Tag Archives: Gratitude

Eternity in Our Hearts

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Life “under the sun” often feels fleeting, frustrating, and hard to grasp—like vapor slipping through our fingers. But Ecclesiastes reveals that this ache we feel is not a flaw in us, nor a failure in God’s design. It’s intentional. God has placed eternity in our hearts, causing us to long for something beyond the temporary concerns that consume us. When we understand that truth, our priorities shift. We stop chasing wind. We start embracing gratitude. And we anchor our hope in the God who stepped into time through Jesus to satisfy the eternal longing inside us. As Thanksgiving gives way to Advent, Ecclesiastes invites us to enjoy the gifts of today, let go of what won’t last, and set our hearts on the eternal life already breaking into our world through Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Reflections, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Devotional Reflections, Faith & Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It Would Have Been Enough

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The Jewish Dayenu—“it would have been enough for us”—is a tradition of gratitude that remembers God’s blessings, one by one. Inspired by The Chosen, this reflection creates a personal Dayenu, tracing God’s faithfulness through life’s joys, losses, and redemption. As Thanksgiving approaches, may we all pause to remember that even one of His blessings would have been enough—yet He continues to give us more. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith Reflections, God's Faithfulness, Gratitude and Thanksgiving, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abundant Life — Daily Doses of Eternal Life

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When Jesus spoke of “eternal life,” He wasn’t describing something that begins only after death—He was inviting us to experience it now. Eternal life and abundant life overlap; both are meant to be lived daily in relationship with God. This post explores how abundant life is not about possessions or ease but about presence, gratitude, and seeing every good gift—from work to relationships to nature—as a daily dose of eternal life. Continue reading →

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I’ll Carry a Part of You

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A heartfelt poem written in memory of my dad, honoring the love he showed through sacrifice, hard work, and quiet devotion — and the part of him I’ll always carry with me. Continue reading →

Posted in Faith & Family, Legacy & Gratitude, Poetry & Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 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 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

Cultivating Contentment in Our Comparison World

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction In today’s fast-paced, image-driven world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the spirit of comparison. With social media platforms constantly presenting us with curated glimpses into the lives of others, we often find ourselves longing for … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Faith, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Inspirational, Mental Health and Wellness, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

No Comparison: Finding Joy in Our Own Journey

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In the Daily Audio Bible’s annual journey through the Bible, this week we reached the end of the book of John, the last of the gospels. In John 21, we find a poignant scene that speaks volumes about human nature … Continue reading →

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