A Fall Walk

 Now that the kids are getting just a little older I am able to carve out small amounts of time for myself.  I am learning more and more to identify those opportunities and grab them quickly and without guilt.  (Why have I struggled so much with guilt over the years?)  Anyway, progress IS progress, and I am growing and learning each and every day.  It is a beautiful thing.

Speaking of beautiful things, my property puts on quite a show no matter the season.  However, there is something glorious about spring and fall.  It is hunting season here, and my hubby loves his time in the woods in search of the next years dinner.  I do what I can to assist in the process.  Part of that is programming the trail cam and the timed feeder.  For some reason the feeder wasn't working, so I was asked to head out and figure out why.  The kids were very engaged in their activities.  I grabbed my camera and headed out.  It's a rare treat this time of year to get to walk my property.  The hubs is very protective of his space for fear we'll scare all he's hunting away and ruin everything for him.  (As a homeschooling mom with three eager to learn children this is a very challenging time of year for me.  I want to be out there with them exploring everything.  Fall is the perfect time to explore the woods, but we will wait until winter and spring for our closer look.)

Come along with me as I travel my property and explore what the absence of leaves has revealed:

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since he is Lord of heaven and earth,
 does not dwell in temples made with hands;" - Acts 17:24

"Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power;
for you created all things, and because of your will they existed,
and were created." - Revelation 4:11

"The heavens are the heavens of the Lord,
but the earth he has given to the sons of men." - Psalms 115:16

From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the Lord is to be praised." - Psalms 113:3

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
- Colossians 1:17

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls." - Proverbs 11:30

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad;
for the tree is known by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33

"Moreover the Lord your God will send the hornet against them,
until those who are left and hide themselves from you perish.: - Deuteronomy 7:20

"While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat,
And summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." - Genesis 8:22

"For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb." - Psalms 37:2

"Finally, brethren, rejoice, 

be made complete,

be comforted,

be like-minded, 

live in peace;

and the God of love and peace

will be with you." 

- II Corinthians 13:11

I hope you enjoyed our walk and that it revealed the beauty and peace that lies all around us if we only take the time to look.  The lessons of God are before us if we only allow the time to slowdown, be present, and open our soul to receiving the gifts of God through nature.  A peaceful walk alone in nature is sometimes all we need to nourish our soul and open our hearts to God.

Where are your thoughts?

God has been at work in my life, and I am SO thankful! Whether or not we realize it, God is always faithfully there by our side. I cannot imagine what might have happened to me when I was younger had God not sent his angels to care for me. What a blessing it is to be a child of God!

Do you think on these things? Where are your thoughts? Are you thankful for what you have, or are you wallowing in the "have-nots"? What is in the forefront of your mind when you wake in the morning? Are your thoughts on good things? Do you thank God for what you have each morning, or do cry about what you think is missing?

Our thoughts are so powerful! What do you do with the power God has given you? It has become very evident to me that being positive is likely the best thing we can do for our self and for God. What is God to do with a "Gloomy Gus"?

Maybe things are bad. Maybe you are dealing with something that is difficult or frustrating. What is the more fruitful action to take? Should you sit around, mope, and complain? Rather, would it be better to rejoice in what you have, and be hopeful?

There was a time when I wallowed in misery. I'll tell you. It got me nothing but more misery. Once I learned to change my thought pattern I was so blessed. Perspective is powerful, and we do possess the power to re-frame our thinking.

Today, think on things that are good. Combat negative thinking with positive thinking. Better yet, combat negative thoughts with scripture. God has given us HIS WORD so that we may learn and grow and face struggles with His power.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).