Reason #16 to Fall for Autumn: Brisk Walks

Here we are,

already on Day Reason #16...

After several days working indoors,

I took the day 'off' from work,

& ventured outside for a Brisk Walk!

It was a Windy blustery kind of day...

& I could have easily changed my plans,

stayed in the warmth of home,

& busied myself with

worthy bossy lists.

However, I now know

the value & importance

of taking a break,

of stretching my legs & my mind.

Even if just for a few moments,

it does wonders

to breathe in the fresh air,

& move a bit to change your scenery

(& sometimes your perspective)

& allow the Lord to refresh you! 

Autumn offers up an amazing
array of weather...
chilly mornings,
still sun-bathed afternoons,
& cooler evenings...

So for Day Reason 16...

I encourage you to

break out of routine

& to not be afraid to

give yourself a break...

taking a quick walk outside

can help refresh & refocus you.

Plus,

BONUS:

taking a walk in the Autumn

is a feast for the eyes!

Walk on!

~Karrilee~

31 Days - Reason 15 to Fall for Autumn

Let me start by admitting my love for (OK... addiction to) coffee...

If you know me 'in real life,' are friends with me on facebook, or read much of my blogs - this does not come as a surprise to you! In fact - Day Reason #3 was an ode to Pumpkin Spice Lattes - but when Fall officially makes it's appearance, it is a nice hot cup of TEA that I settle down with as I escape into a great book!

So Day Reason #15 go hand in hand (um - literally!?):

A Cup of Tea and a Good Read

With the Rainy weather, cooler temps, and rush of the return of full and bossy schedules, every now and then, a girl (and a guy) needs a little breaky!  There are so many great varieties of teas.. herbal, decaf, green, black, flavored... whatever you prefer to sip on as you pick up a book and wrap yourself in a story that is not your own.  A cup of tea and a book is a momentary escape to another world... a bit of entering into some rest... it can refresh and rejuvenate your soul - and your body!  Some of my favorite days of Fall involve a cup (...alright, let's be honest - cupS!) of tea and whatever is on the top of my current stack of books!

What is on YOUR stack of books to read right now?
Brew a cup (or a pot) of tea, sit down, cozy up with a great book,
and go ahead...
Fall for Autumn!

~Karrilee~

Are you Falling for Autumn yet? (Day 14)

I hope that you are finding yourself falling for Autumn

as you read through this 31 Day series.

I hope that with each new Day Reason,

you find yourself paying more attention

to these everyday normal parts of Fall...

that they are grabbing hold of your attention

& causing you to slow down

- even just a little -

& drink it in!  

Here - where I live

(in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest)

- it is truly Fall!

                                   October 2012 Blessed Memories

The leaves are changing & falling

& the temperatures have dropped

& we even (finally!) got some rainy weather!

The colder, wetter days lead me in to Reason 14:

The smell of Burning... 

leaves... 

wood stoves...

hunters' campfires...

the dross off of our lives...

that which is pruned, dead, & no longer giving life...

Nothing screams Fall quite as loudly

as the faint smokey smell lingering

in damp mornings & chilly nights!

In my mind, I paint a picture of a mountain cabin...

leaves the colors of glory spread out all over the ground,

the threat of snow not too far off in the distance...

& a thin trail of smoke

rising up out of the chimney

like a smoke signal,

begging for the attention of the One

who alone can warm, sustain, & give comfort!

I pray the next time you get

a whiff of that Autumn air,

you too will see this picture

& know that He is always watching...

always waiting for you

to send Him a sign

- a signal -

a cry or prayer or praise...

He longs to be the One to come

running in when you are chilled & unsure...

After all, He is the Answer to every question...

the Solution to every frustration & trial...

He is the only One who truly

CAN warm, sustain, & comfort!

Picture if you will, a little shack...

& when you catch the scent of Fall,

know that Papa truly IS

watching over you,

desiring to wrap you up,

burn away that which is no longer needed,

& remind you once again,

that He is especially fond of you!

Happy Fall!
~Karrilee~

Reason 13 to Fall for Autumn... (Hint - Warm & Cozy!)

It's true... 

I know it is a bit predictable, 

but one of my favorite things about Fall

is the (sometimes necessary) layering!

We have already discussed boots & scarves,

but what Fall outfit is complete without

a Warm & Cozy Sweater?

