Fall - A Season of Transition

Here in Minnesota the evidences that fall has come are clear.  Leaves are changing colors.  The weather is crisper.  The sun is setting sooner.  Schools are back in session.  There is a sense that we all have put away our summer things, and we're starting to hunker down for the winter ahead of us.  
While some find fall depressing with its thoughts of summer past and the oncoming cold of winter, I find fall fascinating.  Yes, the leaves on the trees are dying and falling off, but they go in a blaze of glory.  And, they go because the trees neither have the means to sustain them during the winter months nor the strength to support snow-laden and frozen leaves.  Yes, the animal kingdom as a whole is busy storing up food to last out the winter months, and some will not survive, but they go about their task with an energy that is inspiring.  Flocks of birds are flying south.  Squirrels are scurrying around gathering nuts.  Deer are acquiring a winter coat.  What a busy season fall is!
As I look around me and consider all that occurs in nature during fall, I am drawn once again to marvel at God's all-powerful wisdom.  The seasons change, animals and plants go through life cycles; all is just as He has ordained.  I am thankful that as things in nature and in life change, that I can rest securely on my unchangeable God.  

Book Recommendation - The Piano Shop on the Left Bank

I recently finished reading The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart.  If you’ve ever played piano or have owned a piano, this book will resonate with you.  Carhart depicts his rediscovery of the piano with exquisite descriptions.  As he tells his story, he pulls the reader in with luring sense of mystery.  His illustrations evoke an air of Parisian Old World flair, and his journey encompasses a rich patina - just like the pianos his story embraces.

30-Day Giving Challenge

In my meanderings through the blog-o-sphere, I've been made aware of the 30-Day Giving Challenge.  I plan on taking this challenge on and on posting about it throughout the month of November.  One personal quirk, though: I like giving things anonymously.  I like it because then the other person is blessed and has no one else to thank except God.  So, I plan on trying to fulfill the giving challenge through a bunch of anonymous acts.  So . . . when I post about them, I'm going to purposefully leave my postings somewhat vague.