As the calendar page is turned to November, my thoughts default to the day that is focused on giving thanks for all of God’s provision throughout the year that I carefully recorded in my journal.  When I relocated from San Diego, my place of birth and residency for my entire life, to assume a position at The Master’s University, a colleague gave me a lovely journal and pen.  It prompted me to begin a habit of daily recounting God’s blessings to me.  I have filled numerous volumes and use Psalm 103 as the foundational verse for each. I weekly reread entries from previous years and find that as I chose to integrate thankfulness into my life, I am capable of coping with grief, loss, and stress.  Focusing on the blessings in my life during challenging times, I am able to embrace the Apostle Paul’s challenge to “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1. Thess. 5:18)