Blessings to Recall

"God particularly pours out His blessings upon those who know how much they need Him."

Unknown

 

As I was pondering what to write for the last week of 2019, I needed a little encouragement. So I decided to write down what I'm thankful for and the blessings I have. A good way to end the year I think. I added in a few pictures to enjoy.

I have much to be thankful for and hope these blessings I've written down will spur you to think of your own blessings.

The biggest and most important blessing is my faith in God. It's been over 40 years now since I was saved, and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. If not for this, my life would have held none of the joy and encouragement I've been blessed to receive.

Jerry, my husband, must come next. For 34 years we've shared our lives and grown together. He is a kind, caring and helpful man.

My daughter, Sandy, is my next blessing. Although we share no relationship, I will always love her and pray for her until my life ends here on earth.

My bouquet of friends is full of loving, caring and encouraging people. It is my friends who have been with me though all times of my life, helping me, laughing with me, crying with me and influencing me. I've had a full bouquet in which I am thankful.

 

My 55th birthday party: "Celebration of Friends."  One of the top five things I've done in my life.

My health has been good most of my life. I am now five years cancer free, and I'm thankful to have reached the age of 70 and still able to get around well.

I am most thankful for the gifts my Lord has given me in which to serve Him. Writing encourages my heart and through note writing and writing for my blog, I've been able to share His love with countless people.

 
I'm also thankful for the gift of photography that I've used to bring joy to others. What a thrill it is to capture a scene from God's creation and share it with others.

 A favorite snap!

I'm thankful for my sister, Kathy, and her husband, David, who has helped me many times. Although far away, they are very close in heart.

 I've been blessed by the church families I've been a part of through the years. That's where so many of my friends have come from that I hold dear to my heart. I'm thankful for my present church family that I worship with and serve with.

I'm thankful for a handful of men I've sat under as they taught and encouraged from the pulpit. My home church pastor, Robert Crowley, who is now with the Lord, taught me, a new Christian, how to be a Christian and live for Christ. Other men that touched my heart: two men I worked for at the Baptist Convention: Aubrey Stewart and Tom Stolle; my pastor in MD at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Mike Trammell, and my present pastor, Jim Fillhart. I have, indeed, been blessed.

The skills God gave me made it possible to work in jobs I enjoyed and able to support myself as a single parent. The local telephone company provided for me 21 years, and the Baptist Convention of MD/DE provided for me 16 years. There were a few shorter jobs, but these two companies made it possible for me to support myself.

 Celebrating retirement!

I've enjoyed a number of dogs through the years that always gave me love and happiness. Abby and Jo are still with me.

 This is Sam and we were sharing a good laugh together!

Although my family is very small in number, I'm thankful God always provided a friend to share life with. I don't know what a big, happy family is like, but I do know what a big happy bouquet of friends are like.

I'm thankful for memories. Good memories. Happy memories. Funny memories.

A favorite job and first check for a published article.

I'm thankful God made me able to sleep well. Most of my life, sleep comes five minutes after I lay down. That is a true blessing.

I'm thankful for the Hope I've received in knowing God. As one of my favorite verses says: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14

I'm thankful for the life verse God gave me to serve Him: " . . . he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

One of my posters when I talked about note writing.

I'm thankful for all that I've learned through all the trials and burdens in my life. None of them were easy, but God was always with me, and I'm thankful I had Him to turn to, to carry me through.

I have much to be thankful for. I encourage you, as this year comes to an end, to think about your blessings and what you are most thankful for. We may live in perilous times, but our Anchor holds! Thank you, Father!

May silent thanks at least to God be given with a full heart. Our thoughts are heard in heaven."

William Wordsworth (1770-1830)

 

Let the Bells Ring!

One Christmas I found these angels in front of a house. I loved the display!

I love to hear church bells ring. I just have to stop and listen, enjoying the sound. YouTube has several videos if you want to take a moment and enjoy the sound.

