Fall: Changing of Seasons
Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons of the year. Growing up in Iowa, everyone looked forward to fall by the leaves, and trees changing colors. The crimson, gold, forest green and orange foliage seemed to sprout up everywhere setting the stage for cooler months ahead. The month of October definitely begins the rush for fall decorations, planting of fall flowers, the smell of apple cider, caramel apples, pumpkin coffees, cookies, candles or almost anything relating to the season but surely inspiring retail competitions. The excitement that takes over everyone and the joy of anticipation is overwhelmingly received by all.
For me, fall is also a time for reflection. I like to pause, sit still and look back upon what has happened this past year and examine what goals did I achieve or am still working on to improve my spiritual growth. This is where the word ‘Silence’ which I have felt the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention the last few years… maybe I need to stop, pause and be silent. This past year I really have tried to become more focused and keep the presence of God with me daily. My goal is to continue reading the Bible, various devotionals, and attend as many programs as I am able which will only support my intention to improve my spiritual growth. This is my personal challenge. So, just as fall is a sign of Changing of Seasons, we can also refresh our faith and recharge our journey with Christ. For a small church community, we have many opportunities to awaken any of our spiritual needs. I, myself, feel very blessed. Recently, we held a Ministry Fair giving all of us an opportunity to join or rejoin various ministries. I would like to share a couple ministries that I have been involved with and how they have touched my heart spiritually:
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Deacon Carol has initiated a new format for Women’s Bible Study. The ministry team introduced a study guide and streaming video with selected authors teaching through Study Gateway. The women can, at their leisure, watch a video at home and study the Bible. In class we then review the video and have table discussions about the lesson. Everyone is really enjoying this new format and feel they are able to navigate through the Bible easily. Megan Fate Marshman, a leading spiritual speaker, has provided the study guides for this quarter. Some of the ladies even had the opportunity to experience a live conference here in Gilbert where she was speaking. JOHN: Believe I am is the book we finished this past week.
John 20:31: ‘But these are written so that you will know that I am the Messiah, the Son of God and by believing you may have life in His name.’
MONTHLY PRAYER RETREAT: Deacons Cheryl and John have led the monthly prayer retreats for several years. Each month they presented the program and guided us through the teaching. However, this year they invited the participants to select topics for our programs and the opportunity to facilitate a teaching. I accepted this challenge and my topic was ‘Praying the Psalms’, concentrating on Psalm 67. I met with John and Cheryl and with their assistance planned my presentation. Under their direction, I was able to develop the program including the teaching, music, and an exercise for the audience to follow along with the facilitator.
PSALM 67: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us. So that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.”
These two ministries are a way I find I am more focused on my devotion to our God.
I hope you have been inspired to take time to reflect how you can renew your faith journey as I have. I wish the same enthusiasm for renewing our spirituality would be as exciting for everyone as it is when Pumpkin Coffees are back in season.