Looking to God #2 Thankful to God

Who are you thankful for right now?! That's the whiparound question to start us off with an attitude of gratitude. Before Ed and Jam go for a walk outside, we have fun facts about pufflings (which sounds like a cereal), Burrowing Owls that don't burrow and a bird's nest the size of car! Plus shout outs at the start? And don't worry! The pirates are back looking for buried treasure. Do they find it?

And Randall Goodgame reminds us that we can trust in the Lord with a song.

Don't forget the new Faith in Parents podcast, to the Family Moment videos that are on this page, and to our webinar on "Helping every child's mental wellbeing". 

Transcript

SPEAKER_05 0:11

Welcome to the Faith in Families podcast. I'm always Ed. I'm completely jam. And the idea is that you listen to this podcast as a whole beautiful family.

SPEAKER_06 0:23

Like, and here's a shout-out. The Walsh family. They've been listening as a family for five years. We've done a lot of episodes, I'm not sure we've done five years worth. James, Erin and Shona are a bit too old for this podcast now, but George and Teddy still listen with mum and dad. And say that, fun fact, salt water crocodiles are the heaviest reptiles in the world.

SPEAKER_05 0:43

Oh, please, Jam, tell me more fun facts are coming up later. Of course they are, Ed. That will be great news to Sophie, Isla, Harry, and Jack, the glorious Standerwick family. They were in touch via email podcast at faithinkids.org. And they might be listening right now on a Saturday in a car in the Peak District where they live, where their much loved action Tim would be right at home.

SPEAKER_06 1:09

So wherever you are, whoever you're with, welcome to the second in our series on the Psalms. Coming up, Psalm 104, fun facts. Two pretty useless pirates, but first, our whip-around question, which is Ed.

SPEAKER_05 1:23

If you could thank one person for one thing right now, who would it be? What would it be? Go, no limits. Jam, who would you thank? And for jolly what?

SPEAKER_06 1:36

I would thank my wife Melissa. She's just cooked a delicious aubergine parmesana for lunch, which we had. It didn't even have bacon or meat in it, and it was completely delicious, and I'm very grateful for that. What about you, Ed?

SPEAKER_05 1:50

My friend Jess dropped a whole loaf of homemade bread round to our house yesterday. Unexpected, unannounced. There it is, and it tastes amazing. So, what's the question, Ed? Who is the one person you want to thank and why? No limits. Good. Can you get all about gratitude in this episode? If we take a moment to look around, we will see God's kindness everywhere. All that he has made is a gift to us. So let's just get on and say thank you. Jam, thank you for giving us fun facts every episode. Would you do it again, please?

SPEAKER_06 3:10

Happily. Now, in nature, God gives us so many pictures of how he cares for us. It's incredible. He's given us a world full of animals, but today I'm focusing on birds who make amazing nests for their young. Like puffins. Ed, you know what a baby puffin is called? We've done this.

SPEAKER_05 3:33

Is it a puffling?

SPEAKER_06 3:35

It is a puffling, isn't that wonderful?

SPEAKER_05 3:37

Don't say I never listen to your fun facts, Jem.

SPEAKER_06 3:40

Pufflings need protecting and looking after. So puffins dig tunnels with their sharp bills and claws for hours to make a tunnel, usually two or three feet long, and at the end of the tunnel, they make a soft nest of feathers and grass where they lay their eggs to look after their young.

SPEAKER_05 3:59

Jem, is it a good idea for every parent to dig a two-foot tunnel for their children to feel softly at home?

SPEAKER_06 4:05

It might be. I don't know. Let's not rule it out. Better than doing this, though, to make a nest for its young, a barn swallow uses mud carried in its mouth, and it might make 1,200 trips with a mouthful of mud in order to build its nest. Not fun, Ed, not fun.

SPEAKER_05 4:23

If you are digging a tunnel for your family, don't put the mud in your mouth.

SPEAKER_06 4:26

Hot tip. Heard it here first. No wonder long-eared owls can't be bothered to build nests. They move into an old nest built by a crow or an animal like that. And confusingly, the burrowing owl only uses holes that have already been dug for its nest. So the burrowing owl is the worst nest. It's the only thing it doesn't do is burrow. Isn't that ridiculous?

SPEAKER_05 4:52

Jam. Are all of these fun facts about birds that dig tunnels?

SPEAKER_06 4:58

No, here's one. Some birds, like eagles and hawks, make huge platforms on which they can put down their prey. These nests are usually very high up on the sides of cliffs or high in a big tree. They often come back to the same nest year after year and add to it, which means that a bald eagle's nest can literally weigh a ton, which is about the same weight as a small car. Jam, is that honestly a true fun fact? True fun fact. Imagine that. Imagine a small car stuck up a tree. That is basically what a bald eagle is able to do over the years.

SPEAKER_05 5:37

Jam, you have taken my breath away with that fun fact.

SPEAKER_06 5:43

Some birds, like Greebs, build platform nests that float on the water and they don't drift away because they're anchored to plants that are attached to the bottom of the river. Isn't that amazing? And finally, God has given baby birds such brightly coloured beaks. Why? To show parents where to put the food because they're exhausted. They're bringing food back to their nest about 12 times an hour, and that's why these big yellow beaks always come up. God has thought of everything.

