This is One Thing You Can do to be Happier?

Did you know that being grateful and expressing it has not only social but also physical benefits to it? I've been reading some interesting that data done by university research teams that reveal expressing gratitude helps us in a couple of ways.

First, grateful people have more friends and find their lives are better off than those who do not express thanks. I read one study of college students who wrote down 1 thing they were thankful for each week for 10 weeks. At the end of the study surveys showed them to be happier and more socially connected than two control groups who did not express gratefulness.

Physically, they have found grateful people have a stronger immune system, less headaches and signs of depression and actually sleep better than those who do not show appreciation. One study of those who were tasked with writing down "3 good things that happened today" were significantly happier 6 months after the study was over than the control groups.

Maybe Paul knew something ahead of his time? We're going to launch into a new study "Giving Thanks" and I want us to see from his letter to the church in Thessalonians the role gratefulness plays in helping us lead a life centered on Jesus and that encourages others.

1 Thessalonians 1:2- "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers" This is the first mention of Paul gratefulness for these people, but in 5 short chapters he specifically mentions being thankful a total of four times.

This week- Look for the good around you? Look for how God is working in your life. Each week in November tell the Lord thank you for something specific you see Him doing. Two- recognize those people around you expressing kindness or extending grace and say Thank You. Once a day for 30 days- tell someone thank you. Keep track. You will feel better physically and it will remind you of God's goodness towards you. In just 30 days you will be in a better spot spiritually, in your relationships and with your health. Will you be Thankful?

Join me Sunday Friend!

Pastor Mike
PS- We have a major announcement of some exciting news this Sunday. Super thrilled as the good things the Lord is doing behind the scenes and want to share the joy with you Sunday!

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