Today on MoneyLife with Chuck Bentley

We're going to talk today about making Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Thanksgiving has become commercialized. People feel they must spend a lot of money on a celebration.

Thanksgiving began in 1621 when the pilgrims at the Plymouth Colony celebrated God’s provision from the harvest. Thanksgiving should still be a time to praise the Lord for his provision.

Thanksgiving has lost its meaning in our society. It's become just another holiday, a time off from work. Some people think of it as a time to overeat and watch football.

Many families have Thanksgiving traditions. We're going to get some budget-conscious ideas today about how to make Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Our guest today is Michael McNeilly. Michael's worked at Crown for 15 years and he's been a Crown Money Map Coach at his church for 8 years. He also leads a team of volunteer coaches. Michael's been able to minister to many people in that capacity.

Having a family sharpened Michael’s focus on Thanksgiving. He and his wife, Amy, want to teach their children the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Here are some ways Michael and his family have come up with to make Thanksgiving more meaningful:

1. Genuinely thank someone. This may require you to get out of your comfort zone. Who have you neglected to tell that you love them? Maybe your mom and dad, maybe a former boss? Michael recently wrote a letter to his dad and shared five things about him that he loved. You can write a personal note or send an e-mail. Also consider going around the Thanksgiving table and letting people do that for one another.
   
   
2. Help someone who is truly in need. God wants you to help others in His name. Ask leaders at your church about widows, single moms, others who may need help. Michael is a Money Map Coach at his church and comes in contact with people in need. He helps match up Sunday School classes with people who need help. Some people volunteer to serve others on Thanksgiving. You can help serve a meal at a homeless shelter. You can also give a gift certificate for groceries, offer to babysit for a single mom, or pay a utility bill.
   
   
3. Count your blessings each day. We have a Crown seminar instructor who doesn’t get out of bed until he has counted 10 blessings. Thank God for all the things you can think of when your first wake up. You could express blessings around the Thanksgiving table. Michael thanks God everyday for good health for his family, for having a home, food, being together, sharing Thanksgiving and for God's gift of eternal salvation.
   
   
4. Realize you are rich. Look at your life from a different perspective. Americans are rich compared to most of the people in the world. People in poverty in the U.S. have more than many others. The level of suffering here is different than elsewhere in the world. It's great to remember that around the Thanksgiving table.
   
   
5. Start a Thanksgiving tradition that’s meaningful to you. Traditions can bring a family together and enrich their lives. Put your personal stamp on the holiday. Think about what’s important to you, what you want to teach your children. Think about how you can break the normal routine and get out of your comfort zone. Come up with a way to express your gratitude to Christ. Michael’s family likes to help someone in need. Pick a group of people everyone in your family is interested in and write them a thank-you note. Pray for those in authority over you. Consider helping your pastor and his family, maybe raking leaves, or sharing a meal.

It's easy to get trapped in man’s economy during the holidays. God wants us to live in his economy and think about His abundance and goodness.

Our attitude about giving to the Lord is sometimes to give Him our leftovers. Between now and December 31, this ministry typically receives 25% of its annual operating budget from gifts from people like you. We would love for you to become a partner, and prepare to give generously this year. Please help us reach more people with the liberating message of God’s economy.

You can become part of Crown's effort to teach biblical stewardship by making a gift online or by calling 800-722-1976. Thank you!

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