SPEAKER_05 6:18

Jam, why are you telling us about orthological engineering?

SPEAKER_06 6:22

Ornithological engineering. That's because our amazing God created everything and provides us with everything they need, just as a bird provides the perfect nest for its young so that they can grow and have everything that they need.

SPEAKER_05 6:42

Jam, thank you. I would like to spend a little longer after this podcast has finished understanding more about bald-headed eagles' nests. Thank you, Jam.

SPEAKER_06 6:53

That's very much the wrong thing to take away from this podcast, but sure.

SPEAKER_05 6:57

Buckle your seat belts, because today we are going on a thankfulness adventure in Psalm 104.

SPEAKER_06 7:05

Here we go.

SPEAKER_01 7:07

My whole being praise the Lord. Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with glory and majesty. You wear light like a robe. You stretch out the skies like a tent. You build your room above the clouds. You make the clouds your chariot. You ride on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers. Flames of fire are your servants. You built the earth and its foundations, so it can never be moved. You covered the earth with oceans, the water was above the mountains. But at your command, the water rushed away. When you gave your orders like thunder, it hurried away. The mountains rose, the valleys sank, the water went to the places you made for it. You set borders for the seas that they cannot cross. The water will never cover the earth again. You make springs pour into the ravines. They flow between the mountains. They water all the wild animals. Wild donkeys come there to drink. Wild birds make nests by the water. They sing among the tree branches. You water the mountains from above. The earth is full of things you make. You make the grass for cattle and vegetables for the use of man. You make food grow from the earth. You give us wine that makes happy hearts. You give us olive oil that makes our faces shine. You give us bread that gives us strength.

SPEAKER_05 8:58

Let's imagine we are out on a walk together, searching out for how kind God has been. Jam, me, and your family.

SPEAKER_06 9:07

I'm in our own thankfulness adventure. Let's go.

SPEAKER_05 9:12

We can look at the world, at all the things we see, say, wow, and thank God for all he has made.

SPEAKER_06 9:20

Wow, look! A hill! A river! A tiny beetle, a leaf. Every leaf is different and beautiful. The sun comes up, my heart keeps beating, an apple grows on a tree. We can look up at the sky.

SPEAKER_05 9:37

The clouds. Oh, hang on, that one looks like a big fluffy sheep. God made everything we see. He is bigger than the sky.

SPEAKER_06 9:45

We have a great, big, amazing God.

SPEAKER_05 9:50

We can look down at the ground.

SPEAKER_06 9:52

Hang on, I'm just getting down.

SPEAKER_05 9:56

We can feel that the ground is steady, not moving. But we can still splash in a puddle and walk by a river.

SPEAKER_06 10:05

Oh, here we go. A little bit of water in the puddle, lots of water in that river.

SPEAKER_05 10:10

It's all in the right place. As we look around, we see that God has made the world with a good design. God is in control.

SPEAKER_06 10:20

We have a great, big, amazing God. And when it's time for a snack, we just sit down. Oh, with a strawberry, uh, some juice, maybe a cheese sandwich.

SPEAKER_05 10:33

And watch the birds in the trees. Hey, that squirrel's got a conquer! This is great. God is kind. God gave us trees that grow sweet fruit. God sent the sun and rain to grow the crops that make my bread. God made grass that fed the cows, that gave the milk to make the cheese in my sandwich.

SPEAKER_06 10:56

That's amazing and delicious. And God made the conquers and the berries that the squirrels and the birds eat.

SPEAKER_05 11:05

Every day in the world around us, we see things to be thankful for. And being thankful is good for everyone. It helps us to feel better, it lifts our spirits. As Christians, we can enjoy being thankful more than anyone else. Because we know who we are to be thankful to. Every single good thing in the world tells us of God's power and kindness. Anyone can eat a sandwich and be thankful for yummy food. Lovely. But we know God. We know the one who made the world, the grass, the cow, the milk, the farmer, the tanker driver, the baker. And we don't just know God, we speak to him. Tell him how we feel. God, our father loves to hear our thanks. So, of course, I want to stop and say, thank you, Father God. Thank you that you are good. In control, kind. Being grateful is good for me and it's good for you. It actually helps us feel better. It lifts our hearts. Problems feel smaller when we get busy thanking God. So, this week, I want you to go out on your own, on your own gratitude adventure. Look up, look down, look around, and thank God for his goodness. Go and look at the stars, watch the birds, find three different leaves, and say, Wow! Thank you, God, you are good.

SPEAKER_06 12:44

Definitely. Oh, hang on, sorry, we gotta pray. I'll do that in a minute.

SPEAKER_05 12:50

Let me pray. Dear Father God, thank you, you are so big and so good. Thank you that we are surrounded by good things that you have made. Help us to enjoy them and to enjoy thanking you for them. Amen.

SPEAKER_06 13:08

Amen. Questions.

SPEAKER_05 13:13

Under fives, can you think of three things to thank God for? Fives to sevens. How has God been good to you today? Over eights, what different ways can you think of to thank God for his good things? Over elevens, when do you find it harder to thank God?