                                               2012 Blessed Memories

It's simple...

Sweaters make you feel like

breathing in deep the chilly Autumn air, 

& seeing words-yet-formed escape into the morning light,

you wrap up a little closer & snuggle in a little more!

The beauty of Fall is in the truth

that a Sweater is always

an option...

Given the choice,

why would we NOT

choose Warmth...

why would we NOT

choose Cozy?

Happy Fall!

~Karrilee~

If you have just recently found me, you can click HERE

to read all my Days Reasons to Fall for Autumn.

(Part of the 31 Days series)

Reason #12 to Fall for Autumn: Eucharisteo

Yep... that's right!

I said it...  I can't believe that I am

saying it AND meaning it...

but I am!

I admit that I am late in jumping on the Ann Voskamp lovefest,

but I am better for it - late or not.

I can't even remember how I stumbled upon her blog

but it was there that I first read words

that seared my heart and stirred my soul.

After just one taste I knew I needed - yes NEEDED

to read one thousand gifts & count my blessings right along with her.

Sure - I realize that many people

are on Gift #(insert high number here!)

but I am blissfully just starting out...

so I just finished counting Gift #36 today!

I began counting my 'Gifts' on October 1st...

I know - the same day I began doing 31 Days (on each blog)...

the same day I started reading the book...

the same day things began to shift

as I read words that my heart has felt

& dealt with & believed on its own for years.

This woman - whether on her blog or in this book

writes the things my heart has been silently screaming

some for years and some for only months

- but truths that run deep nonetheless!

So - from my One Thousand Gifts journal -

I submit my reason for Falling for Autumn #12 - 

Falling Leaves... the Death of a Dream... the Letting Go...

the Hard Eucharisteo:

_________________

It's no surprise that it's the last list,

the Hard Eucharisteo, that stands out to me.

Before diving into 'one thousand gifts',

I had come to truly believe in the power

and in walking out the truth of

"He works all things together for good..."

After a hard season, we were beginning

to see things from the other side of it.

But then Ann goes and teaches and bares and rips open deeper...

it's not to be thankful that He cleans up our messes

- even though, thank God, He does!

- it's to honestly be thankful for the hard part

in the midst of the chaotic mess,

because it's in the middle of everywhere

that He holds all things in the nail-scarred palm of His hand

and He whispers to this spinning, racing heart,

"I've got you!"

So - one of my list of 3 Hard Eucharisteo:

(#28) The reaction of a friend.

I'm not sure how you did it, Lord! But You did it.

I am actually THANKFUL for the poor response...

the perceived apparent lack of grace, and love, and support.

It taught me immediately to Shut up!

- to not share the testimony

before it had turned into one.

- to not openly ask for 'prayer'

always assuming Grace was present.

I probably would not have learned it

so quickly, with so little damage,

if the reaction had come from another.

I let this reality sink deep...

I roll it around in my mouth, breathing in

& letting the layers come to life as I drink it down.

New Wine...

Eucharisteo...

Yes, Lord!

Eucharisteo will always come to mind in the Fall

~not simply because it is the season of Thanksgiving~

but because so much of the season looks like it is dying.

Leaves turn from Green

to Yellow and Gold,

Orange and Red,

then they dry,

Crumpled and Brown,

they Fade and Fall.

But really - it is all just part of the process...

part of what is needed for new growth and new life...

it's Glorious, and then it's sad,

but the purpose and the promise remains:

Hope is around the corner.

New Life will spring forth again.

What may appear dead and gone,

is just an illusion!

May it be so, Lord!

May it be so.

~Karrilee~

Five Minute Friday - "Race"

So - as if biting off this whole new #31Days thing (on BOTH of my blogs) wasn't big enough of a stretch... I somehow (amongst all the amazing bloggers doing 31 Days) came across Lisa-Jo Baker and her Five Minute Fridays where she gives a Topic and you are invited to write - Just write... for Five minutes flat.  No worries of editing or spell check or pondering how to word things better. Simply write... flow... let the words come spilling out in free form and just see what happens! I thought of tying it in to my 31 Days but decided to just let this one unfold on it's own... we'll see about next week!

