Stepping Into a New Year ---
    For those who celebrate the Jewish New Year, which is this month, you are probably very aware that this is a time to wrap up the old year, and prepare for the new.  
    In the process of doing that, I usually take a little time to look at life in general, what I'm doing, and how I am doing it -- see if God speaks to me about anything imparticular that I need to leave behind as I go forward.  Sometimes that's not an easy thing to do, depending on what you are asked to do.  Life has its way of changing around you anyway without you having a lot of control over things.  We are certainly seeing a lot of things change around us in this world, and it is without a doubt a time for praying for the nations.  I do that, but I also know that God has His own agenda, even for me.  If I am not in touch with His plan for me, I can miss out on a lot of blessings and opportunities and open doors that He has for me. 
    So I am presently spending some time asking God about this year, and next, to see what He would have me do, and how.  What is needing to end, and what is needing new faith to begin.  I don't mind this at all, because as long as I know I am hearing God correctly, this can be a time of great transitions and additions to life that were not part of the last chapter.  Since I am no Spring chicken in age, I know that this happens in life, and if you can get God's idea, it is always better than if you head out on your own, not knowing for sure whether you are embarking on the right path.  I like the level of certainty that comes with a 'clear word from the Lord'!
    Fall is also a great time because the work of the yard and landscaping begins to change, and I get more free time.  It is also a nice time because the weather isn't as hot and I can get at the last of the projects in the yard that need attention without sweltering in the heat!   I also just love the feeling of the air this time of year -- it's softer, more pleasant to be in, and the rain is an added blessing as well.  I love the fact that we will have apples and chile here to enjoy from the new crops, and those make this time of year fun. I already have plans to make some candied apples for the family soon so I can enjoy both the fun of seeing them bite into them, and of making them in my kitchen.   Since Roger is in heaven, I don't do a lot of cooking for myself -- but it is nice when you can plan a project in the kitchen and share it.   I also love putting up pies, though I don't have an extra freezer any longer, and if I did, I certainly would enjoy putting up some new pies with the fresh fruit from our area.  There is nothing like apricot pies, and fresh apple pie with custard worked into the mix and raisins, or blackberry pies (which were Rog's favorite).  Roger loved pouring milk into his hot blackberry pie and eating it that way.  The milk would turn blue, which was interesting, and he seemed to enjoy it so much.  So I have some plans to enjoy a little bit of that, but not nearly as much since I have no freezer to put them in. 
     Starting something new can be fun. Recently I took my great niece to the cross stitch shop and let her see the possibilities of what can be done with needle and thread. She had a great time, and she is working on her first cross stitch piece and is almost done with it.  It was fun to see her admire all the different finishing done with the pieces that were in the store, and then seeing all the colors of thread and how they work into the design when used.  The space dyed fibers are fun to play with and she is getting her first experience with that as well.  I am honestly glad to finally find someone in the family who is interested in this kind of hobby as I have wanted to share what I know with someone so that the art of needlework doesn't die. 
     In the next few weeks I will be teaching another great niece how to sew with a new sewing machine I purchased for her for her birthday. She will enjoy it as she has a home and husband and two children to create things for -- it will save her money in some ways, and give her options for decorating within her home that she has not had before.  Plus sewing is just a great way to create your own wardrobe and for children as well.  I am sure she will enjoy the process of learning and creating as she goes forward.  So, I am doing my part in helping the next generation learn the love of the needle, and I hope you are too. It's important to share our skills with the next generation -- I love to cook and sew, and even garden and decorate as well, so it is a good thing for me, especially in my current situation to have these young women to teach.   I  hope to take them into the kitchen too, though they are already good in that category, but I am sure we can still have some fun doing new things that we've never tried.  Baking bread is not something they do, so I will get that opportunity I hope in the near future to help them learn how to create that lovely aroma in their own homes.  It really can be a joy to do these things when you have children, or even just a husband to share them with.  Men love to eat, and I don't know anyone who doesn't like home baked bread right out of the oven!   Ummmm....so good!  
     Well, I am off to do some work here, and getmyself ready for another day.  God bless you as you prepare for yours and I hope it is a lovely one with good things happening all around!  The Kate!