Reason 24...to Fall for Autumn: The Pumpkin Patch!

OK... I will be honest...

I was holding on to this one Day Reason

in hopes of talking my not-so-lil'-pumpkin

into a trip back in time,

& a Saturday spent

at a Pumpkin Patch!

                                                                                         Circa 1999                           

Sadly,

she is super busy with SATs, college aps,

work schedules, & DECA meetings!

We just haven't managed to get there yet!

But - come on!? - who doesn't love

a Pumpkin Patch in the Fall?

A flashback to petting zoos,  & hay rides,

picking out pumpkins, face painting,

pumpkin donuts, hot chocolate...

We used to make a day of it,

which provided for TONS

of photo op's!

Of course - that was a few computers ago

& I was unable to locate more snapshots of 

our times spent there.

There is something about being out in the dirt,

that helps to reconnect you.

Spending a day -

slower, filled with fun & laughter,

walking around a harvest of seeds

planted, & tended to well,

stirs up our sense of wonder & trust.

It strengthens our ties,

& loosens our stress.

For me, the colors of Fall come alive there,

& the joy & giggles of discovery

stir me up to

once again

expect!

If you are able -

I highly encourage you

to make the drive

- however long or short -

& spend an Autumn Day outside

with family & friends,

in a Pumpkin Patch.

Even as I write this out,

I realize - I must simply make the time!

Surely the little nieces & nephews

will want to go...

& that will help to talk my girlie

into carving out a little time!

~Karrilee~

P.S. - See? Not so little anymore?

Reason 23 to Fall for Autumn: Fashionable Ponderings

Day Reason 23 brings us

to another Fashionable post!

I am sure you can guess -

since I have already discussed my love

for sweaters and scarves and boots... 

here we are... 

Day Reason 23 to Fall for Autumn:

Peacoats!

Oh yes!

I love them...

colorful and cozy!

So what is your Go To clothing item

that lets you know that Fall has arrived?

This got me to thinking... even the BEST Peacoat cannot compete

with the clothing our Creator gives to Autumn...

 

~Karrilee~

Falling for Autumn... Rainy Day (22)

There is a quiet, holy hush

that sweeps in with

a morning rain...

Fall has arrived

and in the midst

of all her glory,

she is drenched...

cleansed...

refreshed.

With the downpour outside,

comes a snuggling closer inside...

just a few minutes longer,

skin to skin

under the warmth

of piles of fabric.

As the rain covers the rooftop,

and splashes the windows,

there is a longing for

a washing of my soul.

The Autumn rains seem

to usher in the cold...

they soak up the bright

glory of the trees...

the leaves drowning

and browning

and fallen

to the ground.

 Who hasn't felt the

clinging grasp of the

"No, Not Yet!"

...Who doesn't -

at one point or another -

want a "Do Over"

... a Second Chance

to Shine...

But with the Rain

there is the struggle of

both worlds colliding.

The passing of the

grasping "No Not Yet"

and the longing for the

next "Second Chance."

...and just then,

with mug in hand,

and praise on lips,

the Sunshine breaks through!

(Day Reason 22 to

Fall for Autumn:

Rainy Days!)

~Karrilee~

Ahh - the return of Fall recipes - warm & comforting!

So... if you don't count the posts

surrounding coffee, or foodie SCENTS

- it's pretty amazing that we are already

on Day Reason 21 and I am just now

getting to Fall food!?

Now I know that a LOT of

Fall Food is also known as

Comfort Food

but I have been trying to

eat healthier and have also

come to really love and crave

other Fall foods...

not just the Pot Roast or Lasagna,

but the endless choices of

Homemade Soups and Chili...

not just the Mashed Potatoes,

but the roasted fall veggies

that are fresh and in season!

What is it about the weather turning colder

that stirs up the need for comfort and something 

that warms us and stirs up a sense of home?

When it is hot and breathless outside,

we long for something

cool and refreshing...

but when it is frosty and frozen,

we desire something that

will cut through the cold

and thaw us from the inside out!

You know I could turn this into a post

about how God is our great Comforter,

and HE feeds and nourishes us...

how we tend to look everywhere else first,

 to satisfy our cravings,

when He is really the only One

who ever really could!

But - I am not going to do that...

do you know why?

Because it is quite literally

dinnertime here

and it is simmering on the stove

as I click away at this keyboard...

the family is circling the table,

awaiting full plates, and full hearts.

It IS, afterall

Sunday night!

(ANOTHER reason I love Fall...

after the busyness of summer

and everyone out and about,

Autumn brings the return of routine,

and homework and dinnertime,

and yes - even bedtime!)

