GreaThings
This is an idea started by sourceofjoy, who also created this lovely banner. :) I thought I'd post the announcement and participate here, as well as the other places. I think it's a great way to remember God's blessings, and to realize just how much we have to be thankful for! I already posted it at my blog and plan on participating there too. So here's the blurb she wrote up about it:
Thanksgiving is just around the corner: a holiday minimized by the world, crammed into the pre-Christmas whirlwind like an half-apologetic, almost forgotten nod to tradition. Gratitude is so out of style these days that many people don't celebrate Thanksgiving at all -- and all they have left is "Turkey Day."
But those of us who know Jesus have so much to be thankful for -- and we know the One who has given us "every good and perfect gift"! Thanksgiving is both a privilege and a command, and there's something extra special about publicly praising God together.
So here's a challenge to each of you: will you join me in purposefully, publicly thanking God for specific blessings for these two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving day? It will help you build habits of intentionally counting your blessings, and we'll all be encouraged as we're reminded of the great goodness of our Father.
The idea is to not only personally thank God for these Great Things, but to tell others and proclaim what God has done. This can be done online through daily blog posts, podcasts, group emails, Facebook status messages, and so on. Offline, it's a great discussion starter for family devotions or around the supper table. Consider sharing a testimony of thankfulness with other believers during fellowship times, write a note or pick up the phone, or strike up a conversation with anyone God brings your way. Just ask, "What are you thanking God for this Thanksgiving?"
"Give Him the glory,
GREAT THINGS He hath done!"
With so many blessings, it can be tough to know where to start. It's most important to share whatever God brings to your attention in a given day, but here's a list of daily ideas that may be helpful:
Nov. 08 - G (blessings starting with this letter)
Nov. 09 - R ( " )
Nov. 10 - scriptures that have been a special blessing this year
Nov. 11 - E
Nov. 12 - A
Nov. 13 - answered prayers and miracles
Nov. 14 - T
Nov. 15 - H
Nov. 16 - difficult experiences you're now thankful for
Nov. 17 - I
Nov. 18 - N
Nov. 19 - special lessons God has taught you this year
Nov. 20 - G
Nov. 21 - S
Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving Day!