Category: Thanksgiving

Practicing Daily Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This week, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us will pause to thank God for the countless blessings He has given us. We will also express appreciation to family members, friends, coworkers, employees, and those who provide services to us.

But gratitude is not meant to be seasonal. It is a posture of the heart—one we can cultivate daily until it becomes a natural way of living. Below are practical ways to nurture a grateful spirit and express thanksgiving throughout the year.

Be Conscious of Your Blessings

Begin each morning by thanking God for another day and the blessings He’s entrusted to you—your family, your home, your job or business, and the ability to provide for your loved ones.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal. Each evening, take a few minutes to write down 3–5 things you are thankful for. These can be small moments of kindness—a compliment, an unexpected check in the mail, or a thoughtful gesture that brightened your day.

Pay attention to the beauty around you. Scripture reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

Place Scripture verses and inspirational words in your home, office, or workspace to regularly remind yourself to practice gratitude.

Express Thankfulness Daily

Make it a habit to acknowledge the people who contribute to your life and work.

  • Thank your employees for their efforts—whether they delivered excellent customer service, prevented a problem, made a significant sale, or completed a task with excellence.
  • Thank your customers for choosing your business, remembering they have many options. Customers who feel appreciated are far more likely to return.
  • Thank those who serve you in everyday ways. A sincere expression of gratitude often brightens someone’s entire day.
  • Send handwritten notes to those who have shown kindness or gone the extra mile. A personal touch communicates genuine appreciation.

Change Your Mindset

Not every situation unfolds the way we hope, but even disappointments can hold hidden blessings.

When things go differently than planned, resist discouragement. Instead, look for the opportunities within the challenge. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this?

Celebrate the successes of your competitors. If you lose a sale or contract, consider what they did well, and learn from it. You may have strengths they don’t—and when a customer needs those strengths, you can refer them graciously. Kindness in competition honors God and strengthens business relationships.

When one opportunity closes, remember it creates space for another. You cannot do everything. Redirect your energy to what is now possible.

Avoid comparing your blessings to those of others. Gratitude grows when we recognize the goodness God has placed in our own lives.

Be God’s Hands Extended

Every day brings opportunities to bless those around you.

Sometimes kindness is simple—holding a door, paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru, or sending a quick text letting someone know you’re praying for them. Serving others brings joy and lifts your own heart.

Look for ways to help those in need during the holiday season. Volunteer. Donate to a food pantry. Sponsor an Angel Tree child. Give gifts to residents of a homeless shelter.

Be mindful that some neighbors face deep difficulties this time of year—loss, illness, deployment, or separation. Ask God how you can bring comfort or encouragement. A small gesture, such as sharing cookies and hot chocolate, arranging a caroling visit, or helping decorate, can remind them that God sees them and cares for them.

As you intentionally thank God for your blessings and look for ways to bless others, gratitude will begin to overflow from your heart. Focusing on the good makes life richer, joy fuller, and thanksgiving more natural.

“I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.” — Psalm 9:1

Simple Ways to Thank Your Customers This Thanksgiving

As a small business owner, you should always be grateful for the customers you have. Without customers, your business cannot generate revenue—and you won’t stay in business long.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to let customers know how much you appreciate their support. It’s also an ideal time to reconnect with customers who have not visited your business recently. A recent study showed that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to re-engage a former one.

It doesn’t take a large financial investment to make customers feel valued. Whether you operate a retail shop, hospitality business, service business, or professional service firm, take a moment before the holiday rush begins to thank your customers for trusting you to meet their needs.

Treat Your Customers with Respect

Showing respect and courtesy is a free and powerful way to demonstrate appreciation.
• Warmly welcome customers into your establishment, making yourself available without being pushy.
• Address customers by name whenever possible.
• Be punctual for appointments, whether they come to you or you travel to them.
• When the transaction is complete, thank them sincerely for their business.

