Our Rainy Season ☔️ has arrived

It looks like the storm door has opened for our annual rainy season.

With the clocks falling back and those cozy, darker afternoons, I'm soaking up every moment because come March, I start to crave a little more sunshine. 

But for now, I’m all in!

It's also that time of year when you have to be verrry careful where you walk... 💩

As I gazed out the window of my living room, I could see that more leaves were falling...

It’s chilly, but pleasantly refreshing! I haven’t turned on the heat since that one cold day last week. 

My husband shared these photos from his hike along the Sacramento River,

 toward Red Bluff! 

The oaks stand tall and proud, a silent testament to their strength. They don't need to flaunt their grandeur by spectacular Fall colors... their very presence commands respect! 

My husband didn't stay out that long because he said he missed me.  We really have become two peas in a pod. 

Yesterday, I ventured around the yard, and I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant marigolds.

As the morning sun filtered through the trees, it cast a warm, enchanting glow

My flower girl is all dressed up, but she might want to cozy up with a lovely sweater. And who knows, she might even need an umbrella to keep her dry. 

I was planning to harvest the lavender, but the rain had other plans! 

California poppies begin to take root and spread now,  with vibrant orange blooms gracing us in late winter or early spring. 

Last Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity to attend a leaders' fellowship at our teaching leader's home for BSF. We enjoyed a delightful evening filled with craft projects and meaningful conversations, all while savoring delicious food and great company. What a great bunch of women! 

An ice breaker pass out

We've been exploring the book of Daniel, which has been wonderful! I'm excited for our individual group fellowships tomorrow. Instead of a lecture, my group ladies will join us in our room for a fun time of getting to know each other better, before we dig into this week's study. 

I came up with my own theme of Thankfulness because we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful. 

But first, here is an ice breaker for all of you! ⬇️⬇️

Would you rather face the lions in the den like Daniel, or walk through the fiery furnace like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

While neither option would be perfect, the choice of the fiery furnace stands out especially because of that mysterious fourth figure who joins them in the flames. There's something powerful and reassuring about facing adversity together, isn’t there?

Would you prefer to interpret dreams like Daniel did for King Nebuchadnezzar?

or have visions of future kingdoms?

Understanding dreams would be fascinating.

I have many vivid dreams whose meanings I would love to discover.

Would you rather be known for your wisdom and understanding, like Daniel, or for your unwavering faith, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

I’d love to embrace both, but I’ll definitely need that unwavering faith when I step into that fiery furnace alongside Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! Ouch!

Would you choose to eat only vegetables and water like Daniel and his friends, or feast at the king's table with rich foods and wine?

I'd be looking forward to a refreshing time with Daniel and friends, savoring delicious water and crisp veggies! Especially since rich foods and wine tend to upset my stomach these days. Cheers to healthy choices and great company!

You can share below or just skip it. I'd be interested in your answers!

ANYWHO...

I asked them in a text message to think about these questions and pick one they would like to go deep into:

❓What is the best thing that has happened in your life that you are most thankful for? 

❓What are some smaller things in your life that you are also thankful for? 

❓Do you tend to be a complainer, or are you a thankful person?

***I picked this one because I like to be transparent and share my past struggles and how I overcame them. ⬆️⬆️

Now I loved my mom, even though she often expressed her frustrations by complaining. I recognized this trait in myself in my teens and BC days and have actively worked on it, with the Holy Spirit's strength. Reflecting on my past, I give all the glory to God for changing me.

Which group would you like to be around and why? 

Not anymore - In the past, I noticed I would gravitate toward others who frequently complained. However, I realized that this negativity breeds dissatisfaction and fear—a much healthier approach to life is to embrace positivity and gratitude!

❓Why is it important to give thanks in all circumstances? 

That's all I have for today. Now it's time for me to start dinner and finish getting ready for tomorrow so that I can relax this evening and enjoy the coziness of this Fall evening.

Wow, how true is that?