A Pocketful of Thanks

On the heels of the fall season, an attitude of thanks begins to sweep America as we prepare for Thanksgiving Day and all the details and desires it may include.

As a mother, I pray and search for ways I can better teach my sons how be grateful in general, but especially in November. We normally write in Thankful Journals, read Scriptures about thanksgiving, remember why we're grateful, and complete some sort of service or acts of kindness outside of ourselves.

Of course, all those things are great and humbling; but this year I really want to focus on attitudes of gratitude.

An attitude of thanksgiving begins with prayer. I do not have the strength all on my own to remain completely thankful in everything throughout the entire day and neither do my children. We moms tend to joke and say “there aren't enough hours in a day,” telling how busy and crazy our daily lives can be.

However, when I consider thanksgiving, the day has plenty of time. Many times, I need to refocus my emotions and intentions in prayer and remember to offer my thanksgiving unto God. Quite frankly, my sons need to do this too, and I should remember they need my help to do so.

I'm not sure why, but my sons are really into pockets! When they know I'm going to buy new clothes, they always ask for pants with pockets. During school, they're always fidgeting in their pockets or storing toys and cars in them. Oh, and I cannot tell you the various things I've found in their pockets while laundering.

I thought I'd incorporate an attitude of gratitude in our home using our pockets, no less.

Pocketful of Thanks is a free printable as my gift to you for this Thanksgiving season. There are 20 slips to cut out and have your child place in his or her pocket for the day. I know there are 30 days in November, however, I made only 20 for a Mon-Fri schedule. (I find that I can best add to my sons' character training during our already routined days as opposed to the weekends.)

Each week day, give your children a new slip. At some point in the day, they'll find it. If not, just remind them. I tell my boys we're going to do our best to keep a remembrance of thanksgiving. Whenever their hands find their way back to their pockets, we read the verse and reflect on whatever aspect of thanks the Scripture reveals.

Download your free Pocketful of Thanks using the request form below:

Here are the 20 verses with some prompts for you and your children as you keep your pockets full of thanks this season:

Day 1: Psalm 136:1a (Remember how good God is. Be thankful for that.)

Day 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:18a (Whatever the issue is today, remember to thank God for His goodness or thank Him for bringing you victory even now.)

Day 3: I Chronicles 29:13 (Remember, what can you praise God for today? Whatever you claim, thank Him for it now.)

Day 4: Ezra 3:11a (There is a song in your heart for the Lord. Whatever your song is today, remember to sing a few verses to Him.)

Day 5: Psalm 7:17a (An “I will” statement is a matter of choice. Choose today to keep a thankful heart to the Lord. Remember to whisper to God that you'll gladly give Him thanks.)

Day 6: Psalm 9:1 (Wow, King David said “all!” Remember to think, as much as you can, about all the wonderful deeds God has done for you. Thank Him for them all.)

Day 7: Psalm 69:30 (Remember or look up a song that reminds you to praise God for His glory. Sing that song with your family today in thanksgiving.)

Day 8: Psalm 100:4a (Draw a picture today with a scene of what you think God's gates and courts look like. Remember to include yourself inside the gate, giving thanks and praise to God. Add Psalm 100:4 to your drawing.)

Day 9: Psalm 107:21 (Remember at least 1 deed God has done for mankind. Thank Him for it today.)

Day 10: Psalm 118:21 (Remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross today. Thank Him for freely giving you the gift of salvation.)

Day 11: Matthew 26:26a (Remember to thank God for your food today. Not just a blessing over your meal, but genuinely thank God that He provides nutritional nourishment for you daily. I like to open my pantry door and just say, “Thank you God that there is food in here.” No matter how little or much it is.)

Day 12: I Corinthians 15:57 (Remember that in Jesus Christ, you win. Whatever you are facing today, thank God that you already have the victory.)

Day 13: 2 Corinthians 1:11 (Remember to help others with your prayers. Is there anyone you would like to pray for today? Pray for them now. Be thankful that God would grant your prayer.)

Day 14: Ephesians 5:4 (Remember to watch your tongue today. Our lips should praise and thank God. Whenever you feel like saying something you know you shouldn't say today, give God a simple, “Thank you Lord for helping me praise you right now.”)

Day 15: Ephesians 5:20 (Remember how often you should give thanks today. Always. Tell God you will always be thankful for everything He has done.)

Day 16: Philippians 4:6 (Is there anything that is bothering you today or making you anxious? Remember to give it to God and thank Him for His perfect plan in the meantime.)

Day 17: I Thessalonians 1:2 (Who is your “all of you?” It's probably your family. Remember to thank God for everyone in your family today. Call out as many as you can by name.)

Day 18: Psalm 95:2 (If you can play a musical instrument, please play for God. Sing whatever song of thanks comes to your heart. If you cannot play, clap your hands instead.)

Day 19: Philippians 1:3 (Who's that 1 person that comes to mind right now. Tell them how thankful you are for them today. Then, remember to thank God for them.)

Day 20: I Corinthians 1:4 (Remember God's grace today. Thank Him for the grace Christ has given you.)

Happy Thanksgiving!