Hello Beautiful Reader,

 Wow! Can you believe it's already November? I was talking to my mom last week about Thanksgiving dinner, and I said, "Wasn't Thanksgiving last week?" We both had a good laugh at that because it does seem at times that the days are going by at warp speed.

 But when it feels as if everything is moving so fast, I think that's the perfect time to take a breath, sit down with cinnamon toast and hot mocha (that's what I have right now 😊), and look back at what I'm really thankful for.

The Best Kind of Beginning

October started with such a blessing. Our second great-granddaughter was born at the beginning of the month. She is ADORABLE! She is such a beautiful bundle of joy, and Hubbie and I are ecstatic! We are so very thankful she is healthy, and we look forward to seeing how God will bless her life as she grows.

There's something so hope-filled about welcoming new life into the world. Watching our family expand reminds me that God's faithfulness continues from generation to generation. What a privilege to witness it!

Romance and Riverwalk

Hubbie and I took some time to ourselves and visited the historic city of Savannah for the weekend. We walked along the riverwalk, went on a relaxing boat ride, and enjoyed incredible food. It was so good for us to get away for a bit and just enjoy each other's company.

You know, in the midst of caregiving and busy schedules, those stolen moments of connection become even more precious. Walking hand-in-hand through cobblestone streets, sharing a meal without rushing, just being present with the person you love. That's what keeps a marriage strong. If you're in a season where you feel like you're drowning in responsibilities, I encourage you to find even small ways to reconnect with your person. It makes all the difference.

Angels at the DMV (Yes, Really!)

Mom had to get a new driver's license this month. Now, I know we've all heard the horror stories about how atrocious it can be to go to the DMV. But I tell you… The people at the DMV were so sweet and made Mom's renewal of her license easy and pain-free.

From the paperwork to the picture (which they offered to take more than once if she didn't like the images!), everyone treated her so nicely and kept calling her "Mama," which she LOVED! The staff's care and sensitivity in dealing with an elderly patron was beyond anything I expected. I was in tears, and Mom was smiling ear-to-ear with the care they gave her.

I had to take the time to submit a comment card about their kindness. It reminded me that God places angels in the most unexpected places—sometimes they're wearing DMV uniforms and carrying clipboards. You never know when a simple act of kindness will completely change someone's day.

A Wake-Up Call Wrapped in Love

I also had a wake-up call about my own health this month. While I am not in a dire situation, if I don't make some lifestyle changes, my health will continue to decline. I'm thankful for my doctors and the "tough love" they gave me in letting me know that if I don't take the time and energy to take care of myself, I will not be able to efficiently take care of anyone else, especially my parents.

This was hard to hear, but necessary. It's so easy to put everyone else first and neglect our own well-being. But the truth is, we can't pour from an empty cup. If you're a caregiver or someone who tends to prioritize everyone else's needs above your own, please hear this. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's essential. It's an act of stewardship over the body God gave you.

I'm working on making those changes now, and I'm grateful for the reminder before things got worse.

Unexpected Blessings at Church

I had a beautiful surprise one Sunday. My nephew came to church with us! He brought his sweet girlfriend with him as well. He hadn't been to church in a while, so I was over the moon that he came.

God is always in the midst of our lives, even when we can't see it. This was such a powerful reminder to keep praying and staying in His Word. The Lord is always there, looking after His children. Sometimes we pray for things and don't see immediate results, but God is working behind the scenes in ways we can't imagine. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep showing up.

Movie Magic with Our Little Sweetheart

Hubbie and I had such a good time at the movies with our 5-year-old great-granddaughter! We went to see the film Gabby's Dollhouse. She enjoyed it so much, she could barely stay in her seat! She was so excited about the movie, bouncing with joy and wonder.

Being able to spend time with her is always such a treat. Those little moments—sharing popcorn, watching her eyes light up at the screen, hearing her giggle at the funny parts—these are the memories that matter. These are the moments that fill your heart to overflowing.

A Powerful Reminder

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Our church had a guest speaker who is a breast cancer survivor, and she gave such a POWERFUL message! It was a reminder that just about ALL of us have been affected by cancer in some way.

My Hubbie and my Dad are both cancer survivors. I am so incredibly thankful for the healing God has bestowed upon them. When I think about what we could have lost, when I remember the fear and uncertainty of those diagnosis days, my heart overflows with gratitude for every day we have together.

God is so GOOD! He's the Great Physician, the Healer, the One who holds our days in His hands. If you or someone you love is walking through a cancer journey right now, please know I'm praying for you. And if you're on the other side of that journey, please join me in thanking God for His healing power and faithfulness.

Reflecting on October's Lessons

As I look back over this month, I'm struck by how God showed up in both the expected and unexpected places:

• In the joy of new life and the privilege of grandparenthood
• In romantic weekend getaways that strengthen marriage
• In the kindness of DMV workers who treated my mom with dignity
• In doctors who cared enough to give me hard truths
• In a nephew returning to church
• In simple movie dates with little ones
• In testimonies of healing and hope

Every single one of these moments is a gift. Every single one is a reminder that God is faithful, present, and actively working in our lives.

What About You?

As we head into November and the season of Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for? What unexpected blessings has God brought into your life this month? 

And if you're walking through a difficult season right now, please know that I'm praying for you. God sees you, He knows your needs, and He's faithful even when the path feels uncertain.

With love and gratitude,

Barbara Jane Oliver

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. - Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

P.S. - My December 2025 novel continues to take shape, and all these real-life moments of faith, family, and love are woven into every page. I can't wait to share it with you soon!