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The joy of youth is something that can never be replaced or forgotten. We
are to enjoy these days that we are living in to the best of our ability
because sooner than we realize, we will all be grown up and moved forward
with our lives. Our memory of youth is the only thing that can bring back
the childhood fun and laughter that was prominent in those days. (Psalm 118:24)
We who are older now should make it a point to create joyful memories with
those younger than we are and provide for them the jewels of enjoyment that
will be thought upon in their later years. Be encouraged to lead a joyful
and fun existence leading others with your light and showing them the good
things that God has given to those who love Him. (James 3:13) (James 1:17)
I hope this simple message encourages your heart to continually create
memories with your loved ones that will be remembered and thought upon far
longer than you could have ever imagined.
THE PUMPKIN PATCH
Years ago when the girls were small, besides the trick or treating of
Halloween, a highlight in October was visiting the pumpkin patch. We
usually saved this special outing for the Saturday before Halloween. If
memory serves me correctly each year the weather cooperated with sunny
skies and fairly warm temperatures. Some years the crisp, cool air of
autumn gave us reason to wrap sweaters around our waists, just in case.
It was quite a long ride out to the pumpkin patch. The girls would get
anxious repeating a familiar phrase, “Are we there yet?” Outside the city
and a ways past the suburbs we'd drive until we were out in the country and
there we'd find the spectacular farm all decorated for the harvest season.
Huge scarecrows could be seen everywhere, greeting young and old alike. A
barn converted into a craft store for the occasion had all you could want
for the fall festivities. Caramel apples covered in peanuts to sink your
teeth into, cider to sip, and popcorn balls to crunch.
No trip to the pumpkin patch would be complete without a good old fashioned
hay ride. The farmer's tractor pulled the long, wooden seated vehicle out
into the middle of the patch as the children sang songs. The ride was
bumpy, the songs were severely off key, but the giggle of happy children
always made for a joyful ride.
When we reached our destination the kids were instructed to only pick a
pumpkin they were able to carry. Of course it never failed - Bill and I
would each be lugging an oversized Jack-O-Lantern back to where the tractor
waited.
I fondly remember all the fun on a far away piece of farmland where the
weather signaled the end of summer and the beginning of frost filled nights.
The other day Bill and I took a ride that found us passing the same place
we picked pumpkins with the kids. Sadly, we witnessed its demise with no
signs of the traditional Halloween happenings.
Apparently the farmland has been gone for a long time. It is now a sub-
division with clusters of homes scattered all around the area. The only
trace of hay, apple cider and friendly faced scarecrows to welcome us are
in the memories of two aging parents and their now grown daughters.
These days we purchase our pumpkins at the local grocery store. Lately we
have resorted to painting on smiling faces in stead of carving them. They
are quite smaller than the gargantuan gourds our children use to choose.
Autumn is a special time of caring and sharing. It's a time to be thankful
for the harvest that we reap, both nutritional and spiritual. In the
harvest of our lives I am grateful for the bounty of love and memories that
are mine to forever cherish.
By Kathy Whirity
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Isaiah 61:10-11 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be
joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He
hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh
himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the
things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause
righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”
Galatians 5:22-26 “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another,
envying one another.”
Psalm 25:4-7 “Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in
Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do
I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, Thy tender mercies and Thy
lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins
of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou
me for Thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: WORDS TO LIVE BY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem180.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: THE SPARROW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony56.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
