Let’s face it, the holidays can be stressful for a myriad of reasons. That’s why I am excited to share with you 3 keys to a Thanksgiving you’ll be thankful for! The Lord gave me these thoughts as clear as a bell this morning! Thank you, Jesus!!
1)The Game Changer
While everyone is gathered at the table for turkey and all the fixings, take the lead in playing the “Thanksgiving Game.” What is the “Thanksgiving Game?” I’m glad you asked! Each person takes a turn saying what they’re thankful for, and then specifically shares why they’re thankful for the person seated on their right! Every single time I’ve done this, I’ve been amazed at the great joy and profound power in speaking blessings over people AND in expressing gratitude. Always steer the conversation into kind, life-giving words that will impact your family and friends around the table…and just watch how the Lord powerfully works! If you have a family or friend group that won’t agree to the “Thanksgiving Game,” then you can go around the table blessing each person with your words!
2) The Giving Part of Thanksgiving
Here are a few “giving” ideas to express our gratitude to God:
- Invite someone who doesn’t have family or a place to go to join your Thanksgiving celebration.
- Take food to your local food bank.
- Check what your church or area churches are doing to provide Thanksgiving for people and participate. *If you have children make sure they’re with you when you deliver the meals!
- Volunteer to serve at a local homeless shelter/soup kitchen.
- Once your done eating, and watching the game (etc.) load up and go visit people in a nursing home, the hospital or the jail! Yes I said jail!! You can hand out cookies, magazines, or some sort of treat…but your smiles, words of encouragement, prayers and time mean the most.
3) Prepare with Prayer!
Truly the best way to ensure your Thanksgiving will be one to be thankful for…no matter what your circumstances…is to cover it in prayer. Whatever comes your way, God can strengthen you and lead you through it victoriously! Here are some scriptures to pray:
Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
For You Lord will go before me, and You the God of Israel, will be my rear guard! Isaiah 52:12
And whatever I do, whether in word or deed, (please help me) do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving You thanks, God! Colossians 3:17
Please help me to not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to You, God. Philippians 4:6
I want to give You thanks in all circumstances; for this is Your will for me in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Right now I am praying for everyone who reads this to truly have a Thanksgiving to be thankful for! Love you dear friends!
As a special bonus I am sharing with you an awesome recipe that my sister makes every year:
Kathryn’s Scrumptious Green Bean Bundles
3 (14.5 ounce) cans whole green beans, drained
1 pound bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Wrap 7 green beans with bacon and place in prepared dish. Repeat, using all the green beans and bacon.
Combine butter with brown sugar. Pour over green bean bundles and sprinkle with garlic salt.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Enjoy and God Bless you and yours this Thanksgiving!