Nothing Like November

A trip to the mountains makes fall come alive for me! The area we live in doesn't provide much change of the seasons through weather or scenery. I do my best to bring on the fall atmosphere in my home through scent, sight and taste, but my efforts only go so far.

We just returned from a trip where fall was truly experienced! A log cabin on the banks of a river, streets lined with the beauty of brightly colored changing leaves, walks along a lake, mountain drives and fresh, cool air. This is what fall looks like! It brings life to the soul!

Today is November 1 - and this month brings a beauty all its own - the beauty of Gratitude. Like my fall mountain experience, November truly captures a spirit of gratitude as we turn our minds and plans towards the Thanksgiving holiday.

Gratitude is a mind shift that moves us to thankfulness. We are reminded and think on the blessings we have and thank God for all His goodness to us. Here are a few benefits that gratitude brings

Gratitude glorifies God. Our gratitude glorifies God as we exalt not the gifts, but the Giver. Gratitude helps us realize all we have comes not because of us, but from God.

Gratitude helps us see God. Gratitude opens our spiritual eyes. There’s a beautiful cycle in giving God thanks: the more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us. Gratitude helps us sense God’s presence, His personal care and His perfect timing.

Gratitude brings peace. Count your blessings. Gratitude helps us see that God’s hand is all over our circumstances. And God tells us when we give him our thanks, He gives us supernatural peace.

Gratitude leads to joy. The overflow of gratitude is joy. Realizing God’s abundant goodness, even in the hard, is a gateway for joy.

The Bible talks so much about thankfulness. It is one of the most powerful feelings God has given us the capacity to experience. Gratitude gives us greater joy and meaning and enhancing our spiritual lives. Gratitude impacts every area of our lives.

Please join me this month of seek and identify something each day that you are thankful for. May our lives be filled with Thanks and Giving!

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