A new season for our country has begun.  May we enter into this time with much prayer and thoughtful consideration for the country our children will inherit.

We had a great time trick or treating.  The kids brought home 4 huge bowls of treats and the older ones enjoyed traipsing from house to house.  We picked a neighborhood that didn't seem to have much foot traffic, but many homes for them to stop at.  It was an enjoyable experience.

We are beginning the final countdown until we return to our old home state to visit family and friends.  I can hardly believe that it has been a year since we were last there.   Our week is jam packed with plans and we are really looking forward to seeing everyone.   We left with 6 children (#7 on the way) and are returning with 7.  Gideon will be meeting his Grandma for the first time.  We are really looking forward to this reunion.  I'm sure it will be filled with love and tears and many wonderful memories.  I can only imagine the photos we will get to sift through and lovingly add to our albums. 

Our weather seems to have shifted from Indian Summer into full blown fall with touches of winter.   The kids are still willing to brave the elements, but they spend much more time preparing for their excursions.  It's hard to believe that at any point now it will be bone chilling cold outside.  I have to admit that I don't mind the cold and the snow, especially when we are tucked away inside the warmth of our home.  When we venture out into the cold, I don't mind it too much either.  I am always thankful when the roads are safe, but I don't mind bundling up and breathing the clean air.  However, the negative numbers will keep me inside.  I'm not crazy.   I have enjoyed being in a cooler climate.  I know that there aren't many of us out there, but we do exist. 

The kids surprised me with breakfast this morning.  I usually hear them when they are up to something, but today I was pleasantly surprised.   Yummy eggs and homemade bread (that Mommy had made earlier in the week).   And I didn't have to clean up the mess.  Tonight we are going to make pizza.  The kids are really excited.

Gideon is beginning to turn into a toddler.  He walked while pushing a toy cart.  My emotions were very mixed.  I'm so thankful that he is strong and healthy, but my baby boy is growing so quickly.  He seems determined to catch up with his siblings.  I thought the youngest was supposed to enjoy being the baby.  Not in my family.  They are born ready to go. 

"...No one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God."  Luke 9:62  

We must be willing to let go of the ties that bind us to the past.  We must be willing to keep our eyes on Jesus.   When we repent, we are forgiven for the past.  When we follow after Jesus, we cannot maintain a grasp on the things that pull us into our past lives.  We need to be willing to throw off the chains of loss and regret and pain and let our souls take flight, powered by the Holy Spirit.  So often we set conditions for if and when we will follow after Jesus.  This hinders our relationship with Him.  God tells us that He is the Great I AM.  Not I WAS.  We need to look forward and embrace the life that God has set before us.  Trust God to tie up the loose ends and to resolve everything that lies behind us.  He will let us know what needs to be done, but we can only hear Him if we are seeking Him.   Trust in Him, Beloved.  Follow Him, Beloved.  He will lead you.  He will always love you.

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