Not Just One Day

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I am reminded that it's not just a one day celebration of family, good food, and gratitude. This is a way of living--mindful of the many blessings, grateful for life's lessons, and generous with grace because we've been given much ourselves. Here's a few thoughts that are on my mind this week...

"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."

Psalm 9:1 

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

2 Corinthians 9:11 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I am grateful for you. 

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Simple Ways To Practice Gratitude

Since it's November, gratitude is on many a mind this time of year. Practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to change your life; I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true! Our perspective is totally changed when we focus on ways we can give to others and recognize the many blessings we've been given. Ready to practice some gratitude? Here's a few simple ways to do it.

1. Make a gratitude journal.
This is something I've been building into my everyday routine for the last year or two, and it's been a wonderful habit. Take a few moments each morning or evening to reflect and jot down a list of things that you're grateful for. I've found that it causes you to be more mindful of your environment or the little moments in life.

2. Clean out your closet and donate your unworn clothes.
Each season, I like to do a edit of my clothes, and clear out pieces that just aren't getting worn anymore. Find some local organizations to support, who are accepting clothing donations, instead of going to consignment or Goodwill.

3. Write someone a thank you note.
It's easy to think kind thoughts about someone, or even to admire their hard work or dedication from afar, but instead, tell them! A handwritten note is one of the simplest yet often most cherished gestures. You know that person who is always doing things for others, someone who takes good care of you or provides excellent service, a friend who has been there--good times and tough times, yep, that one. Let them know how much you appreciate them! It will make their day (and yours, too)!

Gratitude is something that shouldn't just be reserved for one month or one holiday. It's a year-round practice that truly makes life worth living.

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5 Ways to Show Gratitude This Week

Happy Thanksgiving week! What I enjoy most about this holiday, aside from good food and investing time with friends and family, is that it causes us to pause for a moment and think about the value of gratitude. It's easy to rush along with business as usual, keeping our schedules packed with things to do and places to go, but I encourage you to take some time this week to incorporate the simple practice of gratitude into your life. See what happens when we place a little more focus on being thankful, enjoying our many blessings, and simply acknowledging the beauty in living. Where to begin? Here's a few ideas to get you started...

1. Send a card or handwritten to someone to let them know you're thinking of/appreciate them. 

2. Do a random act of kindness for someone each day leading up to Thanksgiving!

3. At the end of the day, instead of scrolling on social media, make a list of a few things you're grateful for. 

4. Donate some food to your local food pantry to help someone in need. 

5. Give someone a (sincere) compliment. 

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Thanksgiving Prep: Artichoke Quiche

Thanksgiving is just days away, and many of us will soon be setting the table and making the trip to the store to stock up on all the ingredients for a well-loved, celebratory meal with family and friends. In preparation for the holiday, I made a delicious artichoke quiche that is an excellent (and easy) addition to the spread of festive foods on the table. What's really great is that you can make this ahead and freeze it until it's time to serve; less time in the kitchen means more time spent enjoying good food and great company! The smell of savory, simmering veggies on the stove, along with a golden pie crust baking in the oven is one of my favorite parts of the process (aside from enjoying it, of course!). I found this fabulous recipe in this cookbook (which I've raved about before in THIS post!). 

If there's one thing that's most important at this time of year, it is to take a moment to think about the many blessings we have in life. While there's always things that we'd like to change, it is essential that we don't lose sight of the things we've been given. A sunshine-filled day, a roof overhead, laughter, friends, family, and food on the table are things that are often glossed over, but shouldn't be taken for granted. My wish for you (and I) is that we approach Thanksgiving, and every day, with a grateful and humble heart. Gratitude makes us all the more aware and attune to the beauty and blessings that always surround us, if only we pause long enough to enjoy them. 

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." 

Psalm 107:8-9

Artichoke Quiche

Ingredients:

1 unbaked (9-inch) pie shell

2 (6-ounce) jars marinated artichokes

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

4 eggs

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1/8 teaspoon oregano

1/8 teaspoon tabasco sauce

8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the pie shell for 10 minutes; set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Drain the artichokes, reserving the marinade. Sauté the onion and garlic in the reserved marinade in a skillet for 5 minutes. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until blended. Stir in the bread crumbs, oregano and Tabasco sauce. Add the artichokes, onion mixture, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour into the pie shell and bake for 45 minutes. Serve warm. You may freeze for future use.  