For Dessert?

Pumpkin Spice Cake...

Oh yes.. Pumpkin...

that may just warrant it's OWN post!

~Karrilee~

P.S. As a somewhat Foodie

- you KNOW I have pictures of meals,

but I thought I would have mercy

and NOT try to entice you!

(Your welcome!)

Reason 20 to Fall for Autumn: Orchards!

Here we are, already on Day Reason 20

in our 31 Days series and I can't believe

I have yet to talk about Apples!

I live in Washington State, after all,

and Apples are everywhere!

But - more specifically,

Apple Orchards!

Oh... I love them!

I love the way they look,

and smell when the trees

are heavy with fruit,

and I love what they represent...

a Harvest of Goodness

arriving Fresh

in the Fall!

In my town,

we are surrounded

with Orchards.

All kinds really... 

but it's driving through

the outskirts of town,

around the curves,

and up and down

the hills,

where I stumble

upon such

beauty

as this:

How can you look at this,

and not Fall for Autumn?

At least just a tiny bit...

It's such a picture

of God's Provision...

the trees twist and turn

with the winds

and the leaves are turning

from green to Glory,

and the Fruit makes them

Heavy with Blessing!

Is that not like our God?

Happy Fall!
~Karrilee~

Reason 19 to Fall for Autumn... Friday Night Lights!!!

Day Reason 19

to Fall for Autumn...

why - Football, of course!

Now - I have to 'fess up

& let you know,

I was not raised to be sporty...

we did not attend live sporting events

nor gather around the tv on Sundays,

(or Mondays)

...sports - and particularly - football

was not a part of family or tradition

or anything like that!
For me - in high school

it was a social event...

a gathering place...

a place to connect with friends

& sometimes pay attention to the field,

but let's be honest,

I was 16 & I had no clue about the game...

I was there to watch the boys!

But as an adult who married into a Sporty family,

I have come to not only mostly understand the game,

but I 'get' it... the love of the game,

the teamwork, the coming together to cheer on a victory...

My love (dare I say it?) for football

only deepened when I got to

'discover' Friday Night Lights

via Netflix

with my girlie...

We would have FNL marathons

in the family room

for days... 

If we will let it,

Football (or any sport, really)

can teach us some

valuable lessons!

This video, however,

that I found via Ann Voskamp's blog,

teaches us even more...

So Day Reason 19 to Fall for Autumn

is the return of Friday Night Lights...

of football games in the cold...

of support, and challenge, and the fight...

of community, and wins and losses...

It is the reminder

that we cheer on others around us...
(on our team, or not!)

because every one matters!

Every. One!

~Karrilee~

Five Minute Friday: Look

So... I found this amazing little (well - not so little) community of Bloggers and stumbled upon this Writer's Challenge last week.  It's called Five Minute Friday... Here are the Rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

I tried my hand at it last week and LOVED it!  The hardest part (besides the vulnerability of no editing) was not reading everyone's posts first - I wanted to let it flow from within me... uninfluenced.  But what a treat to go and read all the posts once I was done!

So - this week was harder... keeping up with a crazy schedule in my 'regular' life, in addition to blogging twice a day, every day.  Todays' posts were time consuming and draining and WHY I am back on this computer is beyond me... but here goes!

Five Minute Friday Prompt: Look

{START}

Yesterday... I was given the chance to change... While spending time with a good friend - and by good friend I mean a friend who has the gifting and boldness to honestly say what she is thinking, who will challenge and encourage you all in one breath... I was spending time with her, and she said, "You know - you say 'It's really hard' a lot."

Hmmm... really? I do?  I don't want to say that I PRIDE myself (but really... I do!) on being a positive person, who truly does speak life and hope and joy, but I will say that God has helped change my natural bent. I rarely battle negative (non-self) thoughts or focusing on the dark side of a situation for too long.  That is not how it used to be! I've been transformed and now I speak on purpose, with purpose.  I believe in the power of Declaring and Decreeing.  I believe that there is power in what we say. (PLUS I really have a thing for Words!)

So when she said that, it made me freeze in my tracks and consider the truth in it.  She has a way of making you stop and look within.  I am so thankful for that because I really don't feel or think or want to believe or proclaim that things are 'really hard!' Because in reality - they are not! Things are really good... overall. When I look around me & even within me, even as Ann is stirring me up to count my gifts 3 at a time, I see clearly how blessed I truly am - even on the 'It's really hard' days!

So now I am asking the Lord to check me whenever that begins to come out as my confession.  Afterall - NOTHING is too difficult for Him!

