The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks

Title: The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks: Reclaiming the Gifts of a Lost    Spiritual Discipline

Author: Dustin Crowe

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Synopsis:

The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to be anxious in nothing and thankful in everything. And when he said everything—he meant everything. We can all agree that this is easier said than done. Disappointments and discontent may cause you to slip into dissatisfaction, and grumbling becomes a state of mind—gratitude seems impossible to find. However, what if this is the precise reason you lack the joy of a God-filled life? Instead of a reaction to when things are going well, what if gratitude is actually necessary to knowing the hope of our gracious God?

This is exactly what Pastor Dustin Crowe identifies in The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks. Dustin examines the biblical foundations of thankfulness and traces how it can reshape every-day Christian living. When we express gratitude in all things, we not only praise our Creator, we also get to know Him better. With The Grumbler’s Guide, you’ll learn how to practice thanksgiving in both simple and extraordinary ways, even when you’re tempted to dwell on the negative. You’ll find your outlook on life realigned to see the hand of God in everything, strengthening your trust in Him. And in doing so, you’ll find greater, more joy-filled reasons to continue expressing thanks to our good and generous God.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks by Dustin Crowe. I have read quite a few similar books, but what I appreciate about The Grumbler's Guide is that it is different from all the other ones I have read. 

The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks starts with the reader taking a short gratitude quiz (15 questions), so the reader has a better idea of where they are on practicing gratitude. The introduction title is "Confessions of a recovering pessimist." Right away Crowe is putting the reader at ease by admitting his struggles with grumbling. He walks the reader through where he was and where he is, admitting that he still struggles at times with finding gratitude. His approach is appreciated as it has the message "we are all in this together," instead of condemning people for grumbling. One statement that stood out to me was "In the Bible, thanksgiving plays a prominent and powerful role, but we've demoted it to a seasonal add-on."

The Grumbler's Guide to Giving Thanks is broken down into nine chapters, taking the reader from what gratitude is, to being able to give thanks in all circumstances. Crowe mixes real-life examples with Biblical examples, as he sets a Biblical foundation for thankfulness. His writing is easy to understand, engaging, and informative as he makes many thought-provoking points in his narrative. At the end of each chapter, he has a section called "putting it into practice" as he gives the reader ideas on how to implement what they have read into their daily lives. These sections are just as "meaty" as the chapters as he gives several practical ideas that can immediately be put into practice. Crowe has put extra resources in the back of the book for those who would like to go further on their practicing gratitude journey.

This is an excellent resource. It is perfect for anyone who struggles with grumbling and complaining, and even those who do practice gratitude, but would like to take it even further. This text is rife with Bible verses and well-grounded in research. I appreciate the author including other author's quotes and documenting them well. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to enrich their lives with more gratitude and thankfulness. 

Thank you to Moody Publishers for the opportunity to review this book. I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, but I am more than happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.