Growing in Gratitude is a must read for anyone who has ever doubted, suffered or just plain coasted in life. Starting in the Garden of Eden and continuing throughout the whole span of Scripture, Mary Mohler invites us to embrace the big-dealness of gratitude for those who know Christ. In straightforward, yet deeply penetrating ways, Mary opens the theological doorway to a grateful heart as graciously as she has opened the door of her home to thousands throughout her years of ministry. With perceptive illustrations, she skillfully wins us over until we are “abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7) in happy obedience to God’s Word. This book would be a treasure if only for the truth found in her list of “Ten Ways to Thank the Lord When it Hurts.” But read the whole thing! Both your head and your heart will be lifted up into new paths of gratitude.
Popular mottos and self-help advice on being thankful abound. But Mary K. Mohler takes us deeper to explore the theological root of gratitude and the hindrances that keep us from developing a truly grateful heart. In this book, you'll find solid, effective counsel. So listen up! I'm confident you'll be grateful you did.
Mary Mohler bares her lovely and redeemed heart in this book. And as I read it, I found myself scribbling notes, making book lists from Mary's recommendations, and stopping to pray in both repentance and thanksgiving. I did this because I want the habits and heart of this book to seep into my own. Simple but not simplistic, profound but not inaccessible, this book shows how Christian gratitude, more than list-making and positive thinking, nourishes believers to become more like our Savior, preparing us to be conduits for his grace. As I was reading this book, I felt like I was sitting with Mary in her kitchen, listening, learning, praying, and thanking God for the unity and beauty and power of the gospel to equip us, truly, to every good work, including the good work of thanking him when agonizing circumstances do not change. Although written for women, all Christians will benefit from this book.
Gratitude is a lost art in our entitled and consumeristic society. Even in the church we have lost a sense of thankfulness for not only what we have, but also for all that God has done for us in Christ. Mary Mohler exhorts us to fight that tendency, and she does so with care and with insight. I was convicted and encouraged to not only grow in my gratitude towards the Lord, but also to pass on this legacy to my children. This book is a gift to God's people, who must learn to not forget all his benefits.
Gratitude isn’t an autumn attitude. As Mary Mohler explains, it is a deeply theological emotion that shapes and reveals our heart for God in every season of life. We are grateful to God for this insightful book that helps us all to see the gravity and the grace of gratitude.
Growing in Gratitude by Mary K. Mohler is an informative and inspiring volume on what has become a vanishing virtue for this “entitled” generation. Mohler reminds us that the movement from grace to gratitude to giving is a divine mandate worthy of our most diligent efforts even in the midst of personal challenges and suffering. Even as your “thorn list” runs parallel to your “praise list,” you must choose to focus on the Lord and His power and love more than on your own pain and difficulty!
Entitlement is the death of gratitude, and so no wonder our age is awash in unthankfulness. By contrast, the Christian life is a life of gratitude (how could it be otherwise when we are saved by God’s grace alone!), but being thankful is easier said than done “through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in woe.” Mary Mohler addresses this vital subject here, positively helping us grow in gratitude as she points us to God’s Word. I’m thankful for Mary, and I’m thankful for her study of Bible-based, grace-empowered thankfulness in this book, Growing in Gratitude, and her encouragement of us in it!
With penetrating insight, Mary Mohler provides a thoughtful and thorough study of Biblical gratitude and the necessity for each of us to grow in this area. She speaks with conviction and clarity, with humility and humor. I strongly recommend this Scripture-saturated, theologically robust, and eminently practical book.
Growing in Gratitude gives fresh and carefully applied insights into a familiar topic. The up-to-date observations (e.g. the impact smartphones are having on our social interactions) coupled with well explained quotes from historic giants in the faith make this a very helpful and timely reminder that we have every reason to be thankful. It was a real joy to listen to Mary's wisdom from years of learning thankfulness. There is helpful application throughout and I loved the fact that she encouraged us to stop and pray, putting into action what we're learning. Each chapter has just two study questions at the end – a valuable and manageable tool to help us think further, or study with friends. I found Mary's chapters on hindrances to gratitude fresh and insightful. I have been challenged by her shrewd observations, and genuinely can say this book has helped me to be growing in gratitude.
