Sweet October

Autumn, a season that brings so many changes and new beginnings. 
October...(sighs) my favorite month. It's a good thing my daughter wasn't born in October because I  probably would've named her October. The crisped air, colorful leaves, morning dew covers the grass and the sun's warmth. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is near. With that said, for many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to come together, to eat and share what we are grateful for. Preparations are made weeks in advance. From the dinner menu, grocery list, guest list, location, time and we definitely cannot forget…the home decor! With all the tasks and activities it's easy to feel overwhelmed during the holidays. 

As a child, I remember feeling anxious, happy and excited all at once, looking forward to the big day. Now that I'm older and no longer live with or close to family, I still try my best to recreate that atmosphere with my husband and in-laws. That being said (I'm hoping to not overdo it) this year we're doing things a bit different. Starting from November 1st, our family will write down one reason a day (leading up to Thanksgiving) on why we're thankful. This will be a 22-day challenge allowing us to stop and reflect on all the ways God has blessed our family this year. To spruce it up a bit I've decided to make a  gratitude garland with notes, pine cones, leaves, flowers, greenery, pictures of places, events, milestones, etc.

So, why write it down? Good thing you’ve asked! A year goes by so fast and it’s sometimes hard to keep track of our experiences and adventures. All our notes will form the garland displaying all the beautiful things we’re grateful for! So, no need for long speeches this year! Instead, we will have a Thanksgiving prayer before dinner reflecting on all the ways God has blessed us. This garland will not only serve as home decoration but also as a memorable keepsake. If you like this idea feel free to give it a try. Anyway, this wouldn’t be a Christian based blog if I didn’t include some bible scripture 😀 So, below are some of my favorite bible verses to help me focus my heart and mind on gratitude:  

Psalm 106:1- Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

2 Chron 5:13 - The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, even the house of the Lord.

2 Corinth 9:1 - You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

XOXO,Niki