HOLIDAY FEAST

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or it’s a time-honored tradition, trust Thurman’s with your main dish. This old-fashioned turkey roast is seasoned to perfection.

SWEET LOVES BAKERY Add a beautiful touch to your holiday table with this delectable homemade-fromscratch apple pie with a golden decorative crust, fresh apples and cinnamon.

It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather around the table for a Louisiana Thanksgiving feast full of flavor and seasonal offerings.

NEWK’S EATERY Looking for an easy side dish? Grab a single-serve or pan of Newk’s Five Cheese Mac & Cheese. Asiago, Vermont white cheddar, Parmesan and Ammerländer Swisses are folded into elbow pasta then topped with yellow cheddar.

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK The perfect appetizer starts with a freshly made pimento cheese ball coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon. Pick up a large side of grape salad covered in a sweet cream cheese mixture, topped with brown sugar and crushed pecans.

CC’S COFFEE HOUSE There’s nothing that says fall like a Harvest Cookie from CC’s. These delicious treats are made with a tasty combination of rolled oats, cranberries, raisins and nuts.

WASHINGTON WINE & SPIRITS The perfect holiday gathering starts with a superb spirit. This bourbon uses 100% fresh ingredients, including the highest quality Kentucky limestone water, as well as a Kentucky grown heritage rye from a local farm and corn from a farm a few miles from the distillery.

Happy Holidays

From the City of Bastrop

ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH, MERCHANTS IN Bastrop will host their annual Holiday Open House from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Put on your shopping shoes and join local businesses in a fun-filled afternoon of shopping, refreshments and holiday spirit.

Whit’s Pharmacy will be displaying all of our Christmas merchandise, including ornaments and indoor and outdoor décor for this year’s Holiday Open House. We will have men’s gifts, baby gifts, Woodwick candles, garden flags and door hangers, windchimes, and home decor. We are also an authorized dealer of Duke Cannon, Gingersnaps, Michel Design Works, and Snoozies for all ages. Don’t forget to come in and register for our free door prize!

Owned by Steve and Teresa Pearce, Pearce Pharmacy, has been in operation as a sole proprietorship since 1985. We have an assortment of great gift items, potpourri, candles, along with many decorative items. During the Christmas season we offer jellies, dips, and soup mixtures along with cheese straws for those unexpected parties that you would need to take or prepare quickly at home. We also offer free gift wrapping with your gift purchase.

The Market has a great variety of gift items including candles, new lines of designer jewelry, PJ Harlow sleepwear, and a variety of gourmet foods. The Market is fully-stocked with the ever-popular Niven Morgan Christmas candles and bath products. They have clothing by Ivy Jane, Uncle Frank, Kut, and Liverpool and Crown Linen. They also have furniture and a wide selection of unique home décor. Now carrying Consuela bags and Swig Life products. As always, The Market will have refreshments.

Steve’s Jewelry invites you to shop our Holiday Diamond Sale, Nov 10th - Dec 24th. Save up to 50% off jewelry and gifts storewide. Be sure and register for our 8th Annual Diamond Giveaway to win a 1 carat solitaire diamond ring or pendant (your choice) valued at $4,000 with any purchase of $200. Don’t miss our once a year Vahan Trunk Show, Nov 10th - Nov 19th, featuring over 100 bracelets to choose from at savings up to 40% off select styles. Steve’s Jewelry is honored to be serving the ArkLaMs for 45 years with honesty and integrity offering quality jewelry at affordable prices. On staff, we have a Graduate GIA Gemologists, GIA Diamond Grader and Jeweler offering expertise for all your jewelry needs. We also do custom designing for that special piece of jewelry on your wish list. You dream it; we creeate it! Come see us for an enjoyable shopping experience with personal service, great savings, and free gift wrapping.

