It’s so much more than a date on a calendar…
God wants thanksgiving to be a lifestyle.
Each year, my good friend Jana Kennedy-Spicer from Sweet to the Soul Ministries creates a resource around this important season.
This year, it’s Everyday Thanksgiving – a beautiful Bible study and journaling kit designed to help us cultivate a grateful heart.
In this week’s post, Jana shares what true thanksgiving means, along with a FREE printable (plus a lovely graphic you’ll want to share!)
Be sure to leave a comment – you’ll be entered to win a special gift!
True Thanksgiving
Just a few weeks ago, my husband and I were enjoying some time away in the mountains of New Mexico. The bright golden color of aspen trees with changing leaves combined with the cool crisp air was soul refreshing for this Texas girl.
Although it was still hot at home, there in the mountains, my favorite season was in full display.
Autumn. Ahhhh.
Yes, my favorite season. But not for the weather, although the cooler temps are very welcome after 100o summer days. And not for the colors, even though there is nothing like the beauty of the fiery red and golden leaves fluttering in the breeze.
No autumn is my favorite time of year because as the season changes, it seems attitudes also change and a sense of “gathering” sets in as the holidays are just around the corner.
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
True thanksgiving, though, is so much more than a holiday or a by-product of changing seasons.
True thanksgiving is a heart condition displayed in our normal day to day life.
True thanksgiving is everyday thanksgiving.
When we say “thank you” to someone it is typically for something – something they’ve said that made us feel good or something they’ve done which we appreciate. This is a lovely and right expression. But this isn’t the type of thanksgiving we are called to by God’s Word.
Biblical thanksgiving is much deeper than a mere expression or note card.
“Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Everyday Thanksgiving is not based on our
circumstances, it is in spite of our circumstances.
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:20
Everyday Thanksgiving is not an occasional feeling or spoken word,
it is an always attitude.
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:34
Everyday Thanksgiving is not determined by the good or bad
of our situation, it is rooted in the goodness of God.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57
Everyday Thanksgiving does not depend on worldly achievements,
it arises from the eternal victory given to us by Jesus Christ.
[Download a printable of these 4 Principles of Everyday Thanksgiving]
An Invitation to Gratitude
You can learn more about Jana and the new Bible Study over at www.SweetToTheSoul.com.
I hope you’ll pick up your copy of Everyday Thanksgiving and join Jana in November for this 30-day devotional series
- Devotionals
- Bible Study instructions and Journal Pages
- Prayer journal pages
- Color Pages
- Creative Space
- Much more!
- BONUS – Full Year Everyday Thanksgiving Journal
Don’t miss this deep dive into God’s Word and chance to learn how to live a life of everyday thanksgiving.
Get more of Jana’s beautiful graphics at her Facebook page and on Instagram – they will feed your soul as well!
More About Jana
Jana Kennedy-Spicer is a wife, mom and Nana who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women on their daily walk with Christ. A woman rescued and repaired by the grace of God, she loves to share about the realness of God’s love, redemption and faithfulness. Embarking on a new life journey, she is dedicated to using her blogging, Bible teaching, writing, photography, artwork and graphic designs to bring glory to the Lord.
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I’d love to hear from you…What are you most grateful for today?