The Stuff that Fall Brings

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times... You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

I love fall - I think I wrote that in another post. There are so many things I look forward to in the fall. I love the changing of the leaves. Here in the mountains when the leaves are at thier peak, it looks like a beautiful quilt. The air is crisp and clear and even smells cleaner. I love to sleep with the windows open during the fall. Talk about a good sleep!
Fall also brings a new season of my favorite shows. I don't have many - but I look forward to the new episodes. Survivor is my all time favorite. I started watching it from the very first season (I was pregnant with my son). I haven't missed an episode yet. Yep, I've watched every episode in every season. I am always amazed at what people will do for money. I also watch CSI (the original one), Cold Case and Law and Order:SVU. Notice that all these shows come on after Jacob's bed time. I watch these shows during my down time.
But most of all, fall brings me the sense of being closer to God. The brilliant colors, the sweet fresh air and all that goes along with it, I just feel the presence of God to be stronger during this time. Sometimes during my morning walk I feel as if there is no one else around - just me and God. What a comforting feeling.

This fall we have a very special event to look forward to. My daughter Amanda(actually my step-daughter but my real daughter in my heart) is getting married on October 20th. It is an exciting time. I know that she will be happy because she has made a good choice for her husband. Andy is a sweet and loving young man. They make a darling couple. I am happy for both of them.
In thier pre-marital counseling session the other night, they were discussing thier choice of vows. The pastor was going over the traditional vows and mentioned that at a certain point in the ceremony she would ask "who gives this woman in marriage?" She said that her dad would then respond "her mother and I." But Amanda told the pastor that she felt as though there were more people involved in that part - she wanted to include me and her mother's fiance too. She said she has four parents, not two. Isn't that sweet? I was so touched. But, to keep the moment light, I told her we are not giving her away, we are bringing Andy into the family.
We are all so excited.

But, this is the nutshell version of why I love fall. What is your favorite season?

Have a blessed fall!!

Welcoming Fall with my "Fall Into Reading 2007" Reading list

I love fall. But, the weather here in East Tennessee is still so stinking hot - it's hard to really believe that fall is finally here.

I am joining the Fall Into Reading 2007 challenge on this blog.
If you love to read, check this site out and join in the fun.

Here's my list:

NON-FICTION
On the Brink - Rod Parsley
Reposition Yourself - Bishop TD Jakes
The Power of Simple Prayer - Joyce Meyer
Believing God - Beth Moore
Faith of the First Ladies - Jerry MacGregor & Marie Prys
Discovering America's Hallowed Ground - Jeff Shaara

FICTION
Emma - Jane Austen
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
Abraham's Well - Sharon Ewell Foster
A Christmas Candle - Max Lucado
A Light in the Window - Jan Karon

Actually, my "want to read" reading list is much, much longer but I think this is enough to get me through the holidays.

One Very Blessed Shoutin' Sunday

I don't know where to begin with this post. There is so much I want to write and all of it is wrapped up in God's Glory. Bear with me as I try to relate what happened yesterday at church.

Sunday was our Homecoming at our little country United Methodist church. I make a point to tell you that we are a UMC because it may also let you understand that there is not a whole lot of shouting, out loud, stand up praising that goes on in our church. That is, until yesterday. The Holy Spirit was so thick in that service - I thought I was going to walk the pews. It was AWESOME!!!
And it all came from God answering years of prayers by many of us.

Here's the story - my brother-in-law is 72 days sober after 15 years of heavy drinking which often led to barroom brawls and nights in jail, not to mention a few hospital visits that included stitches, concussions and some memory loss. Praise His Holy Name!!
J stood up when the preacher asked for prayer requests and praises. He proceeded to give his testimony and told the congregation everything he had been through over the years. Then J, with tears streaming down his face, thanked God for his beautiful new baby boy, his sweet little girl and his loving wife. He also told us that he knows that God has delivered him from the demon alcohol that held him in bondage for so many years. He also said that although he might still have cravings, he knows it is the devil trying to tempt him back.
Let me tell you, we were standing up, shouting praises to our magnificent God, tears streaming down faces all over the sanctuary and rejoicing all at once. The Holy Spirit was so thick and so very real that no one could have missed it.
When J finished giving his testimony, many of us gathered around to lay hands on him. Even my son, Jacob, went up and prayed over his uncle J. Even my six year old felt the moving of the Spirit.
Sisters, can you say BLESSED??

The beauty of the day did not end there. When J sat back down beside me, I noticed he was carrying his Bible - something I have never seen him do before. During the sermon, J was reading along with the guest pastor and was actually so engrossed in the service he didn't hear the baby cry. Now, that's listening to the Word of God.
When the altar call was given, J went up and had the preacher pray with him.
God is doing miracles in J's life and in the lives of his family. They have struggled for so many years and now, they can rejoice in knowing that God is moving by leaps and bounds.

Sisters, I am still walking on a cloud. I just can't help but shout praises to my King when I think about it.
I pray that you are blessed by what God has done here. And I pray that, if any of you are struggling with something in your life that seems so big that it feels as if you might never get out, remember: God IS Able!! and He IS working. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He LOVES you!

Blessings, my dear sisters.

New Nephew - But No Pictures Yet

Jackson Bo has been born! He is a beautiful baby - but I have no pictures to share at this time. Why? you might ask - because I kept forgetting to take my camera with me to the hospital. Try to remember that I was keeping Jane Ann and my main focus was to make sure we had all her needs when we visited the hospital. And, I just forget things sometimes.
I'll try for those pictures this weekend.