Celebrating our 1st anniversary, Vintage Willow Treasures Past & Present will be providing a unique shopping experience for those attending the Holiday Open House. Not only do we offer unique vintage pieces, we also have new gift items, and home and garden decor. Stop by and check out a variety of vendors offering clothing, jewelry, beautiful plants, dried arrangements, vintage furniture, and an assortment of items for home. We are also offering baby and wedding registry. Visit us on Facebook for more details on this local vendor market located on the Square in the heart of downtown Bastrop.

Tucked away in Morehouse Parish, The Flower Tree has been delighting clients with their custom arrangements for homes and special occasions for over 40 years. In addition to fresh and silk designs, the shop features gift lines highlighting southern made décor. Stop by the day of the open house to get started on your Christmas shopping.

Arnett Jewelry can help get you ready for the holiday season. Beautiful Jewelry, gifts, boutique clothing, shoes and accessories perfect for gift giving. Our selection of Christmas décor, ornaments and serving trays and our gourmet food selections will help prepare you for friends and family coming over. We make your shopping easy! Custom monogramming, Bible imprinting and gift wrapping done in store. See you at Open House!

There’s nothing more important than supporting small businesses during the holiday season. The merchants in Bastrop are eagerly awaiting a great crowd for this highly anticipated event. Find the best offers of the season at these locally-owned stores: Whit’s Pharmacy, Pearce Pharmacy, The Market, Steve’s Jewelry, Vintage Willow Treasures Past & Present, The Flower Tree and Arnett Jewelry. Happy holidays from the City of Bastrop.

Start Smiling Stronger

Choose NELA Dental for Your Dental Implants

NELA DENTAL IS PROUD TO offer our patients the best options to meet their implant needs. Our highly, accredited team uses the latest technology and best-practice standards to ensure your smile will be stronger than ever before.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant has three separate components: the implant, the abutment, and the restoration. These three pieces work together to form the unit that is referred to as a dental implant. It is a fixed permanent solution and functions like a natural tooth.

The actual implant portion is made of titanium; a stable, biocompatible material that fuses with surrounding bone and tissue and becomes a part of the jawbone. Once the implant has fully integrated with the jaw, the abutment portion is affixed to retain the dental restoration.

The benefit of a dental implant is that it fills the space left by the missing root and provides a stable and durable base for a dental restoration. Dental implants placed at our offices also prevent deterioration of the jawbone, keep surrounding teeth from shifting, and eliminate the sunken appearance left by a missing tooth.

When finished with a dental crown, dental implants work like a natural replacement for one or more missing teeth. Denture-wearers also enjoy the benefits of dental implants. Dentures can be held in place with dental implants for stability and provide the wearer with added comfort.

EAT MORE OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS

The holidays are here! Don’t let your current teeth keep you from enjoying one of the best parts of this time of year, the food! For those with missing or decaying teeth, dental implants can improve your smile not only cosmetically but structurally as well.

An implant-retained denture is a denture attached to implants inserted into the jaw. This is different from a regular denture which rests on the gums. Denture wearers often find their dentures can be held in place with dental implants for added comfort and stability. Some patients even experience improved speech; a welcomed benefit for many. Implant-retained dentures may provide patients with more confidence. Another major benefit of implantretained dentures is the ability to enjoy foods previously considered off limits.

TEETH IN A DAY - ONLY AT NELA DENTAL

Now with Teeth in a Day, you can get your dental implants completed in just one day! NELA Dental is your home for this one-and- done, dental implant services. In fact, it is one of the few dental practices offering this procedure in the state of Louisiana.

NELA Dental always strives to utilize the best in advancing technologies. Through the use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D printing, dental implants can be placed, and long-term temporary teeth can be printed and placed in one day. This process allows for more chewing ability and much less pain while healing. It also allows you to test drive your teeth, so you get the teeth you want.

EXPERT CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS

Dr. Vance Costello is the only practicing dentist in North Louisiana with the ABOI/ID board certification, and one of only four ABOI/ ID Diplomates in all of Louisiana. Certification by the ABOI/ID attests to the fact that a dentist has demonstrated knowledge, ability, and proficiency in implant dentistry through a rigorous examination process. The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry Diplomate (ABOI/ID) designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Costello worked tremendously hard for nearly a decade to achieve this prestigious designation.

