Crisp Leaves & Autumn Things

October Musings (sent in November)

It’s officially fall in Pennsylvania and I happen to be down South on a trip for several weeks! Whether at home or on the road, we have been seeing the signs of fall and appreciating the cooler (or breezier) weather. I’ve been finding myself making hot coffee and lattes again, which is usually a signal that I’m ready for all things cozy and safe. Jael has been finding acorns, colorful leaves, and other nature bits when we are out and about on walks. It’s been so whimsical watching her engage with nature. It makes my creation-loving heart so happy!

I’ve been fairly slow on the draw with newsletters, and if I’m being honest, my writing in general. The summer to fall transition is always a little bit crazy for me both internally and externally as I switch gears. Throw in a new baby and it’s been a season of a lot of grace.

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The light streaming into the Florida water on our boat ride

There is a lot going on in the world, and in my own heart and life, and the past few weeks have been a reminder of the importance of seeing clearly in a broken world. It feels like the perfect time to publish this poem of mine I posted on Instagram awhile ago.

When the Light Spills Over

Sometimes I see life through the frames
Of dirty windshields
And urban living

I'm drained, fatigued, exhausted

Emotions crossing all the lines
Like parked cars
And people milling

I'm dreading, fearful, overwhelmed

Until,
In a single, blinding moment

The Light spills over, flooding the shadowy angles
Of the city
And my heart

The cool mountains bow to the Light
The lofty trees stand in reverence 

And I
Inhale, catching my breath
Pause, holding the moment
Exhale, releasing pent up tension

Gratitude sparkles like flecks of light

Peace, again.

The Good List

• I picked up a book of Ruth Bell Graham’s poetry at the Billy Graham Library during our time in Charlotte - “Sitting By My Laughing Fire” - and it has been a delight.

• My prayer journal. I am completing my 2nd year using Val Marie Paper’s Rhythms Prayer Journal and I have already preordered my 2024 one. Each year I learn how to use it a little more effectively and it is so much fun seeing how God answers prayers.

• Brandon Lake’s worship music + his new album “Coat of Many Colors.”

• Fall recipes chock full of soups (like a sausage, spinach, and white bean soup!) and squashes and sweet potatoes, & an evening apple cider old-fashioned! And can we talk about pickled onions?? We’ve had them twice this month at two different peoples’ homes and I can’t wait to try this recipe when I get home!

• Baby giggles — so many as we tried a swing for the first time!