Let Things Go

 Psalm 62:5-8

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

"The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go."

Autumn has arrived in a glorious hue of magnificent color this year. I can’t remember a recent fall as beautiful as the one we are experiencing now in southern Ohio. From the photos I’ve seen on Facebook, the rest of the country is gorgeous, as well.

My daughter and I took a drive to see the trees in Kentucky. She pointed out one on her street in an amazing shade of magenta. Surrounded by oranges and golds, the tree stood out as a true beauty. All of these trees in all of their glory are preparing to shed their leaves and rest for a season. I’m glad they are giving us a show before they go.

And go they will. One day in a few weeks we’ll wake up to bare branches where glorious beauty once waved. The thing is, the trees are okay with it. It’s their process. Every year they let their leaves drop and prepare for a season of dormancy. That doesn’t mean they go to sleep, instead they prepare for spring by reducing water loss in the branches and trunk.

They let go in order to protect themselves from being depleted of the what they need to continue to grow in the coming spring.

Letting go of past sins is hard, especially when guilt and shame tighten their grip on the heart. Part of having freedom in Christ is to let go of the past and the sin and trust in God’s grace. Jesus is my salvation, my cleansing, and my rock. I’ve sought forgiveness and in His graciousness, He’s given.

Like the deciduous trees who drop their leaves in the fall and sustain themselves by preparing for the next phase, I want to let go of the past and store up my trust in Jesus and His grace. It is lovely to let go and find rest in God.

Autumn Gold

Psalm 96:11-12
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
 let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
 let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Autumn dresses up in gold, the richest season of the year. -Angie Weiland Crosby

I sat with my daughter at Trunk-or-Treat. In the corner of the parking lot, a tree glowed golden. The sun's light, as it faded from the sky, lit up the leaves as if gold dripped from the branches.

There is a rhythm to nature—a time to hold on and a time to let go. Leaves tumble to the ground as the trees let go. As I watch the branches drop their red and orange gems, I think about the things I want to let go. Fear, worry, doubt, guilt. I want to hold up my arms like tree branches, and let those things that plague me drop into God's hands.

After the leaves fall, the deciduous trees nap in winter. Their trunks and branches adjust to a time of rest and prepare for regrowth. I seem to remember God rested on the seventh day of creation, and Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest."

I've let go of the negative burdens, now I can rest in Jesus' assurance, his promise of renewal and strength.

Let go—then rest sounds like good advice from the golden tree and from the Father who created me. Release the overwhelming and rest in his arms. Then in spring, or after renewal, rise stronger than before. With my arms up, I rejoice and sing with joy like the forest.

In this month of November, as I enjoy the vibrant colors and the cooler temperatures, I thank God for so much. The golden tree reminds me to look at creation and appreciate the incredible gifts God has given. Because of the rhythm of nature, I know the leaves will return after they rest for the winter. Because of God's promises, I know my faith is renewed daily.

Stop and appreciate God's creation, rest in his beauty, and thank Him.

Autumn Dances

Tim and I spent time over the weekend checking out the beautiful autumn foliage.

I am in awe every year, when God paints His canvas in the lovely tones of autumn.

Enjoy what God has given, and be grateful for the beauty.

 

He Can Handle It

Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Cool weather, apple cider slushies, and grandkids at the pumpkin farm made for a wonderful fall day.

Photo by Sara Hatch

My daughter, her husband, and three of my grandkids took our annual trip to the pumpkin farm to celebrate the arrival of autumn. The day progressed from chilly to cool as the sun shined on us. We climbed on a wagon and road through the fields on an old-fashioned hay ride. The kids played games and climbed on the hay bales in the barn. They peddled three wheelers and looked at a python (I kept my distance.) Then we discovered an obstacle course and mini-zipline. Zeke wanted to run the obstacle course, and I said, "Sure, go for it." I asked Eli if he'd like to do it. He replied, "If you go, I will." Being the Grammy I am, I couldn't say no. We walked tight wires, uneven bars, treaded through tires, and climbed bridges, and I only fell off once. Thankfully the course sat low to the ground, and I didn't have much chance of getting hurt. Eli, Zeke, and Ella Cate tried the course several more times while I basked in the glory of going once.

