Reduce pain, stress, anxiety & depression... improve sleep... and... eliminate toxic emotions... HOW!? Join Pastor Mona Scrivens in week two of the 'Optimism in a Topsy-Turvy World' series...

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I've realized just how pervasive negativity can be in our lives. It's easy to let it rule us, but it's crucial to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook. Today, I want to talk about a powerful tool that can transform our perspective and, indeed, our lives: gratitude.

The Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude is a concept that often goes unexplored in depth, even when it's something we truly need to have in our lives. As I prepare to celebrate 39 years of marriage with Brian this December, I'm reminded of how gratitude plays a vital role in relationships. It's fascinating how things that never used to bother me have become more irritating over the years. I find myself complaining about Brian's incessant humming and whistling, yet I know gratitude can change this perspective.

A Cure for Complaining

Complaining has become widespread, almost like its own pandemic. We gripe about the weather, our bosses, or even minor inconveniences. But there's good news—a cure for this pandemic exists, and it’s called gratitude. Gratitude eliminates toxic emotions and offers benefits like reducing pain, improving sleep quality, and decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression. It's like a miracle drug with no side effects.

Personal Journey to Peace

I've found in my own life that gratitude can bring about a spirit of peace. When anxiety hits, I journal to vent, and through this process, I discover what I'm grateful for—whether it’s a good night's sleep or the sun shining. This practice often starts small but grows, turning complaints into prayers.

A Biblical Perspective

Let's look at Philippians 4, where Paul, writing from prison, offers words of wisdom about rejoicing. He speaks of the Greek word "Hiro," meaning to be glad, and its root word "ris," meaning grace. Despite being in dire circumstances, Paul found a deeper truth in God's grace, encouraging us to rejoice and embrace peace in God's presence.

Battling Anxiety with Gratitude

Anxiety can feel like we're being pulled apart in many directions, but Paul advises against being anxious. Instead, with prayer and thanksgiving in every situation, we're to present our requests to God. This practice transforms our hearts, allowing gratitude to overflow and replace negative thoughts with peace.

A Call to Action

As I reflect on how gratitude impacts my life, I urge you to embrace it too. Allow gratitude to flow and replace the negative chatter in your mind, finding protection in the peace of God. This shift in mindset can lead to a miraculous transformation even in our topsy-turvy world.

Let's close in prayer, asking for help to be grateful in all circumstances and to let it flow as thankfulness from our lips. Amen.

Optimism in a Topsy Turvy World: My Journey of Hope

Hello, and welcome! I pray that as you read this, you sense God's presence in this space. Let's begin with a reflection on something that's deeply moved me recently, a moment that broke my heart but also ignited a flame of optimism.

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I Stand with Trey Savage

If you're not familiar, Trey Savage is a 22-year-old pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Recently, he courageously spoke out against the negativity that has impacted those close to him. Watching him stand up with such integrity was both heart-wrenching and inspirational. It reminded me how overwhelming negativity can be, especially in today's tumultuous world.

The World’s Challenges and My Faith

There's no denying the difficult news that surrounds us—people getting sick, job losses, natural disasters, and the constant stream of negativity. It's easy to get caught up in fear and anxiety. But as we recently celebrated Thanksgiving, I took a moment to pause and reflect on my role as an optimist. I am reminded to have faith and look for the good amid the chaos, believing wholeheartedly in a loving God who is for us.

Defining Optimism: What It Is and Isn’t

Optimism isn’t about denying reality or adopting blind faith. It’s about hopefulness and confidence in a positive future. As a believer, I see optimism as the unwavering expectation that our loving God is working in every situation for our future. This belief echoes the words of Paul in Romans 8:28, which promises that God works for the good of those who love him.

The Power of Our Thoughts

Reflecting on Proverbs 23:7, I understand that my life is a reflection of my thoughts. If my mind is consumed by negativity, that's the direction my life moves. But by feeding my faith and starving my fears, I strive toward optimism and God’s power.

Feeding My Faith: A Personal Practice

In nurturing my faith, I immerse myself in scripture, allowing it to renew my mind. For example, Romans 8 provides immense comfort. Despite the immense sufferings faced by the Apostle Paul, he espoused a perspective that our present struggles pale in comparison to the glory ahead. This scripture feeds my faith, assuring me that my loving God is working in every situation for my future.