Retail Business Appreciation Ideas

If you own a retail shop, use a customer management system to gather contact information and track your best customers. Here are some low-cost but meaningful ways to show appreciation:

• Host a holiday customer appreciation open house. Send postcards or emails inviting customers to the event. Offer a special discount or small token of appreciation to those who bring the invitation. Provide refreshments and play holiday music to create a festive atmosphere.
• Hold “invitation-only” events. Invite your best customers—and lapsed customers—to a special shopping experience with refreshments and personal attention.
• Offer early-access or after-hours shopping. Open early or stay open late so invited guests can shop new merchandise first.
• Host a vendor trunk show exclusively for your top customers.
• Send handwritten thank-you notes with a gift certificate or discount coupon to encourage holiday shopping.
• Email your best customers with holiday hours and special event information. Include a short video thanking them for their support.
• Give a small holiday gift with purchase—such as a branded mug, tote, or calendar.
• Restaurants: Email loyalty members early with holiday menus and catering options. Encourage them to enjoy a relaxing meal during the busy season and include a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert on their next visit.

Service Business Appreciation Ideas

Service-based businesses—serving individuals or other businesses—often find it easier to track their best customers due to scheduled appointments and invoicing. Consider:

• Handwritten notes or appreciative emails. Thank customers for their loyalty and include reminders if they are due for service. Add a free upgrade or discount for their next appointment.
• Send inexpensive branded gifts your customers will use—such as magnetic recipe calendars, pens, chip clips, or keychains. These items keep your business top-of-mind.
• Provide valuable tips via email such as lawn care, HVAC maintenance, money-saving ideas, or holiday travel advice.
• Deliver gift baskets to high-value business clients—options include fruit baskets, snacks, chocolates, or coffee assortments.
• Host a holiday lunch or dinner for business customers as a gesture of appreciation.
• Make a charitable donation on behalf of your customers. Send a card or ecard thanking them and letting them know their patronage helped your business give back.

You should be thankful for your customers all year long. Make it a habit to express your appreciation regularly. However, Thanksgiving is an especially meaningful time to let customers know how much their support matters. These ideas can help you communicate gratitude in simple but impactful ways. Please share additional ideas you’ve used in the comments.

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2

Expressing Employee Gratitude During the Holidays

If you are a small business owner, your employees are crucial to the success of your business. In case you need a reminder, you and your business benefit from your employees in many ways, including these:

Ability to meet the needs of more customers.
Your time is limited. Having employees extends your ability to provide goods and services to more customers. While your employees are making sales, closing deals, and answering questions, you are free to focus on other customers or handle the many administrative and marketing tasks required for your business to operate smoothly and profitably. More customers mean more revenue for your business.

Ability to take time off.
A solopreneur typically earns money only when working. Even if she operates an online store that processes sales around the clock, she must still ensure orders are fulfilled, payments are processed, and inventory is managed. However, a business owner with well-trained employees can take time away, confident that customers’ needs are being met and revenue continues to be generated.

Added skills and knowledge.
Each employee brings unique skills and talents to your business. Many will have expertise that can enhance your operations or take over tasks you don’t enjoy. For example, an employee with a flair for decorating and creativity can elevate your store windows, merchandise displays, and website in ways you might not have imagined.

Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Employees

During the Thanksgiving season, small business owners should make a special effort to recognize and reward the contributions of their employees. Here are some meaningful ways to express your appreciation:

Written or verbal expression of appreciation.
Write personal thank-you messages to each employee, mentioning a specific attitude, behavior, or achievement you particularly value.

Flexible work schedules.
Acknowledge that the holiday season can be hectic. Reward employees with four to eight hours of additional paid time off in December so they can attend school events, shop for gifts, or simply rest.

Holiday bonuses.
While many businesses give bonuses at Christmas or year-end, consider providing them at Thanksgiving instead. It’s a tangible way to express gratitude and allows your employees to use the funds to make their holidays even brighter.

Gift cards.
Help relieve holiday stress by giving gift cards for experiences your employees will enjoy—such as a massage, a spa day, a nice dinner, or tickets to a movie or play. Tailor the gift to each person’s interests when possible.

Thoughtful gifts.
A personalized gift of an employee’s favorite snacks or beverages, paired with a note of appreciation, is always meaningful. A gift basket with tea or coffee, cookies, and seasonal treats makes a warm and thoughtful gesture.

Employee appreciation meal.
Host a catered lunch or breakfast before Thanksgiving to celebrate your team. Consider closing for a few hours and posting notice ahead of time on your website and doors. Use the meal to share specific ways each employee contributes to the success of your business—and encourage team members to express gratitude for one another as well.

As we head into the busy holiday season, take time to express appreciation to your employees in ways that are meaningful to them. Doing so reinforces that you value them—and inspires them to give their best during this important season.

