Fall Beauty Everywhere

There is so much beauty everywhere, even in our own yards. I recently walked around our yard, and took photos of whatever called for my attention. Here are just a few of the photos that I took. At the very end of October now, there is still a mixture of summer and fall ... the flowers in our patio pots are still blooming, while the hydrangeas and the cone flowers have already passed their prime. I'm so thankful for the seasons that display the glorious creation of our loving Father.

Earlier this month we were also so very blessed to go on an 11-day trip with dear, kindred-heart friends of ours to see the vibrant, glorious colors of fall in the northeast. We also made it all the way to the coast in Maine! So much beauty everywhere!

Here are just a few of the many, many photos that we have to treasure the memories of our trip ...

Click here for a few more photos and more details about our trip.

The Most Amazing Gift in Perplexing Times

Welcome to this beautiful month of October! I am one of many who really love the fall season ... so much beauty everywhere! It's important to look for and soak up the little things, and also the big things ... the daily gifts that God gives us. Even in the midst of the perplexing days that we live in. 

Do we even realize what great gifts we have been given? And in the troubling days that we live in, do we live and breathe in the realities of all that God has gifted us with? Sometimes the depth and meaning of words is maybe more than we can even comprehend. And such is the case with the words above, from John 14.

We are not alone. We don't need to strive on our own to figure things out. There are so many confusing things going on. In our world, in our own country, and even in our own lives as we walk through the daily things.

It has probably always been the case,

but maybe even more in our present time?

We just want to know the truth.

Whether it's about a current devastation

in our world, in our own country,

or a more personal perplexing situation 

when we just need to know what we

are to think, or what we are to do.

Really, there are so many voices,

multiple ways to view things,

so many opinions - each 

speaking so loudly, and it can be 

frustrating, and so very confusing at times.

Just maybe ... our primary attention and focus needs to shift. From figuring things out on our own. To drawing in close to Truth. To the Words of Truth. Listening, reading, learning from His Words. With the help of the Spirit of Truth which He has given us. Who dwells with us. And is in us.

Truth that we need to live by. Today. With all the choices and decisions of daily life. And also when we are seeking to understand current happenings, and current events. It's best to pull in close to Truth. To immerse our minds and hearts first of all, and primarily, on the Truth in His Word, and to ask for wisdom and discernment in every area of life. As we listen to and read of current events, let us ask God for understanding of His perspective and purposes. 

Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by Your truth, and teach me,

for You are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in You.

Psalm 25:4

I am so very thankful for God's Spirit, within, who gives us perspective, and points out truth to us. And also, I'm thankful for wise leaders, authors, and speakers who are seeking to do the same.