In addition to this accreditation, Dr. Costello has completed the American Academy of Implant Dentistry’s Comprehensive MaxiCourse and is Fellow of the AAID. Also, he’s an instructor with Advanced Implant Educators (AIE) and Implant Know-How.

Dr. Daniel Raymond is also highly-certified for dental implant procedures. Raymond has completed an implant fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA). As a member of the IDIA, he continues to build his continuing education portfolio as he works alongside industry experts to learn about the latest practices and techniques to provide his patients top-level results.

START SMILING TODAY

Whether it’s for dental implants or a checkup, visiting the dentist is the key to overall good oral health. We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe to schedule your appointment.

Don’t let anything stand in your way of a great smile this year, contact NELA Dental and Start Smiling Today!

WHAT YOU NEED: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups light brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 1 15 oz. can pumpkin purée 1 cup Kinloch pecan oil 5 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

(Crumb topping) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1/3 cup pepitas 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 6 tablespoons butter, melted

To make the batter, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use non-stick spray to coat 3 8x4 inch pans. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt in bowl. Whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin, oil, eggs and vanilla in bowl until smooth. Make a well in center of dry ingredients and add sugar mixture. Stir until blended and divide evenly into pans. To make the crumb topping whisk flour, sugar, pepitas and salt in a small bowl. Add butter; stir with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over pans. Bake until loaves are golden (50 to 70 minues). Remove from pans and transfer to wire rack. Let cool and slice.

Pumpkin Bread

THIS TENDER, SPICED BREAD IS TOPPED WITH A PUMPKIN SEED CRUMBLE. ADD IT TO YOUR GO-TO FALL RECIPES.

Classic Pecan Pie

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A PIE MADE WITH LOUISIANA PECANS. THIS HOMETOWN RECIPE IS THANKSGIVING’S BEST.

WHAT YOU NEED: 1 pie dough 4 eggs ½ cup raw unrefined sugar 1 cup Steen’s syrup 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups whole pecans ½ teaspoon coarse salt Roll out dough and transfer to 9-inch pan. Crimp pie crust around the rim. Line with parchment paper and fill with uncooked beans. Bake for 15 minutes or until bottom is cooked. While crust is baking, whisk eggs until slightly thickened and add sugar and mix until combined. Add cane syrup, melted butter, salt and vanilla and mix. Arrange pecans in pie crust. Pour the egg mixture over arranged pecans and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 45 minutes until the filling is set.

Let Us Give Thanks

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group - Upcoming Events

ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, THE MEDICAL SPA will be celebrating National Botox Day again this year with some specials! Botox cosmetic is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the U.S. and is celebrating a 20th anniversary since FDA approval in 2002. We love the results our clients get from using Botox. These injections are used to treat lines in the upper face such as frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Botox provides a smoother, refreshed look with results in just 7-14 days. Results generally last 3-4 months depending on the dosage. National Botox Day is a great opportunity for new or existing customers to take advantage of savings and double the point offerings. Buy one, get one $50 gift cards will be available for purchase through Alle. You must be an Alle rewards member to purchase, so be sure to sign up prior to the event. These gift cards sell quickly! Alle members can also receive double the points when treated with Botox during the timeframe of November 16 - 30. The Medical Spa will be giving away 50 units of Botox on November 16, 2022, in celebration of National Botox Day! Be sure to follow us on social media for ways to enter for your chance to win!

Don’t forget, Cyber Monday is November 28, so stop in or call us to take advantage of the deals, which will include 20% off products and buy one, get one 50% off Geneo facials!

