In this post-Thanksgiving episode, I invite listeners into a personal and Scripture-rich reflection on what it truly means to cultivate a heart of gratitude — not only when life feels abundant, but especially when it feels uncertain, stretching, or emotionally heavy.

Through a biblical study of thanksgiving and a deeply personal parenting story, we explore how God grows our hearts in hidden, humble, everyday ways.

What This Episode Covers

1. Giving Thanks In All Circumstances

We discuss the difference between giving thanks for everything versus giving thanks in everything — and why Scripture calls us to live from God’s reality rather than our circumstances.

Bible Verse:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

2. Gratitude in the Valley — Jeremiah 29 and Parenting

Alexandra shares a meaningful moment with her 11-year-old daughter who has been navigating friendship challenges at school and church.
Through tears, prayers, and divine wisdom, God reminded her:

“She is Mine before she is yours. And I love her more than you ever will.”

This leads into a powerful application of Jeremiah 29: how God calls us to grow where we are planted, even in seasons that feel uncomfortable or unclear.

Bible Verse:

• Jeremiah 29:5 — “Build homes and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what they produce.”

3. The Silent Work of God

We explore how God often works quietly in our lives — through steady, subtle transformation rather than loud breakthroughs — and why gratitude helps us recognize His presence.

Bible Verse:

• Philippians 2:13 — “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

4. A Biblical Framework for Growing in Gratitude

Alexandra introduces a simple 3-step process rooted in Scripture:

Remember

Look back on God’s past faithfulness.

• Psalm 103:2 — “Bless the Lord… and forget not all His benefits.”

Recognize

See His hand in the present moment.

• James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”

Respond

Practice intentional thanksgiving.

• Colossians 3:15 — “…and be thankful.”

5. A Five-Minute Thanksgiving Practice

Listeners are guided into a simple exercise:

• What has God done that I need to remember?
• Where do I see His hand today?
• What promise am I holding onto for tomorrow?

A beautiful way to end Thanksgiving week with renewed gratitude.

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Jeremiah 29:5
• Philippians 2:13
• Psalm 103:2
• James 1:17
• Colossians 3:15

If This Episode Encouraged You…

Share it with a friend or parent who may be walking through a challenging season.
Leave a rating or review so others can find Curious for Christ and grow in their walk with Jesus.

Thank you for being here.
Happy Thanksgiving weekend — may God continue to cultivate gratitude and peace in your heart.

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In today’s episode, we explore the world of the early church and the historical events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. My guest, Dr. Ward Sanford, is a hydrogeologist, researcher, and biblical historian whose passion for truth led him to write The Cry for Jerusalem series — deeply researched Christian historical novels rooted in eyewitness accounts and the writings of Josephus.

Together, we talk about:

• How history supports and illuminates Scripture
• Why understanding the culture of first-century Judea matters for our faith
• The strength and courage of women in the early church
• How faith and intellect work together, rather than in opposition
• And how our questions can actually draw us closer to God

This conversation is thoughtful, grounding, and deeply encouraging — especially if you’ve ever wrestled with doubt or wanted to understand your faith more deeply.

Resources Mentioned:

- The Cry for Jerusalem Series

Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audible

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/wardsanford

- To learn more about Dr. Sanford's work, read his blog, explore historical research, and stay updated on future projects, visit:

https://cryforjerusalem.com/

If This Episode Encouraged You:

Leaving a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps more listeners find these conversations. Thank you so much for taking a moment to do that — it truly means a lot.

Schedule Update

New episodes now release every two weeks.

I’ll see you back here soon — stay curious, stay rooted, and stay close to Christ.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!

Have you ever had a season where nothing seemed to work — your plans, your prayers, your patience? When it feels like you’re doing everything right…and still waiting?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into Psalm 149:6, a short but powerful verse that teaches us what to do when life feels confusing or overwhelming:

This verse shows us the two things that never fail:

Worship and God’s Word.

When everything else is shaking, these are the anchors that keep us standing.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Why overthinking and analyzing can lead us into confusion
• How praise becomes a weapon during seasons of delay or disappointment
• How to use Scripture as truth and defense when fear, doubt, or lies speak loudly
• The hidden purpose behind the wilderness seasons and refinement
• How God uses pressure not to punish us, but to prepare and strengthen us
• What spiritual maturity actually looks like and how to walk in it daily

You’ll walk away with practical encouragement and declarations rooted in Scripture, including:

• “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)
• “He will never leave me nor forsake me.” (Hebrews 13:5)
• “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)

Key Takeaway

When nothing seems to be working, don’t spiral into overthinking.

Instead:

Lift your worship.

Grip the Word.

Let praise and truth do the fighting.

Scripture References

• Psalm 149:6
• Isaiah 54:17
• Hebrews 13:5
• Psalm 23:1
• Hosea 2:14
• Job 1

Closing Prayer

We end the episode in prayer — asking God to give us clarity, peace, and endurance through seasons of refinement, and to remind us that wilderness is not abandonment, but preparation.

Connect

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend — or leave a review to help others find the podcast.

Stay curious. Stay close. Stay anchored.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!