Last Sunday we sang the carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," during the worship service. Before singing, we were told the story behind this song. I enjoy reading how a song is conceived. What circumstances brought the words to the hymnist. Tom Stewart shared these words of how this Carol came to be.

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

"One ofAmerica's best known poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow contributed to the wealth of carols sung each Christmasa season when he composed the words to "I Heard the Bells on Christ Day" on December 25th, 1864," Stewart wrote.

"The carol was originally a poem, 'Christmas Bells,' . . . and were penned when America was months away from Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court house. This poem reflected the prior years of the war's despair, while ending with a confident hope of triumphant.

" As with any composition that touches the heart . . . the words flowed not only from the tragedy of the war, but the personal experience of Longfellow--involving the tragic death of his wife Fanny and the crippling injury of his son, Charles from war.

" . . . The third and fourth verse could be said of us today when our nation is divided between good and bad."

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

'God is not dead, nor doth he sleep,

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men"

Til, ringing, singing, on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, good will to men!"

God is not dead. He is alive. We can enjoy much peace in our hearts knowing He is in control of all things, and His goodwill will prevail in the end.

A "Refreshing" Gift

"The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of his other children."

Henry Drummond, 1851-1897

 I love bows! Big, fluffy beautiful bows! A few years ago I purchased three large bows from Etsy, and I place them around the Christmas decorations I put out each year. They just make me smile.

Rereading some of my earlier Christmas posts, I decided this one at Christmas 2013 needed to be shared. I've been in the shoes of those who need encouraging at Christmas. Consider what you can do to bring joy to another at this time.

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 This proverb has returned to me over and over again. As my friend, Carol, said: "It always brings me joy to brighten someone's day." Think on these words as you consider what you can do as you read through this post.

As you go through this week and into Christmas week, whether you are excited about the coming Christmas celebrations or hurting and discouraged about the festivities to come, look around and you will see someone whose heart needs encouraging. There are always people who are hurting at this season of the year.

The bows are actually tree toppers with four long strands of ribbon to wrap around a tree.

Bring with you an extra baked treat, your smile, or an invitation to Christmas Eve festivities or Christmas dinner. Even a small inexpensive gift, wrapped beautifully will delight a hurting someone.

Below is how I used this lovely bow this year!

Can you recall a time when you were hurting and discouraged, and someone came up to you and offered cheer? I sure do! And it was that invitation to Christmas dinner, and that invitation to attend Christmas Eve services, and that delicious homemade treat that helped me through hard Christmases.

Even with a house full of family, inviting that one person who needs encouraging to share it with you will make a difference. I thank many a friend who included me in special occasions to lift my heart.

The heart of Christmas is giving, and the most perfect gift is Jesus. He comes in many forms, and is always perfect. Your hands are His to share! Give Him to another.

I've always wore gloves during the winter months, but a few weeks ago I lost one of my gloves. I saw these mittens sitting in my winter scarf bag and decided to try them out. They were a lovely gift from someone. I love them! I think I just became a mitten girl.

Look around you this year, at coworkers, neighbors, friends; check out workers at your favorite store, and give that special touch to light the heart of someone.

There was a lovely full moon a few nights ago. I let the girls out for their nightly walk and loved the display! I'm not a nighttime photographer, but I do like the way this came out.

As I've encouraged you to give that special touch, I'll be doing the same thing this week to those who need a touch of God's encouragement. And while you're at it, how about a special note, or a friendly word to your pastor who stands before you every week and teaches God's Word. Each Sunday I'm filled with God's truth, knowing my pastor has studied and prayed about the message he brings.

Turn up your Christmas music, write that encouraging note, bake that delicious treat, make that cheerful telephone call, and make Christmas a happier time for someone else. You have the best gift of all in your heart. Share it with someone with a smile!

"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness and small obligations win and preserve the heart."

Humphrey Davy, 1778-1829

Sing a Song

A little Christmas around our home.

