Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love all the changes that come with this season. Mornings become crisp and chilly encouraging me to bring out my cozy sweaters that were pushed to the back of my closet just last spring. Our wood pile, that had been so carefully and neatly stacked, a few short weeks ago, now boasts a haphazard design, proving that the warmth of a glowing fire has found its place several times already in our woodstove. And as the days become shorter, the leaves on the trees change from green to multihued shades of orange, yellow and red, bringing a sense of joyful anticipation of what is to come. It is this anticipation, I think, that I love the most.

“Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I'm creating: I'll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight.” (Isaiah 65:18, MSG)

Like many of you, this month I have been focusing on all for which I am truly grateful – my family, my friends, food on the table, a comfortable home and more! And then, as I come thankfully before Him in prayer, I realize I am actually preparing my heart for what is coming next. Giving thanks before and on Thanksgiving Day ushers our thoughts into the season of Advent when we celebrate the hope, love, joy and peace that Christ’s birth brought to Earth. It turns our focus away from ourselves and toward our Savior.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” (1 Chronicles 16:34, ESV)

This year, I am more excited than usual for the season of Advent. I think the reason for my heightened excitement is because as I grow older, I am more and more aware of the things that are truly important. I am so thankful for all God has done for me and as I look forward with joyful anticipation to all the wintery activities, the beautiful decorations, joyful Christmas gatherings, and music, I am preparing my heart to receive Him.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV)

The greatest gift that any of us could ever receive – the gift of our salvation, deserves to be celebrated! I pray that as you enter into the coming holiday season, God blesses you with hope, love, joy and peace knowing that we are His, now and forever. Amen.

Secure in Hope,




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18 Comments

  1. Hi Joan, Darla here! Absolutely loved the blog! You are so right about being thankful for God's blessings and looking forward in anticipation of what He unfolds before our eyes. So grateful for our Lord Jesus 💓

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    1. Good morning, Darla! Thank you for stopping by the blog this morning! I pray that God shows you many blessings as we enter this season of Advent.

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  2. It is such a beautiful season of thankfulness and gratitude, Joan. He is so kind to lead!

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    1. Yes He is! His kindness stems from his unwavering love for us. Sometimes that boggles the mind... but regardless of my understanding of His love, I am so grateful!

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  3. What an uplifting post, Joan! I love fall too. And I'm looking forward to the next several weeks as well. God is good, and I'm thankful for His faithfulness. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lois! Yesterday Fall in our area suddenly turned into winter! We had our first snow and I felt like a little kid! That is another reminder to me that God is on the move... Each day He brings unexpected blessings!

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  4. Joan, this is a beautiful and encouraging post! The last week, I have been finding myself realizing that as I focus on Thanksgiving, my thoughts are turning to the Advent season. You have expressed all I felt but couldn't get the right words: "Giving thanks before and on Thanksgiving Day ushers our thoughts into the season of Advent when we celebrate the hope, love, joy and peace that Christ’s birth brought to Earth." Amen!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne! I'm so glad you were encouraged! I've noticed that the more thankful I am the more joy I feel... and that joy brings be closer to the Lord! Blessings, Jo

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  5. Hi Jo. I am encouraged by your blessed message today. Blessings friend.
    Visiting today from Let's Have Coffee #19&20

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    1. I'm so glad you were encouraged! The world could use a lot more of that! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings, Jo

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  6. Joyful anticipation--the perfect phrase to describe our posture as we await His return or our homecoming. Loved this!

    Blessings,
    Tammy

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    1. Thanks, Tammy! May we always be filled with this joy as we wait upon the Lord!

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  7. Jo, yes, you've said it well. The older I get, the more I find to be grateful for ... and the more grateful I become, the less need to feel like I've gotta have all the answers. And that's such a good thing.

    Happy weekend to you!

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    1. It IS such a good thing, isn't it? I love how God's wisdom is far superior to ours and that He has a plan! Blessings, Jo

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  8. I too love autumn. Loved your post.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Maree! I've been so enjoying your "Embracing 30 Days of Gratitude" exercise! This morning I'm heading over to my daughter's for a few days and am bringing my printout! Have a Blessed Sunday! Jo

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  9. Thank you for this sweet call to gratitude. And for linking up with Grace and Truth!

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    1. Have a wonderful season of thanks! Blessings, Jo

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