Hi friend,
The smallest things catch my heart—sometimes for the briefest moment.
Last Thursday, at my daughter’s annual check-up, it struck me that this was the last time we’d see Dr. Wells. Due to an insurance change, we have to switch pediatricians. After years of her caring for our children through their many ailments and growing pains, we’d have to say goodbye.
Or that moment last week when we arrived at our neighborhood’s Fire Station Open House two minutes after it ended. They could have turned us away, but the fire marshal welcomed our kids up into the yellow truck and drove them around the block—earning wide grins and a few hoots and hollers.
I think too of the way my children quietly listened to our read-aloud last week. (We finally finished Anne of Green Gables!) They were each engrossed in their own handiwork as we gathered around the fire, and I wanted to press this fleeting moment into my heart to cherish forever.
Tiny moments, some barely noticeable—and yet, in each, I catch a glimmer of God’s goodness.
James 1:17 reminds us:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Every good and perfect gift is from above.
But every one of those gifts comes through people—ordinary, beautiful people whom God uses as His hands and feet.
And if we’re honest, we sometimes forget to thank them.
November is a great month to practice thankfulness. And the more we give thanks, the more our daily joy increases, too.1
But what if we took our gratitude one step further and thanked the people through whom His kindness flows?
Because your simple spoken “thank you” might just become someone else’s glimmer of joy, a small token of God’s love and grace in their life that day.
So here’s a simple challenge: each day this November, take a moment to thank one person God has used to bless you. It could be your child’s teacher, your mail carrier, your pastor, or the friend who always listens without judgment.
We’ve created a printable for you below (keep scrolling) to give you ideas each day. You can save it to your phone or post it on your fridge. This is a great challenge to do by yourself or with children or grandchildren, too! And while you can share your #30daysofthanks on social media, I encourage you to keep it local, keep it small, keep it simple.
I think we’re going to deliver some freshly baked cookies to our local fire station and pediatrician’s office this week.
You could write a note, send a message, or whisper a quiet “thank you.” It doesn’t have to be big or public—sometimes the smallest words make the biggest difference. And “your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4).
And who knows? Maybe that reward is more joy in your own heart, too.
I want to share something that’s been quietly growing in my heart this year.
It’s called Asheritah’s Bookshelf—a cozy, faith-filled corner for book lovers and kindred spirits. Each month, we’ll explore how stories shape our souls, how creativity awakens delight, and how good books can point our hearts back to the Author of it all.
If you already receive these monthly devotionals in your inbox, good news—you don’t have to do a thing! ✨ The Bookshelf letters will arrive mid-month (on the third Monday), as a little bonus offering from my heart to yours.
This November letter I’ll be sharing:
My top 5 favorite books of all time
An update on my current (secret—shhhh!) writing project
A special bookish guest Q&A and giveaway
And more!
But if you’d rather just receive the Delighting in Jesus Companion devotional each month, you can easily update your settings here.
You can read the first letter (and see my favorite bookshelves!) right here.
To celebrate this new space, we’re hosting a fun giveaway over on Instagram! One reader will receive a hand-picked stack of books from my own shelf—stories that have stirred my heart and reminded me of God’s goodness. You can enter (through 11/6) and join the celebration here.
Each month, we share a resource to grow your friendship with Jesus—plus a sweet giveaway and a simple idea to enjoy His Word.2
Looking for a Bible that helps you apply Scripture to your daily life—but in a more portable size? In this honest review of the Life Application Study Bible, Personal Size Edition, I’ll walk you through the features, layout, and notes that make this one of the most popular study Bibles—while showing you how the compact design holds up.
Another gratitude practice is thinking of fun or unique names or attributes of God for each letter of the alphabet. Begin with the letter “A” and tell God everything you appreciate about Him that begins with that letter. Then move on to the letter “B,” and so on.
If you get stuck on a letter, it’s okay to get creative, skip a letter, or check my ABCs in the Delighting in Jesus resource library.
Simple delights from our team to you.
Lately, I sense God inviting me deeper into trusting Him—and discovering the joy that comes from not having to carry it all myself. Surrender means giving up control, yes… but it also means stepping into freedom from needing to shoulder all the responsibility myself. I haven’t read The Freedom of Surrender yet, but it looks like the perfect companion for this learning journey, and I’m looking forward to digging in soon. —Asheritah
Fall is my favorite season for many reasons, but two of them are quite simple: soup and sweater weather! This chicken enchilada soup is one of my go-tos. I’ve made it dozens and dozens of times over the years! It never fails, and I love that I can make dinner in 5-10 minutes and then have (yummy) leftovers all week. (P.S. I cut the amount of cream cheese in half and it’s delicious, but play around with it/the spices and see what you prefer.) —Kaitlyn
I’ve already shared several prints from this new-to-me artist, but this one of Aslan and Lucy just captured my heart. I love how she’s running with abandon toward Him, and how the light of His presence filters toward her in twinkling lights. I’ve been feeling a lot like Lucy these days as I’m pondering a weighty decision, and this image fills my heart with both hope and lightness. —Asheritah
A chai latte is my go-to drink in the morning (and sometimes in the afternoon, too!). Its warm, spicy flavor makes it the perfect companion for the cozy fall season. Lately, I’ve been exploring different chai brands—like this cardamom blend, Oregon Chai, and Sherpa Chai—and I’ve enjoyed them both iced and hot. A friend told me to try mixing in a little apple cider for an autumn twist, and I’m excited to test that out! 🍂☕️ —Kathryn
One of our favorite December traditions is listening to A Christmas Carol together—hot cocoa in hand, twinkle lights glowing, and everyone piled on the couch. This year, I’m especially excited to pair it with the Little Christmas Carol Activity Book from Moody. The story’s sweet woodland characters and timeless themes of redemption and generosity always spark great conversations, and now my kids can stay engaged with fun, meaningful activities while we listen. It’s such a simple delight that helps us slow down and savor the season. —Asheritah
One simple rhythm that restores our joy is daily wonder—recognizing God’s delight in giving us good gifts, often through the people around us.
The #30DaysOfSayingThanks Challenge is a beautiful way to practice that habit this month. Each day, thank one person God has used to bless your life—family, friends, coworkers, even strangers.
As we notice His goodness in ordinary moments and share our gratitude out loud, we begin to see just how near and generous He really is.
Download your free 30 Days of Saying Thanks printable calendar (perfect for your phone wallpaper or your fridge) and let it guide you toward deeper joy and everyday worship.
📥 Download your free 30 Days of Saying Thanks printable here
Want to explore the full rhythm of Wonder—and four others that will help you delight in Jesus again? You can grab your copy of Delighting in Jesus: Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out here or read more about it here.
💛 Let’s stay connected
If something in today’s email encouraged you, we’d love to hear! Just hit reply or leave a comment.
And if you know someone who’d enjoy this letter, feel free to forward it their way. ✨
With much joy,
Asheritah & Team
P.S. Did you hear I’m starting something new? It’s called Asheritah’s Bookshelf—a cozy letter for readers and creatives who love Jesus and good stories. Peek inside here.
P.P.S. Can I ask for prayer? Behind the scenes, my team and I have been working hard on a simple, practical Bible study eCourse to help you grow in confidence as you open God’s Word. We hope to launch in January but have run into a few snags. Pray that the Lord directs our steps and we finish strong so we can share this with our community soon?
Join over 75,000 readers who receive this monthly letter of joyful rhythms, creativity, and encouragement.
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