October used to be one of my favorite months of the year. Crisp, fall air pushing away the heat of summer. Chrysanthemums. Pumpkin and apple pies steaming from their flaky crusts, smelling of cinnamon and spice. Fall décor. Will and my wedding anniversary. Leaves falling into crackling piles, and children romping through them, rosy-cheeked.
But now I dread October, for reasons I won’t detail here. My stomach has been in knots for the last few weeks, just thinking about the weeks coming.
This year certainly hasn’t been an improvement with the political firestorm in this country. I usually try my best to remain uninvolved with politics, but I can’t help but find myself with opinions and disagreements, and it’s all very painful to think about.
A few days ago, an idea sparkled into my mind. Why not try to push away the darkness with light? Turn the sadness into blessing? Bring glory into the barrenness?
For the next month, I want to focus on practicing thankfulness, spreading happiness, and worshipping my Father. I don’t intend to suppress my deep thoughts, but I can make my life better by choosing to discover and enjoy the good, even while trying to process what is complicated and difficult.
Tell me, how would you do this?
I have ideas, including playing worship music for at least an hour every day. Baking a special treat for the children, and playing games with them. Lighting candles, just because. Helping the kids paint cards to give to random people. Surprising Will at work with a special treat. Taking time to be thankful. Making some little spot of earth in Medicine Lodge a nicer place, even if it doesn’t benefit me directly.
(I started out my month by talking to the city office until they agreed to remove some vulgar graffiti under a bridge in my neighborhood. Just knowing they are going to clean that up makes my heart warm and glad.)
Even when the days seem heavy and gray, I hold so much richness in my heart; gifts from my generous God.
How would you make October special? I want to hear your thoughts, and maybe at the end of the month I can post a report (with pictures) on what we did!
Will you join me in making this a month of light and blessing?
…for at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV)
arabah rejoice 
I’m sorry that October is a rough month for you…I understand how different seasons can trigger different feelings.
My family loves to make a “thankful” tree. We get a big bare branch and decorate it with colourful paper leaves. Every day each of us writes something we are thankful for on a leaf. There are great ideas on Pinterest! 😊
Blessings!
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My children would really enjoy this! Being thankful always makes me feel better, even in tough seasons.
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I love this idea! As you know, I spent last month writing out a Bible verse each day and giving/sending it to someone as a note of encouragement. I don’t really have ideas for you but doing that last month was huge for me in taking my focus off of myself and onto others! You’ve got some great ideas and I think you’re on track for a refreshing month 😊
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I still have the verse from you on my fridge! I love it. ☺
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I just “happened” across your blog and have found it very inspiring and connects with my heart. We’ve faced some incredibly rough waters too this last year and just recently the light of heaven came flooding into my own heart. It did exactly what you said -chased away darkness. Finding clarity on where the battle is has also helped me to equip myself. Ultimately it’s a battle between Satan and God and since He lives in us, it seems personal. Blessings to you this month. Be strong and very courageous. We are brave-hearted women of light!
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Your comment brought tears to my eyes. And yes, defining the battle helps so much!
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I always struggle in Sept./Oct. too. As a teacher, there is a let down after the excitement of school starting. Everyone’s different, but for me, I try to be more intentional about touch (hugging family, etc…). It’s amazing how that helps stabilize my emotions.
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Great point. Touch is healing for me, too, especially when I feel unloveable.
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Blessings. The Scriptures talk about blessing people. Words of blessing create hope. I am making words of blessing my October mantra. I’ve noticed that my co-workers, friends, random strangers and cashiers brighten up instantly when grateful blessing words acknowledge their contribution. I want to do more of this.
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Speaking life blesses both the giver and receiver, doesn’t it? I want to remember to bless with my words.
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You inspired me to try to change this month for us too. This month has been a tough one for the past 5 years for our one daughter. It is an anniversary month of loss for her, Sept is a similar anniversary for another of our children. I tend to just want to curl up and hurry to the holidays. I will try to change that.
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Hugs. 💔
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I’m sorry that October is a hard month for you. 😢
I made a similar list of things to do last winter to keep the many cold grey days from dragging me into constant gloom. Exercise and fresh air is important for mental and physical health, so I tried to get everyone outside for at least a few minutes each day. I also played music, lit candles, took my vitamins, and bought fresh flowers a few times.
These ideas were mostly for me, but I love the idea of looking outward and blessing others in a difficult time.
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Fresh flowers…love that idea! And getting exercise and taking vitamins is too easily overlooked. Sometimes simply taking care of our bodies is the most holy thing to do.
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Listening to scripture being read. worship music, listening and singing it. For me, in my times when I was confused and focused inward, it has been very helpful to listen to messages (recorded) that encourage me in my walk with Jesus and get my focus off me. Revival Forum and Revive Our Hearts are two places online that have been encouraging to me. I realize it is harder to find time to listen when we have little ones to care for, but bits here and there can be a help.
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I’m glad you brought up listening to Scripture and online sermons. That definitely helps during dry times!
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I love to make cozy autumn foods, like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin, and light candles. Sometimes just taking one night and relaxing eases the stress of an entire week.
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I love yummy autumn foods! And yes, sometimes taking a break from the craziness rests me both physically and emotionally.
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I love your ideas! October is a hard month for me and often I fight depression. One thing that helps me is brisk walking. My goal this year is 10 miles per week and so far I’ve been able to do it. It’s also my time to pray and read the Bible on my phone. Meanwhile, my children are sleeping, hubby is getting dressed, and night is turning into day. It’s a glorious way to start my morning 🙂
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Yes to walking! I don’t do enough of it, and then my brain gets fuzzy. I admire your self-discipline. 🙂 I get up early, too, but it’s to babysit children before school, which is kind of an intense way to start the day.
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