Backstage With The Simple Church

Don't Get Too Busy to Be Thankful with Justin Haigler

·44 min·4 clips
Justin Haigler explains why gratitude is the top predictor of a happy marriage.
The episode begins with casual banter about listener feedback, including corrections on gravy preferences and the difference between black-eyed peas and purple hull peas. Josh mentions it's his 33rd birthday and shares a lighthearted story about a Saints win and a nap. The conversation shifts to gratitude, prompted by Justin's recent sermon on the ten lepers from the Bible. Justin explains that only one leper, a Samaritan outsider, returned to thank Jesus, highlighting a challenge for religious people. Josh reflects on being thankful for his safe neighborhood where kids can play, despite an incident where his daughter Eliza was hit by a car. Justin discusses his personal habits to cultivate gratitude, such as driving in silence and using a gratitude app. The hosts explore how modern technology and constant noise hinder quiet reflection and thankfulness. They talk about the impact of social media and the 'attention economy' on comparison and dissatisfaction. Josh describes 'toy jail' as a method to reduce his children's screen time on weekends. Justin connects gratitude to marital satisfaction, citing it as the number one factor. The episode concludes with updates on church initiatives, including a large food packing event for Haiti and mission trips to Honduras and Rwanda. A listener tip about 'bricking' pizza at Johnny's Pizza is shared at the end.

As heard by us

A minister talks candidly about distractions, gratitude, and the quiet of his drive to work.

In this Backstage conversation, a minister admits he often sees himself in the nine who did not return to thank Jesus, rather than the one who did. Fantasy football, the news, and getting kids where they need to be can fill an ordinary day before gratitude gets a moment.

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Why you'd press play

If your commute is your only quiet time, this may give those minutes a purpose.

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