No way! We’d never accidentally forget the Thanksgiving turkey. We painstakingly prepare and beautifully serve it. But caught up with food, family and Black Friday sales, do we forget to offer sincere thanks to God? Here are seven ideas to add “thanks” to your Thanksgiving. Try one. Before you carve the turkey.

 

Idea #1: Tweet thanks. During November, use Facebook or Twitter to post a daily thanks to God. Example: “Thanksgiving to God #4. Thanking God today for His peace in difficult days!” Add a photo for extra oomph. (1 Chronicles 16:8)

 

Idea #2: Write ITFY notes. Use email or stationery to write one short note every day from now until Thanksgiving to tell someone “I’m Thankful For You” (ITFY). Be specific about why you thank God for that person. (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)

 

Idea #3: Visual reminders. Write or print Scriptures from this article on note cards. Put them in hard-to-ignore places – mirror, computer screen, refrigerator, phone, steering wheel. As you notice them, offer a silent thanksgiving prayer. (Psalm 34:1)

 

Idea #4: Personal delivery. Near Thanksgiving, give a mentor or respected Christian friend a small gift – homemade pie, potted plant, etc. Say, “I’ve been thanking God for all His blessings in my life. You’re one of those blessings!” (Philippians 1:3)

 

Idea #5: Post-it thanks. As holiday guests arrive Thanksgiving Day, give each person a pad of post-it notes and a marker. Challenge them to write specific things for which they are thankful to God. One-word descriptions are fine. The dining room walls will be plastered with thanks to God. (Psalm 50:14)

 

Idea #6: Surprisingly thankful. If a family member has an unusual need, plan ahead for a surprise monetary gift at Thanksgiving dinner. The whole extended family contributes any amount of cash they choose. Present it with a verbal prayer of thanks to God for that family member. (1 John 3:17)

 

Idea #7: Table thanks. At our Thanksgiving table, each person tells one specific reason they’re thankful to God this year. The Thanksgiving meal conversation is lively, joyful and God-honoring. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 

Enjoy your turkey, as you give thanks to our holy God. That’s what Thanksgiving’s all about.

 

– Davis is a columnist, speaker, and author of “Deacon Wives” and “Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry” (B&H Publishing). Read more at www.keeponshining.com.