Sometimes, God tests us, He gives us challenges. If we think about them too long, fear may creep in. An attitude of "I can't" may color our decisions. But God won't leave me hanging if I take the challenge, or face the test. There is a saying "God won't give us more than we can handle." The truth is God won't give us more than He can handle. I can't rely on myself when I'm faced with trials, challenges, or circumstances beyond my control. I can however, depend on God. He has the power to overcome. He takes my fears and turns them into courage. Whether I believe in myself or not, I'm comforted by the fact that God believes in me.

Trust God with the challenges of life.

The Practice of Every Day

Something about autumn draws me back to the kitchen.

I enjoy making soups in the fall and winter. 

The simple act of folding a blanket and fluffing a pillow brings me joy.

On Sunday, I found myself washing dishes in my mom's kitchen.

The act drew me back to the days when I didn't have an 

automatic dishwasher, and all of our dishes were washed in the kitchen sink.

My shoulders relaxed, and I reminisced about 

spending time practicing the ordinary arts. 

I still do plenty around the house, and as I've grown as a person, 

I realize those simple acts are a gift to my family. 

Now, as I dry a dish or fold a towel, I'm grateful for God's abundance.

 

Joy is...

Psalm 65:8
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
 you call forth songs of joy.

Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. -Sam Storms

With autumn tumbling toward us, I cut down some of the flowers in my little garden. I've enjoyed the black-eyed Susans since early July, but they were looking pretty ragged. Even though I hated to trim them down, I knew it was time. Funny thing is, when I cut away the battered stems, I exposed another flower. The gorgeous pink blooms of my zinnias waved their lovely heads. Now when I look out my front door, the pink catches my eye, and I appreciate the change.

A flower garden varies throughout the season. This year due to a late frost, my little garden didn't fare as well as usual. Yet, the daffodils, tulips, blazing star, columbines, lavender, black-eyed Susans, and zinnias bloomed their joyous blossoms despite the set-back.

Life shifts, change is inevitable, sometimes with change comes stress and suffering. With all the craziness in the world today, it's difficult to hold on to joy. I like what Sam Storms said about joy being the presence of God amidst the suffering. God doesn't move away from us. If anything, we move away from him. Yet in the midst of some of the most difficult things we experience, He offers joy and hope.

As I attempt to navigate life, I cling to the hope I have in Jesus. He fills my heart with joy, even as I struggle, because He stands beside me and wraps me in a God-hug. He fills my heart with joy through my husband, family, and friends. He fills my heart with joy through His Word. The Bible speaks of joy, a lot. This little three letter word carries a great importance in the lives of believers. Think of joy as a life preserver. Regardless of the circumstances, I can keep my head above water and float with joy and hope in my heart.

My wonder deepens when I understand joy comes from God.

He's in the midst of suffering, reach out to Him and seek His joy.

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Enough

I am blessed beyond measure.

Am I rich? No.

Am I poor? No.

Do I have what I need? Yes.

Who provides? God

Years ago, when I was a single parent, we didn't have much money or material things. 

But we had enough.

I prayed, and God provided. 

He met every need, and he still does.

For that I am grateful.

 

The Song You Heard

I am a fan of Mary Oliver's poetry.

This one in particular reminds me to go back to my childhood 

and embrace my imagination.

 

Nothing But Change

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

The leaves they are a-changing.

As green fades and red, orange, and gold hang like jewels from the branches, I stand in awe of God's creation. On my morning walks, I take in the amazing changes on the hills that surround us. If I'm early enough, I watch the sky turn from gray to pink, orange, and blue. The clouds billow overhead and a breeze blows.

While I'm excited to see summer gradually fade into autumn, I'm not a huge fan of change in general. I get a bit nervous when plans are altered. I struggle a little as I learn new software, try a different writing technique, or drive somewhere I've never been. (Thank goodness for the GPS.) And good grief, 2020 has been nothing but change. Sometimes all the changes rattles my confidence.

When life throws curveballs—like this year—what do I do?  

