As I lived and loved this October, I could not help but think back to the October of last year.
Most people who know me know how much I love autumn. I love almost everything about it: crisp air, pumpkins and gourds, fall foods...and color! I see the beautiful colors of fall and it soaks right into my soul! But last year, Ron was in the hospital for those sixteen days. Right during the peak of autumn foliage. Of course, there was much more to be concerned with than colored leaves, but oh, how I missed them! My only opportunity to see fall was on my morning drive to the hospital (it was dark by the time I drove home), and I tried to take it all in as I drove and prayed and prepared for the day.
This year, I am more thankful than ever for all of the beautiful gifts of autumn!
So as we have gathered...
...and as we have had a normal month of homeschool and extracurriculars,
...and as we have done house projects,
...and as we have held babies and hugged grandchildren and spent time with our children,
...and as we have done simple things like cook meals and drink pumpkin spice lattes and drive around town to see autumn,
I have been mindful of the contrast of this October and last.
Most people who know me know how much I love autumn. I love almost everything about it: crisp air, pumpkins and gourds, fall foods...and color! I see the beautiful colors of fall and it soaks right into my soul! But last year, Ron was in the hospital for those sixteen days. Right during the peak of autumn foliage. Of course, there was much more to be concerned with than colored leaves, but oh, how I missed them! My only opportunity to see fall was on my morning drive to the hospital (it was dark by the time I drove home), and I tried to take it all in as I drove and prayed and prepared for the day.
This year, I am more thankful than ever for all of the beautiful gifts of autumn!
So as we have gathered...
our big "thank the movers" party
FLDC (Fashionably Late Dinner Club)
Sunday family meals
(including one Sunday afternoon with the new owners of The Farmhouse and their visiting parents...fun!)
(including one Sunday afternoon with the new owners of The Farmhouse and their visiting parents...fun!)
Mama Coffee
...and as we have had a normal month of homeschool and extracurriculars,
...and as we have done house projects,
...and as we have held babies and hugged grandchildren and spent time with our children,
...and as we have done simple things like cook meals and drink pumpkin spice lattes and drive around town to see autumn,
I have been mindful of the contrast of this October and last.
I am not complaining about last year, for it was a part of His plan for us, but I am grateful for the blessings of this season!
Of course, as with any month, October has not been without its difficulties.
Our dear friend had cancer surgery. Other friends had major damage to their house due to flooding.
In one week, there were three trips to the ER for members of our family.
I suffered with dental pain.
Other family members were making big decisions.
And His Grace has been there!
As His Grace carried us through the challenging season of last fall, it continues to carry His children through the struggles of life.
One can almost see your grandchildren growing month by month, especially the baby and her big brother. Your family, your home, your life is a beautiful one and all because your light is shining. The Lord is good all the time. Praying for these concerns and grateful that it is this October and not last. And I hope that you are soon done with dental pain.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family, beautiful hearts, beautiful savior!
ReplyDeleteLove you all!
Your every photo speaks volumes! Yes, God does all thing in his time.
ReplyDeleteI rejoice with you and I am sure we all do!!!
I always enjoy seeing photos of your lovely, happy family.
ReplyDeleteGod's grace is such a wonderful gift for all. He is our strength when we are weak and He is with us always and works all things out.
God's continued strength and blessings on you and your family ~ FlowerLady
What wonderful stories your sweet photos tell. Thank you for sharing your testimony of God's grace in your lives, Cheryl. It's quite touching to me.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your dental issues are resolved so you can enjoy every wonderful moment that this autumn brings to you, my friend. ♥
Love your October recap for this year and your thoughts reminded me of one of the verses of the hymn I shared today.
ReplyDeleteI thank Thee more that all our joy
Is touched with pain,
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain;
So that earth’s bliss may be our guide,
And not our chain.
There's a lot more to the poem but we count it all joy and there's something to say about that. I am so glad that this fall you've been able to soak more of your favorite time of year in and that it can encourage and refresh you.
His grace .. always grace. ♥
ReplyDeletebeautiful post..
You know honestly as I began looking through your beautiful pictures and memories of this last month, I thought to myself....and just last year at this time Ron was in the hospital and they were knee deep in soo much difficulty. And yet here you are on the other side of that, able to take in the beauty all around you. God is good ALL THE TIME! Enjoyed all of your photos...YES, His grace is there always for us to count on. Hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking when I saw this post of what a year ago was like for you. Amazing how much has transpired with your move, Ron's health, etc. Praise to God! Your pictures tell a lot (love that single strip one!) and I was thinking how beautiful your home is as you've put it together, and how we all love to see decor photos, etc.-- but how even more beautiful you display your home by the way you fill it with people! So much richer than perfect rooms without life happening in them!
ReplyDelete