S06 Episode 12: Gratitude

Gratitude

In this episode we talk about the power of gratitude and how it can dramatically change our perspectives and transform our experience of the world. Gratitude helps us to change the focus from ourselves or the things we don't have to a heart that is thankful, humble and open to all the good things God is blessing us with. The truth is that if we can worship and give thanks to God in the midst of trials, it can spiritually break through bitterness and birth a new hope.

Sister Miriam’s one thing - My SOLT community! Our website

Michelle’s one thing - For the Greenhouse Girls, my kids, and my husband

Heather’s one thing - Heather's Carrot Cake

Ingredients2 cups flour2 teaspoons baking soda2 teaspoons cinnamon1 1/4 teaspoons salt

4 eggs2 cups sugar1 cup oil or melted butter2 cups grated carrots2 cups pureed canned pineapple in juice

Cream Cheese Frosting

8oz cream cheese1/2 cup butter softened2 cups icing sugar sifted1 tsp vanilla

InstructionsSift dry ingredients together in bowl

In separate bowl mix eggs, oil, and sugar - mix well. Add grated carrots and pureed pineapple.

Add sifted dry ingredients and use electric mixer until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch glass pyrex dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Done when toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool completely and then frost with cream cheese frosting.

Other Things

Even When it Hurts by Hillsong United 

A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Use code ABIDE25 for 25% off on the Abiding Together Shop from Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from the podcast?
2. Have you ever been through a time when practicing gratitude changed your experience or your perspective?
3. What do you think of the connection between a spirit of gratitude and overcoming an orphan spirit?
4. How can you practically cultivate gratitude in your everyday life?

Journal Questions:

1. Reflect and journal about this scripture: Thessalonians 5:16-19. What does it speak to you personally? 
2. It takes humility to experience gratitude. Where do you struggle to be humble and to receive what is being offered to you?
3. Bitterness is often an obstacle to gratitude. Where are you holding on to bitterness?

Quote to Ponder - Jesus does not demand great action from us, but simply surrender and gratitude.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the spirit. - Thessalonians 5:16-19