🦃 Thanksgiving and Gratitude
In November, many of us — myself included — naturally turn our hearts toward thankfulness. We reflect on the year that’s passed and look ahead to what’s on the horizon. So often, we use the words thanksgiving and gratitude interchangeably. While they’re very similar, they’re also beautifully different.
At our recent “Praise, Pumpkin Spice, and Everything Nice” conference, our Friday night theme captured it perfectly:
“Rooted in Gratitude, Overflowing with Praise.”
Those two phrases show the heart behind each word.
💛 Gratitude is a posture of the heart — it’s internal by nature. It’s the quiet awareness of blessings, both big and small. It’s something you feel deep within… personal, reflective, and often ongoing.
Have you ever paused at a sunrise, spotted a rainbow, heard a bird singing, or watched a child laugh and just whispered, “Thank You, Lord”?
That’s gratitude.
Years ago, I heard a simple practice that still makes a difference: start and end your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. It can shift your perspective — and your mood — in powerful ways.
Gratitude is a mindset we choose, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. Scripture says it best:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
🧡 Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is gratitude in action! It’s the outward expression of what’s happening in your heart. When gratitude overflows, it turns into praise — a thank-you note, a testimony, a prayer lifted to heaven.
As Psalm 100:4 reminds us:
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
So as you gather with family this Thanksgiving Day, let it be about more than turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings.
Let gratitude take root in your heart — and let it overflow in your actions.
As you let gratitude take root in your heart this Thanksgiving season, let it overflow in your words, actions — and even in what you wear!
These “Rooted in Gratitude / Overflowing with Praise” shirts were designed for our conference as a reminder to stay grounded in Colossians 2:7 and live a life of praise every day. I have a few of them left….you can order yours by using this link and share the message of gratitude and praise wherever you go!
https://form.jotform.com/240788313160151
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!