{STOP}

I hope you have friends like this - who lovingly call you out on the carpet... knowing who you really are - and that sometimes what you say (or write) doesn't quite line up with your true identity!

To read other amazing Five Minute Friday posts - or to play along with us... click here:


Happy Friday!
~Karrilee~

#18 Reason to Fall for Autumn: Passing Away of the Old

Yesterday I posted about

keeping the home fires burning...

remembering the past while focusing on the good

and expecting the best in the future.

Choosing to speak Life, speak Love, speak Hope.

Some days that is easier said than done!

Some days - it is EASY to see the good;

the bright and cheery; the life and love and hope.

But other days, it is a challenge. It seems no matter what you look at,

there is something hanging overhead, interrupting your thoughts,

and getting in the way of your vision.

Some days it is a challenge to look past

that which is weighing heaviest on your heart.

Some days - some minute-by-minute days - make it seem impossible

to see pass the hurt, the disappointment, the sickness,

the dying of a dream, or loss of a friendship...

But it is THOSE days when we simply must remember,

there is Freedom in the Letting Go;

in the Laying it all Down;

in the Choosing to Move on.

Day Reason #18 to Fall for Autumn

is that Autumn gives us CONSTANT REMINDERS

of the Passing Away of the Old.

I mentioned yesterday that in Fall,

it can appear that things all around us are dead and dry.

Summer has gone... leaves fall to the ground...

Change comes at us whether we are ready for it...

wanting for it... or not.

Change comes.

It is so much easier to embrace the New

when we willingly lay down the Old.

Clenched fists vs. Open Hands.

It is in the midst of broken hearts,

gasping-for-air sobs,

and desperate loss-of-sight confusion,

that if we will but listen closely,

we can hear Him beckon us.

"Lay it down..."

"Let me trade you..."

"My yoke is easy..."

 

Praise comes more naturally

with open hands and open hearts!

The Passing Away of the Old

helps to make room for the Around the Corner New.

If it is holding you back... If it is keeping you down...

If it is eating away at you and causing you to feel

dead and dry... lay it down!

Just as the leaves fall from the branches

and flutter to the ground,

let it fall.

For when you come to Him with empty hands,

you can fully reach out to Him with an open heart!

Let the Wind of the Spirit

breathe in across your barren land,

and exhale a Release that stirs up in you

an excitement for adventure

and a hope for what is to come!

There is a certain rush

in Free Falling!

Falling with you,

~Karrilee~

 

#17 Reason to Fall for Autumn... Keep the Home Fires Burning

In the house that I grew up in, 

we had a fireplace.

Some of my fondest winter memories

(remember, I love FALL -

not so much the cold cut of winter!)

are built around that fire,

hot chocolate (with marshmallows)

& peanut butter toast...

a pile of defrosting mittens & hats,

boots thrown off at the door...

the hearth filled with

frozen toes, & running noses,

giggles, & a gentle warming

from the inside out!

Even the phrase,

"Keep the home fires burning"

brings with it

comfort & warmth;

hope & security.

Now I know...

not everyone

has warm fuzzies

when reflecting back.

Some 'home fires'

need to be quenched,

or better yet, redeemed.

But that phrase was made famous

in the midst of something that was

not comfortable or warm,

not hopeful or safe.

Part of what I love

about Fall & home fires

is the choice we have

to reflect on the good

& stir it up...

to focus on THAT

& feel it begin to thaw

what is frozen & chilled

deep within!

As one season is passing,

& things around us (& within us)

can appear dead & dry,

we are presented with the choice

to see past what appears to be,

either backward

to the joys of Summer,

or forward

to what promises

are hidden around the corner.

                                                                                      Blessed Memories 2011

I have purposed in my heart

to keep the home fires burning;

to speak life & love & hope.

Does this mean I deny truth,

pretend away hard times,

or bury my head in the sand?

No, of course not!

I - like all of us - have to learn to deal...

but part of the learning to deal

that allows me to win,

is choosing Joy...

choosing Hope...

remembering the Good,

& letting go of the Bad.

Easy? Rarely...

Worth it? Always!

In line with this post -

& all that is stirring in my heart,

I must give full disclosure:

I am celebrating 20 years

of marriage today!

There is not anything

I would trade or change...

not one day!

(Yes - even the hard ones!)

I believe a HUGE reason for this fact

lies in the choices I have made

to focus on what is right & good

& maintain & stir up

a thankful heart!

Even when it is hard,

keep the home fires burning...

choose Life, choose Hope, choose Love!

(& every once in awhile,

Choose Hot Chocolate!)

 Burning,

~Karrilee~

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~