I - being on the West Coast - get to cheat a bit... she posts the Topic at midnight - but that means I get to write on Thursday night (and spend much of Friday reading all the amazing FMF posts!)  Before I spend a Friday doing that, I decided to jump in and give this a shot... otherwise I would end up comparing and shrinking away from claiming the title "Writer" (or "Artist"... both of which I am trying to step up into lately!)

So - here goes... the Topic is "RACE"...

{START}

Why is it lately that I feel so 'behind'?  I feel like I should have been doing things - SEVERAL things - already and yet I'm clueless as to what those vague see-through 'things' would be!  My baby girl... my one and only - is a senior in high school this year! Surely this means that we are behind! We should have been doing 50 things by now... college aps, scholarship stuff, essays, studying for the SATs... OK - see, this is where the reality part comes in! We HAVE been doing some of that.  However, it feels like we are running in a race... and while we're pushing forward, instead of WANTING to cross that finish line - we're sort of slowing down, not wanting to deal with what is beyond the ribbon and applause and the rush of finishing well.  It's the unknown of what is next and the knowing that everything - at least in part - will be different that catches our breath and heaves at our lungs!

She came home and shared that in class today most of her friends were cheering about 2013 and graduation and all the New that is coming.  She, however, was in tears - not able to fully embrace the foggy future that seems to be looming closer and closer.  I attempted to stir up excitement and anticipation but instead ended up sharing a good cry and some great ice cream - straight from the carton.  And then... coincidentally - I actually used these words:  "Your life is not a Race... and you are not coming to the END.  Change is scary - but your life will be full of them and in the midst of all Rush and Racing through to the Next... don't forget to embrace the Here and Now and Breathe!  So we sat and we picked out her Cap & Gown & we laughed and we wimpered a little and we cuddled like when she was 3.

...and I am thankful for the Here and Now... and the slowing down... (and the ice cream!)

{STOP}
~Karrilee~

(This feels scary to not edit or re-write... but here goes...)

You can read the other Five Minute Friday writers:

Day 11 - For the Love of SCARVES!!!

Day 11... well - 'Reason' 11...

OK - by now, you get it!

It's 31 days - but really - 31 Reasons

"...to Fall for Autumn!"

So... here it is...

Reason #11:

SCARVES!!!

I'm not sure how it is

that I have

STACKS & PILES

of Scarves

- but can't find many

pictures of them...

or me, IN them...

surely I wear them...

ALL. The. TIME.

(Right?)

I do... I really do!

I have Fall Scarves,

Winter Scarves,

Even Spring

(& sometimes Summer)

Scarves.

They add a splash of color...

accessorize while being

(usually) practical.

It can dress up

or down an outfit,

but I think one of the

main reasons,

if I am honest,

behind why

I LOVE Scarves

is, ...well, it is something

to 'hide' behind!

It helps to cover...

to protect...

to keep warm...

They tie things together

& make a statement,

boldly, yet softly... gently...

like an old friend

who knows your intent,

even if your heart is

not speaking clearly.

You know how I am by now

& know that I love to take every day things

& tie them to a deeper meaning...

As I stated yesterday,

Fall can come at us quickly,

& wrapping up in a scarf

reminds me that I am safe...

that whatever is around the corner,

He's got me covered

& even when it feels like the

Wind of Change

is cutting deep with frozen intent,

He's got my back...

He will keep me safe & warm...

One of my new (yes... new?!)

favorite scarves was purchased from

WAR International...

it's not only an amazing scarf,

but it helps to support

a worthy cause!

Scarves make a GREAT gift...

Click HERE to purchase

a gorgeous scarf from DaySpring

On sale today...
(I am not affiliated...

just trying to share

my love of scarves!)

Happy Fall!
~Karrilee~

Finding the Rhythm of Routine!

Day Reason #10 in our 31 Days Reasons to Fall for Autumn

is the Freshness of a New Schedule & Finding the Rhythm of Routine!

  After a Slower Paced Lazy-Days Summer,

Autumn comes Rushing In at us like a Cool Crisp Breeze

that both Refreshes your Soul & Reawakens a sense of Purpose.

While there is a sad goodbye to what is,

there is an underlying excitement of what may be...

We invite the Wind & Swing wide the Doors & Windows

to let it Blow through our Hearts & our Homes.

It is time... for New...  for Fresh... for the feel of the Return of Rhythm.

