Third Week of September

Fall is in the air - I love this time of year! We've had a few days recently that have been a bit cooler, and it's wonderful to get a feel of this new season. The pumpkin spice candle next to my laptop as I type this adds a warmth and aroma of fall - such an inviting, welcoming time of year.

And there is much to thank God for from this past week ...

A fun, productive Freezer Meal Day with two of our daughters was a highlight of the week! Another daughter had planned to come, as well, but something came up so she couldn't make it after all. (Loved spending that time with you, Amy and Sara, and we missed you, Carrie - and also Cristy, in TX!)

Meals in the freezer to use on busy days - Meat Loaf Miniatures, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet & Sour Popcorn Chicken with Rice, Ham & Cheese Quiche, Beans & Franks Bake. Enough of each for five households, plus a few extra dishes = 30 dishes for the freezer.  (And with the Pizza Loaves recipe that Carrie will be preparing at her home to add to this, we'll have made 35 dishes!) And we could not have accomplished any of this without the help of my sweet husband, who helped watch over the grandkids, making it possible for us to spend all that time in the kitchen together. (Thanks, honey!)

Taking a meal to a friend in need, going with my 91 year-old father to his hearing aid appointment, taking time to attend a Vital Signs Pie Social (for the first time after all these years), and celebrating with friends at their little daughter's 1st birthday party.

Finishing up getting our newsletter in the mail, hosting our staff meeting, God's grace and strength through a very full week with events and places to go every week day.

Another weekly Devo Outing with my husband, a high point of our week - this time to Boyer Chute, just a 5-10 minute drive from our home. Last year's major flooding around the Missouri River left quite a few changes, and one of our discoveries has been a peaceful, sandy beach area right along the river. (Click here to see photo in a recent post.)  A perfect spot for some quiet moments in the midst of a busy week.

And I love using Scripture to pray - for myself and also for others - a great prayer for this new week ahead of us.

"We also pray that you will be strengthened

with all His glorious power,

so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.

May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father."

(Colossians 1:11-12a)

(Credits for digital scrapbook page above: Page Template: WZ_SIPP_TemplateD; Paper: SP_HarvestSpice)

(Counting 1000 Gifts in 2012 #781-794)

Linking up with:
A Holy Experience
Melt in Your Mouth Monday