Sometime I feel sorry for Thanksgiving.
The poor holiday becomes an afterthought to its more-popular sibling, Christmas. But yet I wonder if the popularity and busyness of Christmas is a trick of the enemy to keep gratitude from being our focus.
The Bible is filled with verses such as this one reminding of us of the importance of developing a heart of thanksgiving.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Without adding stress to your life, I want to share a few simple Thanksgiving ideas we have done in our family to develop a heart of gratitude.
Scriptures of Thanksgiving
Each day read a scripture of thanksgiving with your family.
Click for a list for verses to get your started and free coloring printables.
Psalm 100
One of the most popular chapters of praise, Psalm 100 is a wonderful section of verses to memorize as a family during November. To assist in the process, I created a Thanksgiving Activity Workbook which includes crafts, songs, and activities centered around the verses. This workbook is FREE for family blog subscribers or may be ordered here.
Thanksgiving Song
Begin each meal with this Thanksgiving song based on the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”. Or, use this song in the car, before bedtime, or during family devotions time.
Thank you Father
Thank you Father
For this __ (day, food…etc)
And your many blessings
And your many blessings
A-men, A-men
Click for more Thanksgiving songs.
Giving Thanks
Journal a list of blessings create a Thanksgiving tree, paper chain, or Turkey of Praise. Or, simply build a verbal list of God’s blessings using corn or a bowl of names.
Click for Giving Thanks Ideas
Thanksgiving Recipes
As shared in last week’s blog post, my favorite Thanksgiving food is the Gratitude Roll. Hiding blessings in a crescent roll has become a fun and meaningful tradition for our family.
Click for more Thanksgiving Recipes.
Thanksgiving Activities and Crafts
Creating a Thanksgiving Table Cloth is the activity that our family will begin this year. Using the same table cloth each year and permanent fabric markers, we will each write or draw something we are thankful for. I am excited to bring the table cloth out year after year to see the blessings written down.
Click for more Thanksgiving Activities and Crafts
When thanksgiving becomes a way of life through activities such as these our entire lives will be changed. Instead of drowning in our circumstances, we will begin to see God as our Sovereign Lord, provider, and protector.
Which tradition will you begin in your family?
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