Happy Fall

A couple days ago Miss E and I went for a little walk and saw all these butterflies, there were a few monarchs too but I didn't get a picture.

It's smelling like fall outside!

I was trying to think how I would describe the smell of fall here, and I would say it's kind of dusty and sweet.

I like this poem I found in an old book called, "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady", by Edith Holden.  It's her journal from the year 1906.

She has lots of beautiful illustrations and poems, little bits of country wisdom, and her journal entries in the book.  I have been enjoying it.  There are several others she wrote as well.

Happy fall to you!

Oak Trees at the Lake

This last weekend was our family's 4th annual weekend at a lake cabin near us.  We had a great time even though the lake was flooded 22 feet higher than usual.  This lake is so peaceful and beautiful, with post oak trees growing everywhere around it.  Scientists have tested some of the oak trees and some are 300 years old.  Miss E and I had fun collecting acorns to use in our fall décor.

I have been thinking about Isaiah 61 again lately.  It is one of my favorite chapters because it's full of hope for our suffering world.  In verse 3 it says that our righteousness will be like great oak trees, and I was thinking, why did it say we would be like oak trees and not like cottonwoods or elms or cedars?  I think it's because oak is so long lasting.  The righteousness God gives us through Jesus is just like that, steady, firm, and immovable.  What a blessing! 

To all who mourn in Israel,

he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!

For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation

and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

Isaiah 61:3,10

Journaling/Coloring Bibles

I just had to share my new Bible with you, because I love it so much!

Have you seen the new journaling and coloring Bibles? 

I think they are awesome for personal devotions.  Taking the time to color the individual verses really does help you take the time to think through what it's saying.

Of course, a cup of tea while coloring is nice too. (:

Here's a couple of the pages I've done.  I chose the Inspire NLT translation Bible, and after using the NIV for 25 years I am enjoying reading a new translation.  It's interesting how reading the same verses in a different translation can make them come alive again in a new way.

They also have coloring Bibles in NIV and KJV.

The Inspire version that I chose has over 400 illustrations to color,

and so it will take me awhile to work through it.  I'm planning to color the

verses as I read them in my devotions, so that way I'll be able to tell at a glance which

books I've read lately and which I should read again.

These would make a great Christmas gift if you know someone who likes artsy activities!

My Second Favorite Month

The sky is blue, the fields in view, 

All fading-green and yellow: 

Come let us stray our gladsome way,

And view the charms of Nature; 

The rustling corn, the fruited thorn, 

And ev'ry happy creature.

~Burns

I think September might be my second favorite month.  May is my favorite, but there's something so nice about September.  The air feels different, the sunflowers, thistles, and goldenrod are all in bloom, football begins, and I feel like being outside again.

~Sunflowers in the wind~

Miss E's favorite flower is the sunflower, so this afternoon we drove down the rode a couple miles and picked a jar full for the counter.  Soon we will be finding pretty fall leaves and acorns!