Happy Fall Y'all!

Sunday marked the beginning of autumn. 

The day came in with ninety-degree temperatures in Ohio.

Even at that, I have the hope the days will cool as the month moves along.

I've watched squirrels gather their stores for the winter,

and talked to folks who have canned their vegetables and fruit.

I prepare by welcoming the season with open arms.

I hope this time of year, whatever it brings, offers you blessing and peace.

 

Just Show Up

Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Have you ever gone somewhere and not known why you were there, but you knew you should be there?

Saturday morning, I maneuvered my Jeep into the church parking lot filled with a lot of cars. I had planned, for the first time, to attend the women’s breakfast. In my retirement, I spend most of my time at home, with Tim, or with my family, but a few weeks ago God nudged me to fellowship with the  women in my church, most of whom I didn’t know.

Blessing #1. When I arrived, my usual anxiety about meeting with a large group of people didn’t exist. I felt safe to go in. At a table, I gave them my name and a young lady, holding her young son, handed a name tag sticker and then guided me to a lovely array of breakfast foods. In line, I chatted with Liz, a young woman I knew through my daughters.

Blessing #2. Once I filled my plate and grabbed a coffee, I wound my way through a few tables and a sweet lady invited me to sit with their group. One of the women at the table had been my neighbor for a few years, and I met several kind-hearted women.

Blessing #3. Three women of various ages talked to us about prayer. How to pray, when to pray, and why pray. The one thing that struck me was the humbleness of every one of them. By the time we finished, I understood why God wanted me there.

Blessing #4. A young lady who used to serve on the church’s worship team, and is now in a different church’s ministry, closed the event with a beautiful song of thanks to God.

God had not asked much of me, except to simply show up and be blessed. I’m thankful I listened and obeyed His nudge. To be blessed means to be happy, and I experienced great happiness and even deeper joy fellowshipping with like-minded women.

Has God asked you to go somewhere? Meet with someone? He has a plan, listen to His call.

Allow Color to Bless You

God created the world as a colorful place. 

Look around and see the greens, blues, pinks, and purples. 

Red, yellow and orange, black and white and even brown 

add amazing variety and contrast. 

My favorite color, pink, pours joy into my soul. 

That may sound silly, but I believe God gave us color 

to help us understand and appreciate the world we live in. 

On a gray day, a splash of color adds inspiration.

Take a moment to admire the colors and allow God to bless you.

 

She May Be Quiet

Do you have any prayer warriors in your life?

I do, and I am so very thankful for them.

Maybe you're a prayer warrior for your family, friends, and church.

If you are, I want you to know how important your ministry is 

and how blessed your people are.

I wouldn't make it through the day without the folks who pray.

Friends, family, anyone who prays for someone else, you are a huge blessing.

Thank you!