Can you carry a tune? I use to be able to carry a tune, but after a muscle spasm in my throat, I can't carry a tune anymore. I can still sing, though, just softly or my throat starts too hurt.

This is the season for singing all those lovely Christmas Carols. Everybody has their favorite. Just listening to Christmas Carols puts a smile on my face.

But there's one thing all of us can do whether we can carry a tune or not. Our singing can be a prayer.

I found this song the other day that will help us along.

My Singing is a Prayer

My singing is a prayer, O Lord, A prayer of thanks and praise;

In music, Lord, I worship Thee; Thy beauty fills my days.

I give my talents, Lord, to Thee, My mind and heart and voice,

For Thou alone art worthy, Lord; in Thee I do rejoice.

Accept the worship of my heart, Accept my music, too;

Help me to live always for Thee, Lord, keep me strong and true.

O bless me, Lord, and help me sing Thy love so full and free;

And bless all those who listen, Lord, Help them to worship Thee.

Novella D. Preston Jordan, (1901- )

In David Jeremiah's magazine, Turning Point, he shared the story of who wrote the Christmas Carol O Holy Night. "It was written by a nonreligious Frenchman, set to music by a Jewish man who didn't celebrate the Lord's birthday, and translated into English by a Unitarian preacher who would capture the hearts of us all for the last 172 years." God uses whoever He wants to achieve His purposes. O Holy Night  may be one of the Carols you sing this Christmas. Sing it loud. Sing it everywhere. Sing it from your heart!

 
 Whether you can carry a tune or not, as you go through this Christmas season, may your heart be aware of the words you sing and your words a song of worship.

"O holy night the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new glorious morn

Fall on your knees

O hear the angels' voice

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

O night divine O night

O night divine"

"A bird doesn't sing because he has an answer--he sings because he has a song." Joan Anglund. Sing, my friend! We have the answer!

A Special Gift

 
Many of us are thinking about gifts to buy, and some of us have already bought them! I'd like you to consider another gift to give this year.

I read this hymn the other morning and thought it the perfect poem to guide our thoughts this Christmas season. This gift is for someone special. And it can be a lifelong gift.

Something for Thee

Savior, Thy dying love Thou gavest me,

Not should I aught withhold, Dear Lord, from Thee:

In love my soul would bow, My heart fulfill its vow,

Some of'fring bring Thee now, Something for Thee.

At the blest mercy seat, Pleading for me,

My feeble faith looks up, Jesus, to Thee:

Help me the cross to bear, Thy wondrous love declare,

Some song to raise, or pray'r, Something for Thee.

Give me a faithful heart, Likeness to Thee,

That each departing day Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done,

Some wand'rer sought and won, Something for Thee.

All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,

In joy, in grief, thro' life, Dear Lord, for Thee!

And when Thy face I see, My ransom'd soul shall be,

Thro' all eternity, Something for Thee.

Sylvanus D. Phelps, 1816-1895 

 Don't forget to give the greatest gift you can give this Christmas season. Yourself for Christ.

The Lowliest Gift

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

Colossians 3:23

Many of us are familiar with and probably have a copy of Oswald Chambers' book My Utmost for His Highest. It is a beloved devotion book read by millions. The captivating words of wisdom have challenged and inspired readers for more than 80 years. The title of this book was taken from a thought in one of his sermons: "Shut out every consideration and keep yourself before God for this one thing only--My Utmost for His Highest."

What you may not know is that his wife, Gertrude Chambers,           
used the gift God gave her to compile the book: stenography.
She was an expert at shorthand and when her husband spoke,
she recorded the words.

After Oswald's death, Gertrude spent years transcribing her
husband's words, and the culmination of her hard work was
the 365 entries in this book. "Imagine what she learned along
the way, poring over her husband's thoughts and words about
the God they both loved."*


As I've mentioned before, I never wanted to be anything but a secretary. Not a highly admired position. But I made a career out of it and many other fields of service evolved from that gift of administration.