TREATMENT SPOTLIGHT

Often clients ask what they can do to achieve better skin and the OxyGeneo Facial is a favorite treatment here at The Medical Spa. This non-invasive facial gives our patients that instant glow everyone loves especially in these cooler months. Geneo works from the inside out to refresh dull skin, reduce fine lines, and improve overall skin texture and appearance. Geneo facials are customized based on your skincare needs, and the three-step process includes exfoliation, infusion, and oxygenation. The Oxypods are made with 100% natural ingredients to deliver natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve your skin’s overall heath and appearance. The Geneo serums contain a blend of active ingredients that are infused into your newly oxygenated and exfoliated skin during the ultrasound and neo-massage process. The ultrasound process not only infuses these incredible ingredients, but also helps to shrink pores and lift the skin while the neo-massage enhances blood flow to the skin and reduces inflammation. We currently offer the Geneo Revive, Illuminate, Balance, Hydrate, Detox and the newest, Geneo Glam.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Do you struggle with thinning, patchy, and over-tweezed brows? Well, we’ve got a new product to support eyebrow growth! Obagi Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum is clinically proven to fortify brow hair for fuller, denser, darker-looking brows in as little as eight weeks! This serum contains the same Nouriplex technology, a complex blend of four high-performance ingredients, as the Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Serum that provides thicker, luscious eyelashes. These two serums together are the ultimate duo for the eyes!

MEET A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM

Rebecca Justice, RN, received her Associate of Science in Nursing degree at Darton College in Georgia. She brings nine years of nursing experience to the spa. Rebecca is excited to specialize in aesthetics and assist The Medical Spa patients with skincare and treatment options. She loves seeing the excitement and confidence the patients achieve after visiting the spa. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Be sure to come by The Medical Spa this month to take advantage of our specials, events, and to find out more about the medical grade skincare products offered here! We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Also, be certain to follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on our weekly specials, sales, promotions, and giveaways.

I REMEMBER

A SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING

I REMEMBER how thankful I was when I graduated from seminary and was free of all debt except for that which I owed for the new which I had just purchased. The primary reason for my gratitude was that an education can be very expensive, and it is not unusual for a young person to be burdened with a very heavy debt by the time of his graduation. I was so fortunate to have finished four years of college study and three additional years at graduate school with no financial obligations hanging over me. I was able to manage this due to some scholarships, some assistance from the church and my family, but primarily through campus jobs and summer employment. And I was extremely grateful to God and to all those who had helped me meet my financial responsibilities.

I share this with you as an encouragement for us to consider how blessed we are and to develop in our hearts a spirit of thanksgiving. This, I believe, is very important, not only because this is the “Thanksgiving” season, but because a grateful heart is honoring to the Lord and good for our spiritual state. When we appreciate it when someone shows us a kindness, we are prompted to express our thanks for that thoughtfulness; it just feels “right,” and it feels good.

The One to whom we should offer our highest praise is God Himself, because as we are told in the Bible, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.” (James 1:17) God IS so good! But I fear that sometimes my thankfulness is too feeble compared to His gracious favor. And are there not occasions when His gifts, His blessings are not acknowledged by any expression of thanks from us?

Do you think it matters to God (and other benefactors) whether we express thanks, or not? In Luke 17 we are told about time when Jesus was travelling from Galilee to Jerusalem and was accosted by ten lepers who cried out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” He told

them to go to the priest who could declare them clean and readmit them to regular society. As they went, they were healed, and one of them returned to Jesus, praising God and thanking the Lord. Then the Lord asked him, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Our gratitude does matter to God, and our expressions of thanksgiving are beneficial to our spiritual well-being. When we consider how God has blessed us, our minds probably turn to the physical. These things – ALL THAT WE ARE GIVEN DUE TO THE food, clothing, health, jobs, family, and the like – are important and LOVE OF THE LORD, CAN MAKE OUR we should thank Him for His MOMENTARY TRIALS EASIER TO BEAR generous supply in this area. He should also be thanked for the spiritual blessings that come from His love. At the top of this list would be the Gift of His Son Who sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins and to gain us admission into His heaven. The Bible gives us some hints relative to what heaven is like, but actually, we can only imagine what God is preparing for all who love and trust His. But we can be confident that heaven will be awesome and something for which we can thank Him in advance. Even when we go through times of difficulty and testing, as many of us are currently doing, we still have cause for thanksgiving. All that we are given due to the love of the Lord, can make our momentary trials easier to bear. So this is what I am going to try: the next time I am tempted to complain about the cost of filling my truck’s gas tank with fuel, or when I am frustrated with how badly my football is performing, or when drivers all around me are doing their utmost to aggravate me with their driving performance … I think you get the picture … I am going to do my best to focus on some of God’s undeserved goodness to this sinner, trusting that those memories will produce better behavior in me! So, happy Thanksgiving, and may part of your joy be the product of a grateful spirit which prompts expressions of “thanks” to the Lord and to other benefactors.