Please share ways you intend to express appreciation to your employees.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3

Counting the Blessings of Being Your Own Boss

Successful small business owners make a big impact in their communities. Often, the wealthiest and most influential members of small towns are successful entrepreneurs. They have the resources to invest in local projects they care about and make the time to serve in community organizations.

If you’re a small business owner, take a moment to be thankful today. No one can cut your job or replace you with AI. You won’t be laid off due to corporate downsizing or a government shutdown. Of course, you face many challenges—rising costs, economic uncertainty, and tough competition—but there are still many blessings for which you can give thanks.

As Thanksgiving approaches, reflect on the many benefits that come with being a business owner. Beyond wealth and influence, here are a few blessings worth celebrating:

Independence
As the business owner, you are the boss. You determine which products or services to offer, set your prices, make hiring and firing decisions, and decide how your business operates.

Values
Your business can reflect your personal values. If you are a person of faith, you can live out your beliefs through your work, supporting charities and causes close to your heart.

Goals
You define what success looks like. It doesn’t have to be measured only by revenue or contracts. Success might mean creating jobs, having the flexibility to spend more time with your children, or being able to support local initiatives.

Flexibility
You determine your hours and shape your work environment. As your business grows and you delegate responsibilities, you can enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Satisfaction
There is deep satisfaction in building a business from the ground up and knowing you’re contributing to your local economy. Following your passion and aligning your work with your values is incredibly rewarding.

Decision-Making
You have the freedom to innovate and try new ideas. You set the policies that shape the experiences of your employees and customers, creating a company culture where people feel valued and enjoy doing business.

Generational Wealth and Legacy
Many entrepreneurs build businesses that become family legacies. When children grow up working in the company and eventually take it over, the rewards of ownership extend across generations.

When my husband and I owned our pizza restaurant, I was grateful for the chance to work alongside my husband and sons. Together, we built a business we were proud of. We spent more time together as a family and taught our sons the value of hard work and pride in a job well done.

We had opportunities to support our local schools by providing food for the high school after-prom lock-in, buying ads in football programs, and delivering pizzas for class parties. We supported local businesses, created jobs, and developed a loyal customer base. We were deeply involved in our small town, and everyone knew us—it was a wonderful experience.

After a few years, we decided the demands of business ownership no longer fit our lifestyle and chose to sell the business. But we’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and lessons that came with owning it.

In the coming weeks, we’ll explore ways to express gratitude to your employees, customers, and community.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
— Colossians 3:17

Small Business Saturday: How Supporting Local Shops Makes a Big Difference

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to appreciate the heart of our communities—small businesses. On Small Business Saturday, and throughout the holiday season, it’s important to recognize the significant role small businesses play in shaping our local economies and supporting community growth.

Small Businesses: The Backbone of the Economy

With over 34.8 million small businesses in the U.S. employing nearly 59 million people, small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses and account for almost 46% of all jobs. While many small businesses are owned and operated by just one or two people, their economic impact cannot be overstated. Some of today’s small businesses will grow into large employers in the future, further strengthening the economy.

How Small Businesses Strengthen Local Communities

Small businesses are not just job creators; they are vital to the social and economic fabric of their communities. Here’s how:

  • Money stays in the local economy: When you spend money at a small business, it stays within your community. The business owner and employees spend that money locally, creating a ripple effect of local job creation and economic activity.
  • Ability to meet the unique needs of their community: Small business owners have the flexibility to pivot quickly and meet the specific needs of their customers. Without the need for top-down approval, they can respond swiftly to new opportunities, ensuring their businesses are relevant and adaptable.
  • Creates a community identity: Many small businesses have been a cornerstone of their communities for decades. For example, one of the best-known small businesses in our area is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary! These businesses become synonymous with local identity, embodying the history and culture of the area.
  • Involvement in local civic life: Small business owners often participate in community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary clubs, and local initiatives. This active involvement helps address local challenges while creating a sense of shared purpose in the community.
  • Innovation and supporting other small businesses: A local restaurant might source ingredients from nearby farms, or a boutique could sell locally made products. Small businesses frequently collaborate with each other, creating unique shopping experiences and boosting one another’s success.

Show Your Appreciation on Small Business Saturday

As we reflect on the many blessings we have this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to show your gratitude by supporting small businesses this holiday season, especially on Small Business Saturday. Visit local shops, dine at locally owned restaurants, and think about allocating some of your Christmas shopping budget to support your favorite small businesses. When you shop local, you’re investing directly in the future of your community.

