How To Create A Home and Heart Of Thanksgiving

The wonderful thing about Thanksgiving Day is how we focus on gratitude and praise for our blessings.  We set aside the day to gather with loved ones and give thanks. We have all heard the saying "have an attitude of gratitude", but I have often wondered why we so quickly lose that attitude.

Our society puts a lot of emphasis on gratefulness just on Thanksgiving Day.   What if we could learn how to create a heart and home of thanksgiving that would encourage this "attitude of gratitude" at all times?

Sometimes living out thanksgiving can be challenging in our circumstances.  Right now I have a torn couch which I have complained a lot about.  Sometimes I verbalize my frustrations about my old house and its outdated kitchen.  I have been convicted lately at how I am murmuring and complaining instead of  portraying a heart of thanksgiving to the Lord and as an example to my children.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:44-46

So, what are some tangible ways that we can create a home and heart of thanksgiving?

:: De-clutter the heart and the home.   Start with the heart by asking God to give you a new attitude toward your home and surroundings.  As you clean and de-clutter the home a new attitude will come.  You will feel peaceful and in return feel more grateful.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

:: Fill your home with inspirational decor. Don't just buy stuff that is cute, but think about its purpose and its meaning to you.  Ask yourself three questions about your things.  Do I need it?  Do I love it? Does it bless our family?  When it comes to decorating the home, why not think about using scripture, inspirational sayings and verses? Items that inspire.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.Psalm 34:1

:: Start everyday with thanksgiving to the Lord.  Find a way to include the entire family in a daily habit of thanksgiving. Use meal times or bedtimes to say and record your blessings as a family.

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalm 113:3

:: Have a visual way to leave encouraging notesand verses for the entire family.  Use a chalkboard or whiteboard to write a daily scripture or thankful note.  Leave fun messages on the bathroom mirror for your husband and send notes in your kids lunches, letting them know how much you love them. 

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her house and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31: 26-27

:: Pray for contentment in your circumstances, praising God for where He has placed you.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

:: Add memory focused decor.  Fill your home with photographs, family scrapbooks, and albums.  Make a gallery wall with mementos, and meaningful items that will keep gratitude in the forefront of your mind.

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86:17

:: Play uplifting praise and instrumental music. This has been a miracle worker in my home!  When I play music in the background it keeps me singing and in an attitude of worship, and my kids are calmer and fight less when I work to create this worshipful atmosphere.

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. Psalm 7:17

:: Light candles and add warm lighting.  This creates a mood of relaxation which in turn makes our home feel more inviting. We are then naturally grateful to be home!

She makes coverings for her bed;  she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:22

When we practice daily thanksgiving in spiritual and  practical ways, our home will naturally be more beautiful. When the attitude is directed upward we can then move in to the fullness of the Lord and all of his blessings!