SPEAKER_06 13:42

You can have a chat about that now, in which case press pause. But we are gonna go back to our pirates who are on an island, and I wonder if they're gonna be thankful to God.

SPEAKER_02 13:55

Now, this is what I call a perfect pirate mission.

SPEAKER_04 14:00

It really is. Captain, clear skies, but not too hot.

SPEAKER_02 14:04

A perfect island full of fruit trees and fresh water, fish in the river, and a huge variety of beautiful and delicious birds.

SPEAKER_04 14:16

And a crew working together beautifully to dig up very treasure.

unknown 14:21

Look at them.

SPEAKER_04 14:22

Sammy, Percy, and Gary toiling away in the shade provided by Peter's huge head. It's not that big. And the shade is from the palm tree. Okay, you three, take a break. Jimmy, Mickey, and Lucky Luke, you're up. Look at them working together in harmony. It's almost musical. In fact, right now I could sing. Oh, you could, but why are you spoiling everything? Oh okay. Lucky Luke has trapped something.

SPEAKER_03 14:55

Of course he has. He's lucky. That's the buried treasure. Exactly where the treasure map said it would be. Finally! We will have everything we need. Everything! Open the chest!

SPEAKER_04 15:12

Oh it's empty.

SPEAKER_03 15:15

Empty!

SPEAKER_04 15:18

It's a lovely treasure chest. Look at the sheen on that wood. Probably worth a bit.

SPEAKER_03 15:24

I don't want a lovely treasure chest. I want treasure. Shiny, golden, sparkly treasure, so we can finally have everything we need. Everything's ruined.

SPEAKER_04 15:37

This whole trip has been a disaster. Has it though? We've had a great time working together. Oh, exactly. Well, that should have been the first warning sign. And we filled our barrels with fresh water. We've got some wonderful fish to eat on the way home. Oh, on our tragically treasureless ship. And you know what? I think smells like a meadow. Mickey smells a fish. You take that back. Mickey smells like a meadow. And Luke is lucky to be part of such a great crew. Look at them sitting under the shade of that palm tree with tropical birds sheltering in its branches. Fully weird, freakish birds.

SPEAKER_03 16:18

Who wants a bird that is red, blue, and green?

SPEAKER_04 16:22

Ugh, they're halfway to being a rainbow. Well, I'm grateful for them. And that we've had everything we needed. All along. Just as Psalm 104 says. The Lord makes grass grow for the cattle and plants for the people to use, bringing food from the earth. I'm sad. What did he want with all the treasure anyway?

SPEAKER_02 16:44

I was gonna go home, walk into the home at Anchor with the whole crew, and order a huge juicy steak. Ugh, and now I can't. Oh, be quiet! A cow!

SPEAKER_04 17:00

Steaks all round for the whole crew! Best day ever.

SPEAKER_06 17:09

And here's a great song for this moment, Trust in the Lord by Randall Goodgame and Slugs and Bugs. There's a link in the show notes to find it on YouTube so that you can sing along.

SPEAKER_00 17:23

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean up on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge you, and he will direct your path. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean up on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge you, and he will direct your path. Sing with me from the book of wisdom, Proverbs chapter three. Trust the Lord, trust him with your heart.

SPEAKER_06 18:27

Ed, we've mentioned two families already who were in touch, but let's mention the Wilcox family who were on their way to Germany for a holiday while listening to fun facts about Roman soldiers in Germany.

SPEAKER_05 18:40

I remember it well, bridges, in record time. They didn't take all their guinea pigs and Willow the Cat with them, did they, Jam?

SPEAKER_06 18:47

I don't think they did. There wasn't really room with Lee, Helen, Lydia, Bethany, and Hazel already in the car.

SPEAKER_05 18:53

Fair enough. Let's mention another pet, Fluffy the Hamster, who belongs to Violet, because her mum, Sarah, was in touch. Podcast at faithinkids.org, you can get in touch too.

SPEAKER_06 19:04

They're probably in the car right now, aren't they?

SPEAKER_05 19:07

Very likely.

SPEAKER_06 19:08

Now tell us about the resources.

SPEAKER_05 19:11

Absolutely with pleasure. Looking to God, mental well-being in the psalms, you can find that through the link on the show notes. But I'm most excited by the family moment video. It's just about three minutes long. Parents often need help to support their children's mental well-being. We have a short, engaging video to share with families featuring the psalm animation and some simple ideas to get families talking. If you know a family who isn't into our podcast, then these videos are the perfect place to make a start.

SPEAKER_06 19:46

That sounds good. We've got another episode coming back very soon. Can't wait. Till then, cheerio. Oh bye bye.

SPEAKER_05 19:54

I think Jam, you've even got some bloopers.

SPEAKER_06 19:58

Here I come.

SPEAKER_05 20:01

Jam, why are we talking about ortho or orthodonological engineering?

SPEAKER_06 20:08

Ornithological?

SPEAKER_05 20:13

Under fives, can you think of three things to thank God for? Fives to sevens, how has God been good to you today? Over eights, what different ways can you think of to thank God for his good things? Over elevens, when do you find it harder to thank God?