It can be scary... yes!

Leaning in to the Unknown...

the often Unplanned for.

Some times the passing of Summer

is much like the Dying of a Dream

but we simply Must lay it down... Release It...

in order to hear the Songs of Fall -

sometimes a gentle humming,

sometimes a roaring wind...

but always carrying a new Rhythm

that invites you to learn a new Dance!

Join the Dance of Autumn...
Be Bold...
Take a Risk...
Learn to Trust...
Allow Him to Lead you,
to Spin you, to Twirl you...
to make you Shine!

Dancing on the Wind...
~Karrilee~

31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn... Day 9

Day ...well,

Reason #9 is simple...

With every new season,

nature sings His praises...

but there is something

Majestic about Autumn...

with Glory Dripping

from every tree!

 The whole earth is

filled with His Glory

& for me -

it's in the Fall that

this is most apparent!

How can one take

a walk to the mailbox,

drive to the store,

or simply get lost in thought

staring out a window

& NOT have your thoughts

turn towards God

when evidence of Change

is softly falling all around!

For me it is in the Autumn

that I learn again

to embrace Change 

by trusting the Change Maker!

I am reminded that even

as things seemingly

change randomly

with no order,

no rhyme or reason...

there is in fact

One in charge of Change

who is able to hold

my whole world

in the palm of His Hands.

I find as I lean in

to whatever it is that

He has in store for me,

not only do I reach out

in joy & expectation

for the unknown, the unseen,

the yet unrevealed...

but I find myself

being reached out to

by the One who

knows all things,

who has plans and a future

mapped out for me,

& loves me completely!

Embrace Change... 

& let Him embrace you!

Happy Fall!
~Karrilee~

31 Reasons... Day 8: Mmm - Scented Candles

Today starts the second week of

31 Days Reasons to Fall for Autumn.

You knew it would get to this

sooner or later, right?

I mean - honestly -

what is Fall without the cozy yumminess

of Autumn scented Candles lit for

ambiance as well as fragrance!

It's one of my favorite things about Fall...

pulling out the Hazelnut Caramel,

the Creamy Pumpkin,

the Spiced Orange Cider... oh my?

Not a fan of food scented yumminess?

How about Falling Leaves & Sandalwood?

I have a Scentsy & love it...

but I still love to use my candles too!

It's not just the way they smell

- but it's the atmosphere that

candle light invites:

Intimate, cozy, warm...

A little glowing light creates

a feeling of home.

It encourages unhurried conversations,

relaxing together

& a bit of slowing down

in this crazy busy world of ours.

So I invite you to light a candle, take a breath...

slow down, quiet your spirit,

& breathe in all He has for you

 in this season...
(whichever one it is that you find yourself in right now!)

Let Him warm and comfort you...

& help to light your way!

Happy Fall!
~Karrilee~

31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn (Day 7)

After a super busy, jam packed long weekend...

I am tapped out.

I already 'cheated' for one day

by reposting an old piece from 2008

so I didn't want to do that again

(especially already!)

The weekend was filled to the brim

with family celebrations

(my parents' 50th Anniversary

 that brought extended family in to town...

lots of food and laughter and sitting around visiting...

not to mention photo op's galore!

GALORE I say!

Today I was asked to go take pictures

of an Adventure Race

(Pirate-themed, mud fun race...

so I have been playing

with pictures all afternoon!)

I have been trying to think of a

Day Reason for this,

Day 7, of 31 Days

that would tie in to what

my weekend consisted of,

& the one thing that kept

coming back to me is this:

Golden Amber Rays of the Warm Autumn Sun,

Shining through the Crisp Cooler Air!

Aaaah - yes... that is definitely a reason to Fall for Autumn!

That sunshine that cuts through the colder temps

& helps to warm you up

& gives that little glow to every vista!

Isn't His Love like that?

It warms your soul & gives you a healthy glow

from the inside out!

It is subtle... not overpowering or hot like Summer...

the Autumn Sun is gentler somehow...

less intense & not in a hurry... 

I hope you were able to experience

a touch of it yourself this weekend

& to sit back & bask in it for even just a little bit!

It - & He - make all the difference! 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the weekend events

that show what I am talking about:

 

Glow on!

