pumpkins grinning

Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
of soft and golden hue —
goblins of the cornfield stark,
pumpkins grinning in the dark…
~Hallowe’en postcard from the early 1900s  

Photo by Marge McCoy

autumn unconfined

“Thy bounty shines in autumn unconfined, and spreads a common feast for all that live.”

– James Thomson

Photo by Marge McCoy

beauty lurks

The human soul is slow to discover the real excellence of things given to us by a bountiful Creator, and not until the shadows of death begin to gather around the object that we love, do we see its worth and beauty. Autumn is the dim shadow that clusters about the sweet, precious things that God has created in the realm of nature. While it robs them of life, it tears away the veil and reveals the golden gem of beauty and sweetness. Beauty lurks in all the dim old aisles of nature, and we discover it at last. ~Northern Advocate

Photo by Marge McCoy

quietly

falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~John Bailey, “Autumn,”

Photo by Jean Pike

into light

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

2 Samuel 22:29

Photo: Josie Rader

to autumn

Come, pensive Autumn, with thy clouds, and storms,
And falling leaves, and pastures lost to flowers;
A luscious charm hangs on thy faded forms,
More sweet than Summer in her loveliest hours…
~John Clare, “To Autumn,”

Photo by Jean Pike

Joys Are Flowing Like a River

Joys are flowing like a river
Since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Refrain
Blessed quietness, holy quietness—
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me.
How the billows cease to roll!

Bringing life and health and gladness
All around, this heavenly Guest
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.
Refrain

Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,
So the Holy Ghost is given,
Coming to us from on high.
Refrain

See a fruitful field is growing
Blessed fruits of righteousness,
And the streams of life are flowing
In the lonely wilderness.
Refrain

What a wonderful salvation
Where we always see His face!
What a perfect habitation!
What a quiet resting place!
Refrain

Lyrics:Manie Payne Ferguson (1850-1932)
Music:W. S. Marshall; Adapted by James M. Kirk (1854-1945)
Photo: Josie Rader

rest secure

Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.

Deuteronomy 33:12 (NLT)

Photo by Marge McCoy

brightly

• “Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.” — Faith Baldwin

Photo by Marge McCoy

season of the soul

• “I notice that Autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.”
• — Friedrich Nietzsche
• Photo by Aaron Lazar
• www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com