Autumn days are some of my favorite days. The weather is finally cooling off, the leaves change color and make their way to the ground. And I feel a sense of peace and rest. It’s been awhile since I posted so I thought sharing some of my day would be a good way to come back.
For Today
November 6, 2020
Looking Out My Window…
On this autumn day, the sky is so blue, the sun is shining brightly, and it’s a beautiful day!
I am thinking this day in autumn…
of how much chaos and unrest there is in our nation and the world. But instead of letting myself fear or be depressed, I am trusting in God, who is not surprised by any of this. He is in control and His purposes will stand. Whatever happens He will be with us and give us strength to continue our journey of life.
I am thankful….
for friends both in person and online, for my family and for these beautiful Autumn Days as I listen to the chimes being played by the wind.
I am creating…
lots of crocheted items, some watercolor painting, drawing, and journal pages with Scripture and haiku based on my reading in Psalms every day. I participated in a market recently with my crochet projects. Though I didn’t sell much I had fun and met some new people.
I also recently wrote a poem while sitting outside and then arranged it on a photo I took that same afternoon.
One of my favorite things on an autumn day…
is walking outdoors with my husband especially in the nearby town on the Doodle Trail. I haven’t done it much lately, but starting today I hope to walk it several times a week. Here is a photo I took on this afternoon’s walk.
I am wearing…
jeans, a shirt with colors of yellow, green and azure. My feel are bare as I’m relaxing on the rocking loveseat with my feet propped up.
I am reading…
INEXPRESSIBLE, a book by Michael Card about the Hebrew word, hesed. Each morning my husband and I read a chapter of scripture and also from a book. We’ve read quite a a few books that way. The word, hesed, has no single word in English that conveys it’s full meaning. It has been translated as lovingkindness, merciful love, faithful love to name a few. Words that are used with it include truth, convenant, justice, goodness and more.
I am watching…
movies with Sean Connery in them. Since he recently died at the age of 90, we wanted to review some of his films. Autumn is a good time for settling down with a good cup of tea and watching movies in the evening.
I am hoping…
that my writing, art and other ventures will bring encouragement and hope to all who read or come in contact with me in other ways. Here’s a recent journal page from my morning devotions.
I am learning…
to organize better as I have several different projects to work on and could be overwhelmed if I don’t make a plan.
In the kitchen…
I enjoyed making a simple meal tonight that we all enjoy called Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls. With a few ingredients this delicious meal can be made in a very short time. It makes a good autumn meal!
Shared quote
Hesed: When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.
~Michael Card from the book INEXPRESSIBLE
This really is only a working definition, but it expresses what we have received from God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. And God continues to bless and give us hope, though we do not deserve it.
A moment from my beautiful autumn day…
Another photo from the Doodle Trail
The outdoors is a great place to go for refreshment, sunshine and exercise. I hope to get outside more each day, especially now in autumn when the weather has cooled down.
Post Script
Autumn has the month for Thanksgiving, November. It is a month of birthdays for us. But this year our celebrations will be bittersweet. Last November, we lost one of our sons just 5 days after his 29th birthday. He had battled with muscular dystrophy and congestive heart failure. But with the grief is joy, knowing that he doesn’t suffer any more and is at home with his Savior.
I’m linking up with: #TheSimpleWoman’sDaybook, #InspireMeMonday
If you would like to join in, too, here are her guidelines for your own Simple Woman’s Daybook post.
Oh Dear Gayl, it’s so lovely to join you in your autumn day there! I love the views that you share from your area. God’s creation is so amazing. And I hope to read that Michael Card book too, it sounds like such a full study. I’m sending you hugs and love this hard month. May God continue to bring you His sweet comfort. Xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you so much for your sweet comment. Yes, this area is very beautiful and a lovely place to retire. The book is so good. Stephen and I started reading it together last year, but it just wasn’t a good time for him. Thank you so much for your love and hugs. You are one way God brings comfort as you pray and encourage. Much love to you with many blessings, my dear poet/sister/friend! xoxo
Beautiful photos. I love all your crochet items. I am thinking of you and sending love and hugs and prayers.
Thank you so much, dear Melissa! <3 I appreciate the love, hugs and prayers especially at this time. Blessings and love to you! xoxo
Love reading about your beautiful life. Inexpresible is a great read and I love Michael Card!
Thank you, dear Michele! Yes, I love Michael Card, too. Our family has listened to him for years and some of us have been able to sit under his teaching at two separate times for a week of intensive Bible training. Blessings to you! xoxo
Gayl, I so enjoyed reading about your current life. Everything from what you are wearing and eating to the view out your window. Impressive all the crocheting you have done. Cute bags. The Doodle trail looks fun. But I am curious how it got it’s name. Do people draw it quite often? Did Yankee Doodle march along it. Anyway, curiosity can be fun.
Thank you so much, Theresa! About the Doodle Trail – It used to be a railroad track that was paved to make the trail. But the reason it was called the Doodle Trail is that the train went from Pickens, SC to Easley, SC, but the engine couldn’t turn around so it had to go backwards. I guess it looked like a doodlebug. Blessings to you! Here’s a link telling about the trail: https://www.cityofpickens.com/doodle
Gayl, I enjoyed the poem you wrote, your enjoyment of an autumn day. Your photos are lovely–I could picture you on your walk. I pray that you are comforted in this month, the anniversary of the earthly loss of your son.
Thank you so much, Carol! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for your prayers for comfort. It is a hard time, but God is faithful. Blessings to you!
So many beautiful moments, Gayl. I love the bags you crocheted! You’re very talented! And I didn’t know that Michael Card has a book out. I love his music, which speaks of so many important spiritual principles. I bet his book is like a treasure chest of God’s wisdom! Thanks for opening your world up for us!
Thank you so much, Beth! Yes, Michael Card has written several books and all the ones I’ve read are excellent. That’s one thing we loved about his music years ago when we started listening – that there was so much scripture in them. Thanks for visiting. Blessings to you!
I love your crocheted items! How beautiful! I, too, love autumn. I’m not a lover of heat, that’s for sure. I just heard about Michael Card’s book this morning, and it sounds so good!
Thank you, Anita! I have so much fun making them. I hope you get to read the book. It is excellent. It took him 10 years to write it! Blessings to you! Have a great week!
Hi Gayl! Those are some beautiful Autumn photos. Korean Beef and rice bowls are a favorite in my house. That was sad to hear about Sean Connery. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve watched James Bond, Indiana Jones, and many other movies he’s starred in. He was a great actor for sure. Praying God’s peace be with you and your family during this time as you remember your son.
Thank you so much, Tajuana! Yes, we were sad to hear of Sean Connery’s death. Thank you also for your prayers for me and my family during this anniversary month of losing our son. Blessings to you!
Welcome back, Gayle. Good to hear from you again. Your journal is beautiful! Mine looks like a bunch of scribbles compared to yours! 🙂
I am so sorry for the loss of your son last year. Prayers and virtual hugs to you. May God keep your family in his gentle care, especially during this anniversary month.
Thank you, Laurie. I need to be more consistent with writing on my blog. It would probably help to schedule some things. I’m sure your journal is not just scribbles. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed my journal page. Thank you so much for your prayers and virtual hugs. I’ll take all the comfort I can get. God has been so good to us and friends have been comforting also. Thanks for visiting today. Blessings to you!