it's october 1st and there was a chill in the air this morning. i've been waiting all year for this. fall makes me smile and these are the reasons why:
1. pumpkin spice and gingerbread lattes
2. really cool scarfs (and boots)
3. baked goods in excess
4. cheaper electric bills
5. and football :)
God has been working on my heart lately. i've been sorting through some areas of my life that need change, growth, breakthrough, conviction, perseverance and patience. especially patience. i've been spending more time just being still. listening. which most of you know is not one of my strong points :) but wow. it's amazing what God can do when you get quiet before Him. it's humbling. it's peaceful. it's life transforming.
i've been studying 1 Peter this week. these are some verses that really spoke to me:
1 Peter 3: 8-12
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say,“If you want to enjoy lifeand see many happy days,keep your tongue from speaking eviland your lips from telling lies.11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his faceagainst those who do evil.”1 Peter 4: 7-8
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
i want to love people well. really love them. it's so easy to get caught up in your own world and selfishness. i want to be a better daughter, sister and friend. "continue to show deep love for each other for love covers a multitude of sins"...we're called to love, whether we want to or not. the more time i spend loving God, the more love i have to give to others. you're really loving someone when there's a genuine inner readiness and longing to secure the good in them.
....back to my fall antics. below is a precious little girl who stole my heart at first glance. she's wearing an adorably fun vintage-looking fall dress. her mom made this dress out of an old skirt. i'm.in.LOVE. and inspired.
special thanks to Kalleen (precious little girl's mommy) for the images. check out her blog :)
