Guests: Sherry Smith, Tricia Panetti, and Emery Petrof

Emery - research from the Mayo Clinic - expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits - studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity in today’s world. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and disease. If a pill could do this, everybody would take it! Furthermore, a person can not feel both gratitude and anxiety at the same time.

Sherry - the most important factor in developing gratitude in my children is modeling it for them to see!

Tricia - the attitude of gratitude starts with me - we can’t expect others to have something that we don’t. Gratitude starts with being aware of your surroundings - the world doesn’t revolve around you!

Emery - we start every prayer with gratitude - and just because we can, doesn’t mean that we should. We also look for opportunities to give back to others.

Sherry - a heart of gratitude is developed through hands that serve.

Tricia - learning to verbalize gratitude/appreciation/thankfulness is vital for our kids. Time in the car can be a great training opportunity with your kids!

Looking for an opportunity to serve the Lord and your community, connect with  the incredible ministries of GraceBridge and Operation Christmas Child. Also appreciate what God is doing in and through the lives of our PCA students/community through Minimester collections, service opportunities, and evangelistic outreach.

What Bible verses/stories come to mind when you talk about gratitude with your family?

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

• Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

• Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.