Expressing Gratitude in Every Season of Life

In our life, as Christians, gratitude is a powerful and transformative practice that can bring light to even the darkest of seasons. The concept of thanksgiving is deeply rooted in our faith, reminding us to be thankful in all circumstances, even when life presents its most challenging moments.

It’s easy to give thanks when everything is going well, when we’re blessed with health, prosperity, and happiness. However, the true test of our faith and our character comes when we find ourselves navigating through seasons of hurt or darkness. It’s in these trying times that our ability to find things to be grateful for can truly shine as a testament to our faith.

  1. Gratitude in Hardship: It’s during times of adversity that we discover the incredible power of gratitude. When we’re faced with hardships, we may not be thankful for the pain or suffering, but we can find gratitude in the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the opportunity for growth. In these moments, we can turn to the Lord in prayer, seeking His guidance and strength, and find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.
  2. Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle: Although November and the Thanksgiving holiday is a great reminder and way to focus your mind on being grateful, gratitude should not be reserved for a specific day or season of the year. It’s a lifestyle, a daily choice to count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Even in the midst of trials, we can be thankful for the love of family and friends, the kindness of strangers, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Gratitude can become a source of light that radiates from within us, even when, especially when, the world around us seems dark.
  3. A Season for Everything: Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” This verse reminds us that life is a journey filled with various seasons—some joyous, some challenging. Each season has its purpose, and we can find reasons to be grateful in all of them. In times of abundance, we thank God for His provision, and in times of scarcity, we thank Him for the opportunity to rely on His unfailing grace.
  4. Community and Support: Often, our gratitude can be deeply intertwined with the community of believers who surround us. In times of trial, we can be thankful for the shoulders we lean on, the prayers offered on our behalf, and the hands that reach out to help. Our faith community can serve as a wellspring of encouragement and gratitude, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

As we journey through the various seasons of life, let’s make it a priority to cultivate a heart of gratitude, not just during Thanksgiving, but throughout the year. In every circumstance, let’s seek the silver linings, count our blessings, lean on Jesus, remember God’s promises for us, and remember that God is with us through every season.

Remember, dear friends, that finding things to be grateful for in every season of life is a powerful act of faith, one that can ignite the light of Christ within us and shine brightly for all to see. In this way, we can be a source of hope and inspiration to others, drawing them closer to the love and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

How to Connect with Gods Creation

orange wildflowers blooming in a field
orange wildflowers blooming in a field“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Summer is here! It is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors – fresh air, birds chirping, green grass, growing plants, blue skies, and incredible sunrises and sunsets.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship.”                                      (Psalms 19:1)

In seasons like this, we can’t help but take in and relish in God’s beauty. How often do you slow down from your busy schedule to take in the beauty? Well, there’s no better time to enjoy and connect with God’s creation, free from man-made distractions. Take advantage of this beauty by enjoying a walk in nature with a friend, sitting on the porch or by a campfire with family, going fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.

When we get out and connect with God’s creation, it allows us to clear our minds of negative distractions and be present in the moment, hear God’s calling, and provide clarity to what our purpose is in life.

“Stop and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine? Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:14-16)

Apart from the sunshine and beautiful weather, the Lord has also made thunderstorms to rain down on his creation and allow it to grow. There is beauty in this, too. Lightening brightens the sky and accentuates the clouds and the earth for a different view of His creation.

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth.” (Psalm 104:14)

Everything around us can give insight into what God has meant for our lives. Sometimes we just need to stop, take things in, and listen. The simplicity of God’s creation can catapult us forth to see what He has made us to be.

So what can you do today to enjoy God’s creation and learn His purpose for your life? If you’re struggling to find time to connect with God during this busy season of life, here are five others ways to help keep God at the center of your life.

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom, you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.” (Psalms 104:25-25)

Lent: A Season of Reflection and Growth

Lent is a time to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. No matter what you call them, the basics of Lent are the same – prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The 40 days of Lent allow us to reflect on Jesus’ time alone in the desert. This experience was not glamourous or easy. It was a time for Jesus to listen, hear God’s calling, and discover His purpose.

