you the most by 2024. Recall the calendar entries from last year, a privilege that may not be enjoyed often, and share a few exciting memorable events and achievements. The Achiever Loop starts with defining your goal clearly and has five steps to setting and achieving goals. Now visualize this goal in great detail, focusing on how it would feel and what it looks like when you have reached success. Goals must broken down into achievable steps. Concentrate time on forming habits and behaviors that go in line with the accomplishment of the goals. Set the emotion and the reward you will associate with the achievement of your goal into motion to keep you motivated and dedicated to the goal. You can also download files like the Gratitude Challenge, Achiever Loop, and Habit Maker, which would provide useful templates for your journey to achieving success.  Gary Wilbers Advice for Leaders: Take a personal and professional stock for 2024; it'll help any positive tone you wish to set for 2025.  Frame your goals within the SMARTER method so they stand clear, achievable, and time-bound.  Picture yourself succeeding in everything you want to do, wherein you'll be assured that the motivation backing your willpower shall be made twice as solid.  Segregate the objectives into smaller, easily achievable bits so that they do not seem to cause any pressure on you and also help you to focus.  Consider the key behaviors and habits that will help you to move toward a goal.  Consistency is the key: work out your everyday habits and activities to match your objectives.  Follow the Habit Maker method to not break the chain and to develop habitude systems to keep a solid life.  Progress: it takes time and effort, enjoy the journey, and keep going.   Here are links for downloads:  Habits: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NUb-htS1ngps6WpEzEUKmtl0ELDw7_bm?usp=drive_link Gratitude Challenge: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18o8ykkNG1OoPg8f_isgcIvHFbdDomTbU/view?usp=sharing Connect with Gary Wilbers: Facebook Twitter Linkedin YouTube Instagram Website Clarity Navigator Discovery Session – Sign Up HERE    

A Christmas podcast episode focused on success, especially in terms of health and wealth, through the lens of gratitude that will blend the holiday spirit with practical life benefits. Here's a breakdown of the topics I cover: 1. Introduction to Gratitude and the Holiday Spirit 2. Gratitude's Impact on Health - Mental Health/Physical Health/ Stress Reduction 3. Wealth and Gratitude: Increased Happiness = Better Financial Decisions 4. Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude During Christmas Gratitude Journaling or join "the red light" Gratitude Challenge 5. Gratitude as a Long-Term Habit This combination of science, practical advice, and holiday spirit will give you actionable insights to improve your live and make the most of this festive season and new year

Gratitude can transform your life fueling you to a journey of positivity and purpose. Lori explores the transformative power of gratitude and intentional living. With insights from Henry David Thoreau and reflective questions to guide your journey, this episode is your invitation to live deliberately and set meaningful intentions for the new year. Plus, don't miss the chance to participate in the 21-day Gratitude Challenge, designed to infuse your life with positivity and purpose. Tune in now and start your journey towards a more fulfilling life! If you would like some help with figuring out how to transform your life! I can help you create a vision for a life that you absolutely love living. Click here to arrange a session with me. If you're enjoying the podcast, please share the show with a friend or, even better, leave a review to ensure others can benefit from it too! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THE EPISODE Gratitude helps us to be more deliberate with our lives. We need to take responsibility for the life we are co-creating. Importance of releasing things that no longer serve you. QUESTION TO CONSIDER What have you accomplished today? What were the things that were challenging for you? What would you love to create in the next year? What would you want to do? Who do you want to be? FEATURED ON THE SHOW: If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd love to hear from you! Please share the show with a friend or even better, leave a review to ensure others can benefit from the podcast.

