Fifteen Fall Favorites

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."
-Elizabeth Lawrence

Fall is by my favorite season for several reasons...

1. October is my Birthday Month!

I enjoy celebrating birthdays more than anyone else that I know!! I get so excited that I spend all of October preparing for October 30th! Unfortunately, my friends and family are not big fans of this "birthday month" idea. 

2. Colors of the Leaves

There's nothing like watching the colors of the leaves change;

 It is evident that there is something new and refreshing right around the corner.  

3. The Leaves on the Ground

Jumping in leave piles brings joy to my little child-at-heart soul!

4.Pumpkin Coffee

Coffee shops, in general, are my favorite hangout spots; 

during autumn I find it extremely refreshing to grab a good book or study Scripture in a cozy coffee shop with a pumpkin coffee or latte in hand. 

5. Hiking Trails

Recently, a bunch of my friends and I went on a retreat to the Mountains of North Carolina. The leaves had not completely started to change yet, but it was evident that the process would soon begin. I enjoy taking walks on trails during the fall; the ability to hear the crunch of the leaves with every step I take and the fact that God has blessed me with the ability to see His beautiful creation fills my heart with thankfulness. 

6. Pumpkin Pickin'

Whether it's with family or friends, I always look forward to this time of the year when we all load up and head to our local pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin. This year I am going to Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC with a bunch of friends and I am probably more excited than a 5 year old about this event!

 I always look for the punkin that is the biggest, orangest,

 and the least beat up! Ha! 

7. Pumpkin Carving

This is an example of what I hope to be able to carve this year and enter into the "Carving Contest!" Chyyeeahhh!

 8. The Scent of Fall

The brisk air outdoors makes it a pleasure to come indoors to different fall aromas such as homemade apple pie, pumpkin spice, firewood, candy apples, autumn potpourri, etc.

9. BONFIRES

Bonfires no matter how big or small are always a great way to get the gang together for s'more s'mores! 

10. Arts & Crafts

 Arts and Crafts are my "go to" and knitting just happens to be one of my favorite things to do. You will most likely see me actively trying to pursue this activity during the cooler months. One of my goals is to finish a blanket that I have been working on for the past year...

11. Apples-to-Apples 

Apple Cider and Apple Pie are also another top favorite! 

My grandma makes an amazing apple pie that will melt in mouth!

 If my family and I get the chance we usually stop at one of the produce stands in the mountains and stock up on apples and apple cider for the fall and winter months.

12. Camping 

I'm not a big fan of the buggies but I will allow them to be my friend for a night or two out in the middle of nowhere when it comes to pitchin' a tent! 

13. College Football

Ok, ok, ok... so UNCC doesn't have a football team YET, but I long for the day 08-31-13 when they hit the turf for our first game! My roomie, Holli, is obsessed with football! I have learned a lot more than I ever knew was possible by living with her! Let's just say things get pretty heated when Clemson or Florida plays! As far as NFL is concerned... the Panther's will continue to suck. :( GO BRONCO's! Tim Tebow will be Holli's future husband. Just sayin'....

14. Scarves 

There's nothing like a little fall fashion! 

Scarves add a great accent to any outfit and serve the second purpose of keeping oneself warm and bundled up on those cold mornings walking to class. 

15. Fall Decor

Last, but definitely not least, one of my favorite things about fall is the fabulous decor! 

With just a touch of a few neutral tones any home (even a dorm room) can experience its own "harvest time" feel. I enjoy getting creative and using different elements from the outdoors to create table pieces or door wreathes such as Indian corn, acorns, mini pumpkins, leaves, or pine cones. 

Quick Fix

To all of my fellow good-cheap-food-I'm-a college-student junkies:

I found an awesome Asian Cuisine...

Annie Chun's Chicken & Garlic Mini Wontons
Only 60 Calories for 4 Wontons!
A very inexpensive & yummy delight!! 

Gifts

"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them."

Psalm 139:16

WOW! I am just amazed at the fact that God knew everything about me before I was even in my mother's womb! BTW, He knitted me there! (Ps. 139:13)

I am astonished that He knew exactly what I would do each day of my life before I was even conceived. He knew that I would reject Him and that I would be His enemy, He knew that I would fail Him time and time again, yet He chose me to be His daughter! He has secured and approved me through His Son Jesus Christ. I am so undeserving of His mercy and grace that He freely GAVE for me to receive, it was a GIFT.

Tonight, Kristin talked a little about Evangelism, something she is extremely gifted in! We talked about different evangelism styles and how not one way was better than another, but that God has created us each uniquely to share THE GOSPEL. This is the purpose that we were created for- To GLORIFY God and to make Him known to ALL of the Nations!! (Matthew 28:18-20)

I realize that I definitely don't share my faith enough! Deep down, I really do have a desire for others to come to know Christ and have a personal relationship with HIM. However, I often allow sin, lies, and "self" to get in the way and therefore, I am not glorifying God. I want so badly for humility to invade my life and to write all over my heart that it is a privilege to share with others, The Gospel.

God has given us the GIFT of His Son Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He lived a perfect, sinless life, and bore the FULL and complete wrath that we deserved. If we repent and trust in Jesus we will be able to stand before God, righteous and redeemed and have the gift of eternal LIFE! Jesus was thinking of you and me....