Giving Thanks for the Ordinary

New Series: Giving Thanks for the Ordinary

November 3, 2015 by Courtney 31 Comments

The 6th Annual “Making Your Home a Haven” series has come to an end, but I don’t want to stop building on the foundation we have already set.

So while our candles are going…
and the soft music is playing…
and the fun mom is smiling…
and the tasty smells are lofting through the air from dinner in the oven…
let’s add in “Giving Thanks”!

In November in America, we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, so it is fitting that we apply 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in our homes this month.  It says:

 “Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

We are told to rejoice, pray and give thanks because this is God’s will for us!

I believe we will be greatly blessed by living this out in our homes. Let’s do this together!

This month, I want to keep our candles going and each time we see the flicker of the candle, give thanks to God for something ordinary.  I’m not talking about the big things like our home, family and jobs (which I am deeply grateful for!) but the ordinary things we take for granted – without ever giving a prayer of thanks.  For example:

• The candle we just lit
• Our pillows
• Our toothbrushes
• Washcloths
• Pencils
• Eye glasses
• The refrigerator
• Windows
• Socks and underwear
• Chairs
• Electricity
• Phones
• Clean water

These are things that we easily take for granted but they are good and generous gifts from God.

As we carry in our groceries, let’s remember to thank God for the mustard and ketchup, the vegetables and meat, and the toilet paper and tissues.

Let’s give thanks to God for the warm sweaters and coats that hang in the closet.

Let’s give thanks to God for books and teachers and libraries and post offices.

Let’s give thanks to God for our computers, cell phones, iPads and social media.

Let’s give thanks to God for love and joy and hope and faith.

Let’s show our family how grateful we are for the things God has given us and teach our children how to give thanks as well.

Let’s get our families involved by inviting them to say a prayer of thanks when they pass by the candle each day too!

Give Thanks for the Ordinary

Just look around in the room where you sit right now.  I am positive there are 10 ordinary things we could easily give thanks to God for – right this minute –  but we haven’t done it.  Now’s the time!

It’s time to take our focus off of the things that are bothering us and focus on what we are thankful for.

Sometimes it’s very hard to give thanks.

But 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to give thanks…in ALL circumstances.

Why did God include the word “all”?

It is hard to give thanks when circumstances are bleak.

In the coming weeks, I want to address how to give thanks when we don’t feel thankful, when we are stressed and our mind is overwhelmed with worry, anger, resentment or bitterness.  I want to talk about our focus and how prayer and giving thanks is a powerful way to transform our lives and homes.

So join me here next week for the 2nd post of this series. But for now…

Take This Week’s Challenge:

Buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home.  Each time the candle catches your eye, give thanks to God for an ordinary thing in your life.  Encourage those who live in your home to join you.

Let’s be intentional this week!

Walk with the King,

Courtney

**CHIME IN**

Are you in?

Let’s begin now – list 5 ordinary things you are thankful for in the comment section below.  Giving