Deborah A. Goshorn-Stenger

Leaves lined our pathway in myriad Autumnal colors. God's creativity was on display. Some were still on the trees framing the boardwalk. Others lay like carpet at our feet. Yet all of them demonstrated a radiant fusion of His glory, leading us to praise.

A "scarecrow" made from garden pots was a lovely addition to this garden. He appeared to act as Guardian over all who entered or worked to make the plants bloom and grow. How might the Lord use your life in this type of role? Whom has He entrusted to your care, generosity, time, or talents? Will you help someone thrive or flourish for His kingdom?

Doug and I have been blessed to live in many places. To date, between his military and civilian careers, we have moved 15 times. We have lived in and visited cities and rural areas. I find that we've enjoyed both settings at various times and seasons in our lives. The other observation? God is with us no matter where we are! And He loves to hear our praises--whether we are in the city, country, or somewhere in between.

Sunlight shone through the leaves in an almost magical way. The lovely dark blue sky and puffy white clouds became the backdrop for the wine and green leaves to be highlighted. My eyes were lifted upwards, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss this moment that helped me see our Creator and His radiant glory.

I love how the myriad shades of Autumn--in gold, wine, chartruse, and ruby--echo the images of the walls of heaven. How beautiful to behold the ways that God uses earth to point our eyes upward to Him and towards eternity.

A rocky path led to a beautiful vista. While we needed to take care on this terrain, I am thankful that the Lord takes our hand to lead and guide our lives — every step of the way. Do you trust Him with your day-to-day journey?

On a crisp Autumn morning, leaves graced by frost stopped me in my tracks. Why? Because each crystal edged each leaf with such detail. The frost brought out the vivid colors of each leaf. If you ever wonder if God is at work--upon the earth or in your life--here's your answer! Look closely and see how He's always creating beauty 24/7. What will you observe today?

Do you have a favorite hiking spot or vista where you sense the nearness and presence of God? I think earth is His gift to us because it's a foretaste (to His sons/daughters) of eternity in His presence.

We had taken a hike that formed a loop. This path also held trees at various stages of growth, from saplings to bent to broken to lightning-struck to cut, with rings showing their age. These trees seemed to echo our experience of life.

A waterfall reminded me of God's grace. From various angles, it washed over the hill with such power. Let the Lord's mercy, hope, and beauty wash over you to bless you and fill you with peace.

Did you know that when a spider builds a web, it weaves and moves at the same time? This could be likened to faith. Faith is not stagnant. Instead, we are placing our trust in the Lord and taking steps to follow where He leads and obey His Word and commands.

The setting of this Cross was lovely. A beautiful day and setting were nothing like Calvary. Yet Jesus' love was displayed at both. As Jesus obeyed the will of the Father, He calls us likewise, to listen and act and follow His Word. Is love your mission?

Creation is God's canvas, a written love story, the most beautiful song, and a display of His glory. Do you see His nature in all of nature? He's been unfolding it with every sunrise before you daily!

I was walking when a simple weed, set against a wood fence, caught my attention. Simplicity is a trait that many of us could benefit from. Our busyness oftentimes gets in the way of even spending time with the Lord. Simply come and commune in His Word and find rest for your soul.

Doug and I have been blessed to live in many places during our marriage and careers. Since moving to Wisconsin more than 8 years ago, one of the things that we most enjoy is the wildflowers. While other states have had them, here, they grow in feet, not inches. They crown God with glory wherever they are planted. Do we, likewise, bow and rise to proclaim Him as King?

Small flowers that grew to overflow onto the sidewalk drew my attention one Summer day. What do we learn spiritually from this scene? What might the Lord want to overflow from us? More of His Spirit gifts, His love, His heart into our world? What qualities would your friends, co-workers, and family report as overflowing from you?

I've watched these lilies grow from bud to full bloom over a couple of weeks. One evening, the sun set upon them just so, to demonstrate God's majesty in all of creation. Are you amazed by the wonders that He forms daily?

Wildflowers bloom in the foreground. Cattle graze in a verdant lush pasture. The setting was quiet, idyllic. Here, the Spirit spoke: “You can come to Me and find rest, safety, and the tranquility which your soul desires. I am Your pastureland. Come and be still with Me, the Lord Your God.”