Calmer and Cooler

Well, September has come and gone, and just like that...it's October. It seems like it flew by. Now that we are in October, we have slightly cooler temperatures. Only slightly. Summer doesn't seem to have received the memo that its time is over, but that's Arkansas for you.

A couple of weekends ago, I went with my church's 55+ group to see David at Sight and Sound in Branson. WOW! What an amazing show that was! I believe it runs through most of the fall. See it if you can, it's incredible.

In September I had coffee on the front porch a few times; since the rain we had in a couple of weeks ago it has been cool enough in the morning to sit out there. I have always felt like I'm in a better attitude for prayer when I'm in nature. I enjoy the breeze, the blue sky, and my little summer flower garden that is "soldiering on." I keep them watered and in return, they keep on blooming. Though lately they are looking a tad tired and weary; especially the petunias. I think this weekend I'm going to get some mums for out there to brighten up the space.

On my only evening walk recently, I almost waited too late. I was walking fast because it was sundown and getting dark fast. I took a picture of the sliver of moon mixed in with the parking lot lights on the college campus. 

Last weekend I spent a little time by the river. While there, I saw the tiniest little frog! He was mesmerized by the lights on the step he was sitting on. My granddaughter moved him to a safer, less bright part of the yard.

Also while hanging out with family, I sat by a fire pit and roasted marshmallows for s'mores. I love sitting by the fire on an autumn evening. I got a picture of the moon as it was about to set over the river.

Other than those events, it's been pretty quiet around here. I live a boring life, at least by some people's standards, I suppose. Most mornings I walk on the trails at the college and come home and sit by my garden with my coffee. In the course of the day I do other things, like write, work on my Bible study homework, and sometimes work on my photo albums. Of course, there are my visits to the library every other week because I still read every day, though not as much as when I first retired.

I'm glad it's calm. I spent so many years rushing here and there and not slowing down much. Retirement is still wonderful. No complaints here.

Actually, though, even though I've retired from my job, I haven't retired as a Christian. I don't really think we are supposed to retire from the great commission or our spiritual gifts. That is why I write my blog; to offer some encouragement and to point people to Jesus. 

So, that's all I have for today. Enjoy autumn, my friends, and be encouraged.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NLT