An attitude of gratitude is more than just affirmations. God has given us a blueprint that changes us, even in the midst of darkness. You can do this today! Amy Pierson with FOTF joins us with incredible insights and a way you can use gratitude at Thanksgiving and all year long. Inspiring and practical. 7 Days of Gratitude Challenge (https://store.focusonthefamily.com/7-days-of-gratitude-challenge/)

Did you know that gratitude is good for you? A single act of thanksgiving can reduce depression, increase your quality of sleep, and improve relationships! Focus on the Family's Amy Pierson will introduce us to a 7 Days of Gratitude Challenge that can help jumpstart a healthy habit of practicing gratitude in your family! Learn how you and your family can begin the challenge today!Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wdlmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Are you ready to take on the gratitude challenge? Meditate on Psalm 7:17. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Description:The holiday season can be both magical and overwhelming. As we navigate the busy festivities, it's easy to forget to pause and appreciate the blessings we already have. In this weeks episode I am inviting you into our December Gratitude Challenge, a simple and powerful way to bring more holiday happiness into your life.I discuss how practicing gratitude, especially during challenging times, can help shift your focus from what you don't have to appreciating what's already right in front of you. Whether it's a small moment or a big win, gratitude opens the door to greater joy, connection, and peace—exactly what we need during the holidays.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The transformative power of gratitude and how it can unlock holiday happiness.How focusing on gratitude can help shift your mindset during stressful or overwhelming times.Practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life this December.Why the holidays are the perfect time to practice gratitude and embrace the beauty in your life.Join the challenge and start practicing gratitude today, because what you focus on expands—let's expand the blessings in our lives this holiday season!Episode Quote:"Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation." – John OrtbergResources Mentioned:December Gratitude ChallengeConnect with Bona and The Happier You community on The Happier You Facebook Group Join the Daily Gratitude Email Series Connect with Bona:Website: The Happier You Facebook: The Happier You Facebook Group This December, give yourself the gift of gratitude—one of the few things you can control during the busy holiday season. The Happier You Gratitude Challenge is your chance to focus on the beauty and blessings in your life, no matter how chaotic the season gets.

In this episode with all five of our pastors we talk about Jeremy's tradition at Chick-fil-A, seeing people you know when you are far from home, and we look at Brooks' latest message on gratitude from our series, The Gratitude Challenge.

Let's put our words where our heart is. FREE (OR SUPER AFFORDABLE) RESOURCES: wholeness help: ∂ Rumors of You (never-before-released) book: https://elisabethklein.com/rumors-of-you-book/ ∂ Sixteen guided meditations: https://elisabethklein.com/guided-meditations/ ∂ ALL COURSES now PAY WHAT YOU WANT: https://bit.ly/PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT-FOR-ALMOST-EVERYTHING ∂ fill out this coaching survey and I'll respond with a custom coaching proposal: bit.ly/how-is-your-life-working in a difficult marriage: ∂ if you're not safe or if you or your children are being physically or sexually hurt, please set up a safety plan (https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/) and contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) ∂ confidential marriage assessment: http://bit.ly/marriage-assessment ∂ Surviving in a Difficult Christian Marriage e-book: https://elisabethklein.com/books ∂ 3-month e-course, Marriage Methods (now PAY WHAT YOU CAN): https://bit.ly/marriage-methods-pwyc ∂ if you're in a difficult marriage with biblical grounds to divorce and you're trying to decide whether to stay or go: my 5-week e-course, Decision Time (now PAY WHAT YOU CAN): https://bit.ly/PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT-FOR-ALMOST-EVERYTHING separated or divorced or single mom: ∂ Unraveling: Hanging Onto Faith Through the End of a Christian Marriage book: bit.ly/UnravelingMarriage ∂ Surviving as a Christian Single Mom e-book: www.elisabethklein.com/books ∂ 3-month e-course, Heartbreak to Hope: ⁠https://bit.ly/Heartbreak-to-Hope-pwyc ∂ Are You Ready to Date quiz: https://elisabethklein.com/partner-quiz/

To get all the details on the Rewire & Restore Christian Wellness Retreat, click here: Sign Up For Info Here  

In this episode of The Caring Corner, Mischelle O'Neal delves into finding gratitude and building resilience during life's most challenging moments. Learn how to acknowledge uncertainty, embrace small moments of hope, and guide our next generation through times of challenge with honesty and strength. Join me for practical steps to rediscover gratitude and a special Gratitude Rising 7-day guided Gratitude Challenge, complete with a 31-day Gratitude Calendar and downloadable journal to support your journey." Sign up to receive your 31-Day Gratitude Calendar so you can start your Gratitude journey right now!

