Fall Has Come

The dry grass crumpled like paper as water fell on it.  A pleasing aroma, produced by water on the parched grass,  filled the air.  The garden dried out while I was gone and the remainder of it will now become feed for animals. The elegant lilies still stand tall with their dried out blooms, which we have yet to cut off. 

Preparations for winter have begun.  Grass cut for the last time.  The ditches are cleaned to help prevent the snow from drifting on the roadway, the pond is emptied and the outside toys and tools are put inside.   The vehicles are made ready for winter, as well as the house. 

There is still a lot to do, but the weather is perfect for working outside.  Fall is the perfect respite to motivate us to prepare for winter.  Could anyone but a loving, caring God make such plans in His creation?  All is good. 

Time Goes On

After returning home in the wee hours of Monday morning, I have found that my stamina is not what it used to be.  It is now Thursday and I finally feel recovered from the drive.  Usually I take longer rest breaks along the way, perhaps I just overdid it, twenty hours on the road is too long. 

Its amazing how, when you are over 60 years, you can feel like a young person that is being highjacked by aging problems!   I have talked to others that feel the same.  We just can't keep time from going forward without our body getting old.

Thank God He is there for us.  He never ages and with us He is as true today as He was yesterday.  We see less and less friends, as we  no longer are able to get around.  We can't get out to activities or even go shopping, but with God, we are complete, we are whole, He sees us as we really are -- without the encumbrances of the problems that come in this world.  The beauty and grace of His love are forever.

He Will Lead Us

Why are we who we are:  outspoken...timid...brave...fearful, or whatever it is that makes us do what we do?  So often we are afraid, not because we are born that way, but because as children we are berated for our efforts, or always criticized, and soon we accept that we are standing in judgment of all, for what we do.  If positive feedback is not given, we grow up with a negative impression of ourselves and believe that that is how the world will judge us for our efforts.  The world brings troubles and hard times to families, and often children get put on the backburner as parents try to survive.  We, in turn, then raise our children, as we have been taught and the cycle continues.   With God, though, we can be overcomers!

We don't have to be afraid for we don't stand in the judgment of man, but of God.  God loves us unconditionally.  He guides us and keeps us, and will be there for us when troubles come.   He is our strength and at all times, we can depend on His love.  He will guide and keep us with love.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Deuteronomy 7:9 “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Years ago I experienced the love of God.  It was powerful and beyond anything one could imagine.  I believe now that it was a vision of what is to come, that no matter what comes in this world, the Love of God will be there for us, through it all.

I have always been fearful and timid among others, but God has given me strength and loved and guided me through all my decisions these last 13 years.  Sometimes I feel abandoned and fear that I have lost the grace of God, but He has stayed there, always.  One would think that with such a vision, I would be like Paul and be on the road preaching to the world, but instead God has put up with me as I am, and yet, slowly and steadily He has made me stronger.  I don't know what the future holds, but whatever comes, I know the Lord is there and will lead us when the time comes.