Without the skill of administration and secretarial work, the writing of notes in my life may never had materialized. "When Gertrude learned shorthand, she didn't know how God would use her skills later in life. None of us knows how God will use our skills or talents. 

"Maybe your best skills seem like things God can't use, but you never know what He has planned. As you go through your days, doing the things that you're good at, take encouragement in knowing that at any moment God could use your abilities to achiever His purposes." *

No gift is so low that it can't achieve good for God's glory. Be encouraged by Gertrude Chambers, who by using her gift of shorthand, compiled a book of her husband's words that have touched millions through the ages.

"Let none hear you idly saying, 'There is nothing I can do,'

While the lost of earth are dying, And the Master calls for you;

Take the task He gives you gladly; Let His work your pleasure ;

Answer quickly when He calls you, 'Here am I, send me, send me.'"

"Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling," verse 3,Daniel March, 1816-1909

* The One Year Women in Christian History devotional by Randy Peterson and Robin Shreeves

How Can You Be Mad At God?

"God has laid upon man the duty of being free, of safeguarding freedom of spirit, no matter how difficult that may be, or how much sacrifice and suffering it may require."

Nikolai Aleksandrovich Berdyaev (1874-1948)

I've heard so many people say they're mad at God. It's implied that everybody gets mad at God at some point in their life. We're only human after all. It's His fault. He could have done something.

I don't think I've ever been mad at God. I'm certainly not super human. I've had plenty of pain and heartbreak and discouragement and trouble. But I honestly don't think I've ever been mad at God or blamed Him for my troubles.

Why? Because He's all I have. He's the only one I can turn too. He's the only one who can do something about my trouble. He's the only one who knows me, really knows me.  How can I be mad at Him for something that has happened to me.

"Without free will, man would not be created 'in the image of God'. With it, he has the power to defy God's wishes and to bring misery on himself and others."

C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

We're not promised a trouble-free life. It's stated very clearly in His Word that God uses the troubling times in our life to help us grow as Christians and become stronger individuals.

Charles Stanley wrote in his devotion book "Wisdom From Above": "But when we realize that nothing touches our lives without permission from God, that He works all things together for our good, and that He is truly in control, it changes everything. This truth not only gives meaning to our struggles, but it also alerts us to the fact that the Father has a greater plan for our lives that He is preparing us for."

I've thought about this for years. Every time I hear someone talk about being mad at God I wonder what's wrong with me. Why don't I get mad at God? Do I have low self esteem? Do I believe I deserve what happens? No. I've wondered if it's because I have a very small family, and it was not a happy family. There wasn't anyone to turn to. No. It's not that either. I don't understand why Christian people get mad at God.

He has given every human being a free will. He doesn't make anybody love or seek Him. It's our choice. How can He be at fault when something bad happens. He didn't want robots. That means everybody makes their own choices. Some are good; some are bad.

"If man lost his liberty, he would be disqualified for membership in the kingdom of God. Not even God could build a society of love out of puppets or robots. Therefore, He never defeats himself by taking away freedom of choice from man."

Kirby Page (1890-1957)

If you think nothing really bad has ever happened to me, think again. My woes have been great. I live with great heartbreak. Blame God. Why? Because He could have stopped it? This is human life we're talking about. Our choices. Someone else's choice.

He promises to always be with me. Always. Even when something bad happens He is still with me.

Yes, I don't think I've ever been mad at God because He is the only one I can turn too. He understands me perfectly. He knows what to do to help me through.

"There are two freedoms: the false, where man is free to do what he likes; the true, where a man is free to do what he ought."

Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)

Solid Foundation

I found this on the Facebook page of "Peaceful Moments for Women."  

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read at all."

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

An early PS: After writing this post it dawned on me that I write about these topics a lot. I was going to delete the post, but then decided it encouraged me so here it is.