If you’ve heard about any small business owners giving back to the community or supporting charitable causes, take a moment to recognize their contributions. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.

A Special Note to Small Business Owners

If you’re a small business owner, remember to be grateful for your customers—they don’t have to shop with you, they choose to. Showing appreciation can take many forms, from offering special perks like gift wrapping or loyalty programs, to simply offering a friendly smile or a kind word. It’s a great time to strengthen the relationship with your customers and show them you value their support.

The Power of Kind Words

In this busy season, both customers and business owners can benefit from a kind word of thanks. After all, as the old saying goes: “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Small Business Saturday!

May you experience joy and blessings this season, and may your small business continue to thrive in the coming year!

Thinking About Doing Your Own Taxes?

Hiring a tax accountant can be expensive, so you may consider doing your own taxes. But before making that decision, you should carefully evaluate (1) whether you are capable of doing them yourself and (2) if so, how to proceed.

You might feel comfortable doing your taxes if:

  • Your taxes are relatively simple
  • All income is reported on W-2s and/or 1099s
  • Most things have stayed the same since last year, such as marriage status, jobs, etc.
  • You will take the standard deduction.
  • Your taxes are a bit more complicated, but you are willing to take the time to read the IRS instructions.
  • You have self-employment income as a single owner and feel confident to complete the Schedule C form.

You might be better off hiring an accountant IF:

  • You have multiple sources of income.
  • You worked numerous jobs or worked in various states.
  • You sold a home, investments, or a business
  • You have investment properties
  • You have investments in foreign companies.
  • You own a company with business with partners.
  • You want to be sure to maximize all your deductions and get the most significant tax refund possible.

Options for Preparing Your Taxes:

  1. IRS Fillable Forms. You can complete your taxes and file them online; however, no guidance is provided, and you must perform some calculations yourself.  
  2. Tax Software—These five options were ranked as the top 5 online tax software providers by Forbes. You should compare options to determine which one is best for your particular situation.
    • TurboTax
    • H&R Block
  3. TaxSlayer
  4. CashApp
  5. Jackson-Hewitt Online

If you have not completed your taxes yet, it’s time to get to work. Tax returns are due on April 15. Check back next week for tips on minimizing penalties and interest if you are not able to complete and file your return on time.

Thankful for God’s Blessings

I hope you have much to be thankful for as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year. We typically host our children and grandchildren. Our celebrations are usually loud and energetic, with three sons, two daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren. This year’s Thanksgiving will be much different since my husband is recovering from his second surgery within six months. We will celebrate quietly by ourselves and focus on thanking God for the many blessings He has poured out of us.

Our greatest blessing is that God has called us to be His children. I am very grateful that God opened our hearts many years ago to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We live by God’s word, which provides a solid foundation for us when we encounter difficulties in life. We all endure challenges,  but we know God walks with us no matter what we face. 

We are thankful for the wonderful family God has blessed us with. We have close relationships with all of our sons, and we are very grateful that they live near us. We get to spend time regularly with our grandchildren, and they are the delight of our lives.

I genuinely enjoy my job and feel blessed to work there. God placed me in a position that provides excellent job satisfaction and allows me to contribute to the success of small businesses in our region. I can contribute financially to our family and provide the blessings of excellent health insurance.

I am thankful for a wonderful church family filled with prayer warriors. We commit to praying for one another’s needs, knowing the Lord answers our prayers.  

I am thankful for a large extended family and the opportunities I have had to spend time with most of them this year.

I am particularly thankful for doctors, nurses, and all those in the healthcare industry. While surgery is no fun, my husband’s two surgeries corrected problems that were diagnosed early. He will fully recover, and I am very, very grateful.

As we have officially entered the ranks of senior citizens, I am grateful for social security and retirement plans. I am thankful that God has given us the wisdom to manage our money for our retirement years.

I am grateful for God’s word and the wisdom it imparts to those who read it prayerfully.  

I am thankful for the opportunities that God provides for us to give to the building of His kingdom through tithes and offerings. As we give, we are building true wealth in Heaven and are helping to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. No gift can compare with the promise of salvation and eternal life. 

Psalm 95: 1, 2, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” 

Thankful for Blessings

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.”  Psalm 100:4

As our nation celebrates Thanksgiving, I encourage each of you to pause for a few moments today to reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed upon you in the past year. Certainly, 2021 has more than its share of challenges. It would be easy to focus on the interruptions in our lives caused by covid and rising prices for food and gas. However, we all still have much for which to be thankful.

