Cultivate Gratitude this November

What comes to mind with November? Maybe you think of pumpkins (mainly in pie form), turkeys, feasting, or the early onset of Christmas decor. While many of have an eye more toward thanksgiving, it’s a great time to cultivate the practice of giving thanks and the virtue of gratitude.

Here are a few resources to help you cultivate gratitude this month.

Here’s a free thirty-day Bible reading plan and devotional. Each day has at least one passage from the Bible related to giving thanks and a devotional related to gratitude.
This content isn’t in my book but it goes with the 30-day reading plan in the back of The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks. The Bible encourages us to give thanks in all seasons and situations. It’s something we need to grow in all year long, but November is a great time to get started.

Continue reading Cultivate Gratitude this November

Gratitude Reading Plan (Day 1): Give Thanks to God

(This devotion is day one of a 30-Day Thanksgiving Challenge. Each day includes a daily reading that will be accompanied by a post on this blog.)

Read James 1:17; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 11:36; Matthew 7:9–11

Last November, I browsed dozens of children’s books related to the Thanksgiving holiday, searching for one to teach my daughter about giving thanks. Almost all of them mentioned things to be thankful for but missed the fact that thankfulness has a person on the other end.[1] These books do teach kids to spot stuff they appreciate: their dog, toys, parents, grandparents, teachers, falling leaves, good health, and pumpkin pie. Both kids and adults benefit from considering the blessings in life. But each of these books stopped short.

Continue reading Gratitude Reading Plan (Day 1): Give Thanks to God

A Theology of Thanksgiving

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” (Psalm 92:1)

In our day and age of more-more-more where “Thanksgiving” is the waiting season between Halloween and Christmas, gratitude often takes a back seat.  It’s no surprise thankfulness struggles to compete for attention with a holiday where I get to make a list of things people will buy me.

Continue reading A Theology of Thanksgiving