I have been so pleasantly surprised by the fall colors here in Alabama. We lived in Mississippi 13 years ago and I honestly don’t recall what kind of fall foliage we had there. I didn’t know what to expect from Alabama.

While it’s not a Midwest fall color fest of course, we do have quite a few trees changes color. In a way, the trees that do change are extra special because they stand out so much more than when every single tree has changed over. I am trying to savor those colors instead of glossing over them.

I was sharing this observation with my writing group within the Word on Fire Institute. As I wrote to them, I elaborated about how not knowing what nature will do each season has become one of the hidden joys of this military life.

We moved to Kansas in the middle of winter. We had no idea what flowers were going to be in our front or back beds. Would we have a bunch of weeds? Nothing at all? A bunch of perennials? Around both large trees in the front was a very tangled underbrush type of plant. I was thoroughly surprised and delighted by the tulips that came up in early spring.

Moving often is difficult. There have definitely been seasons when I have sunk into the difficulty. But no matter where we are, the natural seasons continue to turn. As one season blends into the next, I find myself drawn out of my inner worries and concerns. I begin to look about in wonder and delight as a season I know well comes alive anew for me because of the new location we have found ourselves in.

Speaking of seasons turning, some seasonal change is happening here on the blog. As you have likely noticed, the weekly Gospel reflections have waned. If you aren’t a YouTube subscriber but you did enjoy the weekly reflection, I would humbly ask you to subscribe to my YouTube channel. I am continuing to post weekly Gospel reflections there. While sustainable and life-giving at first, writing at that frequency as well as recording and producing a weekly video has become too much to handle.

Due to the needed creative break, there will not be an updated Advent journal. Previous years’ journals are all still available and are organized by liturgical year (we will be starting Year B the First Sunday of Advent). You are more than welcome and encouraged to check out the previous journals. The days will not line up but the overall readings and content will.

As I said, I am continuing with the weekly YouTube videos and am hoping to include some additional Advent reflections. If you were hoping for new Advent specific content from me, YouTube is the place for it.

The seasons continue to shift and change. This blog has grown and evolved since I started it and I’m sure it will continue to do so. From the beginning, I have tried to use this space in such a way that is pleasing to the will of the Holy Spirit, to post when inspired to share and to share the good, beautiful, and hard things God is working in my life and the life of my family. Thank you for continuing to journey with me.