Grateful or Expectant? Tips to Unlock the Power of Gratitude

Rev. Dr. Larry King’s Sunday message, Grateful or Expectant, reminded us that being grateful for ALL our experiences can help improve our everyday lives. In Science of Mind, the fourth step of our five-step affirmative prayer is gratitude: we express thanks for our inherent good, the good that surrounds us, and, the good we expect.

That last part, the good we expect, was the focus of Larry’s talk – future-focused gratitude. I’ve learned that Spirit doesn't know something hasn’t already happened, so if we give thanks “as if,” it assumes it’s true and shows up for us. What we focus on increases, which is another reason to pay attention to our thoughts.

A regular gratitude practice becomes a way of being. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy to start. Just take a few minutes every night before bed to jot down what you’re grateful for, even those things you aren’t thrilled about. When we’re even grateful for adversity, that indicates awareness and acceptance – one of the first steps to usher in change. Then, as we notice our good, we can say, “more like this, please!” and expect it to show up. We don’t need to know the “how”; we just need to know what, even if it’s just a feeling.

Quoting Ernest Holmes, SOM founder, Larry said, "we don't get what we want, we get what we expect." And it's not about hope - hope says, "it's not for me." What we're grateful for expands.

(You can watch Larry's talk here, or subscribe to our YouTube channel here.)

After the potluck, Larry and practitioner Ann Forest Burns led a workshop to help us get more comfortable talking about SOM, our Center, and inviting friends, loved ones, and neighbors to join us. If you couldn’t attend, reach out if you’d like ideas. For me, Sunday talks are my weekly mindset reset. Despite what’s happening in the world around me, I’m reminded of a universal energy, intelligence, and life force that works WITH me, for me, and as me, that responds to my thoughts and beliefs. It's practical spirituality. We hope you’ll take what you learned and, if not a Sunday, invite them to an event, like Meaningful Movies, the upcoming Jingle Jam, or our Christmas Eve service.

Behind the scenes

Marketing Committee Update

As a recognized non-profit, we have access to Google Ad dollars, and Rev. Jim Boone is working on these. We’re also adding a new "request affirmative prayer" button on our website, making it easier to connect with practitioners for spiritual support. And marketing materials for the Jingle Jam and upcoming Meaningful Movies are available; take a few and invite your friends! Better yet, tell them you’ll pick them up. We'll soon have new "welcome" packets for newcomers who want to know more about us.

Pledge Drive Update

Thanks to all for their contemplation, investment, and belief in us as we go forward into this next year. Not all have pledged yet and that's OK. We hope those who haven't are considering their investment and this place means to them. Pledge here.

Core Council Update

As you’ll see elsewhere in the newsletter, we’re thrilled to share that Rev. Dr. Pam Ninneman was unanimously approved to join the Core Council and attended her first meeting last week. Minutes will be posted on the downstairs bulletin board soon.

Community Care

A reminder that our practitioners created a confidential way to support anyone affected by the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits. Whether you need help or want to help, learn more here. Together, we’re making sure no one in our community goes hungry, and we continue to support Ballard Food Bank.

Thank you for being who you are and for all you do. I’m grateful for your participation, your feedback, and for your presence.

With gratitude,

Laura