November Joy

                                          I've attached some of my favorite snaps of fall!

I've written about the practice, November Joy, before, but it is definitely a practice that needs repeating. And let me say at the very beginning that I've been remiss in fulfilling this practice in recent years. So may my heart be encouraged to be faithful and begin again.

I don't remember when I began November Joy, but when the calendar turns over to November I recall those individuals I have been most thankful for that year and write them a note telling them so. It's a special way of recognizing someone to let them know your heart, and possibly encourage and cheer their heart.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not always happy occasions for many people because of broken families and broken hearts. Receiving a note, or call, a home baked treat, or a visit brightens hearts and helps them go through the coming events. Knowing somebody cares about them may have a huge impact on how they're able to get through Thanksgiving and Christmas. And yes, even Christians have sorrow through these "family" occasions.

For those who enjoy happiness at those times, an unexpected reminder from someone of how thankful they are of that person, becomes a special joy to help them celebrate too. We all need encouragement.

This year I have a very special person to write to and express my thankfulness. I lost touch with a dear sister-in-law over 30 years ago, and though I tried twice to find her, I was not successful. Then by chance last year I found her daughter on Facebook. I sent a message hoping to finally have a connection.

Several months later I received the anticipated response and had her address and telephone number. I immediately wrote my friend a letter thanking her for the years I'd known her and how happy I was to be in touch again. The day I received her response was a very thankful day for me.

I'm definitely not one who likes to talk on the phone, but Beverly and I spoke for over an hour and what joy filled my heart! There was sad news to tell, and happy news to share. And my joy was complete when she shared she'd found Jesus and was now my sister in Christ.

I have been thankful for that contact all year. My daughter and I would visit her and her children in West Virginia twice each year. It also awoke happy memories of my daughter and I driving there and singing John Denver's Country Roads hit as we entered West Virginia: "Country roads take me home To the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain momma, Take me home, country roads."

So I ask you, who has brought you a smile, helped in a time of need, or brought some encouragement into your life this year? What friend do you take for granted? Relative? Co-worker?

Do your thing! Write, visit, call or bake. Let them know how you feel about them. I will too!

In closing, I want to thank my God for my 36th anniversary of salvation on November 14th. A new life was born, and I'm eternally grateful to be a part of the family of God because of what Jesus did for me. I celebrate my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.