Living Thankful Lives
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(English Standard Version, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
God created us to be thankful. In The Old Testament, God often told his people to celebrate festivals of thanksgiving. So how can we celebrate thanksgiving and live more thankful lives as a family this year? Here are three areas of thankfulness that can bring joy and celebration.
(English Standard Version, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
God created us to be thankful. In The Old Testament, God often told his people to celebrate festivals of thanksgiving. So how can we celebrate thanksgiving and live more thankful lives as a family this year? Here are three areas of thankfulness that can bring joy and celebration.
Thanking God
There is so much beauty in the world around us, but how often do we stop and look at a sunset and thank God for the colors of it. God is so awesome. We can be truly thankful for God’s gift of salvation through Jesus! It’s easy to thank someone that does something for us, but we can also take a moment to thank God for putting that person in our lives. Make time for God in prayer each day and thank him for all the many things he does for you. Involve your family and give a prayer of thanks together before you eat dinner.
There is so much beauty in the world around us, but how often do we stop and look at a sunset and thank God for the colors of it. God is so awesome. We can be truly thankful for God’s gift of salvation through Jesus! It’s easy to thank someone that does something for us, but we can also take a moment to thank God for putting that person in our lives. Make time for God in prayer each day and thank him for all the many things he does for you. Involve your family and give a prayer of thanks together before you eat dinner.
Thanking People
Has someone in your life done something nice for you? Thank them! Maybe you haven’t thanked your spouse for always doing the yard or the laundry. Thank them! Maybe there is a teacher, mailman, neighbor, for whom you have reason to be thankful. You can say thank you by writing a note, drawing a picture (option for young children) or even giving a gift.
Has someone in your life done something nice for you? Thank them! Maybe you haven’t thanked your spouse for always doing the yard or the laundry. Thank them! Maybe there is a teacher, mailman, neighbor, for whom you have reason to be thankful. You can say thank you by writing a note, drawing a picture (option for young children) or even giving a gift.
Living Thankfully
We can be thankful for all that we have by sharing with those who have less. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get children involved in giving back. This time of year brings many opportunities to give. Local coat drives can be found all around. Have your children look through closets with you to find a gently used coat to donate. Another favorite is Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. This is a Samaritan’s Purse ministry that provides Christmas gifts to children around the world who would otherwise not receive anything. It’s really fun to pick out small items with your children that will fit in a shoebox. There are also many food bank organizations that would love donations for needy families right here in our area. Whatever you choose be sure to involve your children so they can experience the joy that comes with volunteering, giving, and a thankful spirit.
Here are some links to help you get started:
Providing Thanksgiving Meals - https://newlife.church/thanksgiving/
Operation Christmas Child - https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Coat Drives - https://www.onewarmcoat.org/give-warmth/donate-coats/
https://www.restonnow.com/2019/11/19/winter-coat-closet-charity-drive-starts-in-reston/
We at the Academy of Christian Education are thankful for our ACE families and that you trust us with your children’s education.
We can be thankful for all that we have by sharing with those who have less. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get children involved in giving back. This time of year brings many opportunities to give. Local coat drives can be found all around. Have your children look through closets with you to find a gently used coat to donate. Another favorite is Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. This is a Samaritan’s Purse ministry that provides Christmas gifts to children around the world who would otherwise not receive anything. It’s really fun to pick out small items with your children that will fit in a shoebox. There are also many food bank organizations that would love donations for needy families right here in our area. Whatever you choose be sure to involve your children so they can experience the joy that comes with volunteering, giving, and a thankful spirit.
Here are some links to help you get started:
Providing Thanksgiving Meals - https://newlife.church/thanksgiving/
Operation Christmas Child - https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Coat Drives - https://www.onewarmcoat.org/give-warmth/donate-coats/
https://www.restonnow.com/2019/11/19/winter-coat-closet-charity-drive-starts-in-reston/
We at the Academy of Christian Education are thankful for our ACE families and that you trust us with your children’s education.