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Join the Gratitude Challenge and transform your life in just 30 days! Take a journey of self-reflection, positivity, and appreciation. For 30 days straight, we'll share daily prompts and exercises to help you cultivate gratitude, shift your mindset, and attract joy into your life. Get ready to experience a profound shift in your perspective and start living a more fulfilling life. Take the challenge and start your journey to a happier, healthier you! Positive Psychology Article: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/ Click here to order your Happiest Holidays Planner on Amazon: https://geni.us/5UeYXo3 Aura Digital Picture Frame: https://geni.us/mwwx Social LinksMoving Toward Better Website http://www.movingtowardbetter.com Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/movingtowardbetter Instagram https://www.instagram.com/movingtowardbetter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-bemmes-2787459/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsC8-ZYX5JRaSUkYCL984w 30 days of thanks, wellness, mindfulness, mental health, motivation, gratitude journal, personal growth, 30 days of gratitude, the power of gratitude, remember me, gratitude affirmations, reflection, thank you, Thanksgiving, power of gratitude, positivity, gratitude challenge, kindness, gratitude practice, daily gratitude

Send us a textToday I'm going to give you another challenge, something to write down. Alright, so if you're a game for another challenge, get ready for this one. Now I will also preface this, that if you would like more joy in your life, to have more beautiful gratitude and positivity in your life, then this challenge is for you. 

Send us a Text Message.Today's episode is a challenge. That's right, I'm going to give you a challenge. I'm dropping it in. And this is a challenge I invite you to take on today, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. 

Send us a Text Message.Hope you take on today's challenge. Today's challenge is a gratitude challenge, it's one that we've laid when we've done the five -day positivity challenges in the past and I want to bring it here to the podcast. And the challenge is this, I invite you to write down three things you are grateful for right here and now take time and write them down.

Bona Normandeau had a pivotal life moment when she was asked about her dream in life and she could not come up with anything. This led her on a journey of finding her own "happy" and now she helps others find it for themselves too. Listen in as she and Kim talk about ways to celebrate the moments as you go instead of "saving" happiness for one day and so much more. Bona has her own podcast called The Happier You which you can find by going to her website at the following LINK. You can also get her free 14-day Gratitude Challenge on her website www.thehappieryou.net or click HERE. ********************* Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife, mom and educator who has a passion for inspiring other women to live every moment. Check out her website www.midlifewithcourage.com to learn more about her story and get essential oils education too.

Sometimes the most turbulent waters reveal the pearls of our deepest transformations. In a heartfelt exchange on our latest podcast, Zach Lloyd, a beacon of hope whose story punctuates my book "The Gratitude Challenge," opens up about his life's rough patches that ultimately sculpted the man he is today. Together, we navigate the emotions of the past—bullying, heartbreak, substance abuse—and how these shared experiences, raw and unfiltered, have shaped our dedication to fitness, faith, and helping others find their way through the dark.As you listen, you'll be moved by Zach's harrowing journey from the brink of despair to the strength he found in the most unexpected of places. His encounter with near-death experiences and drug dealing, followed by a pivotal life-saving call, exemplifies the incredible impact of human connection and the undying hope that lives within us all. It's not just our struggles that define us, but also our capacity to rise, to rehabilitate, and to discover new directions. We're here to show you that no matter how deep the valley, the climb to the summit is within reach.This episode isn't just about overcoming—it's about the transformative power of giving. I share how serving those in need, those who the Bible refers to as 'the least of these,' has not only alleviated my own battles with depression but has filled my life with a joy that transcends the ordinary. We invite you to find solace and inspiration in our narratives, and we challenge you to embrace the cycle of compassion and thankfulness. Your story, like ours, holds the potential to uplift and guide others towards a life where gratitude isn't just a practice, but a lifeline.Connect with Zach: Zach's website here Get a free resource: End Calorie Counting Toolkit here Follow Zach on IG: @zachlloydcoaching Connect with Stephanie: Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here. Shop Stephanie's books here. Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal

This week Pastor Michael teaches on reshaping our perspective on pressure from James 1:2-8.  He also invited Brenda up to share about our coming Gratitude Challenge and Brandon to share an update on our Livestream.