Grateful Thankful Blesses

The Bible is replete with the command to thank God for His goodness, as we read in Psalm 95: 1- 7:

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the hills are His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.

God is our creator.  He made us, and He is worth of our praise and our outpourings of thanksgiving.  “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

Today and every day, we need to express our gratitude to God for giving us life, for providing a beautiful home for us to reside in this life, and for sending His Son to redeem us and make provision for us to live eternally with God in heaven.

May your heart overflow with gratitude for our wonderful Lord.

Cornucopia and Happy Thanksgiving

Thanking Those Who Provide Service


My life was made much easier during the past year and a half by those who did not have the option of working from home and social distancing.  Grocery clerks, postal workers, delivery people, truck drivers, and many other were out in the public every day so that the rest of us had access to the things we needed.  Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to thank those who sacrificed for the rest of us. 

Here’s some ideas to show appreciation:
1) Hand-written note.  Do you know that is takes only about 3 minutes to write a thoughtful, sincere thank you note?  Set aside time each week between now and Thanksgiving to write a couple of thank you notes to those who have most impacted your life during covid. If you will mail your cards, allow extra time as postal deliveries are taking longer than in the past.

2) Gift cards.  Consider purchasing gift cards for those who provide services to you regularly. Gift cards can be included with thank you notes, or you can write a quick “thank you for your service” message on the card. Of course, budget for the gift cards and stick to your budget. A sincere thank you is more important than the amount of the card.

3) Holiday tipping. Many of us tip those who provide service to us more at Christmas than at other times. This year, consider giving tips at Thanksgiving instead of, or in addition to, your Christmas tip. 

Thank you note and flowers
Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

As you take time this Thanksgiving to meditate on God’s blessings, ask Him to bring to your mind those who have made your covid-experience more comfortable. He will guide you to remember those who will be truly blessed by your heartfelt and sincere message that you have been blessed by their hard work and sacrifice.

Preparing for the Holiday Season

We are a few weeks into fall, and the holidays are just around the corner. The holiday season will not be back to “normal” this year, as covid-19 continues to wreck havoc with schedules and supply chains.  It’s always a good idea to start early and have a plan.  This year, planning ahead is more important than ever.  Here’s some steps to help you have a blessed holiday season.
1) Savor time spent with family.  Many of us will feel a bit more comfortable traveling this fall and having guests in our homes than we did last year.  Make up for lost time.  Invite family and friends for simple meals, fellowship, and games.  Spend less energy planning the “perfect” event and more time enjoying being together with those you care about most.
2) Focus on the real reason for the holidays.  Take time to reflect on how God has blessed your family during the past year.  Even in challenging times, we are a blessed nation.  Thank God for the blessings He has bestowed on you and for the gift of His Son, whose birth brought hope to a darkened world.
3)  Avoid revenge spending.   Many people have put their spending into high gear this year to make up for fewer opportunities to indulge in 2020.  Economists have dubbed this phenomenon “revenge spending.”  This is not a good idea.  Spending more will not make your holidays merrier, and it might eat into savings accumulated last year.
4) Budget.  In the next few months, you will be shopping for food, candy, gifts, and decorations for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  Plan now for spending, in accordance with your budgets.
5) Set aside time.  Plan to take a few days off from work or set aside some Saturdays to begin shopping, planning menus, and start decorating.
6) Delegate.  Share duties with your spouse, children, and family and friends with whom you will celebrate.  They may come up with great, new traditions to include in your celebrations for many years to come, and you will save a lot of time.
7) Plan ahead and be flexible.  The past year and half have taught us that we don’t know what the future holds from day to day.  Covid-19 has presented us with new challenges and obstacles.  Celebrations had to altered last year and that may be true again. 
8) Start early.  Covid-19 has played havoc with the supply chain.  We experienced shortages last year, and we will again this year.  Transportation of goods is taking longer.  If there are items that are “must-haves” on your list, order early and be prepared to accept substitutes.

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

This is reprinted from my new quarterly blog which focuses on helping you manage your money in ways that reduce stress and honor God. Click here to subscribe to my quarterly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hG1VjT

I would love to hear about how you plan to celebrate the holidays this year. What will you differently to make this year special for your loved one?