article by PAUL LIPE

opinion expressed is that of the writer

Strong Support for Judge Jeff Joyce

Kickoff Event Huge Success

JUDGE JEFF JOYCE IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE UPCOMING

Fourth JDC District Judge position created by the election of Judge

Danny Ellender to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. Judge Ellender was declared the winner of the election since he was unopposed. Judge Ellender will take office in January of 2023.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Jeff graduated from Neville High School and Tulane University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in History. Jeff earned his Juris Doctorate at Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

Prior to taking the bench, he practiced law with the firm of Crawford & Anzelmo, which later became Crawford & Joyce. During this time, Jeff practiced in City Court, District Court and various Courts of Appeal. He practiced in the Federal Court system as well.

Judge Joyce was first elected in 2010 as the Judge of Division “B” of Monroe City Court. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2020 without opposition. This position rotates between criminal court, civil court, and juvenile court. The juvenile jurisdiction of Monroe City Court hears the same cases as the District Court.

Jeff is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and has served as president of the Young Lawyers of the Fourth Judicial District Court and was named Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association. He has served as president of the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association; president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the Louisiana City Judges Association; and has served on the New Judges Mentor Committee. This position allows him to educate newly elected judges on the differences they will face in their transition from practicing law to leading the courtroom. Jeff is currently vice president of the Louisiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and will take over president of that association next year. In addition to professional committees, Jeff has served on many community committees and has been an American Red Cross board member for many years.

Judge Joyce also serves as a panelist/speaker/lecturer at conferences and continuing education seminars.

FAITH AND FAMILY

Jeff Joyce is the son of Gay Hargrove Joyce Morris and the late Judge John R. Joyce. Jeff is married to Kathryn Amman the daughter of Martha and Judge Fred Amman, retired. Kathryn and Jeff have two daughters Lillian “Lillie” Amman Joyce and the late Kathryn “Katie” Virginia Joyce. Jeff and Kathryn are members of St. Paul United Methodist Church where Jeff is active in Charis, the men’s retreat ministry, Living Water Sunday School and sits on numerous church committees.

Jeff participates outside of his church in weekly men’s bible studies, family bible studies and men’s ministries with ACTS, Koinonia, First Baptist Monroe, Christ Church, First West and Fair Park Baptist. He is a member of St Paul’s United Methodist Men’s group which fundraises for the Methodist Children’s home in Ruston, La. He is a past president of this group and still helps with the annual Christmas party, where gifts and a meal are provided to the children at the Methodist Children’s home.

The Joyces are active with the Wesley Foundation and have assisted with providing meals to the college students and fundraising efforts to support this ministry.

ST. JUDE PARENT MENTORS

Since 2010, St. Jude holds a very special place in the Joyce family’s heart. After Katie’s initial treatment in 2010, they began Team Katie Joyce in 2011 and have run the St. Jude marathon in December ever since to help raise money for St. Jude. This December 2, 2022 will be the 11th year that Lillie, Kathryn and Jeff have run the St. Jude marathon with friends and family who are on Team Katie Joyce.

After Kathryn and Jeff lost Katie to cancer, they wanted to help give back to St. Jude for all that St. Jude had done for the Joyce family.

In 2016, Kathryn and Jeff became volunteers of St. Jude as Parent Mentors in the Parent Mentor Program which matches them with other parents of terminally diagnosed children and bereaved parents who have also lost children.