Cliff Barrows, from the Billy Graham team, when asked: What are some practical ways to discipline and guard our minds? replied:

"Develop a love for good music, good books and great friendships. When you meditate on God's Word or read about the lives of great believers and missionaries, you guard your mind. You see what God did in their lives as they were given to the Lord in study and experience. 

"Develop good friendships. These friendships include older people who mentor you and people your own age who can walk the Christian life with you. 

"Listen to good music. Learn the hymns because biblical principles will be ingrained in your heart and your mind as you keep going over them. If you put these things together, God will use them to help you to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Good books. There are no shortage of books to read, but make sure you're filling your mind with books that inspire, encourage, teach and convict. Fiction stories are fine. I love fiction stories. But there must be a balance so you keep your mind growing and learning.

When we married Jerry was not a reader. But through the years, even though he struggled with reading, he conquered the ability to read. Reading is now one of his favorite things to do.

Friendships. You know how I feel about friendships. I recently read this poem in one of my journals:

"You are the friend who calms my spirit, Your voice brings me joy each time I hear it.

You delight in my triumphs and share in my sorrows, You bring back the joy that misery borrows.

Whether together or miles apart, You are the friend I hold in my heart."

I hope you have a few friends like this poem describes.  Both older and the same age friends like Barrows describes. And, yes, some younger friends. If you're living a good life for Christ, younger friends can see and learn from your example. And remember your best friend, Jesus:

"The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ."

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

Music. Again, there are no shortage of songs to listen too. You want songs that enrich your life and encourage you. Hymns should be in your collection. The praise hymns of today are meaningful and inspiring, but hymns of old provide biblical principles as Barrows said.

You know how easy it is to have a tune and words settle in your mind and you can't stop singing them. If you fill your mind with hymns you will always have God's story in your mind. They may be old, but definitely not expired.

"A few songs with Him might change the way you sing. Forever."

Max Lucado, (1955-  )

So consider your life and choose good books, good friendships and good music

.

Words to Ponder

I'm a big fan of words that other people have written through the years. I have journals filled with quotes that I relate to and believe. Good words. Thoughts to ponder.

I remember about 10 years ago how excited I felt when I was able to purchase "Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World." It was a hefty $80, a sum I don't usually spend for a book. I had been introduced to it when I began writing and hoped one day I could afford it.

I enjoyed seeing this tree with the stairs. I hope there's a lovely place to sit up there.

Many of my devotion books also provide quotes I write down and ponder, as well as a few fiction books. It kind of gives me a connection to people in all centuries when I can relate to and say amen to their words.

This post shares a few quotes I've enjoyed:

"I'm sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and the pleasure." Woodrow Wilson, 1856-1924

"If I can put one thought of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God." George MacDonald, 1824-1905

"It's the noise of civilization that disturbs and grates on the nerves. Nature's noises refresh and relax me . . . the rustle of the wind in the tops of the trees or the roar of it across the ridge behind the house. The chirping of a cricket or the orchestration of Katydids from midsummer until frost. The full moon rising, huge and silent, the unexpected stillness . . . on such evenings or with Bill when he is home, we sit quietly talking or just listening to plenty of nothin." Ruth Bell Graham

"Laughter is the most beautiful and beneficial therapy God ever granted humanity." Charles R. Swindoll, 1934 -

"Hope -- the fragile, gentle whispering, tough, enduring, awesome stuff dreams are made of -- is the gift of God to every fainting heart." Gloria Gaither

"On your knees you are taller than trees." unknown

"Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist the temptation to chase after more pleasures, hobbies and more social entanglements; then 'hold the line' with the tenacity of a tackle for a professional football team." James C. Dobson, 1936 -

"John Bunyan was once asked a question about heaven which he could not answer because the matter was not revealed in the Scriptures. He advised the inquirer to live a holy life, then go and see." unknown