(Yields 6-8 servings)

Thanks to Simply Sarasota for partnering on this post

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Holiday Baking: Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread

With the holidays around the corner, I love spending a little time in the kitchen to whip up some delicious favorites to bring to get-togethers with friends and family. Often, I'll invite a few friends over to join me for an afternoon of baking. It can get busy around this time of the year, and I tend to look for recipes that will be simple to make without requiring hours of prep work. This chocolate cherry banana bread is so delicious, easy to put together, and will definitely be a favorite at your next get-together or party! I'm planning on making a few loaves to bring along to Thanksgiving and other holiday festivities! Find this fabulous recipe and more in this cookbook which has quickly become one of my favorites!

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups mashed bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup (each) dried cherries and chocolate chips

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, baking soda and salt together. Beat the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until creamy, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Add the bananas, cinnamon and nutmeg and beat until blended. Add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately, beating well after each addition. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries. Spoon the batter into a buttered 4x8-inch loaf pan and bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Thanks to Simply Sarasota for partnering on this post!

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Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving week is here once again, and now more than other days we are mindful of the many things we've been blessed with. While we may think about the food, football games, parades, and even starting our holiday shopping, my hope, for both you and I, is that we continue to live with an attitude of gratitude. It's not just a one day kind of thing...it is a lifestyle that is less about self and more about others. As you share stories and food with family and friends this thanksgiving, challenge yourself to practice gratitude daily. Wake up and thank God for another day to live and to make a difference! Sit down for 5 minutes and make a quick list of things you're grateful for, look for ways to bless other people with unexpected kindness, and give of your time, talent, or resources in a new way this season! Not only will this bless someone else's life, but you'll find that it blesses you, and expands your capacity to give even more! Gratitude is essential to a fulfilling life. Start today! 

Wishing you and yours the most wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

    His faithful love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1

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What If We Were Thankful?

As we gather around the table with friends and family this year, let's remember to celebrate the many blessings we've been given! It's easy to brush quickly past Thanksgiving and go straight into the Christmas season, but take a moment and enjoy the time with loved ones, fully experience the moments, make fun memories, cherish the conversations, and make a list of some of the things you're thankful for. I'm reminded of the statement that goes, "what if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for?" In light of that, how would that change our prayers? Would we be more attentive to the little things in life? Would we take things for granted as much as we do? I think we would rely less on routine, and be more conscious of every little thing. Life would take on a magical wonder, and there would be a way of graciousness and humility about us. What if we decided to be truly thankful, regardless of our circumstances? No matter where we are in life, we have been given many blessings. Challenge yourself to give thanks for the simple things...breath, sunshine, health, a smile. It will revolutionize the way you view life.

Colossians 3:15-17 says,
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Enjoy some good food, fun, and time with friends and family!

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Lately

All is well here, but things have been a bit of a whirlwind lately. Here's a little iphone view of life for the past few weeks..

Halloween and other related dress up occasions resulted in a rendition of Daisy Buchanan and 1920's inspired fun. 

 Hillsong's Welcome Zion tour...OMG. Really, it was absolutely incredible. 

 I just have to say that the fall & winter bring in the best sunsets...yes, it's real. 

 Christmas shopping with some friends resulted in making a few new ones...llama ones. These llamas are therapy animals, much like guide dogs and therapy horses, and are trained to be helpful to people who are in recovery or needing a little day brightening. They're so sweet!

 Thanksgiving photos with my sister..finally cool enough to wear some coats & scarves, yay!

 More sunsets...who could get tired of this colorful view? It's my happy place for sure!

 This year I've found the perfect christmas sweater. Can't wait to wear it to some festivities, and possibly to open presents on Christmas morning!

Hosted a bridal luncheon for one of my good friends, and got to see some of my favorite girls from when we were in college together! It was so good to catch up and see each other! 

 My sister danced the role of Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker Ballet this year, and it was a delight to see her beautiful performance. What a fun way to welcome in the Christmas season!!

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Thankful

(via)

We are all so blessed..family, friends, and a life to live! Take a moment and think of some of the things you're grateful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

 (I'm thankful for you!)

-Candice

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On Thankfulness

I've never been a big fan of the whole Thanksgiving meal itself; however, I've always enjoyed the concept behind the celebration. Thankfulness, gratitude, family and taking a moment to pause and reflect on all that we've been given; truly we are blessed. It's not always about having the best things, scoring the perfect deal on Black Friday (who's going shopping?) and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I like to think this celebration was placed before the rush of the season because we do need that breath of fresh air, to be reminded that God has blessed us abundantly and exceedingly more than all we could ask or imagine..already, and he continued to pour out his grace, lavish his love and give us a future full of hope  that is wilder than our dreams. Regardless of whether you'll be eating turkey and pumpkin pie with family tomorrow or not, it's a good idea to pause and think of things you're thankful for. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

(I'm thankful for you!)

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