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Autumn in MN is a beautiful time! This year, while the trees have changed and it’s been a glorious time of the dancing colors as the wind blows the changing leaves about, it’s also been dry and so windy that the colors are almost gone here. Peak was last week around here. I’m so fortunate to live on one of the little lakes in this area, surrounded by trees and plants that change and make this time of year so amazing. I was reminded of this blessing by a friend who lives in a large apartment building and daily activities don’t allow her to see much of the fall beauty around. What a huge gift it is for me to live where the views can be breathtaking, my drive home (while rather lumpy from speed bumps every 3 feet) winds through the tree-lined campus and the seasons are so vivid out my window! Thank you Jesus for this gift – He knows it makes my heart swell!

Autumn from our corner of the world…

All of these photos were taken on the Bethel campus, our home! The last photo is “the path” (as it’s affectionately known) which K walks to get to class everyday. It’s also known as the “4-minute commute” – best part of the walk now is the crunching of the leaves under your feet! A for sure way to know you’re in the middle of autumn.

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Yesterday was Homecoming at my Alma Mater – Northwestern College. A beautiful day, albeit a bit hot for almost mid-October in MN. We enjoyed spending the afternoon at the field with my sister’s family (also alumni) and seeing many familiar faces among the crowd. College football games are another one of those things that makes my happiness soar. I most enjoy the excitement from the team, the never-failing belief from the fans in their team and the sea of school colors. Northwestern’s football games are unique… from the coaches now, humility and teamwork are prized. There’s not much self-celebration (as I deem it) that you see in many teams when touchdowns are made, passes caught or opponents blocked. Do they celebrate- for sure! But it’s about the team making it happen. There is usually always a clear difference between NWC’s team and the opponent in this manner – yesterday was no different. NWC may not have won, but they play with sportsmanship like no other.

My absolute favorite part of an NWC game is what we call, Fifth Quarter. It’s a time after the game where the team, coaches and fans gather in a huddle on the field. Coach Talley (head coach) talks about the game, but not just the way they played or whether they won or lost – he speaks from a place of humility – if he had a bad attitude during a particular quarter, he admits it, he apologizes when he sees fit. Other coaches speak, then team members get a chance to share. Win or lose, a song of praise and victory (Above All Else) is sung at the end of Fifth Quarter after all NWC football games. Always an awesome time of encouragement, praising God and sharing spiritual lessons learned. I’m so glad we were able to be a part of it again yesterday!

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We’re still awaitin’ for little baby girl to arrive! Yesterday was her “due date” but alas she’s not here! I’m still amazed that God knows her birthday and while everyone around me keeps asking “how do you feel?” and “when’s she coming?” – I’m quite content to wait until God’s deemed it to be! She’ll come in His perfect timing and there is simply no better plan! But wow, I’m excited!

Last night Netflix was down for a while, so K and I played Scrabble (I think my best score ever!) then I worked on organizing/cleaning the kitchen area a bit. Sounds boring, but K was helping and I was gut-laughing the entire time! It was 11:30pm and I was bent over laughing so hard the tears were flowing! There’s a list I made of things I wanted to get done before baby arrives but I had kind of thrown it by the wayside, until last night  – needless to say I went to bed feeling very accomplished!

Hope you have an amazing Sunday! Spend sometime outside if you can!

Love & Hugs,

SCK