They provide parents with encouragement and help on how to navigate this new journey of grief and loss which in return helps them personally in their journey.

Kathryn and Jeff also began volunteering as part of a parents focus group that is bringing a new mentor program to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Baton Rouge.

If you would like to learn how to volunteer or sign up for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon go to https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/fitnessfundraisers/memphis-marathon/register.html#:~:text=Saturday%2C%20 Dec.,or%20text%20SJMMW22%20to%20785833.

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Gratitude

The Secret To Getting Through Holiday Stress

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER. Someone mentioned how many days it was until Christmas and my heart skipped a beat. Christmas is around the corner, and I have not even discussed Thanksgiving plans! My body reacted to stress triggered just by the thought of the holiday season. How many of you just had a heart palpitation? According to the American Psychology Association, research shows that regularly spending just a few moments on positive thinking and gratitude can help boost happiness, lower stress, improve your health and help you build stronger relationships – all of which can come in handy during the holidays. But how do we get to gratefulness when we are overwhelmed?

Luckily for us as humans, we have the ability to “rewire” our brains. Put simply, we can see the situation in a whole new light. For instance, my first thought to the holiday season was “Oh my gosh, how will I get it all done?” This thought was fleeting, however, when I recalled all the things I had to be grateful for. I am grateful for a husband who loves to cook and does it well. I am grateful for nieces and daughters-in-law who help me decorate at our annual “Margarita Christmas Tree Trimming” party. (Serve these girls a mixed drink and they get it done!) Just remembering this time we share together makes me smile. Acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives (counting blessings) can have tangible benefits for our mental health and long-term well-being. Gratitude shifts attention away from life stressors and helps us focus on the positive aspects of life. The more you intentionally focus on the positive, the more grateful you are and the more natural it becomes. You can’t dwell on the “bad” if you are focusing on the positive. So how do we even begin?

Here are a few simple ideas on how we can focus on gratitude this holiday season.

MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU HAVE. Rather than focus on things you want. This time of the year is often focused on receiving gifts. I must admit, after receiving a moped one year I now make a list of ideas my husband can utilize when buying me a gift. (Rhonda Burdeaux & Cindy Stone help me out with this.) But seriously, make a list of the things you already have. Count your blessings and note how it makes you feel to have these things in your life.

WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE. The act of saying thank you shows appreciation for gifts or services you receive. Try thanking someone for being a good friend or helping you in an intangible way. As your relationships are strengthened, your gratitude will also increase.

PRAY. Praying will help nurture gratitude and help you focus on things outside of yourselves. From the blue sky to the red ladybugs, there is so much to be thankful for.

PRACTICE ACTS OF KINDNESS. The holiday season is a wonderful time to help others who are less fortunate. Volunteering, donating canned goods and toys, or baking cookies for a neighbor are simple and easy ways to show others that you care. As a bonus, while these acts of kindness serve others, they also help to boost mood and gratitude.

MAKE SOMEONE FEEL SPECIAL. Harness the power of your cell phone to send out some good vibes, such as a text or Facebook comment, to tell your friends why you appreciate them.

LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS. Even the most difficult life challenges come with some benefit—you just have to look to find them. Being sick draws the compassion of friends. Making a mistake teaches you a lesson.

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE. If you struggle to come up with something to feel grateful for, put yourself in the shoes of someone who is experiencing misfortunes greater than your own. My momma says, “There is always someone worse off than you.”

LET GO OF UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. Who cares what Susie Q’s perfect wreath looks like on her perfectly decorated front porch? I’m doing good to find the front door somedays! My home (or life) doesn’t resemble anything found in Bayou Life. My job is to care for elderly and disabled people, and it’s not a job you walk away from just because its 5 p.m. I find joy in serving this community. My lopsided gingerbread house works just fine for me and my grandchildren. We have a lot of laughs creating it!

While the holidays can bring their share of challenges, focusing on the things you’re thankful for and expressing that thankfulness can help you deal with them effectively. Take time out every day to recognize the things you are grateful for, and you will realize joy and the good in your life.