Tuesday, October 30, 2012

"And, a Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven . . ."

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Fall is my favorite season of the year.  The chill of the night air and the coolness in the daytime are welcome companions after the sweltering heat of summer.

In North Georgia, where we live, the leaves begin to change in mid-October, usually not reaching their peak until late in that month. 





 Weeks before the colors go from green to yellow or orange and the occasional red, winds and rain knock down many which have already given up the ghost.

Our yard and driveway quickly fill with fallen soldiers.  Those who served with honor and valor throughout the spring and summer months.  Now, tired and worn, they float down to rest upon the earth.  Upon the soil which they will nourish as they slowly, methodically decompose.




And, out comes our leaf blower.  Again and again and again.  To clear our driveway lest it vanish beneath a blanket of leaves and pine straw.


Still, there are those leaves which are stubbornly clinging.  Changing slowly.  Incrementally.  Splashes of color appearing and growing in celebration of a life well lived.









For they know, and wish to show us.  There is no death in dying.  Only new beginnings.  The opening of the next chapter.

And, never the last one in the book which is eternal . . .
~
What is your favorite season of the year?
~
Will you pray with me?
We thank You, Father, that through Your beloved Son, Christ Jesus, we have eternal life.  May we, in the summer of our lives, bear much fruit for Your kingdom.  And, when the autumn of our life draws near, let us leave our loved ones with colorful, glorious memories and the knowledge that death is only the beginning, for we will meet again.  Amen.

26 comments:

  1. I love the winters too :)
    The warmth of the woolens, the mild sun playing hide and seek, coffee, near and dear ones, it feels great!!
    Happy Winters :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping in today Deepika! Welcome!
      Yes winter can be a cozy time - I do love it when we get the occasional snow. We live in the southeastern U.S. and don't often see it, so it is a thrill when we do!
      Blessings to you!

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  2. Awesome pictures. I do love the colors of the leaves. But, in India it does not happen. I love the rainy season.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Janu, and for the lovely compliment.
      I think I would find it hard to live where there isn't a marked change of seasons. More power to you! :)
      Blessings always!

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  3. Mine would be monsoon. I simply love the rains...the grey clouds, the pitter patter rain drops, the slight chill in the air...oh it is all so beautiful!

    And all that I can think of at that time is a nice book with a cup of coffee and my blanket :)

    Lovely pictures Martha you seem to be living in a beautiful place with so much greenery for company.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Me!
      Oh, yes, I do love where we live with all our wonderful trees. Glad you liked the photos!
      When it rains here, I love to do what you do - curl up with a book and some hot coffee. A slice of heaven!
      Blessings to you!

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  4. Spring and Winter are my favorites. Love the cold (let me be clear, the cold weather we have in California. And Spring anywhere is new life.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Brenda!
      I imagine your winters are pretty mild where you live; not so here even in the sunny south, but not anywhere near as harsh as in the northeast and mid-west - I don't think I could survive! :)
      And, spring, yes - a time for new beginnings . . .
      Blessings to you!

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  5. Hi there...just came across your blog. Now following :) I love fall, but spring is my favorite. I love the zaps of warmth that come through the cool air, and the fleeting spring flowers. I also love it when the petals from cherry blossoms line the side of the street :)

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    1. Thanks for checking out my blog, Katie, and welcome! :)
      Spring is a beautiful time, too, I most certainly agree. My favorite part is watching the daffodils and tulips popping out so green from beneath their blanket of brown leaves. The first heralds of spring!
      Blessings to you and hope to see you here often!

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  6. Lovely pics, Martha. We don't have a pronounced fall here, but I do love the rains and the winters here.

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Rachna, and glad you enjoyed the photos.
      I must admit, I do love rainy days here - great time to curl up with a book and listen to the raindrops drumming on the roof. :)
      Blessings to you!

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  7. I love your writing, Martha. The image of the leaves as fallen soldiers who served with honor in the spring and summer is wonderful. Blessings to you. <3

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Adriene, and for your kind compliment. It means so much coming from an excellent writer like yourself. :) Can't wait to read your e-book!
      Blessings to you!

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  8. Thanks so much for your kind words and glad you are now following. I'll certainly be looking forward to seeing you here and will check out your blog as well.
    Blessings to you!

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  9. We don't have the distinct colours of fall in India, Martha, but I do love looking at pictures of the beautiful colours. Our seasons are linked to festivals and it's amazing how the weather will change almost immediately after them. For example, soon after Holi (the festival of colours), summer begins. And soon after Deepavali (the festival of lights), there will be a distinct nip in the air!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Corinne!
      That's so interesting that the Indian festivals herald a change in the weather; another cultural fact I never knew about! :)
      So glad you enjoyed the photos!
      Blessings, my friend!

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  10. Beautiful fall images and I love the sentiment as well. Good job my dear friend! Love & Hugs, xoxo Mitzi

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    1. oops...that is NOT the right link... it should be http://mylifescup.wordpress.com

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    2. Thanks so much for coming by, Mitzi! Don't worry about the link - I already subscribed via e-mail. :)
      Glad you liked the photos as it means so much coming from you with your great gift for photography. I only used my Elph here, but was happy with what she could give me.
      Blessings to you!

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  11. Loved the sentiment in this post and the pictures. Fall is my favorite season too. And I do believe that death is just another beginning.
    ~ blessings :)

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    1. So glad you liked it, Jessica, and so sorry it took me so long to get back with you. Sometimes, the comments sneak in and I just don't see them. :(
      Blessings to you!

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  12. This is a very timely reflection this day as we celebrate All Souls Day.

    I do believe that something~ someone dies and changes form when resurrected.

    God is all that is.

    We have two seasons in my country (rainy and dry)... but I have read and experienced spring abroad. I like it :)

    I pray with you always in every season.

    P.S. You are very poetic and so are the images :D Love this!

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    1. Once again, Melissa, I apologize for not being timely in my response. I'm beginning to wonder what's up with Blogger?
      Thanks so much for your kind words, my dear. And, yes, God is in all places, all times, all seasons . . .
      Blessings to you!

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  13. I grew up in Michigan and loved the Fall as the leaves would dot our yard and the street. I made a lot of money as a teen raking leaves, but I valued the time outdoors with nature more than the money. I love your images!

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    1. Oh, that sounds like a great way for any teen to make some cash! That you enjoyed just being in nature more than anything else speaks volumes about your character. :)
      Thanks so much for visiting!
      Blessings to you!

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