~Karrilee~

31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn... (Day 6)

OK... I know... but honestly, a big part of WHY I love Fall
is wrapped around all the coziness of layers & warmth
& (finally) actually wanting to bundle up & stay warm

vs. trying to stay cool & who doesn't LOVE
a new pair of boots, anyway?

I actually thought of Fall & Boots
& my love of them together yesterday,

while out on a photo shoot - where I got chilled

& found myself wishing for a jacket & some socks!

"Socks would be GREAT right about now!" I thought.
"Socks, and a  cozy sturdy pair of boots!"

I made the poor decision to just slip on the shoes

that were closest to the door on my way out

& paid for it by cold toes & slipping around

as I positioned myself for the photo's.

Boots help to keep you warm...

they cover & protect & support!

Shoes are a vital piece of our Full Armor:

"...having shod your feet with the

preparation of the gospel of peace..."

(Ephesians 6:15)

Does this not sound like a

nice pair of boots to you?  

Yesterday as I was carefully maneuvering

around rocks & gravel & dirt...

I realized Boots would have been the way to go!

How much bolder are we,
when we know that we are covered?

How much more confident is our walk

when we remember that He protects us?

When we walk in the way &
 direction that He opens up for us,

we DO walk in Peace...

we walk in & we give it away!

Sometimes, boots take a bit more
time & effort to put on,

but once in place,
it frees us to follow His lead
- wherever it takes us!

So the next time your feet get chilled,

or you are pulling on a pair of boots,

think of how He calls us to walk boldly...

knowing that He is our covering
& our Comforter...

He is our Guide...

all things are in His hands...

so walk in Peace,

& follow His lead!

~Karrilee~

Day 5... (Repost)

So... this is my parents' 50th Anniversary and even this early life is busy today so I thought I would look through my archives and 'cheat' just a little... repost an old entry that has something to do with Fall... well - God is pretty creative and this is what I found... I very easily COULD have written this today - this year... and not in 2008!

Be Blessed!
~Karrilee~

NOVEMBER 4, 2008

Changing Atmospheres, the Kingdom at hand, and other powerful Realities!

Isn't this GORGEOUS?!

I LOVE it!

I just love Fall... and this is one of my favorite photo's I have taken this year so far,

however my most favorite 'snapshot' was stumbled upon without a camera.

As I was driving out of town to visit friends last week,

I turned the corner on the highway and was blessed with

a breathtaking view of the Yakima River, early morning -

Mist rising on the surface of the water,

with all the colors of Fall in the trees all around!

It was majestic.

How could I not praise Him as I drank that in!

I began to regret not having my camera with me!

I so wanted to capture the beauty of the season!

At that very moment, I heard the Lord whisper to me,

"This is just for you and Me!"

Nice!!! He is especially fond of me, you know?!

(Oh yes - and you too! I promise! He is especially fond of you, too!)

He went on to show me (because I am so visual)

that He desires that we be so equipped

to change the atmosphere around us

due to the Kingdom of God within us,

that we will be like the scene He placed before me!

The air and the water temperatures were creating

a mist that was visible on the surface - right in between them.

We should so affect the world around us,

that we literally bring heaven to earth

& change the atmostphere around us!

When we feel a change in the air,

when we percieve something shifting

- we should be well aware that it is the Kingdom of God within us

changing the dynamics of our physical world, in the spiritual.

It's our call and joy to pull it in to this realm

- to call forth His will on earth,

'as it is in Heaven'!

The Kingdom truly IS at hand...

It is alive and living within us!

Let's take up our Authority and pray in faith

for the Father's will ...

Thy Kingdom come,

on earth, as it is in Heaven!

On Sunday morning the Lord woke me up at 3:33 am...

Seriously, Lord?! 3:33am?!

To be honest I just laid there reluctantly...

I tried to rationalize not getting out of bed for what seemed like 5 minutes,

yet when I glanced back at the clock, it was still reading 3:33am

Now, I have had a few seasons of 3:33s so I have studied it out before.

The Number 3 represents the Kingdom of God.

Also - many major huge important things in the Bible happened 'on the third day'.

So - I did the math & realized that the third day from Sunday

- was in fact, Election Day here in America!

I looked up several '333' Scriptures and prayed through them...

(Psalms 33:3; Proverbs 3:33)

However, the verse that came to me immediately was a life verse that has been spoken over me many times and has become one of my favorites! It is found in Jeremiah 33:3 and it reads:

"Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know."