This time of year allows for recentering and focusing, especially on Jesus’ life and the end of His life on earth – His sacrifice. Allow yourself time with your inner thoughts and time to connect with the plans God has for your life.

Common Lenten Traditions
  • Midweek church services to come together as a community.
  • Reflection opportunities – Praying, playing the piano, reading the Bible, or sitting and meditating with God.
  • Stations of the Cross and going to confession in the Catholic Church.
  • Prayer – Improving our prayer life during Lent can allow us to become closer to God. We can do this by reading Scripture, participating in a Bible study, or daily prayer. Continuing and furthering a relationship with God can help us in our daily lives.
  • Fasting – Many times, people give up chocolate, pop, or other foods during Lent. However, Lent can also be a time to fast and rid ourselves of unnecessary “things” to make space for God in our lives. We could fast from gossiping, social media, or something that takes us away from our relationship with God.
  • Almsgiving – This can be many things, giving of your time, talents, and most commonly, your treasures. This is our opportunity to serve others just as Christ would do.

Though these are a few common Lenten traditions, you don’t necessarily need to do them all to participate in this season.

What we are ‘supposed to do’ throughout Lent isn’t actually spelled out in the Bible. The apostles and early church did not actually observe Lent, but rather it became a tradition in the fourth century AD. Just as they did in the early days, though, during this time we can refocus and center our lives while modeling Jesus’ life.

The actions we take during these 40 days are not meant to happen solely during this season. The intent is to build habits that will continue year-round. So, whatever your Lenten traditions may be, remember the reason for the season.

Week 4: Saturday Congratulations!

Congratulations!

You just finished Ignite: Be The Light’s Foundation Course!

Our prayer while creating this course was that you would grow in your relationship with the Lord and see just how transformative a life with a faith can be.

Over the past four weeks, you built a foundation rooted in faith, developed a healthy and holy mindset, established an intentional lifestyle, and redefined your purpose as a child of God – Now what?
Lucky for you, Foundation is part 1 of a 3 series program – Yes, that’s correct! Two more AMAZING courses are coming your way!
 
In the meantime, while we develop and pray over our up-and-coming courses, we would encourage you to continue digging into your faith, reading the Word, and taking steps towards living a hopeful and fearless life with Christ!
 
We are called to be lights in this dark world, so go out and do just that! Invite a friend, family member, or neighbor to join us on our next launch of the Foundation course (June 6, 2021), start a Bible study with a group of women or simply go to Church. Being a light looks different for everyone and that’s okay. But, don’t be scared to be a light where God has called you to shine.
In the meantime, stay connected on our social media platforms for updates on our up-and-coming courses, Ignite apparel, and so much more. We are SOO proud of you. See you soon!
 
With love and light,
 

The gals at Ignite

Week 4: Friday Check-in

How is Week Four going?

Drop any comments, experiences, or questions you may have about the overall week; daily topics; journal stories; Bible verses; or intentionality as a whole. 
 
What was your favorite part of this week? What area did you find challenging? How did you see God work throughout Purpose Week?
 
Foundation Week Four Content

Week 4: Friday Verse

So, what does Psalm 78:4 mean?

This Psalm speaks to the importance of seeing and understanding the hand of God as He moves in and through history. In this verse, the three things we are called to share with coming generations are:
 
  1. The praises of the LORD – teaching them that God was worthy of our adoration and gratitude.
  2. God’s strength – His power and greatness above and beyond all.
  3. His wonderful works – that is, God’s power and greatness in active assistance to His people.
We should speak often about these things and tell stories of how God has done wonderful works in and through His people!
 
Question: What wonderful things has God done in your life?
 

Week 4: Thursday Verse

So, what does 2 Timothy 1:8 mean?

In this verse, Paul tells Timothy that he should not be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul and his imprisonment. Throughout 2 Timothy, Paul focuses on two primary ideas:
  1. First, that Timothy’s background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times.
  2. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message.
Question: At times, many of us have been scared to talk about our faith. Why do you think that is?