4-Count Your Blessings Series: Part 1 How Gratitude Grows Goodness in Our Hearts

In between stuffing yourself with turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie, did you remember to give thanks to God for all His blessings and express gratitude for abundance in your life? It is easy to do at Thanksgiving, and we are reminded to give thanks. But after snarfing down the meal, when your belly is full and you watched some football or played with the grandkids, do you still remember to express gratitude? Or do you let gratitude slide as you push through the hustle of preparing for Christmas glitter and gifts? If you are anything like me, I often let gratefulness slip, as the stress of Christmas can overwhelm. Expressing thanks is important and can boost our mental wellness all year long, according to science research and Scriptures. In today's podcast, we will explore four ways to improve mental wellness, using the acronym G.I.F.T. Come on in and join us for Part 1, Gratitude Grows Goodness in Our Hearts, which is a series in Count Your Blessings: Four Ways the Gift of Gratitude Boosts Mental Wellness Beyond Thanksgiving Day. Contact by Email:   [email protected] Books referenced in this four-part series: Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier Scriptures used in this podcast: Ezra 3:11 11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord. He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”  Journaling Questions: 1. What are five things that you appreciate about your life? 2.  Name three ways that God has provided for you and your family. 3. Have you experienced a miracle in your life? Describe the experience in detail in your journal and express gratitude to God for helping you. Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain.   Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921) Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, a website that freely shares hymn information. Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805 Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing. Here are some resources to help you. Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com  phone or text 1-844-472-9687   Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide.                                                                                                                              If you have enjoyed this podcast, could you please send it to a friend, so they can discover healing in their journey to mental wellness? Also, please consider writing a review on Apple/iTunes. These reviews help spread the word about Heal Depression with God Podcast, so other people can rise above depression and begin to thrive in mentally-well health, like the sun ascending and reflecting on majestic mountains, a new day dawning.