My Favorite Time of the Year

Oh the wonderful cool air of fall is blowing, beckoning me to sleep out under the stars, drink cocoa & roast marshmallows over the crackling flames of a campfire. This jacket weather means that a slower pace is due and blustery, rainy days are ahead. Football weather?...well I'm okay with the title, even though the sport is not of much interest to me. No, for me, autumn is the beginning of days spent gathering wood, building a fire in the fireplace, curled up on the sofa with my sweetheart(yes, watching football, which is his interest and the only reason I watch it).


This time also begins the season of family gatherings for the holidays. Great memories are attached to this season for me. My Mamaw loved to have her family gathered around, like a mother hen with chicks, to share a meal, then "stretch out" for several hours. She has been gone for three years now, but we have carried on the tradition here in our home in the country. For both sides of my family, Dad's & Mom's, special times together are linked to the holidays.

Fall also brings opportunities for giving; Thanksgiving; giving thanks to the One who makes it possible to give. This is the time when we are more aware of the needs of others. We also think about making goodies to share with friends for their enjoyment. Our warm thoughts are shared by good tidings through the mail or by a special phone call. Now we must admit that email is just not enough for this time of the year.

God is good all year long, but for some reason we are more vocal concerning His gifts as the holidays draw near. Even the world starts the winter season off with special recognition of His Son. In Texas, we aren't quite finished with the feeling of fall in the air when winter steps in and Christmas is here! I know that once a year is not enough focus on the Savior who rescued us from the wages of sin, which is death. So for a christian, we must keep our focus on Him day by day, moment by moment, this is what it takes to pay honor to One who has given so much. The sermon this morning, which was the Holy Spirit talking to me from the lips of a precious young preacher-Cory, reminded me that I was rescued @ high cost to my God. It cost His Son's life on a cross as He carried my sin to the grave. He rose so that I could be buried with Him, cleansed by His blood, raised up from a watery grave as a new creation. This is not my life, but His; here I am ready to serve Him in whatever way possible, allowing others to see His light in me. Do they see Him? Do I let Him shine? Have I been listening to Him, this part of God Almighty, the Holy Spirit? After all, He is the gift I received upon my 'new' birth. Sometimes I ignore Him;I've told Him no, I can't or I don't want to and I'm tired. Cory was right. I do not have that luxury.

"Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Jesus Christ. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you." 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Entrusted with much (not when I feel like it) for as long as I live; an unashamed workman.

With Love In Him.