"Life is much simpler once we understand the important of realizing there are things we simply have no power to change. When you are able to let go and let God be God, you'll find your life becoming less stressful." Joyce Meyer, 1943 -

"And I can live my life on earth contented to the end, if but a few shall know my worth and proudly call me friend." Edgar A. Guest

"The very men who, in the pride of their investigations into the secrets of the internal world, turn a look of scorn upon the Christian system of belief, are not aware how much of the peace and order of society, how much the happiness of households, and the purest of those who are the dearest to them, are owing to the influence of that religion extending beyond their sphere . . . In my view, the life, the teachings, the labors, and the sufferings of the blessed Jesus, there can be no admiration too profound, no love of which the human heart is capable too warm, no gratitude too earnest and deep of which He is justly the object." William Cullen Bryant, 1794-1878

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." Helen Keller, 1880-1968

"I have come to realize, that the radiance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away the fragrance of the little violets or the delightful simplicity of the daisy. Perfection consists in being what God wants us to be." Th'er'ese of Lisieux, 1873-1897

"Practice the art of aloneness and you will discover the treasure of tranquility. Develop the art of solitude and you will unearth the gift of serenity." William Arthur Ward, 1812-1882

"I have no rest, but in a nook, with THE Book." Thomas a Kempis

"Every calling is great when greatly pursued." Oliver Wendall Holmes, 1809-1894

Ever since I began writing down the words and thoughts of others, from present time through the ages, I have a treasure of encouragement that helps me know I am not alone and I can stand strong in my faith. As Lynn Morrissey: "The insights of fellow spiritual pilgrims help me apply God's Truth to my own life in a relevant and meaningful way."

You may not like to journal your everyday thoughts and actions, but writing down the words of others that inspire and encourage you is very satisfying. It certainly is for me!



 

Below, a favorite snap of mine! Sam's bucket in the golden leaves. It had been through war! Sure miss old Sam!

That Big Old Tree

"For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forest and groves. And even more I revere them when the stand alone. They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche. In their highest boughs the world rustles, their roots rest in infinity; but they do not lose themselves there, they struggle with all the force of their lives for one thing only; to fulfill themselves according to their own laws, to build up their own form, to represent themselves. Nothing is holier, nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree."
Herman Heese

I love big, beautiful trees. They just make me smile. I saw this tree on my way to work and back home every day when I lived in Maryland. It looked majestic, healthy, and just, well, beautiful!

and in it's fall splendor from the other side . . .

Last week I was on the hunt for big, beautiful trees complete with Fall color. I normally look for lovely scenes, but this week I was focused entirely on mature trees, loaded with leaves and beautiful in Fall color.

It was also a week of enjoying friends I knew in Maryland for lunch in Lewisburg and Breezewood. My trips afforded me many opportunities to take pictures. Enjoy the beauty of the trees in Fall color . . . big, beautiful dazzling trees!

"Think of the number of trees and blades of grass and flowers, the extravagant wealth of beauty no one ever sees! Think of the sunrises and sunsets we never look at! God is lavish in every degree." Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

"Does not all nature around me praise God?. . . Does not the thunder praise him as it rolls like drums in the march of the God of armies? Do not the mountains praise him when the woods upon their summits wave in adoration? Does not the lightning write his name in letters of fire? Has not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I silent be?"

 Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"The tree is full of poetry."

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

 

"I feel a great regard for trees; they represent age and beauty and the miracles of life and growth."

Louise Dickinson

"Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground - as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree."

Joyce Meyer

And I'm patiently waiting for this beauty to turn completely! It's right here in Brookville, Pennsylvania!

The Fall color this year was brilliant. I hope you enjoyed seeing these few trees ablaze in color. We've had a good Fall so far. I don't know how long it will last, but I have enjoyed seeing God's creation in its splendor. If you haven't been out yet, you better hurry. Very soon we'll just be crunching leaves on the ground when we walk. Thank you Fall!