Posted: 19 May 2026

Over 3 months ago, I gave each of the family a simple, hand written book titled "___________ (Person's name) Giving Thanks Book".

These books were titled:

Clint's Giving Thanks Book
Shiela's Giving Thanks Book
Michael's Giving Thanks Book
Aaron's Giving Thanks Book
Rebekah's Giving Thanks Book

My first assignment for this book was for each family member to decorate the title page of their new book. What the different family members came up with in decorating their title page was most interesting!

Most days I check this book for each of the family before we go to bed.

This has been a great family project which has been quite revealing and insightful as I check the books and make written and verbal comments. Usually, I check each book every day without fail. I look forward to checking these books. This project has been a great family project! And I hope to keep it going for a long time.

NOTE: I am behind on checking "The Giving Thanks Books" because for the last 4 days I was travelling away from the immediate family. Tomorrow, I will spend at least an hour catching up on the checking of the family's Giving Thanks Books.

A secondary benefit of these books is that the children's spelling and handwriting has improved as they list what they are thankful unto God each day.

WORSHIP:

Giving thanks (Ephesians 5:20), provides the right attitude towards God to engage in true worship.

END OF FIRST BOOKS:

The books I have been using for each person's "Giving Thanks Book" are almost used up in their pages.

So, soon I will be re-issuing a new book to each one in the family.

NEW EDITION:

While travelling I was alone a lot of the time. This provided some concentrated time to focus on improving the Giving Thanks Books.

I added a praise section in this little book. This will add a dynamic to the "Giving Thanks Book" which I hope will guide us into better worship.

The new issue will be titled "_____________ (person's name) Giving Thanks Book with Praise and Prayer"

I am writing down praise scriptures in the new edition.

I will begin reading the praise scriptures with each family member after I issue the new books. If they find a phrase they really like, I will have them circle it so we can read it together unto God in praise on a consistent schedule.

HAND WRITING EACH BOOK:

Handwriting each of these books for each family member does take some time since I write a heading and place for signature and date on each daily page. Eventually, I will have this book printed to save the time it takes for the handwriting of 5 books.

For now, writing out each page for each book is what I need to do in order to determine optimal format and writing.

I write the following heading on each daily page: "Giving thanks unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus for:"

At the bottom of each page, I draw a line and place the words, "Name" and "Date" under the line so each person has a place to record the things they are thankful for each day.

The new edition will also have a section of praise scriptures. This takes some time and effort to produce 5 books and to keep up with each person's progress each day. It is well worth the time!!!

THE BIBLE:

The purpose of the Giving Thanks Books is to help us better obey Ephesians 5:20 and to better praise and worship God. It serves only as a complement to the Bible, never to replace it!