Ecclesiastes 3

“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot;  a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.”

It’s early September, but for me the beginning of FALL is when the Pumpkin Spice Latte comes out at Starbucks!

Who doesn’t LOVE A LATTE?!

The weather has been a little cooler the last few days, and so it gets me in the mood for such things as venison stew, chili, pumpkin pie and a fire in the fire pit…(Don’t forget the s’mores!)

“Seasons change and so do I…”

This has been an especially difficult transition for me and I’m really seeking the Father’s heart so that my perspective is on the right things.  I’m not sure if it’s the change of season that makes me feel different, or if it’s the nostalgia and memories of seasons past, but just the thought of fall lifts my spirits and stirs up feelings of anticipation.

For many of us, the coming holidays will bring happy memories of family gatherings and joyous celebrations.  But for some, the holidays are only reminders of better days–and their focus is on what was and will never be again. OR, sometimes it’s even a reminder of the grief that the holidays bring when our expectations are disappointed.

Ecclesiastes can be looked at by many as a depressing book, but I see much of it as a reminder that EVERY day, every season is a gift, and– we choose or refuse the gift of another day–and how we look at it is determined by our attitude.

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but this book is a gentle reminder that we should be thankful year-round, and know that whatever the season brings, God is always at work around us, and it’s up to us to enjoy His presence.

^“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.  I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. ”  Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

DID YOU SEE the last part of that verse?!

I am SO thankful for the changing seasons and the beautiful way He reveals Himself in His creation.  This is a great verse to memorize for my Scripture Memory Challenge, don’t you think?