October has arrived, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed that everything in the grocery store now comes in pumpkin spice. Coffee, cereal, candles, and even cream cheese.
But beyond the falling leaves and cozy sweaters, October holds something far more valuable: 31 brand-new days that no one has ever lived before. God has placed this fresh month in our hands, and I believe He wants us to steward it well. Let’s make this October our best ever, not by doing more, but by living with greater purpose.
1. Begin each day in His presence.
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23 NIV)
I’ve walked through seasons I never would have chosen, and I’ve learned this: the woman who starts her day with God is equipped for whatever the day brings. Before you check your phone, scroll the news, or answer one email, give the Lord your first moments. Read a psalm. Whisper a prayer. Invite Him into your schedule before your schedule takes over. His mercies are waiting for you each morning, fresh as a crisp autumn breeze.
2. Speak words that build others up.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Our words carry enormous power. A single sentence can lift a discouraged coworker, soften a tense moment at the dinner table, or remind a weary friend that she is not alone. This month, make it your mission to speak at least one intentional word of encouragement every day. Write a note to your child’s teacher. Text a friend who is struggling. Thank the cashier by name. You may never know how much the Lord used your words.
3. Release what you were never meant to carry.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
October is the month many of us pack away summer clothes and pull out the sweaters. (I always find at least three items I’m sure I’ve never seen before.) What if we did the same spiritual closet cleaning? Box up the worry, the resentment, and the perfectionism that have been taking up valuable space. The trees demonstrate how it’s done. They let go of their leaves with grace, trusting that new life will come in its season. You can let go, too. God is strong enough to carry what you can’t.
4. Finish strong with a harvest mindset.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)
October is harvest season, a reminder that faithful sowing eventually produces fruit. You may feel like your efforts at home, at work, or in ministry go unnoticed. Keep going! Pick one meaningful goal for the rest of this month: finish the project you’ve been putting off, reconnect with a family member, or serve someone in need. Then take one small step toward it today. Small acts of faithfulness, repeated daily, become a bountiful harvest.
Your October Challenge
Here’s my invitation: grab a sticky note and write down these four words: Begin. Speak. Release. Finish. Place it on your bathroom mirror or place it beside your coffee maker (right next to the pumpkin spice creamer). Let it be your daily reminder that you are called to make a difference right where God has planted you.
Your family, your coworkers, and your friends need the encouragement only you can give. If not you, then who?
Here’s to making this October your best ever—one God-honoring day at a time!
What’s one meaningful goal you want to finish before October 31? I will pray specifically for you as you move forward. (And if you’d like to receive ongoing information on the training we offer through Speak Up Ministries on Christian speaking, writing, and leading, type YES in the chat.)
Thank you, dear, Miss Carol!
I want to finish our master class well and complete our leadership curriculum and my journal project for our women’s Bible studies we just started at church. I also need to submit a partial manuscript to a publisher for a devotional book but I’m really feeling spread thin. Prayer support greatly appreciated! <3
You have a lot on your plate right now, Pam. I’m praying for you as you keep moving forward with major ministry goals. I love your heart for doing God’s work with excellence and I’m praying for you!
Letting go of the anxiety and being at the best peace I can. Bless you
I’m covering you with prayer right now, Lisa!
Before the end of this month, I’d like to finish my StoryWorth project.
What a great goal, Maxine. I’m praying that God will give you wisdom and discernment as you finish up this project.
Excellent! Love the 4 word reminder….
Thank you, Clarice! Have a blessed October as you continue to serve Him!
Well I wont be done by October 31st, but Ive begun my Life Coaching Certification program, this was a gift from the Lord to be. Completely provided for. So I would love prayers, for the season. Because I also have the kiddos going to afterschool activities, and my husband is also started college. It’s very busy in the Harrington household.
I’m praying for you as you work on your Life Coaching Certification program! What a blessing this will be in your ongoing ministry.
Thank you, Carol, for these rich words you’ve given. ♥️
By 10/31? To have the YouTube/tech component completed for a speaking presentation in Mid November.
What a great step forward in your ministry, Sue. You are in my prayers as you work on this important project.
Thank you for your presence at our Grace Girls conference this weekend. I was truly blessed by your testimony. I choose to release, that analogy of the trees releasing their leaves trusting the will come back just resonated with my soul this morning, thank you. God Bless
Thank you, Yolander! What a privilege it was to speak at the Grace Girls Conference last weekend. The worship was powerful and the presence of the Lord was tangible.
After six years, my first in a 20-book series is being reviewed next month. It is a middle-grade historical fiction/fantasy series. It will debut in 2027. I have the other books planned and researching and writing the second book. It has been a journey of love, discouragement, feeling inadequate, but never stopping with the vision God gave me. I’m so grateful, and yes, nervous at this point. But I’m walking in faith that God birthed this in me. It is not late, but I believe where God wanted it to be. Thank you Carol for years of encouragement.
Congratulations, Jo! What a milestone this is! I’m praying for the release of your book and the series that will follow, asking Him to get it into just the right hands. I know it will be a tremendous blessing to students and to their parents!
Great message for October. Thank you!
Thank you, Pam. Your note blessed me!
Good morning,
Thank you for a lovely devotional this morning. A great reminder to Bloom where we planted!
I’m definitely interested in more of your conferences, Training and materials.
I have prayed for you often over the years and will continue. Thank you for having a steadfast spirit.
Thank you,
Lorna, thank you for your uplifting comment! It means so much to know you’ve been praying for me and for our family over the past few years. We know that’s why Jason is thriving in ministry behind the razor wire. I will put you on the email list to receive ongoing information on the Speak Up Conference training we offer to Christians who are interest in writing, speaking, or leading. You’ll also find more information at http://www.SpeakUpConference.com.
Hello Mrs. Kent, it was a pleasure meeting you and Mr. Kent at the Grace Girl Conference. You both are AMAZING!
Thank you for the words of encouragement and challenge for October.
I desire to complete my leadership project by October 31st.
Thank you for your comment, Alita! Gene and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Grace Girl Conference. What a remarkable event! I’m praying for you as you continue to work on your October project.