AUTUMN

It is time for me to now acknowledge that Fall or Autumn is here. While I still look forward to warm, sunny days, the falling leaves and cooler temps make me realize that yes, it is autumn. I actually went shopping for a winter coat and some dressier pants to wear when I can no longer wear my Capris and flirty skirts. I have nice boots and plenty of scarves, mittens so when the inevitable arrives, I am ready to keep warm.

I'm still struggling with giving situations to God. My stressing over them does nothing to help other people or myself. In Bible study we have been studying how to serve, follow and love our husbands. Good reminders to help us keep that relationship first--and to give it our time and attention. I have an awesome husband--and he deserves more of my efforts!

Soccer tournaments are coming up this week and girls basketball starting soon. Sports events will begin to take a little more time now than the Saturday soccer game. I will also be busy soon involved with two upcoming productions--one being It's a Wonderful Life for the holiday season. These are always fun and a nice diversion from the regular responsibilities.

Cold and Wet

The change in the weather has been abrupt and it has stayed cold and wet. Finding warm clothes, shoes, jackets, etc. became important. I'm still hoping for warm days and flip flops to come back!

Families are still struggling and I am remembering to commit things to God more quickly. I still get stressed but am working on this. Apparently, I am "practicing learning" each of the lessons I'm learning in Bible study!! I'm anxious to get on to the next topics of study but I'm sure there are major lessons there also.

With the cold I want to cuddle up under the blanket and do quiet things and not work in all the corners of the home as I do in the summer. Guess I will get used to the changes and start becoming more productive.

I want to make soups and other comfort foods--I did make my first pot of soup this week--and it was delicious. Usually I have several varieties in the freezer so I can take out a different one each day to serve with lunch. I'm not there yet!!

Lately I've been the one to be a sounding board for others that I serve with about problems in our organization--particularly between people. God is helping me be a good listener. Perhaps I can show them Jesus in these situations?

It looks like I will be teaching junior high students in Sunday School soon. It may be a temporary assignment or I might be doing it for awhile. I don't know what the material is yet but perhaps I can love on some of these young people. I hope I can a positive person in their lives and let them know how much Jesus loves them!

October

Concerned

It is Sunday evening. Yesterday I had a granddaughter turn 16 and another turns 14 tomorrow. That is exciting to see them growing into young women!! I am still burdened with concerns of others--families that are struggling--most in more ways than one. Problems between spouses, with children, financial and other. It is hard to let these go but I need to learn to trust God more and turn to Him at every turn. Perhaps I need to "practice" what I am learning in my Bible study?! I need to let go of my Martha--fretting over every little thing and be like Mary "choosing what is better." I pray that God will help me to turn EVERYTHING over to Him and just rest in Him. My worry doesn't seem to help any at all. It just gets me in a dither. Lord I trust YOU to take care of all my concerns.

Just coming off one of the busiest weeks I can remember. It has taken me about one and a half days to recooperate! There were many fun things this week--they were just all lumped together. I got to see every person in my family (there are 19 of us) except one granddaughter--who is turning 16 today--that couldn't come with her family because of a conflict. Although I didn't have all my children in the "nest" together--I spent time with all of them. Maybe that is why I can feel so centered now. We started our new Bible study--what a blessing to study together with other women. We are trying to get a heart that thirsts after God and working on our quiet time. I'm learning!! A wonderful special luncheon for widows this week also was a highlight. We pray that each lady felt special and God's love coming through the wonderful women that cooked and served them a special meal. A grandson just surprised us on his way to dinner and then homecoming bringing his date to meet us. That was a fun surprise!!

I'm very happy to know that tomorrow is Sunday again and I can be rejuvenated by time with fellow Christians. My friends with the problems are working on them and we trust God is directing them each step and they will make decisions that will positively impact their lives and the lives of their families. God is so so good!

September

Well, I was anxious for school to begin because I like the routine. This week was the first week of school for the children and it was anything but routine! The school part was fine but there were so many other "incidentals" and most of them were not pleasant. I find myself stressed and worried and running from this to that. I know that I need to trust God more and look to Him. Usually the "incidents" are not so bad after a few hours or the next day. It is just making it through the moments!! God must be trying to teach me something. Also, I am so burdened down by the problems of several of my younger friends/family members who are facing such turmoil in their lives. We did have a lovely successful dinner at our church last evening. There were many new faces there. Tomorrow ten people will be baptized by immersion and that is always a joyous occasion! I'm always happy to go to church and worship with my friends and be reminded of what God is doing in people's lives. God please help me to look to YOU and not to the circumstances as they seem to be at a given moment!

A Woman After God's Own Heart

I'm currently reading A Woman After God's Own Heart--Elizabeth George--in preparation for a Bible study of the same name in September. In 1 Samuel 13:14 we find that David, in spite of his many failures as we also have, was a man after God's own heart. Wow!! Psalm 37:4 says we should delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.

I will be so thrilled to regularly study the Bible again with the ladies!! I'm reading, praying about whom to invite and just trying to get my heart ready--a very BIG order.

I am sad to see the summer vacation end as it is my favorite time of year but will relish the regular routine that usually comes with school resuming. For many years as a teacher and then a school administrator, I lived on these rhythms and I guess I'm still in that same frame of mind. Oh, blessed routine!! I welcome you!!!