Thankful November

Greetings from NW PA, the new frontier for this girl.

Our first snow fell November 1st, and though it didn't amount to much it was exciting to see it's return. The girls even seemed to be excited as they ran about outside.

 

After 2 1/2 days of hard rain, I went out one afternoon to snap fall color. The color was amazing. The rain enhanced the land, and I enjoyed snapping away. 

I coudn't get over how bright the color was. I pictured myself at the picnic table enjoying the view.

The water was very high at the dam in town. The color made the walking bridge very attractive.

I enjoyed attending the Gingerbread Tour the first weekend in November. It's an annual event where about 20 shops participate and a number of restaurants. The shops spread much joy and happiness around as visitors walked about.

It was started to focus on the talented artisans in the Sigel-Cook Forest area (about 15 minutes from home). Jerry and I saw the sign below in one of the shops and started laughing. It now hangs in the house. Jerry told me my assignment was "to find out who took the picture." Him and his humor. One of the shops introduced me to a lovely website: wrendaledesigns.com   I love their note cards!

We are definitely snow birds.  

 

I headed out early one morning with heavy frost on the ground. I was headed to the Amish bakery to get some donuts and bread. Five minutes from home I found three cows out of the pasture enjoying freedom. Except the small one. It was scared and started back across the street and slipped on the frosty pavement. 

On my way home a buck ran across the street in front of me and into the field. It stopped to watch me. I got a nice snap of him before he slowly walked away. 

"Let there be light." Genesis 1:3 "Lord God, how these four words speak volumes about Your infinite power and Your absolute sovereignty! I find real comfort and hope in the fact that You are all powerful and totally in control of the universe, of the world's history, and of my journey through life. May those four words keep me mindful that nothing is impossible for You as I face situations that seem impossible to me." Lisa Guest, 100 Favorite Bible Verses

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14

A Cherished Anniversary

Greetings from NW PA, the new frontier for this girl!

November, the month of Thanksgiving, and not just that one day. It's a month to show thankfulness for all things, but a very special something for me! November 14, 1978, a day I will never forget.

Thirty-nine years ago I said yes to Christ, and He changed my life. He gave me forgiveness, hope, purpose, mercy and grace, and continues to be an alive presence in my life. That's worth celebrating!

I think back to my early days when I first found Christ and all that I learned at my home church. My working at my home church and then with the Baptist Convention opened my eyes to Christian men and women who lived for Christ. The many pastors I sat under during those working years and the ones I worked directly with helped me understand truly serving Christ. The many friends I met who exhibited Christ in their daily lives and showed me what real friendship is helped grow me into the woman I am today. I am indeed blessed!

"It is best to be with those in time we hope to be with in eternity." Sir Thoma Fuller (1608-1661)

Since becoming a part of the Quilt Ladies Ministry, I've helped sew 39 quilt blankets to give away. (39 . . . a popular number in this post.) My part of adding the batting, backing and trim of tops that have already been sewn gives me purpose each week.

The ladies won't meet again until next April, but there will still be some sewing going on in homes. With most of the ladies in their 70s and 80s, and winter's here in NW PA , gathering together would be difficult.

My newest created quilt project is a fall covering which now sits on my table in the living room. With practice, I keep improving, although I did have to take out a few seams and make some corrections. But, again, I'm pleased with my newest creation, and so thankful for this new avenue of creativity.

Following are some fall scenery snaps I took while driving around.

This wishing well is calling me to come and sit by its side and dream the day away.

                                                                   King of the Dirt Pile!

Everywhere I drive I'm surrounded by mountains.

 

I just liked all that color behind the bare trees and the golden fields.

A new book is out in my Sweet Pea & Friends collection: A Farm for Maisie. Maisie lives on Moonrise Farm in Vermont. Her story tells the things all the animals are responsible for on the farm. The pictures are lovely close ups of all the animals and the story is sweet.

Yes, I'm a little too old for a children's book, but when I need a little "light" reading it's so much fun reading the stories and looking at something innocent! I love the Sweet Pea &Friends collection!

How can I thank God for all His blessings? Thanks-living.

Thanksgiving/Thanks-living

Terry W York

"How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness ..." Psalm 116:12

"Our life and its sustaining breath and life that's promised after death come from God,

our heav'nly Father, He gives us freedom from our fears; food, friends, and purpose thro' the years. All the words of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living.

"A life of living thankfulness moves lifeless words to willingness; willingness to serve our Father, That service born of love, demands our hearts, our minds, our strength, our hands.

All the words of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living.

"Our deepest love and highest praise in both routine and festive days sing of You, our heavenly Father, Yet, while our songs of praise arise, deep in our hearts we realize

All the words of our Thanksgiving fail to say what we can show by our Thanks-living."

The month of Thanksgiving. Take a moment and ponder your life. We have much to be thankful for.

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14