Autumn in New England

There is nothing like the cool temperatures, colorful leaves against the clear, blue sky and enjoying autumn in New England. Yes, I'm a New England girl. I love the seasons--each has something special to enjoy. So I'd like to share a few images with you as we transition into autumn.



A Harvest of Cranberries

Deciduous Holly

Maple Leaf

Cedar branch laden with berries

Beginning of color



Sunflowers make me smile!



 

Every season and life-season brings elements of change and beauty. I want to embrace whatever is ahead and take time to enjoy its fruit.

 

What's your favorite aspect of Autumn? What season of life are you facing? How can you capture its beauty and share it with someone?

 

 

Hard to believe November is knocking on the door,

 

 

Jeanne

 

 

 



Photos by Jeanne Doyon

 

 



Change

There's a cool nip in the air as falling leaves do their autumn dance. I love the fall but I don't look forward to the cold, gray winter. It won't be long. Temperatures are already dipping into the thirties overnight. We will set the clocks back in a couple of weeks. I will miss the light evening sky as I drive home from work.

I already miss sitting amongst my flowers; they are beginning to wilt in the night time chill.

Though I try to look for the positive things, change is hard. It's inevitable but often not welcome. I face changes everyday and how I embrace them will affect me. Watching my sisters face their divorces and losing my dad has been a huge adjustment. We had his burial service earlier this week, almost three months after his death. It wasn't surprising that today I was a little emotional.

After the burial on Monday and a stressful week at work that didn't allow for any let down, today my emotions are in a tailspin. I know it is never as simple as one thing. Many factors can contribute to my faltering emotions. Yet, I know God is with me. He knows what I struggle with even better than I know myself. He offers comfort in His presence. He knows my frame and He gives me the grace to sort it out as I lean on Him. But, it's important that I give myself the grace too.

This weekend I have extended grace to myself by not fretting about the housework. I took a long nap. And though our church had many things happening this week due to our missions conference, I allowed myself to create some margin in my days. I am not very good at not feeling guilty, but this weekend I knew I needed some down time.

Change.
Difficult. Inevitable.

Winter comes. Yet, in the bleak times there is hope. It may seem like we are hidden in a dark tomb but He promises the resurrection. Spring for the soul.

Do life's changes put you into a tailspin? How can you give yourself grace, knowing that God knows everything you are facing?

Thankful that He knows my frame (what I am made of),

Jeanne

“Just as a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.”
Psalm 103:13-14 (NAS)