As we enter November, I am reminded of the vital importance of practicing thanksgiving. I’m calling this month “Give-Thanks November,” and I hope you will join me each Monday and Thursday for glimpses of goodness that give us so many reasons to realize gratitude.
If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll go to the polls tomorrow and cast your vote. I am forever grateful for this privilege.
Several years ago, there was the coolest home decor store in Coeur d’Alene called Granny’s. Oh, how I loved that place! One time, Ron accompanied me to Granny’s. My generally active 6’4” husband stood like a statue, frightened he would break something. When a nice clerk, wearing a white ruffled apron, asked Ron if she could help him find something, my husband didn’t miss a beat as he replied, “The tool department!” A roar of laughter erupted from the women standing nearby!
One year I spent what I thought was too much money at Granny’s on a black wall calendar frame, which has hung in our kitchen ever since. Each year I insert a new Lang calendar into the frame, and I’ve never stopped loving this decorative but practical item.
Yesterday, we turned the page to the new month of November.
My mind easily turns to giving thanks during November. Not only does the national holiday of Thanksgiving occur, but it is also the birth month of our two oldest granddaughters (November 22nd and November 23rd). Then, November 24th is their mom and dad’s anniversary, which was also the date of my parents’ anniversary. I always feel great gratitude during November as I remember and celebrate many loved ones!
According to Samaritan Ministries, thanksgiving is important to God. References to gratitude, praise, or thankfulness appear more than 100 times throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Thanksgiving, however, isn’t only a spiritual matter. An article written in November 2025 from the American Brain Foundation, states,
“… Gratitude triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing hormones and neurotransmitters that have tangible physical and mental health benefits. Taking the time to focus on gratitude every day helps to improve our ability to manage stress, and it helps us develop a more positive perspective on life by restructuring neural signaling pathways.”
Having an attitude of gratitude is more than a catchy phrase. Research shows people who live thankfully are more resilient, able to bounce back from difficult—even traumatic—events more readily. Truly, I feel safe in saying thanksgiving benefits our entire soul!
Today’s Give-Thanks Prayer
Good and gracious God,
Today, I want to say
“Thank You” for
(Three things for which I am grateful)
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Amen
Blessings on your journey into thanksgiving,
