"Fall"

I just realized that Fall is the only season that I've never experienced here.  We've always visited in the spring or summer.  And there was even one time that we came here in the winter.  95% of the time, the sun was shining & the temperature was "just right" for the season.  


So far, the Fall in the NW is proving to be wonderful.  It has rained on occasion, but nothing so terrible that a cute raincoat & rain boots can't fix.  ;-)  Grace & I continue to go outside every single day, rain or shine.  Sometimes it's a simple walk to Whole Foods & other times it's a ride on the Street Car, a visit to the toy store, or just a general exploring of the city.


I've noticed the leaves at the top of the West Hills have started to turn shades of orange and red.  It's going to be interesting to see the landscape evolve.  I'm sure it will be pretty, but I think I'm going to miss the leaves on the trees outside my windows once they're gone for the winter.

  

Views from the porch, living room (can you see Jack?!), & den.

~~~
I've also been thinking about the word "fall".  The above is a reference to leaves falling; a "nickname" for Autumn.  But it has other meanings as well.  According to dictionary.com, one of the meanings is "to come or drop down suddenly to a lower position, especially to leave a standing or erect position suddenly, whether voluntarily or not: to fall on one's knees."    For me, this brings images & thoughts about HUMILITY ("modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.") or being HUMBLE ("not proud or arrogant; modest").    This is something that I didn't understand for most of my life, but now it's something that I fight for on a daily basis. 

^{Colossians 3:12-15}

 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, 

you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. 

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. 

For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

So far now I will close with this thought:  

I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.  
And I am thankful beyond words.