Hey Friends & Kin!   FYI: THIS, JUST LIKE ALL EPISODES OF HAND ME MY PURSE, CONTAINS PROFANITY. THIS PODCAST IS FOR ADULTS AND CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT. Now that we've gotten that out of the way... _________   Friends and Kin this episode is around a topic that is a recurring theme here on HAND ME MY PURSE. AND THAT'S GRATITUDE!!! Gratitude is the key to the streets. There are so many conversations that I have had about it & I know for a fact, this won't be the last conversation had on this podcast where I will talk about GRATITUDE. It's at the very nucleus of so many aspects of our lives!    I enjoyed having this conversation - with myself, and well with you! I went into some thoughts about how grief, stress and just EVERYDAY LIFE has led me to a space where I am a bit off kilter. It's time for a full on reset. I have named my grief and given it a song! It was nice to change the narrative and shift it a little bit - so that I am not focused on the negative aspects of grief. It is a great conversation about how to switch from grumpy to GRATEFUL. ALSO, IT'S TIME FOR A GRATITUDE CHALLENGE!!!    We will start on March 12th & go until April 21st! I CANNOT WAIT!!! Please please join me! It's a great time for a reset.   "GO WHERE YOU ARE ADORED. NOT WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED..."   MeMe's Jam No. 84

Are you letting your chronic condition dictate your happiness?You might be unintentionally focusing on your limitations instead of the victories of your everyday life.It's natural to feel lost in the struggle of managing a chronic illness, but there's a powerful remedy within your reach: gratitude. Let's talk about flipping the script from enduring to enjoying your life. You see, each day you have many opportunities to develop a grateful heart by learning to pay attention to all the blessings in your life- big and small. But if you do not learn to clear your mind of negativity on a regular basis, you leave no room in your heart for gratitude to enter. The joy that comes from within you does not depend on your circumstances to change. As the saying goes-“You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:- How gratitude can reshape your perspective and brighten your outlook, even on tough health days.- Practical steps to integrate thankfulness into your routine and start feeling its transformative effects.- The psychological shift that happens when you transition from counting setbacks to celebrating small wins.Remember, joy isn't just a feeling, it's a journey. When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @healingjourneypodcast!While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram to see behind the scenes of how I navigate life's ups and downs with a spirit of gratitude—and how you can too.CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram | @aninditarungta OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:- Sign up for the "Joyful journey- the 5 day GRATITUDE CHALLENGE" for women to jumpstart your gratitude practice.When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @aninditarungta . LEARN MORE FROM ANINDITA @aninditarungta | nourish heal connect | Embrace Your Healing Journey

Creating holiday memories doesn't have to be stressful! If you're ready to simplify traditions, release the pressure of perfection, and make Jesus' birth the central focus of Christmas, then today's episode is for you. Stress-free memories are all about doing what works for you and your family right now in a realistic way. Once you decide what you will prioritize with your family, you can simplify and plan out your traditions. Doing so will give you the confidence to tune out all the noise and focus on what truly matters this Christmas.I've created this free guide to help you work through everything we talk about in this episode!Join the Gratitude Challenge for free weekly journal prompts throughout the month of November! Sign up here! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss future episodes like this one.And if you haven't already, would you take a minute to leave a reviewon Apple podcast? I love hearing what you're taking away from each episode!Want to connect?!Tag the show on Instagram so we can see what you're listening to!Connect with Cason here

