
Happiness, joy, fulfillment, gratefulness are not stagnant states… They are deeply rooted in our perceptions.
Ungraciousness can stem from a variety of factors:
Lack of Perspective: People may not recognize the efforts or sacrifices made by others, leading to feelings of entitlement.
High Expectations: When people have unrealistic expectations, they might overlook the positives and focus on what they feel is lacking.
Comparisons: Constantly comparing oneself to others can foster dissatisfaction and ingratitude, as one may feel they don’t have enough.
Unthankful!! Materialistic, Selfish, Self Centered, Hedonistic.
Consumer society-continually pressed with what we don’t have and that we don’t have enough “I need more, bigger, better. “
Pilgrims made several significant contributions to America, particularly in terms of cultural, social, and political development
Religious Freedom: The Pilgrims, seeking to escape religious persecution in England, established one of the first communities in America that emphasized religious freedom and separation of church and state, influencing future American values.
Mayflower Compact: Signed in 1620, this document is considered one of the first forms of self-government in America. It established a framework for governance based on majority rule and collective decision-making, laying the groundwork for democratic principles.
Agricultural Practices: The Pilgrims adapted to the local environment by learning from Native Americans, particularly regarding crop cultivation (notably corn and squash). Their agricultural practices contributed to the development of sustainable farming in the region.
Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims’ harvest celebration in 1621, which included a feast with Native Americans, is often regarded as the origin of Thanksgiving. This event has evolved into a national holiday that emphasizes gratitude and community.
The Price the paid to give us these opportunities:
Harsh Voyaging Conditions
Unfamiliar Environment
Food Shortages
Diseases
Lack of Shelter
During the first winter after their arrival in 1620, approximately half of the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth Colony died. Out of the original 102 passengers on the Mayflower, around 50 succumbed to harsh conditions, illness, and starvation by the spring of 1621. The combination of exposure to the elements, malnutrition, and diseases took a severe toll on the settlement, highlighting the significant challenges they faced in their new environment.
Conflict with Native Americans: Initial interactions with Native Americans were fraught with tension. While some tribes, like the Wampanoag, eventually formed alliances with the Pilgrims.
For the first six years of GodWhy, a large team of volunteers started their Sunday morning at 5:00 AM to unload everything that would need to be used for the service out of trailers… Kids, classroom, furniture, and supplies, sound system, lighting, video and screens, hospitality tables and the list goes on. Then rehearsals, then the service, and then another two hours to load everything back into the trailers and reset all the space back to its original state (nine hours every Sunday to provide us today the opportunity to walk into a beautiful space flip on the lights and focus primarily on content and connection with people.
Adam: How can we build our brains for gratitude so we can live fuller lives?
Compared to most other points in history, the current quality of life is significantly higher, with people living longer, experiencing better health, having greater access to education and technology, and facing significantly lower rates of infant mortality thanks to advancements in medicine, sanitation, and overall living standards; making it arguably the best time to be alive in human history.
Currently, depression rates in America are generally on the increase. Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of depression has risen, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to this increase include heightened stress, social isolation, economic uncertainty, and ongoing societal changes.
Suicide - 2000s-Present: The suicide rate continued to rise, reaching a 50-year high by 2018. Factors such as economic stress, the opioid crisis, and increased rates of mental health issues contributed to this trend. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has also raised concerns about mental health, though data on its specific impact on suicide rates is still being analyzed.Lois Coile Memorial Service
Lack of Perspective
Unrealistic Expectations
Comparisons
Mark 8:34 What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?
1Timothy 6:5-6 They have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Philippians 4:12-13 I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Attitude, really matters.
A good attitude generally brings good results and blessings.
Bad attitude attracts negativity.
Gratitude can have a profound impact on well-being and relationships
Improved Mental Health: Practicing gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting a more positive mindset
Increased Resilience: Grateful individuals tend to cope better with stress and adversity, viewing challenges in a more positive light.
Better Physical Health: Grateful people may engage in healthier behaviors, such as exercising more and getting regular check-ups.
Greater Life Satisfaction: A focus on gratitude can enhance overall happiness and satisfaction with life.
Improved Sleep: Keeping a gratitude journal can lead to better sleep quality by promoting positive thoughts before bedtime.
Boosted Empathy: Gratitude encourages a greater sense of empathy and understanding toward others, leading to more compassionate interactions.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Acknowledging the good in life can help diminish social comparisons and boost self-worth.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.