Caris Snider joins the team to talk about how gratitude frees us from anxiety.  Caris shares the hope of Jesus through speaking, writing, and leading worship. She’s the author of Anxiety Elephants 31 Day Devotional.  Caris loves to share how Jesus is freeing her from depression and anxiety. 

Caris first realized that giving thanks heals anxiety as she spoke in school assemblies, asking kids to shout out their thanks.  Then watching the kids become like a calm sea. 

Then 2020 has been hard right?  Caris has found the grace in 2020 of going for walks and looking for things to give thanks for, like how every sunrise is different or how massive the heavens are.  Next, Perry and Shawna have just way to much fun with this:  What’s you’re favorite way to be thanked. 

Then Caris talks about moving from “What if” to “What is” thinking.  This is what that looks like:  Caris’ daughter is being trained to be an equestrian rider.  When she drops her off at practice she may think “What if my daughter dies??”  Then she things about what is true:  God angels are watching over my daughter, she has the talent to do this, she has great coaches, she’s learning to ride correctly.  Try moving to “What is true” thinking! 

Then find out how gratitude rewires our brains (in a good way).  Then Caris has learned in 2020 the beauty of seeing the good in the hard.  For her family they have discovered the joy of slowing down, playing cards and the gift of laughter. Caris shares a beautiful freeze frame moment from her family. 

And finally, if you’re overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, Caris has words of hope for you:  God is creating in you a story of hope that you’ll be able to share the other side of your hard season.  Please share today’s show!

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