Again... nice!!!

So I went on to pray the entire chapter,

which - by the way - is entitled "The Restored Nation" in my Bible!

I'm up for that!

A few other verses that stood out to me (yet again) are:

"Behold, I will bring it health and healing;

I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance

of peace and truth.

And I will cause the captives of Judah

and the captives of Israel to return,

and will rebuild those places as at the first.

I will cleanse them from all their iniquity

by which they have sinned against Me,

and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned

and by which they have transgressed against Me.

Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise,

and an honor before all nations of the earth,

who shall hear all the good that I do to them;

they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness

and all the prosperity that I provide for it.’ " (vs 6-9)

Don't you want that for our nation as well?!

I am praying and believing that for America...

Today - our Election day...

no matter what the results,

I have faith in knowing that my God

works all things together for good and

He has a plan and a purpose for this nation.

He is the One (ultimately) that raises kings and rulers,

and that causes them to fall.

I listened to Kim Clement talk last night about prophesies

he has been given about this election

and it was so interesting to hear...

but even more amazing to feel the sense of purpose and peace

that went along with knowing that no matter who you vote for...

no matter who 'wins' -

our God is in charge & is

well able and willing to

Bless America!!!

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,

On earth as it is in Heaven!

~Karrilee~

A little Glory for all to see... (Day 4 of 31)

I boldly and proudly admit... in some ways, I have gloriously 'ruined' my daughter!  She, much like me, gets nearly giddy at the thought of decorating for a new season.  I make myself actually WAIT until October (or at least really really CLOSE to October) before I pull out my Fall decorations... For me - as I've mentioned nearly daily - it's my favorite!  For my daughter, however - it is simply the decorations that go up BEFORE all the Christmas fun!  So - the other day, when she spotted my box (OK - boxES) of Autumn decor, she got super excited!  I had hoped she would outgrow this and come to embrace Autumn in and of itself!  

With all the glory and warmth and color and scents that come with Fall... I fear for her to rush through it only lessens the effect it can have on her!  How often do we do this ourselves, in our own lives? Rush through something - a season, a task, an item on our Bossy lists of things to do, just to get to the NEXT thing!  We tend to try to rush through the changing to get to the new... but it takes time!  

I know it appears that suddenly - the trees are dripping in glory and leaves are falling to the ground... but there is a process that is going on underneath the scene preparing nature for the changes ahead!  If the changes happen gradually... naturally... the result may look like death for a moment - but fruitfulness will arise out of it!  If we rush through the changes... pushing and hurrying and not allowing the process to completely unfold within us... we take the risk that, on the other end of the change, the fruitfulness will not be as abundant!

So as I unpack the candles and the pumpkins and our Counting Blessings Box... we slow down... discuss the changes outside - and the changes inside.  We unpack tradition and thankfulness and memories of the where-we-came-from and how-far-we've-come, and that helps to prepare us for the what-comes-next unexpected that is just around the bend!

We light the scented candles, and hang the leaf garlands, and we take a moment and breathe... we catch a glimpse of a little bit of Glory for all to see - on the outside, and on the inside!

~Karrilee~

31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn... Day 3

Aaahhh.... nothing says Fall like this little treasure!

One of my favorite things about Fall

is the return of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte!

It's a gorgeous little cup of Glorious Autumn goodness!

I have noticed, however, that it seems he is making

his appearance earlier & earlier!

I am have not quite moved on from Summer

when Mr. PS Latte is trying to get all Flirty with me!
But I won't have it!

I am spoken for

& spend my days with Summer for as long as possible.

However, the shift is bound to happen

the early air gets crisp, my cheeks turn rosy on my morning walk,

& Fall begins to beckon me once again!

The mere angle of light through out my day shifts,

& I feel the pull toward Autumn

... toward Change

... toward the possibility of New!

I wait.

Early September comes & goes

& I wait.

You see, sipping that first cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte

must be SAVORED & sipped & enjoyed

as I welcome in this Season of Change.

I realize of course - it is 'just' a cup of coffee...

but it is a tangible ritual that signifies both

Reflection of Summer

& Anticipation of Fall.

It's an intentional marker that calls me to

Be Open to the opportunities for Change

Within me, & All Around me!

