Welcome October, glad you made it. Thank you for presenting yourself in all your wonderful glory of colors as we transition into beautiful Autumn. It always makes me smile as the leaves turn right on cue. I like to imagine October kicking out September, saying; “It’s show time, let the baptism of leaves begin!”

As we begin our transition to an awaiting winter, let us be reminded that change is necessary whether we agree or not. It’s time to release those things to allow new growth later on. Seasons come and go, and each season has their own rite of passage. Fall is preparing for dormancy—a time to settle in and quiet our souls for the long winter. It is the grand finale of seasons, after a season of production, and purpose.

And just like our walk with the Lord, there should be seasons of dormancy that allows us to draw from Him. Not that there isn’t anything to do, but more of a time to allow growth in our spirit and hearts as we tap into Him during the cold harsh times of trials. We quietly relinquish those things that have overtaken us, and release it, allowing Him to say to us ; “Be still and know that I am God.”

Yes, even this season which is ordained know when to be still, it knows when to be quiet, only to finally bring forth and bud later in Spring.

Change is good. Change creates a new pattern. Change is freeing. Change is also challenging, but it strengthens our heart as we draw closer to Him.

Never resent change, it just may be the best possible blessing you will ever experience from the Lord. As Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us, there is a time for every purpose.

And just like Fall, it may seem like trees are losing but oh my goodness. The leaves gladly sacrifice and when they do they go out glorifying Him as they leave (pun intended). Because they know they will return again, building stronger branches, and deeper roots. Always there to shelter, to bring shade, to produce fruit, and to bring glory.

Happy October friends.🍁🍂🍃

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

—-Paula
@CallToBattle

https://youtu.be/WB6jhbtDUZE? Writing the above post reminded me of this old classic. Especially now with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In some odd way this song always brings me comfort.

I did not write this. Across the world, wake up! This is a MUST read!!!

When I was a HS sophomore – decades ago! – my World History teacher was Mrs. Holloway, but we all called her Granny Holloway. She was a slight woman, scarcely 5 feet tall, seemingly fragile, but full of vim and vinegar….you know the type. She could speak for hours about the Fall of the Roman Empire, the Inquisition, the Industrial Revolution, and the World Wars. She never sat while she lectured, never stood at a lectern, but moved around the room making eye contact with all of her students. She was demanding too, and I can’t remember how many papers were sent back to me because she would note “you can do better than this, Miss Schaal.”

One day during class, an office aid interrupted her lecture to hand her a note. She read it silently, apologized, and said she needed to leave the room. We knew it had to be important because Granny Holloway stopped lectures for no one.

We sat in the room talking to one another when the door opened, and in walked Mrs. Abels, another teacher in our HS. She explained to us that Granny had been faced with an emergency, a serious one, and it was questionable if she would even be returning to finish out the semester. We were stunned. Would we get a chance to tell her goodbye? Would we get updates, so we would know she was ok? Mrs. Abels assured us that we need not worry, that Granny was safe but needed time away, and that the best thing we could do for her, and the best way we could show our devotion to her, was to be cooperative with her replacement. Mrs. Abels confirmed that she had been asked and had agreed to step in as Granny’s replacement.

Cheer up, she told us, this could be a good thing. Other teachers still believed in endless homework and projects with deadlines and hard work. She would not bring that into our class. She believed in clean slates. If there were grades that we did not like, she could give us a chance to bring them up. She asked us what suggestions we had to make the semester a better learning experience. Someone mentioned that lectures were boring and we wanted more films. Done, she said. Someone else mentioned that a free day now and then would help us if we needed to catch up on work in other classes. She didn’t see a problem with that. She asked us how we felt about an end-of-semester party. Um, yeah, sounded very good to us. And on and on. Mrs. Abels listened intently and agreed to all of our suggestions, continually emphasizing that her concern was that we have a good learning experience and enjoy the semester. She also reminded us that we were lucky to not be sent out to other classes where we would be working to catch up, and that of course this was all for Granny.

Near the end of the period, shortly before the bell rang, the door opened and Granny sauntered in with her usual Granny Holloway attitude. “How did they do?,” she asked. “Marvelous,” said Mrs. Abels. “They were completely in my hands.”

Granny then faced us and said “And that, my students, is how a dictator takes over a nation. Not with guns or tanks or laws or mandates. They do it using false promises and gifts”

I can’t remember a lesson all through 12 years of public school that made such an impression on me, and has stayed with me.

We are among wolves in sheep clothing, many are being deceived.
Stay awake! And buckle up.
Put on the FULL armor of God, we are going to need it in the days to come.
🙏

Good job!

Miracles are happening everyday!

In case you’re wondering what happened to the couple in Lake Lure that the private helicopter pilot was trying to rescue but was hampered by the Fire chief under threat of arrest, well here is the full story with a happy ending. https://youtu.be/s8ICG0iaHqw?

Thank you @KimFairchild

Wonderful Merciful

The government can learn from Samaritans purse. Thank you Dr. Phil!

Testimony Tuesday

Today I’m sharing another testimony from Pastor Jeff Hilliard.
I had posted one of his amazing testimonies before.

Listen to another incredible testimony on Pastor Robby Dawkins on Radical Radio show.
👇

So powerful! Thank you @KimFairchild for sharing this.👇

Such a beautiful photo! Linemen who have worked nonstop in the western Carolinas after Hurricane Helene, paused for a moment at the Pretty Place Chapel near Greenville, SC. 🙏