New Leaf

It is time I turned over a new leaf.  I have been working far too many hours and setting aside things that are important.

Reflection:
Psalm 106:43-44 New International Version (NIV)
"Many times he delivered them,
but they were bent on rebellion
and they wasted away in their sin.
Yet he took note of their distress
when he heard their cry."

also
Lamentations 3:22-24 New International Version (NIV)
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”"

Rejoice

Reflection:
Psalm 105:3-4 New International Version (NIV)
"Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

Flames of fire

Autumn colour is beginning to light up and burn.

Reflection:
Psalm 104:2-4 New International Version (NIV)
"The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants."

A short life

The Autumn colour is coming slowly to the garden this year because we are having wonderfully warm weather.  So instead here is one of the flowers that pop up briefly at this time of year.

Reflection:
Psalm 103:15-17 The Message
"Men and women don’t live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him."

Changing into something new

I have been thinking about Autumn, how it is given to us as a season of pure delight, perhaps as a preparation for the dreary months to come.

Reflection:
Psalm 102:25-27 The Voice
"In the beginning, You laid the foundation of the earth
and set the skies above us with Your own hands.
But while they will someday pass away, You remain forever;
when they wear out like old clothes,
You will roll them up and change them into something new, and they will pass away.
But You are the same, You will never change;
Your years will never come to an end."

The affairs of my house

Autumn is often a busy time of year in our home with guests coming down from the tropical north to experience autumn colour, winter chill and cosy log fires.  We currently have Ian's elderly Aunt and Uncle with us, the first guests for the season -- so a good excuse to polish and tidy and purchase some flowers for the hall table.

Reflection:
Psalm 101:2 New International Version (NIV)
"I will conduct the affairs of my house
with a blameless heart."

Endures forever

It's the seedy, berry time of year,when the plants make sure there is a next generation to follow.

Reflection:
Psalm 100:5 New International Version (NIV)
"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."