In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson and host Grier Ferguson explore what gratitude really looks like in everyday life and why it matters for our faith. Over a glass of Spanish Priorat wine, the conversation moves from simple pleasures to deeper spiritual truths, showing how gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that shapes the heart. Father Charleston shares honest stories, Scripture, and practical wisdom about how gratitude can soften bitterness, counter comparison, and help us remain aware of God’s presence even during difficult seasons. This episode invites listeners to slow down, notice grace, and rediscover joy in ordinary moments.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:25) Wine of the Day: 2021 Buil & Giné “Giné Giné” Priorat, Spain/Catalonia

(03:35) Tasting notes

(07:10) Wine and food pairing pro tip

(09:20) How can we incorporate more gratitude into our life?

(13:10) Gratitude is not a feeling

(15:25) How to have more gratitude

(17:45) What happens when we are not grateful?

(20:05) Comparison and gratitude

(22:45) Writing down things we are grateful for

(24:10) Finding gratitude in terrible situations

(25:40) Listener question: Why does God ask us to be grateful even when we are suffering?

(28:00) Bonus question: favorite meal?

(30:00) Final tasting notes

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation about authenticity, faith, and identity, all while enjoying a classic Dolcetto red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Through stories, cultural references, and honest reflection, he explores why so many people feel exhausted by self-help and performance, and how true freedom comes from knowing we belong to God. This episode blends theology, everyday life, and wine into a grounded and refreshing look at what it really means to live authentically.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water Into Wine

(01:15) Wine of the Day: 2022 Pecchenino Dolcetto di Dogliani San Luigi, Italy

(04:55) Tasting notes

(06:40) Why are we focused more on authenticity?

(08:40) Authenticity*

(11:00) Martha Stewart and Ina Garten

(13:20) The truth about self-help

(16:20) Listener Question: Tips for focusing on whose we are, rather than who we are

(18:20) Final tasting notes

(19:20) Bonus Question: Why do you share your struggles?

In this episode of Water Into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson reflects on why control is one of the greatest sources of stress in our lives and how faith invites us into something freer and more peaceful. Over a glass of Pinot Grigio from Friuli, Italy, the conversation moves from the careful balance required in winemaking to the deeper spiritual work of surrendering our need to manage outcomes. Drawing from pastoral care, Scripture, and personal experience, Father Charleston offers insight into why letting go is so difficult and why trust in God’s timing can bring real relief. This episode is thoughtful, practical, and encouraging for anyone feeling overwhelmed by responsibility or pressure.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water Into Wine

(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2024 Pierpaolo Pecorari Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy

(06:00) Does the topic of “Control” come up a lot?

(07:00) Tasting the wine

(09:35) Problems boiling down to control

(12:15) How can Type A’s deal with control?

(15:30) Why do people “play” God?

(19:40) If we surrender control, what do we replace it with?

(23:50) Listener Question: How can we balance surrendering control to God and personal accountability?

(28:15) Final tasting notes

(29:00) Bonus Question: When did you realize God was in control?