I love November. I love being with family- listening to them laugh with each other and catching up. I love that it is the month of the birth of my incredible son. I love watching grandkids running through whoever’s house we are visiting-playing some made-up only-for-cousins game. Of course, I love the turkey, the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and jellied cranberry from the can (my specialty). I love the crisp weather and the creative colors, but high on my list of reasons I love November is the reminder to NOTICE people, places, and things to be grateful for. Every time I stop and take a moment to actually NOTICE, my mood lightens. If I express it, my world gets brighter still. So thank you, dear reader for allowing me to express the grateful (in no particular order) I have noticed this week.

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. John 1:16

• An unexpected call for your help
• Perfect song playing in a public place at the perfect time
• Fun fellowship with family
• Surprise spectacular sunrise or sunset
• Spontaneous lunch invitation
• Kind representative at Delta Airlines- Thanks, Kim!
• Cinnamon french toast
• Out-of-the-ordinary promptings
• Running into a former student. Yay!
• Passing on a compliment to your son
• Gym time with inspiring fellow exercisers
• New friends, present friends, long-time friends
• A funny meme sent by your grandson right before you go to bed
• Impromptu tee time
• Smell of “Eucalyptus Spearmint” bath gel after you wash your hands
• Laughing out loud with your husband while watching “our show”
• Guidance exactly when you need it
• A baby’s smile aimed at you
• A well-timed encouraging “like, comment, share, email, text, or call”
• Anytime you hear the word, “Grandma”
• Anticipation of a much-needed trip
• Morning time in prayer room
• New insights from scripture
• Hot tub in chilly weather
• The incredible intense colors of fall
• His unconditional love, forgiveness, and never-changing presence
• Another day

For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. John 1:16 Amplified Bible

Grace upon grace, spiritual blessing upon blessing, favor upon favor, gift upon gift. Though God’s gifts are not always exactly what I am waiting for, asking for, or feel I need, they are there out of His fullness if I choose to NOTICE them. I am always happy to hear about what’s on your list during Notice November and I am praying that your next week is filled with blessing upon blessing. In Jesus name, Amen