Category Archives: Contentment and Gratitude

Signs of God

Posted on June 22, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

From Costa Rica to Colorado, this reflection explores how the beauty of nature and the kindness of people point to the fingerprints of a creative and compassionate God. Discover the signs of God in everyday life—if we only take the time to look.

The reflection also incorporates how God works through others (including us) to answer prayers, and how we can become signs of His presence in the lives of those around us. Learn to recognize—and become—signs of God in everyday life. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Encouragement, Everyday Theology, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Nature and spirituality, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Purpose & Calling, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Self-Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Represent

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When you accept the gift of grace, you also take on the uniform of a Christ-follower—but it’s not about outward appearance. It’s about living with love, humility, and intention. This post unpacks what it means to truly represent Jesus in the world, why our actions matter, and how Christ in us is the hope we carry. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Devotionals, Discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, Faith & Culture, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith in Action, Faith Reflections, God's Love & Grace, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Love and Sacrifice, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grateful for Those Who Have Gone Before Us

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

This Memorial Day weekend, I reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices made by those who came before me—brave American service members who gave their lives for freedom, and faithful believers who carried the gospel across time and distance so it could reach me. Their legacy challenges us to live with courage, purpose, and a deep sense of thankfulness. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Truth, Christian Faith, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith Reflections, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Holidays and Reflections, Inspirational, Love and Sacrifice, Personal Reflection, Scripture Reflections, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Way of Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eternal Life AND Abundant Life

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Jesus didn’t come just to offer eternal life after death—He came to give us abundant life right now. Discover how peace, gratitude, and perspective in Christ transform your life today, not just in eternity. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, God's provision, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Heaven & the Afterlife, Inspirational, Jesus's teachings, Life Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Overcoming Worry, Personal Growth, Personal Reflection, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Joy of Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Discover the true joy of Christmas—beyond fleeting happiness—in this Advent reflection on God’s promises, anchored in Scripture and the good news of Jesus Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Advent Reflections, Biblical insights, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Christmas, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Joy, Faith Reflections, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Joy, Mental Health and Wellness, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Blessed Exchange

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction I must confess that in the early days of my faith journey, I had to learn the humility of gratitude toward God for the blessings in my life. Like many people, I once thought that the good things in … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, God's love, God's provision, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Living in Uncertain Times, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gratitude vs. Entitlement

Posted on November 17, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction—The Danger of Entitlement Last week, we explored the transformative power of gratitude and how it enriches our lives and supports our mental health. This week, I want to delve into something that stands in stark contrast to gratitude: entitlement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Trust, God's love, God's provision, Grace and Redemption, Gratitude and Thankfulness, Inspirational, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Give Thanks

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude. This holiday invites us to pause and consider all that we are thankful for, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Psalm 107 has been on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Comfort and Healing, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, God's provision, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Stealing Back Joy

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction In a world that often seems filled with endless to-do lists, challenges, and disappointments, it’s easy for joy to slip through our fingers. We tend to think of joy as synonymous with happiness—something that occurs when everything aligns perfectly … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Family Relationships, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Prayer and Worship, Self-Improvement, Serving Others, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction Life presents us with a series of highs and lows, victories and struggles. It’s easy to find joy when things are going well, but what about when they aren’t? How do we maintain a heart of gratitude when life … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Trust, God's love, God's provision, Inspirational, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Prayer and Worship, Serving Others, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment