It is Fall for sure!

The weather has certainly turned colder, all of sudden.  We have been having some "frost" warnings and the morning temps have been in the 40's for the most part.  So one thing is sure, it is FALL!    After getting Gracie ready for school, we often walk to the bus stop. On this day, Grace wanted me to fix her hair in a special style - something that I am not very good at, but she sure looked cute!

If there is one certainty I have when spending time with Jimmy, it is being outside!  That kid just loves it no matter what the weather is like.  It is a very sad day when it rains since this Grandma just doesn't go out in the rain!  Last week, on what seemed to be a nice sunny morning, Jimmy and I went to the backyard to play.  This is what we discovered....

You may not be able to tell, but Jimmy is holding a big piece of ice that was on one of the toys in the backyard! 

As a two year old, this was new territory for him!  He had no idea why there was ice on there and when he held it, he kept saying, "Its so cold!"   I'm sure he will be amazed by the snow this winter.  Even though it was chilly, Jimmy wanted to walk to the park, so we did.  This was the first time that I have let him actually walk by himself.  Previously we have taken the stroller or wagon.  It's just another "growing up" fast thing!

walking TO the park was just fine.  On the way home he stopped and sat down and refused to walk anymore.  I finally convinced him to run the rest of the way home, which was more exercise than I am used to, but we made it safely home.

I finished off that week with a four day conference with HUB Ministries.  I have been attending these conferences for over 20 years and they are always a blessing.  I have gotten to hear many different speakers and learned so much from these concentrated times.  This conference was just as jammed packed with amazing speakers, wonderful worship and great fellowship. I am still looking over my many  notes and digesting all that I heard over these long days.  It was a rainy and cold weekend, so it was good to stay inside!

However, the Saturday of my conference was a Marathon/Half Marathon event for Tim, Gwen and Lia.  Usually I go to the start/finish line and cheer on the many runners.  However this year was an actual downpour!  Gwen and Tim left everyone at home that was NOT running the race.  And I stayed back at my conference also!  As I have already pointed out, this Grandma does not do rain!  Even though they sloshed through knee deep water at times and got soaking wet and muddy in the process, Tim finished the marathon and Gwen and Lia finished the half marathon!  I am so proud of their determination to train and then run this race under these awful conditions!

This week, one of my daily devotions, talked about "an attitude of strong determination." The scripture used was Philippians 3:13-14....

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

It is the picture of a runner, racing towards the finish line  at the end of the long race, straining forward in strong determination. That is true grit on display.  In my book, all the runners in this race showed that determination and grit!    

So, here we are, more than halfway through October.  It is just a month to Thanksgiving and then another month to Christmas.  I was doing a bit of shopping today and actually bought some of the first Christmas presents for this year.  Usually I am much further ahead on that front than I am this year. I have decided that rather than lament the late start to my shopping, I will just practice some of that determination and press on!  I am confident I will accomplish what is needed!  

Jesus, thank you for the change of seasons.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that you are with us even as things change around us.  Keep us mindful of your presence with us.  Jesus we pray for peace in our world.  Give us courage and boldness to walk each day in the assurance of your love.  Amen