September is rapidly coming to a close, and with it the cooler winds of Autumn grow closer to reality. Even in North Louisiana, where summer and high humidity hang on until they simply can’t any longer. I’m not one who loves Summer. Give me Fall and Winter any day. Even Spring is agreeable.
We will conclude Recovery Month at our church this Sunday. The theme for the October sermons is Call On God, and we will certainly do that. October. Probably my favorite month. Aside from cooler temps, changing colors in the leaves, and candy corn, I love all the pumpkin spice flavored items. Crazy, I know. Have you tried the pumpkin spice Oreos? They’re great. I am usually disappointed in the various products but it’s fun to try them. I will definitely enjoy some pumpkin-spiced lattes.
My last post of simply checking in received so many likes when I expected it to be met with so many unsubs. So, thanks, even if your like was disingenuous. I’ll take it. I gained three subscribers, so moving up closer to 300!
We’re never really prepared for death, no matter how hard we try or how much we think we have become resolved to its reality.
This week in our church we have said ‘goodbye’ to three precious friends. In church, we recognize death often. We talk about the death of Jesus, our Savior. We remember his death in the communion service. We urge folks to make their relationship with the Lord right because that last breath is coming for all of us. Given the Blessed Assurance offered by the Scriptures, it still occurs to me that we can’t be prepared. It’s true because we can’t picture the rippling losses that seem to be unending when we lose someone we love. It is, for me, easy to believe that through the mercy and grace of God, I will be saved when departing this life. But the other side of the coin … living on without my loved ones? It’s hard. And even when we think we are ready, we are not. So for my friends, I pray. Ken, Gene, and Mary - I love you. The ones left behind carry a heavy weight. Let us help them carry it as we can.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:28-29, NET
I’ve been doing some reading in the New English Translation and I find it very interesting. I think there is something to learn from all of the various Bible translations. For more than you want to know about the NET, there is a website with the translation process HERE. Christian Book Distributors has a nice hardcover edition on sale for $7.99 HERE. I don’t know how long the sale lasts.
Anyhoo, I finished reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens. It is his last book, and it is unfinished. Even knowing that, when I got to the end I kept trying to turn the page! It’s not my favorite Dickens novel, but even when Dickens is not at his best, he’s pretty high above most.
I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read twelve classics, certainly a neglected category in my personal reading. It’s September and I’ve only read six, but I think I can still reach my goal if I keep at it! Here’s what I’ve read so far…
The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Charles Dickens
The Pilgrim’s Progress - John Bunyan
Treasure Island - Robert Louis Stevenson
The Invisible Man - H. G. Wells
Dracula - Bram Stoker
So far, I have enjoyed each one. While I was at a bookstore and bakery in Woodstock, Georgia called The Sweet Read, I picked up a hard copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. I loved Treasure Island, so I hope I will enjoy this one as well. I also have a goal to read 75 books this year. My GoodReads list tells me I’m behind.
Well, I don’t want to outstay my welcome on your screen. Thanks for stopping by and liking the post. The next several days seem pretty filled up, so I don’t expect to visit Black Bayou until next week perhaps. That’s ok, there are more important things to tend to. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some photos from my backyard taken in the past few days. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. I’d love to hear what you’re reading or what’s up with you this week.
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. - Ephesians 6:24
I have so few vices left, but one of the few that still remain is my obsession with pumpkin everything. Coffee, muffins, pastries, cake, I normally don't have much of a sweet tooth but when it's pumpkin all best are off. My curretn favorite? Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Pretzels. So far my habit is up to a bag week, but I can see that easily increasing. lol