As we wrap up our mini series on gratitude, I thought it would be fitting to focus on the gift of Jesus' birth. Press play to kick off the holiday season with a thankful heart, regardless of what you're walking through. My hope is that you remember this truth: you are always seen, you are fully known, and you are deeply loved. Don't forget to grab your FREE gratitude guide below. I'm thankful for you, friend!Join the Gratitude Challenge for free weekly journal prompts throughout the month of November! Sign up here! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss future episodes like this one.And if you haven't already, would you take a minute to leave a reviewon Apple podcast? I love hearing what you're taking away from each episode!Want to connect?!Tag the show on Instagram so we can see what you're listening to!Connect with Cason here

Why is it so difficult to be thankful at this time of year? We plainly see much to be concerned over and that can be hard to rise above. Co-host Dave Donaldson breaks down the impact of gratitude in this empowering podcast and issues a challenge. Moved by the legacy of gratitude that he witnessed in the life of his 89-year-old grandmother and its ability to move light into the darkness, Donaldson reveals the untapped potential it holds for us. Gratitude is an element that gravity has no grip on. As Donaldson says, “Gratitude determines altitude.” It provides more than just a birds-eye view of our situations; through gratitude we gain a glimpse of God's perspective and that completely changes our purview. Today you are being called out from under the cloud cover in your life: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.” Discover truths about gratitude and take the Gratitude Challenge; you will be amazed at where it takes you.*This message first aired at Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield, California. Listen to the full sermon at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXkyY81yq18For Show Notes & Episode Details: https://theinfluencerspodcast.orgFACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficialINSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/hearinfluencersYOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@TheInfluencersPodcastLearn more about the work of CityServe International and how you can get involved at https://www.cityserve.us

“Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." - MK Gandhi At day 27 of daily gratitude you have now obtained a very positive, abundant mindset. We create our own reality with what we think, what we believe, what we perceive, and even what words we speak. Recognizing this gives you a responsibility to choose how to see the world. The term 'create your own reality' means the different ways by which you can co-create your life by the energy of your thoughts, beliefs, perspectives, and actions. The theory is based on the fact that when you change the way you see things within you and around you, it helps you to make a new outlook towards life. Enjoy this replay from the 2022 Gratitude Challenge and as suggested, please listen to Episode 126 HERE Be CREATIVE! XOXO Sofia LIKE on FACEBOOK @manifestyourblissShow FOLLOW on INSTAGRAM @manifestyourblisss I am grateful to our sponsor Cinch it! The perfect gift! www.thecincit.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/manifestyourbliss/message

Struggling with your thoughts this Thanksgiving? Finding it hard to be thankful? Do you feel like "maybe if I prayed harder or read my bible more, then...."? If so, today is for you! We're focusing on our minds in this episode of our mini series all about cultivating gratitude. Don't forget to grab the FREE gratitude guide here!Mentioned in this episode:Retraining Your Brain with Lindsay MitchellJoin the Gratitude Challenge for free weekly journal prompts throughout the month of November! Sign up here! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss future episodes like this one.And if you haven't already, would you take a minute to leave a reviewon Apple podcast? I love hearing what you're taking away from each episode!Want to connect?!Tag the show on Instagram so we can see what you're listening to!Connect with Cason here

As we approach Thanksgiving, a week filled with gratitude, reflection, and turkey dinners, I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on this special time of the year and issue an invitation to practice gratitude in a more intentional way. If you enjoyed today's episode, consider sharing it with someone who might love it too. And hey, leaving a review on iTunes is like sprinkling magic on the podcast—your support helps reach more amazing souls like you.Check out Episode 32- 365 Thank You Letters Let's connect on Instagram @positively.jessie. I'm looking forward to hanging out with you more. Until next time, have an amazing week, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Are you ready to transform your outlook on life? We promise that this episode will help you do just that, by cultivating an attitude of gratitude. We start by challenging you to write down what you're thankful for, inspired by Psalm 100:4, and shift your perspective to see your life through a lens of thankfulness. We explore how this act of gratitude can deepen our faith, by encouraging us to return our praises to God, not just for His blessings, but as an expression of heartfelt thanks for His deeds in our life.We take our exploration of gratitude a step further by uncovering its role in deepening our faith. We open up about the different levels of faith and how a grateful heart can strengthen them, using the story of the ten lepers as a prime example. We also delve into the immense benefits of laughter, play, and kindness, emphasizing how they can create positive changes and improve our well-being. So, get ready to laugh, play, and be kind!Support the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

