Podcast Episode 47: Simple Ideas for a Christ-Centered Thanksgiving

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I know as women we can get caught in our to-do lists and forget to give thanks in and through all things – even in the gift of preparing to serve others with the hope of pointing them to the One who we truly have all things to be thankful for!

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My hope today is to simplify your holiday planning a bit.

So you’re getting this two weeks before Thanksgiving with the hopes it will be a help with maybe getting a bit more organized than you have in past years and also starting to think about how you can focus your day on the Lord.

I want you to be able to keep your family's and your focus on Christ and not get caught up in all the things on your seemingly long to do list. Thanksgiving should be a time of feasting on the abundant grace of God.

Thanksgiving should be a time of feasting on the abundant grace of God. Click To Tweet

I'm sharing below my simple planning for one of my favorite family traditions to celebrate together along with some bits of help at the end to keep the focus of the meal on Christ and Who we are truly giving thanks to. My hope always is to spark ideas in ways you can make much of Christ during your time together.

“Take a little time to make ordinary things extraordinary.”
~ Emilie Barnes

Show Notes:

My Planning List – (these are explained more in the podcast):

Guest List

Menu Plan

Grocery List – (divided into buy ahead items and fresh items)

Clean Your Oven

Quick Clean

Clean Your Fridge & Freezer

Set a Beautiful Table the Day Before

Final last minute list

Christ-Centered Thanksgiving Ideas: (these are elaborated on in the podcast)

Prayer – read a prayer from Valley of Vision – see my post here for an example of one we use.

Read Psalm 100

Give a Brief History of Thanksgiving

Coloring Sheets & Crafts for the kids printed out with supplies

Ask around the table – What are you thankful for?

Conversations starters

Scripture Place Cards

Sing a Hymn Together

Music in the background

Let Guests Help

Enjoy Your Time

Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving:

Revive Our Hearts 30 Day Gratitude Challenge

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

“The problem with being thankful is not so much one of manners as it is of alertness to the facts, that is, simply having open eyes to what is true. And it is true that you and I deserve nothing good. No, more than that, we deserve everything bad – an eternity in hell.”
~ Jim Elliff

Scripture & Resources:

Colossians 3:15

Psalm 100

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Simple Planning Guide for a Stress-Free and Christ-Focused Thanksgiving Dinner -@Thankful Homemaker

Our Simple Thanksgiving Traditions – @Thankful Homemaker

Weekend Coffee Break {Thanksgiving Edition} – Some helpful links & resources – @Thankful Homemaker

Chocolate Pie Recipe – in this post

Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes

For Other Recipes Mentioned check out this post.

Getting Ready for Company Fast – @Thankful Homemaker

Podcast Episode 7: Getting Ready for Company Fast

Valley of Vision Prayer

History of Thanksgiving – @Got Questions

Conversation Starters

Ever Thine Home – What are you thankful for? Printable

My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness by The Getty's

The Valley of Vision: Book of Puritan Prayers by Arthur Bennett

Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Revive Our Hearts 30 Day Gratitude Challenge

Thanksgiving Pinterest Board – many more ideas, recipes, and coloring sheet links for kids

Thankfulness to God is a recognition that God in His goodness and faithfulness has provided for us and cared for us, both physically and spiritually. It is a recognition that we are totally dependent upon Him; that all that we are and have comes from God.
~ Jerry Bridges