Acknowledging Personal Struggles

Many of us face significant challenges, whether health issues, job losses, or relational strife. Each struggle is real, but the wisdom I draw from scripture tells me that these hardships are building the strength we need for tomorrow. In God's grand design, momentary struggles cannot compare to the blessings and glory to come.

The Spirit’s Strength in My Weakness

In moments of uncertainty, I remind myself that God’s spirit strengthens me. Despite feeling unprepared or second-guessing myself, I know that God's spirit, which raised Christ from the dead, dwells within me. This gives me hope and peace, allowing me to confidently trust in God’s guidance.

Conclusion: Choosing Optimism and Faith

We've endured the prolonged challenges of the pandemic and live in uncertain times. However, I hold unwavering optimism in God’s faithfulness and goodness. By trusting in God, I believe our present struggles stand against the promise of future glory. Let us be filled with gratitude, knowing that God is working through all circumstances to bring about good. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Let’s close in prayer. Lord, thank you for building our faith through your word. Even in the darkest times, your comfort and love remain. Thank you, holy God, for being with us. Amen.

Does your purse have holes?

Feel like your purse has holes in it? The money goes out as soon as it goes in?

This Thanksgiving, embrace a mindset of gratitude and abundance! Dive into the essence of generosity and how it can transform your life... and your purse!

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How many of you have heard the saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive?" I firmly believe that. It also brings me joy when someone graciously offers me a gift, even something unexpected like the person ahead of you in the drive-thru paying for your coffee. These acts of kindness highlight a simple but profound truth—it's indeed fun and uplifting to receive. Yet, Jesus beautifully emphasized that it's even more blessed to give.

Understanding God's Heart

Why did Jesus prioritize giving over receiving? The answer lies in reflecting the heart of God. Scripture teaches, "For God so loved the world that He gave." Giving mirrors God's infinite love and generosity because love inherently gives. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, as we count our blessings, let's remember the link between love and gratitude—generosity flourishes from a thankful heart.

A Personal Reflection

Through my life, I battled a scarcity mindset, constantly dwelling on what I lacked rather than appreciating what I had. My goal today is to inspire a change in our mindset towards generosity and gratitude. So, let's start with a prayer.

Opening Our Hearts to Generosity

Today marks the conclusion of our series on "More Than Enough," diving into Second Corinthians chapter eight, where Paul elaborates on generosity. To provide some context, Paul, a Jew, was called to spread the gospel beyond the Jews to non-Jews, or Gentiles. This stirred tension, but Paul recognized Jesus's message was for everyone. Eventually, church leaders supported Paul's mission, emphasizing the importance of remembering the poor.

Paul encountered overwhelming generosity during his travels to Macedonia. Despite their extreme poverty, the Macedonian churches gave with overflowing joy, exemplifying Thanksgiving, not through material abundance but through rich spirit and faithfulness.

The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset

Their mindset challenges us—how do people with so little give so much? It centers around two mindsets the Bible mentions: the purse mindset and the barn mindset. Like the purse, a scarcity mindset clings to the belief of not having enough. In contrast, the barn mindset embraces abundance, trusting that God provides more than enough. Gratitude fuels this generous heart, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:8—a blessing on our barns and work.

Embracing the Barn Mindset

Proverbs 3:9 speaks of honoring God with the firstfruits—a gesture of gratitude and trust. Returning to God the first ten percent of what we earn underlines our faith and worship. This act, known as tithing, underlines a divine promise—our barns will be overflowing when we put God first.

Breaking the Cycle of Scarcity

It might sound daunting, as I felt initially. But the process of tithing realigns our lives around God, sparking a faith-driven cycle that breaks fear's grip and nurtures abundance. Trusting God reshapes our perspective; 90% with His blessing can stretch further than 100% without.

The Macedonians as Exemplars

The Macedonians understood God's provision. Despite trials, they generously contributed, eager for the privilege to give, embodying the truth that love gives. They lived with open hands acknowledging the source of every blessing as God.

Conclusion: Love Gives

Generosity transcends money; it's woven into the fabric of everyday Thanksgiving. Paul witnessed this cycle of gratitude in the Macedonians, and Second Corinthians assures us that God will generously provide all we need. When we give, we gain boundless gratitude, fulfilling the Thanksgiving promise.

Let's choose to live with generous hearts, overflowing with gratitude this season. I invite you to join me in prayer as we thank God for His blessings and commit to living a life of open-handed generosity.