"Oh, Marilla, she exclaimed one Saturday morning, coming dancing in with her arms full of gorgeous boughs, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it? Look at these maple branches. Don't they give you a thrill--several thrills? I'm going to decorate my room with them."
Like Anne, I revel in October. There are so many things to love. The crisp mornings, the warmish afternoons, the chilly evenings. Pumpkins. Apples. Falling leaves. Mums. Autumn squash. Soup. Blazing color. (Even now, as I write, my eye is drawn to the dining room window as it frames my view of the golden yellow leaves of the walnut tree.)
And gatherings.
All month long, I have gathered. I have gathered cozy things around the Farmhouse and the beautiful offerings of nature outside its doors. I have gathered special memories with family and friends. We have gathered around tables of fellowship and we have gathered to celebrate.
I have also gathered thoughts.
It has been a month of reflection and consideration. As the world continues to grow darker and darker, I have turned my thoughts toward my Creator and Savior. I have tried to "set your [my] mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Several of our friends have lost parents this October. I love the Biblical phrase "gathered to his people" which is used at the death of a the righteous man, for it indicates that there is life that continues after death. Those who die in the Lord are with Him.
In the midst of this joy and sorrow, I am reminded of just how temporary life is. As October is fleeting, as the leaves blaze gloriously and then are gone, as I consider how very few Octobers are in one life...I should take His words to heart and live by them. "Do not look at the things which are seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
May our gatherings continue to be investments in the Heavenly realm.
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Again this month, I am inviting you to join me in "gathering the moments." You may wish to share two or three photos, or several collages, or bunches of photos...with words, or without words. The link-up below will be a gathering place for us to reflect and share and connect. (The link-up will stay open for a week, so you have plenty of time to gather.)
A beautiful post, Cheryl! I love the warmth of the golden month, family, friends, and fun. I actually remembered to 'gather' my posts for today. :-) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gatherings, friend.
ReplyDeleteI rejoice that there are Octobers, that there are 'gatherings' to ones people, when we know the Lord.
He is good.
Deanna
October has been my favorite month for as long as I can remember! I am a little sad to see it gone but we do have November and December !
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful, Cheryl, and the collages are delightful, too. Your family is excellent with gathering sweet times.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly has been an unprecedented time in history, yet none of it takes Him by surprise. I, on the other hand, am perpetually shocked. I so wanted to join you in Gathering the Moments this month; however, the computer is on the fritz and I have no access to my October photos. Wah!
I was just reading about Psalm 116:15. I wanted to know the meaning of "precious" so I spent some time in my Strong's and found out just what one might expect.
Here's to November and more gatherings! I understand that November will be a memorable one. =D
I SO agree about October....and the thoughts (and eternal Truth) you've gathered bring me much cheer -- and hope!
ReplyDeleteWhat an abundance of blessings in your October. It's kind of sad to see such a wonderful month go as we turn the calendar page and set the clocks back this weekend. Thanks for hosting again, and for sharing your gatherings this whole month. I just love the rich tones of the colors in your photos. Look at those bar stools. I'm wondering if they really are bright red, or the color they appear to be, Gorgeous! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteVery lovely post and such beautoful photos of your beautiful moments...October has flown by!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful way to wrap up your October series, by directing our minds to the heavenly gathering. Oh, what a joy that will be!!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a beautiful, golden month and your photos reflect so much of that. Beautiful family times, the enjoyment of nature and the blessings of God.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family certainly had a grand October. It is always one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteYour October Gathering the Moments is filled with so much love and beauty, Cheryl. October is a favorite month for me too, I love to see how God uses His paintbrush to cause me to pause and see just how awesome He is! I always enjoy reading your thoughts too!
ReplyDeleteI apologize for my absence from Gathering the Moments, but life sometimes has a way of keeping us so busy.
Thank you for your prayers for my mother, she continues to heal from her surgery, we are now awaiting the doctor' course of treatment for her, she has been such a trooper, always amazing her Drs. and her children, Please continue to pray for her.
Blessings,
Sue
Love that..."gathered to his people"
ReplyDeleteSo many good October moments that you were all able to gather...
We're still in Eastern Washington and the land of sporadic internet. Happy November to you!
I love your thoughts Cheryl, oh how we need to be reminded how temporary life is so we may live more eternally focused. As always I love the way you have captured your moments
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