Welcome Autumn!

There is so much pain and sorrow in this life. . .  this past week has shown clear evidence of that.  But, there is also so much beauty.  As a "romantic realist" I know that we must live in this world of pain and tragedy... but at the same time we can still find exquisite beauty.   Whether it is in the faces of people who are suffering or who are trying to alleviate the suffering... or in the prayers lifted before the throne of God on behalf of those who are suffering... or in the beauty of God's creation and plan unfolding yet again in the changing of the seasons... or in the faces of your own family and friends who bring light, love, and laughter to your life... there is beauty in midst of pain and there is light in the darkness.

After some weeks away with family (and also currently recovering from a nasty cold), I am ready to embrace the beauty that Autumn brings. The HOPE that I have does not come from government to give me things, law enforcement to protect me, or even from the love of my family.  My Hope is the LORD, the Maker of  heaven and earth.

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare NOT trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name!

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand."

- Edward Mote 

Hebrews 6:19-20 

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, 

firm and secure. 

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,  

where our forerunner, Jesus, 

has entered on our behalf. 

He has become a high priest forever, 

in the order of Melchizedek."

As always with my original scripture images, you are free to use this graphic by right clicking and copying or saving.

Thanksgiving is now less than two weeks away

How did this happen?  Time does march on.  With Thanksgiving in mind, I realize that I am thankful for so much -- I have SO MUCH for which I am thankful -- and yet I don't have EVERYTHING.   God continually shows me how much I need Him.  We are in the midst of one of the worst droughts in history where I live.  The lake that is our main source of water is so dry that people can walk across it.  We are at 54 days with no rain.  NO rain.  And the forecast for the next 10 days shows 0% chance of rain.

The conditions are so bad right where I live that the Water Works has issued a 400% fine on any who go over the allotted water amount for the month.  400%!  And that is the same whether you are a family of one or a family of ten.  We are a family of five adults and one fur baby.  But, we usually hover around the "fine-worthy" amount in our usage. So, we are finding creative ways to conserve even more than we normally do.  Yet, we are still praying, "Lord, please send the rain."  And, this continues to remind me that I am not in charge. 

As always with my scripture graphics, feel free to download and use this one!

Despite the recent election and the divide that we see in our country, we can be content in the circumstance and know that He is still God. So many feel that four years with our president-elect will doom our nation.  But, just as many felt that way four and eight years ago. And, here we are still plugging along. At the end of the day God calls us not to criticize those who don't vote or believe as we do. Rather, He calls us to love. Unconditionally.  Wholeheartedly. Even when it's hard. EVERY person has value to God. Including President Obama and including President-elect Trump. I pray that we can all get past this hate and division... and can find the contentment that He promises.

So much of life is beyond our control.  And so many of us are control freaks (anybody else, or is it just me and the people in my family?) When we have circumstances in our lives that are disappointing or challenging, they could be God's way of reminding us that no matter how much we try to control the variables in our lives, He is still ultimately in control.  And, I am at peace with that (well, most of the time.)  I try, with Paul the apostle, to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself.  And every time I go into my kitchen to get a glass of water, I am reminded of that.

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:11-13

Autumn showing off!

I want to send a virtual hug to all of you who have commented and checked in to see how I am doing. I am better... still coughing and gravely-voiced, but I actually feel like I am getting better now.



I took these pictures this past Wednesday, one of the few days lately when the sun shined for most of the day. I was on my way to a local Arts and Crafts fair and literally stopped my car when I saw the trees in the photo below.



I was fortunate enough to have my camera with me and began to snap pictures as quickly as I could before another car came along. The trees in this particular area were just beautiful.



It rained and rained last night, so I imagine many these beautiful leaves are on the ground today. I am so thankful I was the beneficiary of this particular view for that one day, at least.

Blessings,

FALLing into my nest...

I love autumn... love the cool nip in the air that comes and goes... the gentle breezes that sooner or later blow the leaves from the trees...

the myriad colors of the leaves as they begin to fall all around...



that the shadows grow longer and longer... the brilliance of the sunset...



the scent of fresh apple cider, pumpkin spice, and even the scent of burning leaves...



the vivid colors of chrysanthemums on porches... that there is a need to come in from the chill to the first fire of the season...



There is so much about FALL to love! Melissa, at The Inspired Room is hosting links to Fall Nesting. If you haven't discovered The Inspired Room, you must go and check out what you've been missing.

Home

What is home to you? While the first thing that usually comes to mind when we talk about home is a house, what is home really? For most of us, I would propose that it is more about who than where. Home is where our family is. That may be in our house, or it may be somewhere else. For our family, it is wherever we all are. Whether we are in a hotel room, on a vacation, driving in our car, at a ballgame, on a picnic... wherever we are all together is home.



Further, I would propose that for the believer, home is not a place but a person. Home can be here or in heaven... but the main point is that it is wherever He is. Because really, He is our home.



I Will Bring You Home
by Michael Card

Though you are homeless, though you're alone,
I will be your Home.
Whatever's the matter, whatever's been done
I will be your Home.
I will be your Home.
I will be your Home.
In this fearful, fallen place
I will be your Home.

When time reaches fullness, when I move my Hand
I will bring you Home;
Home to your own place in a beautiful land...
I will bring you Home.
I will bring you Home.
I will bring you Home.
From this fearful, fallen place
I will bring you Home.
I will bring you Home.