House Warming
After having one of the busiest summers I ever remember having, I’ve been looking forward to Autumn tremendously this year. And Fall is definitely in the air. Although it has been warm and sunny, the leaves are beginning to change and there is a certain smell in the breeze that makes me yearn for cozy chilly days around the corner. Mom and I have been visiting the local shops to get some inspiration, and I’ve been taking down all my summer decorations and breezy curtains to make room for cozy Autumn decorations… candles, pumpkins, etc. (Pictures to come one of these days). I love to light my apple cider and pumpkin pie candles in the evenings and enjoy a little “house warming”.
Tonight I’ve been flipping through cookbooks to find some “comfort food” recipes: soups, hot-dishes, crock-pot creations… and I’m hoping for more apples this year from my neighbor so I can make my favorite Apple Bread again.
The Lord is taking me through some hard things lately, but I’m just so aware of His presence that never leaves me nor forsakes me. He never promised us that life would be easy… in fact, just the opposite. We are told to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials”… not if… “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3) I think at times women can feel like they need to look like we have it all together. That our life is great and perfect in every way. But sometimes life is messy. Sometimes it’s hard. And sometimes the lessons we must go through can bring about pain and suffering. And that’s okay, because everyone experiences the tough stuff at some time or another, and we shouldn’t be in a competition to prove our perfection. Perfection can only be found in Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. So during this last week, I have been drawing on His strength to bring me through.
My devotional from Streams in the Desert today really spoke to me: “Recognize that Unseen Presence… which is so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming and warming. He is here, close to you, and His Presence is real. Some One is present, and He is a warm-hearted Friend and the all-powerful Lord.”
So really the true “house warming” comes from inviting His Presence to permeate every nook and cranny of our homes. When we allow Him to quiet our hearts amid whatever storm we’re in, and to set us aglow with His love for us once again.
Autumn blessings to all as you enjoy this upcoming cozy season.
Tags: Autumn, Decorating, Home, Spiritual
Miss – so nice to check this evening and see an autumn post from you. It’s the end of the Labor Day holiday and back to work tomorrow. In fact, I need to head to bed here pretty quick. Been thinking of you a lot this last week and from your post I see why God brought you to my mind. I hope my prayers were used to help lift you up even when you weren’t aware. Carry on, girl.
Hey! Yah, I’m a stranger, but I found your website by looking up my name (We have the same exact name, isn’t that cool!). Anyways, I found your website and I just had to comment. I think you’re kitties are the cutest puffballs ever! And I was so surprised when I read your “About Me” section, when I read that you adored Jesus Christ. I found that to be a real blessing. And, by the way, you take awesome pictures and I love the pumpkins. Well, bye.
LOVE those pumpkins.. I need to go dig out my fall decor one of these days. I guess I’m just not ready to bid summer goodbye quite yet!!
Streams in the Desert is one of my favorites.. I’m always amazed how whatever the devotional of the day – it speaks straight to what I’m going through!
I hear ya on life being messy and hard. Oh! so true. Keep clinging to THE ROCK… He is the ONLY thing in life that never changes!!
I’ve been living on Ps62:1 alot lately…
Miss you around xanga.
Thinking of you today.
HapPy faLL~
love, amber.
actually.. that’s Ps. 61:2
but 62:1 is good also!!
hey girl.. check your xanga message box!!
this is our season, babe. cozy and warm in our little nests. good smells. warm hearts. love to fix those yummy hot soups for dad. he didn’t used to be a soup man, but i pack them full of crunch and he’s fine.
you’re always so inspiring. it’s time to go dig out the autumn decor.