Gratitude in Every Season

Written By Sherri Stout Faamuli

Joy Grows When We Are Thankful

Gratitude and Blessings Jar in Autum

Teaching gratitude using a blessings jar.

Have you ever noticed how quickly we rush through the holidays, without pausing to savor them?

Gratitude is more than polite manners. It is a spiritual practice that shapes our hearts to notice God’s goodness in every season. When we thank Him daily — in plenty or in need — joy grows.

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

Before breaking bread, Jesus gave thanks. Even before multiplying food for the crowds, He paused to give thanks to His Father. Gratitude was His rhythm — and He invites us to live the same way.

 
Teaching children to appreciate their blessings with a gratitude jar

Teaching children to appreciate their blessings helps them develop a sense of gratitude.

The Gratitude Jar

  • Place a jar on the kitchen counter with slips of paper and pens nearby.

  • Invite family members to write things they’re thankful for.

  • On Thanksgiving Day, read them aloud together.
    Watching the jar fill is a visible reminder of God’s daily faithfulness.

    Gratitude isn’t just for November — it’s a year-round practice.

    But as the season turns toward Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to start fresh.

 
Sherri Stout Faamuli

About Sherri Stout Faamuli

Sherri Stout Faamuli is the writer and artist behind The Cardinal and the Dove. With a lifelong love of both storytelling and Scripture, she brings together creativity and faith to help make the Bible clear and approachable for everyday readers.

Sherri began her career as a pioneer in digital design, founding Birthday Direct in 1996 — one of the first online party supply companies in the world. For decades she created kind, colorful illustrations that brought joy to families, always emphasizing imagination, nature, and simple delight.

Now, Sherri brings that same warmth and creativity to The Cardinal and the Dove. Through clear teaching, simple language, and relatable imagery, her writing explores the timeless truths of God’s Word while pointing everything back to Jesus. Her goal is to help people not only read the Bible but understand it, see its beauty, and apply it in daily life.

Whether through thoughtful blog posts, nature-inspired imagery, or reflections on simple Christian living, Sherri’s heart is to offer readers both hope like the cardinal and peace like the dove — drawing them closer to God through His Word.

https://www.cardinalanddove.com
Next

Harvest Soup for the Soul