ALIVE! And, GRATEFUL!!

In this Thanksgiving-week conversation, Dick Foth and his son-in-law Van Clements explore the deep, practical, and spiritual power of gratitude. From stories about grandchildren and family patterns to reflections on scripture, psychology, and culture, they unpack what it means to live gratefully in a world often marked by stress, negativity, and distraction.

Van shares how becoming a grandfather has shaped his desire to be a “non-anxious presence,” and how simple relational moments with his grandkids have become powerful reminders of God’s goodness. Dick reflects on the joy of beloved faces, the impact of intentionally grateful thinking, and the biblical call to “rejoice always” — even from a prison cell, as Paul writes in Philippians.

Together, they offer grounded, practical encouragement: gratitude must be intentional, cultivated daily, and practiced especially at the table with family and friends. Their hope is that this Thanksgiving (and beyond), listeners will slow down, savor simple gifts, and choose thankfulness.

1. Gratitude Is Relational

• Van’s gratitude is anchored in time with his grandkids — being present, listening, creating calm, and loving well.

• Simple words of affirmation (“That’s the face!”) create powerful emotional connections.
  

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2. Being a “Non-Anxious Presence”

• Van’s life goal is that his grandchildren want to be with him.

• Children quickly discern authenticity; gratitude helps adults show up more peacefully and lovingly.
  

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3. The Visceral Power of Faces

• Dick reflects on the joy that comes from seeing a loved one’s face — and imagines God delighting in ours from infancy to old age.
  

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4. Gratitude as a Cultural Remedy

• A friend’s phrase: “I’m alive and grateful.”

• Gratitude counters stress, improves longevity, and reshapes negative thought patterns (referencing Mark Batterson’s “Win the Day”).

• Without intentional gratitude, our minds default to negativity.
  

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5. Family Practices that Build Gratitude

• Dick’s wife Ruth used to ask their kids at dinner: “Tell me one thing you’re thankful for today.”

• Van shares a parenting technique where siblings must hug and say positive things when they’re in conflict.
  

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6. Scripture’s Call to Gratitude

• Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to rejoice, reject anxiety, pray with thanksgiving, and think on what is true, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4).

• Peace becomes a guard over our hearts and minds.
  

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7. What We Consume Shapes Our Gratitude

• Van shares how stepping away from Facebook changed his thought patterns.

• Social media often overloads people with negativity and opinions we weren’t designed to carry.
  

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8. Gratitude Requires Intentionality

• It must be stirred up, practiced, and chosen — especially in stressful seasons like holidays.

References Mentioned

1. Philippians 4:4–8 – Paul’s exhortation to rejoice always, be gentle, reject anxiety, pray with thanksgiving, and think on what is true and lovely.

2. Mark Batterson, “Win the Day” – Reference to research on the average number of daily thoughts and the predominance of negative thinking.

3. “Third Street Church of God” in Washington, D.C. – Pastor’s weekly refrain: “I’m alive and grateful.”

4. Dr. Bill Malarkey – Insights on gratitude as the antidote to stress and a factor in longevity.