November 27th, 2024
by Matt Miofsky
by Matt Miofsky

Gratitude is like penicillin for the soul. Gratitude is linked to everything from better sleep to lower blood pressure, stronger relationships to better self-esteem. Creating a habit of giving thanks literally and spiritually improves your life. I think that is why Paul writes,
Rejoice always. Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5.18)
It is hard sometimes to focus on what we have instead of what we don't, what is here instead of what isn’t, what is right in our life instead of what is going wrong. While gratitude is healthy anytime, it is much better if we create a habit of practicing it. And there is no better day to start that habit than today. So, I thought I would offer 4 easy ideas for making gratitude a daily practice in your life.
Take time this weekend to choose one person who has played a role in your life and write them a thank you note. You’ll be amazed by the difference this will make in the lives of people around you, and it takes 5-10 minutes a week.
My kids roll their eyes when I do this, but it works, and they engage. If you have a family, try eating together at least once a week. When you do, ask one question related to gratitude that everyone has to answer. It can be as simple as “What is one thing that you are really glad happened today?” or “What was the best thing that happened last week?” Then, say a prayer thanking God for those occurrences.
I love this one. Each day, I try to pay attention to people who just seem to go above and beyond. It is easy to be disappointed, but it takes work to pay attention to what is good. And then go a step further and offer a compliment or kind word. Try it, and you’ll see what a difference it makes in the lives of others (and in you).
Starting a habit of spending a few minutes each day with God will change your spiritual life more than any other discipline - if you stick with it. But a lot of us don’t know where to start. That is why I wrote a daily devotion and prayer book, The Methodist book of Daily Prayer. Pick it up, or one like it, and start. You can check out my devotional here or locally at the Novel Neighbor.
I hope all of you have a great day. Do something fun, eat some food, and find time to rest. This weekend is the start of the Christmas season at The Gathering and worship is going to be incredible as we start our new series, "Getting Ready For Christmas." If we aren’t careful, we can roll through Christmas feeling like we missed the most important part. That is why a rhythm of worship now can help us to prepare to experience this holiday more fully. I hope that I will see you this weekend, and this is the perfect season to invite a friend. So join me, and please offer the invitation to someone you know. I can’t wait to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Matt
P.S. The Gathering’s Christmas Eve schedule is set, including several early services for those of you going out-of-town. You can find all the services and details here. As you gather with family, make sure to make plans for them to join you at The Gathering this Christmas season.
Rejoice always. Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5.18)
It is hard sometimes to focus on what we have instead of what we don't, what is here instead of what isn’t, what is right in our life instead of what is going wrong. While gratitude is healthy anytime, it is much better if we create a habit of practicing it. And there is no better day to start that habit than today. So, I thought I would offer 4 easy ideas for making gratitude a daily practice in your life.
- Write a Note
Take time this weekend to choose one person who has played a role in your life and write them a thank you note. You’ll be amazed by the difference this will make in the lives of people around you, and it takes 5-10 minutes a week.
- Dinner Questions
My kids roll their eyes when I do this, but it works, and they engage. If you have a family, try eating together at least once a week. When you do, ask one question related to gratitude that everyone has to answer. It can be as simple as “What is one thing that you are really glad happened today?” or “What was the best thing that happened last week?” Then, say a prayer thanking God for those occurrences.
- Words of Affirmation
I love this one. Each day, I try to pay attention to people who just seem to go above and beyond. It is easy to be disappointed, but it takes work to pay attention to what is good. And then go a step further and offer a compliment or kind word. Try it, and you’ll see what a difference it makes in the lives of others (and in you).
- Daily Prayer
Starting a habit of spending a few minutes each day with God will change your spiritual life more than any other discipline - if you stick with it. But a lot of us don’t know where to start. That is why I wrote a daily devotion and prayer book, The Methodist book of Daily Prayer. Pick it up, or one like it, and start. You can check out my devotional here or locally at the Novel Neighbor.
I hope all of you have a great day. Do something fun, eat some food, and find time to rest. This weekend is the start of the Christmas season at The Gathering and worship is going to be incredible as we start our new series, "Getting Ready For Christmas." If we aren’t careful, we can roll through Christmas feeling like we missed the most important part. That is why a rhythm of worship now can help us to prepare to experience this holiday more fully. I hope that I will see you this weekend, and this is the perfect season to invite a friend. So join me, and please offer the invitation to someone you know. I can’t wait to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Matt
P.S. The Gathering’s Christmas Eve schedule is set, including several early services for those of you going out-of-town. You can find all the services and details here. As you gather with family, make sure to make plans for them to join you at The Gathering this Christmas season.
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Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
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