The Glory of Fall

This fall seems like one of the most colorful seasons I remember. The trees are just amazingly beautiful; at the peak of color in Central Iowa right now. I praise God for His artistic designs all around us! This is one of my favorite trees. We have been watching it grow since we moved to Ankeny eight years ago. It is our view out our deck door or our kitchen window.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shining shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

The autumn fields are becoming bare as harvest continues during this very dry season. The clouds of dust are evidence of a working combine or corn picker. Semis are parked along the fields waiting to be filled by the golden corn and soybeans. It still thrills me to watch the farmers work the harvest.

One of my favorite fall hymns is "We Plow the Fields, and Scatter". The words are perfect for this season. 

"We plow the fields, and scatter The good seed on the land, But it is fed and watered By God's almighty hand; He sends the snow in winter, The warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine, And soft refreshing rain. All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven above; Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all His love. He only is the Maker Of all things near and far, He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The winds and waves obey Him, By Him the birds are fed; Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread. All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven above; Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all His love. We thank Thee then, O Father, For all things bright and good, The seed-time and the harvest, Our life, our health, our food; Accept the gifts we offer For all Thy love imparts, And what Thou most desires, Our humble, thankful hearts. All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven above; Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all His love." Written by Matthias Claudius, 1782 and Johann A. P. Schulz, 1800; Trans. by Jane M. Campbell, 1861.

Holy Father, I pray this morning with grateful heart for the beauty of the earth. You fill our lives with bountiful blessings for which I am so thankful. Guide my steps and control the words I speak, so I am pleasing to You in all I do today. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.