Is anyone enjoying the cooler weather as much as I am? I just love these cooler mornings and evenings. I actually wore a light jacket this morning. Of course, I shed it rather quickly during my morning walk. I just love fall. I love the cool, crisp air. I love the wonderful breeze that blows through my open windows. I love to fix a big pot of homemade vegetable soup for my family or a big pot of soup beans with cornbread and fried potatoes.

This fall is extra special. We are in the midst of preparing for Amanda's wedding on October 20th. It is coming fast and there is still lots to do. But, it's coming along. I know it will be a wonderful day. Her mom and I are giving her a bridal shower on October 6th. We've had a good time planning it.
It is a real blessing to be friends with the mother of my stepchildren. She is a very nice lady and she loves the Lord. She blesses me by telling everyone that Alex and Amanda have two moms. How great is that? It's all God and I am thankful. I can't imagine being in constant battle - that would just be too much to bear.

Life is good here in Tennessee. I have so much to be thankful for. My God is wonderful - I love Him more and more each day. I pray blessings for you, too.

Anticipating the Arrival of Jackson Bo

My very pregnant sister-in-law, Deanna will be bringing my darling niece, Jane Ann over tomorrow night to stay with us for a few days. Jane Ann will be our houseguest while her Mommy goes to the hospital to deliver baby brother, Jackson Bo.
Deanna will be induced Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. Since we have known about this pregnancy since early January, it seems as if she has been pregnant forever!!
We are all excited about the blessed event. Jane Ann, however, doesn't seem to care one way or the other. Her sweet little two year old mind isn't able to comprehend the change that is about to take place in her little world. It will be interesting, to say the least. Having been the center of attention all her short life, I doubt she will want to give up the spotlight easily. Actually, since I get to sit on the sidelines, it might be amusing. That's the beauty of being the aunt - I can laugh over things that don't upset my own world.
We are looking forward to having Jane Ann with us for a few days. I was her babysitter for the last two years, so she feels right at home here. And, she adores Jacob. She calls him "my Jakie." How cute is that?
So, only a day or two more and my baby nephew will be here. Hopefully, I will be able to post a few pictures of him by the weekend.
Have a blessed day!

Lot's to do!

This was a fun-filled weekend. My husband's family reunion was Saturday. We had a good time even though, I hate to admit this, I really didn't want to go. But, after we got there, we really did enjoy it. The food was wonderful and the place where they have the reunion is beautiful. They always have the reunion back in the hills of Southwest Virginia in an old school that has been refurbished. We have to travel - but the scenery is breathtaking. So, I'm glad that we went.

Then, Sunday was Frank's birthday. The congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to him at church (don't know who might have let that slip out - hmmmm)LOL
After church, Alex and Amanda came for lunch - so all three of Frank's kids were with us. It's always such a nice feeling to have all the kids at the table with us. And, my Mom and Dad joined us to celebrate Frank's birthday and Grandparent's Day. Did ya'll know it was Grandparent's Day yesterday??
So, we've had a busy weekend and the week looks pretty full too.

This afternoon, I am going to Alex and Amanda's mother's house to plan Amanda's Bridal shower. Oh, did I mention that Amanda is getting married in October? It's going to be a lovely wedding. So, Robin and I decided to give her a shower. We are going to get our guest list together, decide what to serve, etc. We need to get it done this week because this wedding is coming quickly.

Now, with all this going on, I am still praising God for all His blessings regarding my financial situation. Although I'm not working today - I have some dates marked for future days. He is in control and I'm not going to worry. I would much rather praise Him and spend my days in worship.
Ever notice that "worry" and "worship" start out the same - "wor" but the ending is different making them totally different words. It's kind of that way with us - we can start out in the "wor" part. We can choose to make it "worship" or we can choose to make it "worry" - it all depends on our attitudes. We can have an attitude of worship or we can have an attitude of worry.
Just a little food for thought on a Monday morning.

Blessings for a worship-filled week.

Something to Talk About

Well, God Is Good! All the Time! In my last post, I was between a rock and a hard place - financially. O.K., well, I'm still in that hard place, but God is providing me a way to get out of it. This is so cool! God is sooooooo good!

Yesterday (Wednesday) I went to the school board office to apply for a substitute teaching position. I was interviewed, finger-printed, had a background check (nothing in the local or federal police files, thankyouverymuch) and was immediately approved to substitute in the county. It's all God - nothing I could have done or said would have mattered a hoot if He didn't want me to have this opportunity. But, He does.

Here's the really cool part. After the interview (and approval) I went by my son's school to let them know I am available to substitute and also by the nearby middle school to let them know. The secretary at the middle school gave me work for today and tomorrow. How cool is that?? I substituted for the computer teacher today and will be in the sixth grade science class tomorrow. AND, I have some days already lined up for later on.
I have been so excited and so full of praise for my Father that I have hardly been able to contain myself in the classroom today.

I am so thankful, so grateful and so in love with my Lord. He is so wonderful. He NEVER fails and His timing is always perfect. I just know that He is providing me with a way to pay down this debt. I also know that He has a plan for me and I know the journey is going to be wonderful.
Think I'll go read some of His good Word and sing some praises! Might even dance around the house a few times - uh huh - I feel a shout coming on!!!

Blessings!