As I drink it in, I drink Him in...

& I allow His Spirit to

nourish me, comfort me, & remind me:

Autumn is FULL of Hope & Glory

& Thankfulness & Change!

Embrace it!  Embrace Him!

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

² 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits:

³ 

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

⁴ 

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

⁵ 

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

~Psalm 103:1-5

"Who satisfies your mouth with good things"

...

What "Fall" treat do YOU look forward to most

& what, in this season, nourishes your soul?

~Karrilee~

31 Reasons... Day 2

Welcome to Day Two of my 31 Days Reasons to Fall for Autumn! This is one of literally over 1000 blogs participating in this October "31 Days" writing project.  You can check out the other Bloggers/Topics by clicking here.

So - Day Two... In Autumn, one of my very favorite things to do is to go on a drive with My Honey... up to the mountains where we can see the trees changing almost right before our very eyes!

(Reason #2:) A nice long, winding road...

...not too curvy but just enough to be fun to drive on and where you can't quite see around the bend, but you KNOW that the view is going to be gorgeous! There is something calming and at the same time exciting about a long winding road... you know that the destination will be worth the effort... and isn't this true in life as well! Embrace Change... Fall for Autumn... Venture out onto a long and winding road and just see where He will take you!

The other day, I was reading in the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament.  This particular passage so stood out to me... maybe because of my love of a good long winding road... maybe because He is trying to remind me of some things. (Probably both!)

"Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths
 where the good way is,
And walk in it,
then you will find rest for your souls..." (Jer 6:16)

The cross reference in the Amplified Bible led me to Matthew 11:29 where the same word for 'rest' is used as Jesus talks about taking His yoke.  The word rest means: relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet.

Nice... and yes, please!!!

"STAND in the ways and see" ~ That means stop moving!  Be Still... Just Breathe! Look around you and within you.

"And ASK for the old paths" ~ That means talk to Him!  Be Bold... and then wait expectantly for Him to answer!  After all, He WANTS you to know and travel on the old paths where the Good Way is!

"And WALK in it" ~ That means once He speaks, you DO!  Once He gives direction and shows you the path - even if it's just a glimpse of the curve in the bend - He invites you to once again embrace movement and walk towards what He has shown you.

"THEN..." ~ That means you need to do the other steps FIRST... and THEN you will find rest (relief, ease, refreshment, reCreation, and blessed quiet) for you souls.

The last part of the verse states that they (God's people) responded and said, "We will not." ~ That means we have a choice!

Choose Wisely, my friends!
Choose Wisely!

~Karrilee~

31 Reasons to Fall for Autumn

31 Days Reasons to Fall for Autumn

31 Days - 2012

Now - don't let the titles fool you... there are treasures in each of these posts!

Day One - Autumn Mornings

Day Two - A Nice Long, Winding Road

Day Three - Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Day Four - Glory - On The Outside And On The Inside

Day Five - Changing Atmospheres (A repost)

Day Six - Boots... yes, for the love of Boots, ya'll!

Day Seven - Golden Rays of Warm Autumn Sunshine

Day Eight - Scented Candles

Day Nine - Embracing Change

Day Ten - The Rhythm of Routine

Day Eleven - Scarves... c'mon - you know you love 'em too!

Day Twelve - Falling Leaves... the Death of a Dream... the Letting Go...

the Hard Eucharisteo

Day Thirteen - Warm & Cozy Sweaters

Day Fourteen - The Smell of Burning...

Day Fifteen - A Cup of Tea and a Good Read!

Day Sixteen - Brisk Walks

Day Seventeen - Keep the Home Fires Burning

Day Eighteen - Passing Away of the Old

Day Nineteen - Friday Night Lights

Day Twenty - Orchards

Day Twenty One - Fall Recipes

Day Twenty Two - Rainy Days

Day Twenty Three - Fashionable Ponderings - Peacoats!

Day Twenty Four - The Pumpkin Patch

Day Twenty Five - Extra Cozy Blankets

Day Twenty Six - The calmness that comes before the chaos of the holidays

Day Twenty Seven - New School Supplies

Day Twenty Eight - Tradition!

Day Twenty Nine - Pumpkin EVERYTHING

Day Thirty - Candy, of course!

Day Thirty One - Costumes