STARRY NIGHTS...

This past Friday night was incredible, it has FINALLY turned cooler and the wind is gusting just enough to make you curl up a bit snugglier in your sweatshirt and long for steaming cups of cocoa.... I adore autumn.

I had an amazing first this weekend. I prayed outside. Yes, earth shattering, I know, but different than my typical head bowed and eyes closed praying - I kept my eyes open and drank in the Creation that was all around me as and you know what happened? - all the rhetoric faded away and I was left with simple words to an incredible Creator. I was surrounded by His beauty and His creatures all in their own way singing praise to Him (including 3 shooting stars) and it was one of those moments where you think - "remember this. don't let the seconds tick past - pause, take a deep breath and let this be written indelibly on your soul" And it was amazing........

I read once that the reason leaves turn colors in Autumn is that the trees are withdrawing all of their nutrients from the limbs to prepare for winter, and what we see as a gorgeous display of color is actually the beginnings of death. I can't help but think that the Holy Spirit does that in us as well. When we submit areas of our lives to Him and learn to die to our own wants and selves - He portrays His beauty so much that people will pause and look at the change and reflect on it. We are reflections of His life in our death...
So, my various friends, my encouragement for you today is to get outside, alone - take a walk, sit on your back-porch, drive with the windows open but don't miss the change in the season and how our very personal Savior wants to use His creation to speak change in our own hearts. Again, I adore autumn...