Early Autumn Blessings

Wow, this week it seems like fall has slipped in around the corner and into the countryside where we live. The mornings have been quite brisk. Mid-day it is warm, but when the sun lowers just a tad in the early evening, the chill sets in once again. I have to say I’m enjoying it after some pretty hot days last summer. As we were taking a walk after supper last night I mentioned to my husband that fall is becoming a favorite season. I love the long shadows in the early evening, the crickets chirping, the comfort of a throw on my lap while on the backyard swing, and the brisk morning temperatures. I’m also seeing the beginning of colors in the trees and bushes. Beautiful.🍂

We’ve enjoyed the fire pit out back a time or two, which is always fun!

I have enjoyed August and September so very much. It’s felt like a gift from the Lord’s hands. Time to rest, slow down, refuel, work, and soak in the blessings of this season. My heart is so full of gratitude to the Lord for His kindness. Our fall speaking schedule begins in earnest this weekend, so to have time to be home and enjoy these gifts has been just what my heart needed!

This changing season is also a reminder to me to get the house tidied up. After being away so much during the summer months, it’s felt good to do some deep cleaning. Wiping away the webs of the vexatious spiders has to happen more than once, of course, but I’m trying to stay on top of their work! I’ve also gotten out the little hand-held vacuum and swept up the crumbs in the drawers. It always amazes me how they find their way inside!

I also used that vacuum on the drawer beneath the oven where crumbs fall from the stove when I’m cooking. Goodness, I must throw food everywhere!

I took every drawer of the refrigerator out and cleaned inside, and also under the drawers. I try to do a regular wipe down of the fridge monthly, and a deep cleaning twice a year. It always really needs it!! Yikes!

We’ve been enjoying our beautiful tomatoes the last several weeks. Our favorite lunch is a cheese and tomato sandwich with a little salt and a little mayonnaise. We’ve been taking our plates out to the front porch where we sit in the rockers in the sunshine. It feels good, and reminds me to enjoy these outdoor times as much as possible before the real cool weather arrives.

We had the blessing of hosting dear friends from Spain last weekend. They serve as missionaries there in the Basque region. Our hearts were knit to theirs when we had the blessing of visiting them twice, staying in their home with them the last time. Sweet friends from church also joined us for Sunday dinner. It ended much too soon!

Another blessing this week has been the amazing moon!! I got this photo on Monday evening. Scripture says,

 Like the moon it shall be established forever, a faithful witness in the skies.” Selah Psalm 89:37

This verse reminds us that David’s line would continue forever, like the sun and moon. What an amazing God! We can look at the skies and be reminded of His faithfulness to His promises!

I pray that your week was full of blessings, dear friends! What were the highlights for you?