The first week of November you have changed your clocks and received an 'extra' hour of sleep. Once the clocks have changed fall takes a firm hold on our life. The nights are longer and our days a packed full of preperations for the coming holidays.

A tradition began in our family that caused me to focus on being thankful. The first few weeks of November we, as a family, would put together a list of all who did us a favor, went out of their way for us or just were there when we needed a friend. One year we selected a bill collector because she was so patient and encouraging to us. As a child all I knew of this bill collector was how glad my mom was when it was her that was calling! I was thankful that this person did not make my mom upset so choosing her was okay with me.

A Christmas Tree Skirt was made for the person or family we chose. During November my mom would write a small journal telling them how thankful we, as a family, were for what they had done for us and how they had enhanced our lives. The gift was wrapped and sent it time to be receive for Thanksgiving.

Everyone that received our Thanksgiving gift found a blessing as did my family. This kept our thoughts on Thanksgiving and not our preparations or gifts wanted for Christmas. This tradition is what made Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays.

So. . .with this in mind below are some November Journal Prompts for you.

Week One of November:

List as many people as you can that did something for you this past year. Did someone loan you money? Did someone take you to lunch unexpected? Did someone sit with you while you cried or complained? Did someone pray for you?

Each day write about 1 person that stood out in your memory. Write down what they did, what they said, what they gave to you. This gift could have been a kind word or something tangible. It does not matter. What matters is that you remember gifts come in all shapes and sizes!

By the end of the week you will have 7 memories of thankfulness that will stay with you forever. When you journal these types of memories they become part of your heart and can be recalled when needed.

Week Two of November:

List as many people as you can that YOU did something for this past year. Did you loan someone money? Did you call up a friend unexpected?

Each day write about 1 person that stood out in your memory. Write down what you did for them, whether they knew of your gift or not and why you did what you did.

By the end of the week you will have 7 memories of where your heart has been this past year. You will find this week a little more difficult but it needs to be done so you can do next weeks journaling prompts.

Week Three of November:

List as many people as you can that YOU should have done something for this past year. This is not meant to condemn but to encourage you. This year has been extremely difficult for me personally. I have my list of those that have helped me, but what I have found is that my list of those I have helped changed this year. I have not been able to help monitarily but I have been given more free time so I should have been there for my friends more than I was.

By the end of the week you will have 7 people that you have been given the opportunity to show love to. Each day as you write about that person you can clearly see some ways for you to reach out to them. Write them a note, send them a card, give them a call or go visit them!

Week Four of November:

This week answer the following questions. One each day.

1 ~ What does Thanksgiving mean to me personally?
2 ~ What am I Thankful for today, this moment in time. Be specific.
3 ~ Who am I Thankful for knowing, meeting or seeing. Why?
4 ~ When did I have my biggest need and who was there for me?
5 ~ How can I be a more Thankful person, friend and stranger?
6 ~ Why is Thanksgiving so important to me?
7 ~ Remember the service men who have fought for our freedom now and over the years. What can you do to show you are thankful for their sacrifices on your behalf?

REMEMBER: Mal 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard {it,} and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name.