November Thanks

I think November must surely be my very favorite month of the year. I enjoy the cooler weather moving in after another of Florida’s long, hot, humid summers finally gives up. I like the fact that November means not breaking into a sweat first thing in the morning simply from walking out of my front door and to my car!

The change somehow energizes me, puts a bounce in my step, gives me a little get up and get ’em in my get-a-long! But even more than the change in the weather, I enjoy that Thanksgiving happens in November.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for me. I guess that I like it so much because it is a little less commercialized than some of the other big holidays like Christmas, Easter, or even Halloween. It is as if the giant commercial machine didn’t have time to mess with Thanksgiving, because it had to get rolling on to Christmas if it was going to fully capitalize on the money making potential of December’s biggest holiday.

And, that’s just fine with me! Leave Thanksgiving alone!

I like that my memories of Thanksgivings past are filled with the warmth and love of family and good friends. Of days that overflowed with Mom’s good cooking, and laughter, and peace.

I like that Thanksgiving comes more towards the end of the month. It gives me plenty of time to think about what I am thankful for.

This year, like every year, I have much to be thankful for--even though it has been a very hard year. In fact, it has been one of the tougher years of my life. And the tough season hasn’t past yet. But it will pass. And I am so grateful, because through all that has happened, I have loved and I have been loved beyond measure!

So this month, my wish for all of you is that you might know the boundless love of you creator. And be forever thankful in every situation, trusting in Him, resting in His love for you.


"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever."
--Psalm 30: 11-12 (NKJ)

Sometimes Just a Little More Noticeable

Have you ever thought about how everything around us is in a constant state of change? Of course, that’s obvious!

But have you noticed how there are certain defining moments in time that abruptly bring into focus just how much things have changed? Yes, there are certain points in time when how much has changed is just a little more noticeable!

Last night was such a moment. Last night our nation elected the first African-American to the Presidency of the United States. An amazing change by itself. But possibly even more noticeable, Americans elected a man who has promised to take our nation in a much different direction.

When the results of the election were announced, some were overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation for the promise of change. Others were gravely disheartened by the prospect of the change that this election decision would bring.

Some were uncertain about the change, some feared the change, and some really didn’t care what this new President-elect would bring. They were just glad that all the political advertising that was interrupting their television watching had come to an end!

Some knew it was going to be for the best. Others knew it was going to be for the worst. But regardless of where you stand on the issues, I think that you know that we are in for some changes--some “noticeable” changes. Still one thing hasn’t changed. And that is our deep need for true healing in our nation.

There is too much that divides us in our country. There is an abundance of dishonesty, and lack of integrity, and yes, wickedness. How sad that so many in our country have turned their back on God and failed to honor Him. How frightening to think that we have not held our Creator in reverential fear!

The Bible reminds us of God’s promise:

“. . . if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJ)

It is time to stand up for what is right and against that which is wrong. We truly do live in the best country in the world, but we need to pray that it remains that! So, I’m asking you to pray for our nation. Please pray!

I would also encourage you to pray for our new President (and all of our leaders) that God Himself would touch his heart, and guide his decisions, trusting that what the Bible teaches us is true:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1 (NKJ)

May God bless you and God bless America!