I reach out to the One, I know without doubt, I can depend on. Jesus. He never changes. He's the same every day. His love and compassion stay steady. When Peter betrayed him, Jesus kept loving him. Even though religious leaders mocked him, He continued to speak to sinners. Against the custom of his day, He spoke to women in a respectful manner. Jesus made change happen, yet He remained the same.

He's the one consistent anchor. No matter what kind of crazy day I've had, I can open my heart and pour out my prayers to the one who always cares. As the leaves change, I know Jesus stays the same. For this I am thankful. Praise God for Jesus.

Fall Findings Friday: A Little Country in the City

Stacked on bales of straw and complimented by a purple mum, I caught this little taste of fall at Newport on the Levee. We'd visited a book festival, Books by the Banks, in Cincinnati, then stopped by Tom & Chee for lunch. 

I grew up in the country and love the fall decorations that echo our agricultural heritage. 

Pumpkins, corn, and chrysanthemum all reflect the beauty of the season.

Harvest Time

Fall Findings Friday: A Truck Full of Fun

Love this old truck I saw at Burger Farms. 

The lovely plants, scarecrow, and pretty little girl in her pumpkin patch dress 

add joy to my autumn.

Let Go

Fall Findings Friday: Autumn Through the Eyes of a Child

As an elementary student, I loved kindergarten art. I remember the teacher giving us screens, construction paper, leaves, toothbrushes and cups of paint. We placed the leaves on the paper, dipped the brush in the paint and rubbed it over the screen. The red, yellow, and orange paint splattered over the leaves and left a delightful pattern. 

The other day, as I walked through the elementary where my daughter works, I noticed these colorful works of art on the kindergarten wall. How lovely for the children to express their vision of fall. 

The Poetry of Autumn

I snapped this photo on a field trip in southern Ohio. 

Fall Findings Friday: Pumpkin on a Stick

Who knew pumpkins grew on sticks? 

I was visiting my mom and noticed tiny pumpkins on cut vines,

tucked into her pitcher. She'd purchased them at an Amish market. 

The lady who sold them told Mom to leave them in the pitcher 

without water, so they'd dry out

and serve as a decoration for several months. 

When I Googled miniature pumpkins, the search popped up with

"pumpkins on a stick, red China eggplant seeds." 

I've never seen such a thing. But, they are pretty cute!

Children's Book Review: Love is Kind by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Lison Chaperon

Book Description:

Love Is Kind is a heartwarming story about Little Owl who hopes to buy his grammy a heart-shaped box of chocolates for her birthday. On his quest for the chocolates, he’s thwarted at every turn, but ends up discovering the real meaning of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Told in simple prose by bestselling author Laura Sassi, this heartfelt and humorous picture book is a sweet reminder that real love isn’t found in a box – even one filled with chocolates. Love Is Kind takes a charming and gentle approach to teaching kids the true meaning of love, while celebrating the bonds that kids have with their grandparents, and the many forms that love and happiness can take.

My Review:
I love this book. Laura Sassy has written a great read-aloud that should be shared with children, especially grandparent to grandchild. I especially like how Chaperon hid the words from Corinthians 13 in plain sight, amidst the delightful illustrations. The autumn setting makes me want to snuggle with my granddaughter and read the story together. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Board Book Review: Thankful by Eileen Spinelli, illustrations by Archie Preston

Book Description:

Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

My Review:
What a fun book for fall! This version of Thankful, made into a board book for little ones, is as delightful as the original hardcover. As the child in the story dresses up for various vocations, Spinelli's lovely rhymes tell the story of what each person is thankful for in their line of work. This book is great for little ones up through five years old. Although shortened from the original, the book is just long enough to hold the attention of a young child. The whimsical illustrations will delight the readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zonderkidz. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fall Findings Friday: A Poem for Fall

Apples and pumpkins made into pie

Warm shades of leaves, a brilliant blue sky.

Cook up the chili.

Wrap in a sweater.

Let's get ready for cool autumn weather!

I love the crispness of fall. 

What do you like about fall?

Gourds at Young's Dairy Farm

Welcome Autumn!