The Gifts Of Autumn

Each day, as I stroll through my neighborhood, I notice that change is happening all around me!

The air is getting a little crisper…

The leaves are transforming from deep summery shades of green into a rich rainbow of gold, yellow and red…

Night is falling upon us a little faster…

Summer is fading and autumn is arriving!

Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons of the year.

Autumn is a season of change, a season of transition, a season of renewal.

It’s also a season filled with hustle and bustle. It’s the time when children go back to school, young adults go away to college, and parents are pulled in a thousand directions! Autumn is an exciting time – but in the midst of all of our activities, it’s important to stay focused on God and make the most of every precious moment.

Autumn Is The Season To Set Godly Priorities

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

We all have busy schedules, but even on our most hectic days, just as we make time to feed our bodies, it’s also important to nourish our souls. Take time to listen for the still, quiet voice of God to see where He is leading.

Autumn is a time when lots of invitations may come your way – but not every one of them is from God. As you reflect upon the opportunities before you, ask God for His wisdom as you plan your days. When in doubt, apply Scriptural principles to your decision-making.

Autumn is the season to set our priorities in accordance with God’s Word.

Autumn Is The Season To Make Every Moment Count

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

As our children go back to school and our families adjust to their new fall routines, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our families spend quality time with God and one other!

How do you make sure that God and your family come first on your busiest of days? Here are a few ideas that you can easily incorporate into your fullest of weeks.

• Set aside time each day to pray for each member of your family. Pray for any individual needs and specific concerns they have. Pray for their salvation and their spiritual growth. Pray specific Scriptures over their lives.
• Make the most of every moment. As you drive your children to school and activities, find out what’s new in their world. At mealtime, invite them to share about their day, listening closely to what they say – and what they don’t. As you shop with your kids or help them with their homework, invite them to share any concerns that are on their minds. Let them know you always have time for them. Use your time wisely.
• Make time for fun! On the weekends, look for relaxing, wholesome activities that the entire family can enjoy. Be sure to include seasonal activities that remind your family of the beautiful world that God created and the countless ways that God blesses us each and every day!

If you have young children, The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival by Mike Berenstain is the perfect book to fill them with excitement about the bountiful blessings God bestows upon us during this season!

Here’s a peek at this beautifully illustrated book, which also contains Activities and Questions from Brother and Sister Bear to actively engage you and your child in the material:

Watch the Video for The Berenstain Bears Harvest Festival

Autumn Is The Season To Thank God For His Many Blessings

The land yields its harvest; God our God blesses us. – Psalm 67:6

Autumn is also a season of thanksgiving. It’s a season of praise. It’s a season to gather with family and friends to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. It’s a season to share the love of Jesus with others by blessing them with the gifts that He has so generously shared with us.

How can we use the gifts that God gives us to minister to others? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• If God has blessed you with financial resources, prayerfully consider how you can help an individual or family in need. Also consider how your resources could benefit a charitable cause that is near and dear to your heart.
  
• If God blessed you with a beautiful home, consider using it to minister to others. Invite newcomers over for a meal. Host a Bible Study. Make your home a safe haven where people can build friendships and pray together.
• If God has placed an ailing individual in your life, tend to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Bring them meals. Drive them to the doctor. Help them with housework. Run errands. Spend time conversing with them and simply showing how much you care!

Of course, sharing the love of Jesus starts at home by sharing God’s love with your children!

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible is an engaging way for young children to begin to learn about God from key stories from the Bible. As Papa Bear – one of the key characters in the book – says:

The Bible has all kinds of stories – exciting ones, nice ones, happy ones, and even serious ones.

What I like about this book is that authors Jan and Mike Berenstain share important Bible stories using language that young readers can understand, accompany them with illustrations that children love, and leave your kids hungering for more.

Be sure to watch the book trailer to learn more about this very special book.

Watch the trailer for The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible

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Your Turn

God blesses us in so many ways – both material and spiritual. As you reflect upon the gifts of the season, what are you particularly grateful for during this time in your life? In what ways is God providing for your physical, emotional, spiritual and material needs? Please share what God is doing in your life on our blog. We’d love to hear from you!