Tis the season for thanksgiving! Let's practice gratitude together every Thursday right here on Her Pursuit. If you'd like the free journal prompts that will correspond to each week's episode, sign up here. You only need to sign up once in order have the prompts delivered to your inbox!Join the Gratitude Challenge for free weekly journal prompts throughout the month of November! Sign up here! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss future episodes like this one.And if you haven't already, would you take a minute to leave a reviewon Apple podcast? I love hearing what you're taking away from each episode!Want to connect?!Tag the show on Instagram so we can see what you're listening to!Connect with Cason here

Tis the season for thanksgiving! Let's practice gratitude together every Thursday right here on Her Pursuit. If you'd like the free journal prompts that will correspond to each week's episode, sign up here. You only need to sign up once in order have the prompts delivered to your inbox!Join the Gratitude Challenge for free weekly journal prompts throughout the month of November! Sign up here! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don't miss future episodes like this one.And if you haven't already, would you take a minute to leave a reviewon Apple podcast? I love hearing what you're taking away from each episode!Want to connect?!Tag the show on Instagram so we can see what you're listening to!Connect with Cason here

Embarking on a transformative journey often begins with self-reflection and clarity on our aspirations. I invite you to take a moment for introspection by completing the Wheel of Life form from Day 2 of the Gratitude Challenge. This tool allows you to assess various aspects of your life and identify areas where you may want to focus your energy. Once you've gained insights into your current standing, let's dream big together! Create a list of desires, envisioning the life you truly wish to manifest in each segment of the wheel. Whether it's relationships, career, health, or personal growth, let your desires flow freely. This exercise isn't just a checklist; it's a roadmap to guide you on your journey toward manifesting the life of your dreams. Embrace the power of intention, and let's set the wheels of manifestation in motion. XOXO Sofia Sign up for the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge HERE Get the Bonus Package HERE Follow Facebook @ManifestYourBlissShow Join the FB Group Instagram @ManifestYourBlisss --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/manifestyourbliss/message

In an effort to clarify how I view the connection between Christianity and manifestation, from my current state of consciousness, and that I didn't share in the last episode, I riff about what it means to be Christian and believe in the power of manifestation.I believe these concepts can coexist and wasn't completely clear on that in the previous episode.  In my mind both practices revolve around allowing positive energy to flow, fostering abundance for oneself and others.My intention in sharing this episode is to help bridge the gap between a more conservative Christian viewpoint and the more mystical "woo-woo" beliefs. I believe in using positive energy to create beneficial circumstances for ourselves and others, with the understanding that the force behind this energy is God.  Manifestation does not have to been seen as creating something from nothing, but rather shaping circumstances through free will to foster greater well-being. I believe that everything good and positive comes from God, and ultimately, we have to surrender to His plan for our lives, but we can indeed create the circumstances and own our thoughts and actions to live in a way that moves us towards what we want to be inviting into our lives.Resources:Join me in a free 30-day Gratitude Challenge during the month of November in the Energetic Rhythms for Intentional Living community here.  Come in and join anytime!Grab your Daily Rhythms Tracker here.Get the full show notes at www.cairnyogawellness.com/podcast89.More episodes like this one:#88: The Power of Manifestation in Christian Faith (with Rachel Bayford)#75: Gratitude, the Practice of Being "Blessed"#19: Cultivating GratitudeJoin the Energetic Rhythms for Intentional Living community here. Follow us:Facebook | Instagram | PinterestRate or review this podcast on Apple Podcasts here.