Autumn

Autumn is probably my favorite season. I love the feeling that the year is established, that it has proven itself. The joyous energy of spring has gone away, leaving in its place the warm lazy days of summer when the heat makes you wish for winter-though not really-and evenings are spent reading in the green light filtering through the leafy canopy into your bedroom. Now it's autumn, a patient comfortable time when everything is tucking up for a long sleep. Yes, I love Autumn.

This is also the time when we start baking quite a lot again; quick breads and casseroles, cookies and pies. The oven warms the place nicely and the aroma of browning crusts drifts on airy wings into every corner and nook.

I'm not a professional baker, now, but there are some things I've learned that may be useful to some of you out there. I hope it will be. There is an egg allergy in our family, so I've learned-even though I like eggs-to cook and bake without them. Which is difficult. We've spent quite a while collecting recipes that actually turn out well! I want to share them with those of you who, either because of your own allergy or a family member's, can't have eggs but still would love to delight in the joys of baking. So those posts are in the making, and will be coming out in the next few weeks.

God bless all of you, and know you're in my prayers. Let yourself rejoice in Him, and He will bring joy to you.

Petra

Smile!

Do you know how much good it can do? Simple and momentary, but able to create a lasting impression. It has the power to comfort, to heal, to communicate care and warmth, love and encouragement. The value of this can’t be measured. It costs nothing to give, but means the world to him who receives it. What is it?

 

A Smile.

 

I love smiles. Given purely and selflessly, they are like a hug, or arms outstretched in welcome, a quiet conversation, a joyous reunion. Some of my most treasured memories are of the smiles I have been offered.

 

You can do a world of good just by smiling at someone. All day, every day. Show them you care, show them God cares, by smiling. It won’t just make them feel better, either…a cheerful heart is like a cure to its bearer.

 

Smile at your Mama, the clerk at Wal-Mart, the neighbor driving by, the homeless lady on the park bench, just smile! Rejoice in God’s beauty and His love, and share His life with others. Even if you think it’s a dinky offering, I can assure you that it is not.

 

A pure smile is a treasure too valuable to keep hidden.