ReFRESH ourselves in the AUTUMN of LIFE

Just a few treasures of how I plan to spend the celebration of this day

💙Come celebrate with me💙

only one of His Truths that I receive as I

 ReFresh 

my mind & soul this autumn

of this year - 2026!

as I gaze upon the beauty of the
St. Croix River
in this my favorite season
giving God thanks and praise
for who He is and all He does for me

on the beginning of my 
72nd YEAR
of life
💙
as
Jesus continues to lead me
as
He prepares me more for
HOME
HE preserves me
HE sustains me
HE carries me
HE
gives me
strength, Grace, and love
as
HE
breathes on me and
empowers me
one more 
day
to
live for
HIS Glory & service
wherever
HE
leads me
I WILL FOLLOW
💙
I couple more delights of mine
from a past & a recent



Autumn Peace with God

I have shared the following one before

but it's one of my very favorites!
the verse
the pines
the companions
the peace of my lakeside view
AND THE "EVEN IFS"
Every one is true -
and the best advice to myself 
today & always
💙
Since my title included the
Autumn of Life
I'd wanted to close with what
I found as the core meaning:
{as if all of the above has not shown you yet}
💙

Harvest and Wisdom: Just as autumn is the harvest season in nature, this phase represents reaping the rewards, knowledge, and life experience accumulated over the years.
Reflection and Peace: It is often viewed as a calmer, more contemplative time focused on appreciating simpler pleasures, family, and legacy.
Letting Go: Like trees shedding leaves, it symbolizes releasing past grievances, petty worries, and unnecessary stress to focus on what truly matters.
Bittersweet Transition: It acknowledges the natural cycle of aging, reminding us of time's passage while highlighting the unique dignity and beauty of later life stages.  

ENJOY YOUR AUTUMN! 

{I sure hope to ReFresh my life}
💙

"WHEN JESUS IS EVERYTHING" Releases Today

It's another 

BOOK DAY RELEASE

for another popular author

Jennie Allen

with

"WHEN JESUS IS EVERYTHING"

So, it's another book added to my wish list for Kindle, to use next year, since it's 365 days of Faith, Purpose, and Freedom in Christ ... compiled together in one wonderful ebook, putting JESUS first. Just to be sure, I remember I have the sample version waiting there to remind me. 

Here is what Jennie, herself says in email today:

 

"When Jesus is Everything: 365 Days of Faith, Purpose, and Freedom in Christ is officially OUT TODAY. Honestly, this feels like a life’s work. If there is one thing I believe changes our lives more than anything else, it’s this: When Jesus is everything, everything changes. We make it so complicated to follow Jesus. We think we need to fix this. Figure that out. Get better at this. Have an answer for that. And Jesus is just saying: “Go all in. Surrender everything to Me. And I’ll help the other things work out.” And He does. That’s why I made this. 365 days of connecting with Jesus. There’s Scripture every day, Prayer every day, and my hope is that every single day, this becomes a connecting point for you and Jesus. I am praying this encourages you. I’m praying it blesses you. "

So, clearly, what more can I say!
For now, with the sample, I'm good to start 2027 into January 😉plus I'm hoping for my digital rewards
<><><>
In case  you need more than the author's word, since it'll be more than a year for me to share a review
Book description:

"...Jennie Allen invites you into a yearlong journey of learning what it really means to follow Jesus not halfway, not carefully, but by losing your life for His sake. These devotions are not about trying harder or fixing yourself. They are about letting go again and again and trusting the God who wants to set you free. With Scripture, reflection, and prayer, this 365-day devotional invites you to: Stop living for approval and start living from your identity in Christ Trust God with the things you are afraid to lose Experience a faith that is honest, steady, and rooted in Jesus alone This book is for anyone who loves God but still feels anxious, distracted, or tired of holding it all together. For anyone chasing the abundant life Jesus promised and not catching it. Whether you are rebuilding your quiet time, learning to trust God with everything, or simply longing to feel close to Jesus again, When Jesus Is Everything meets you right where you are. One day at a time. One act of surrender at a time. With Jesus at the center of it all. Perfect for personal devotion, small groups, and gifting, When Jesus Is Everything is a grace-filled invitation to let go and discover how much can change when Jesus truly is everything.

RECLAIMING ...

This was done quite a while ago in June this year in my journey.
Then on September 25, the tiny verse in that first section
was the verse for Rachel's devotional that day (25 of 30) in
"When the Past Won't Let Go"
which is from
FOR THE WEARY: 
to Remember Who God Is
I definitely could write a book on this one alone:
letting the past go & when it won't
<><><>
But since this is now
OCTOBER
I begin a new 30 days
FOR THE WARRING
... to Reflect on What God Has Done ...
Truly this is the right season
and month for me to be doing this.
<>
The above created image
is divided into 3 sections:
RECLAIMING MY TRUE IDENTITY

... 1 Corinthians 5:17 ...

RECLAIMING 
MY VOICE and STRENGTH

... Psalm 23:2-3 ...

RECLAIMING MY FUTURE

... Isaiah 43:19 ...

Each one seems to sync with the 3 parts of Rachel's book.

All of this I declared

before Rachel Wojo's newest book
was even in my hands.
I can hardly wait until I move into the last 30 days of her book:
FOR THE WINNING
to 
REJOICE IN WHAT GOD WILL DO
planned for November
I had no idea that the "reclaiming" of each in the image 
would fit so well with my plan, or Rachel's book
BUT GOD
surely must have known
And this is a powerful beginning for me
in the month of October
so I am & will be equipped for this battle.
Right in that middle section
of that image is my
LIFE VERSE
from
2 Timothy 1:7
since
1990
<>
OCTOBER's
FOR THE WARRING:
to
REFLECT on WHAT GOD HAS DONE
so these are Rachel's Prayers (Chapters) through Life's Battles:

"The WAY HE FIGHTS FOR YOU" (31) Deuteronomy 3:22* "The WAY He Loves You"               (32) "The WAY He Moves for You"         (33) "The WAY He Cares for You"          (34) "The WAY He Protects Your Heart" (35) "The WAY He Defends Your Soul"  (36) "The WAY He Comforts You"          (37) "The WAY He Strengthens You"     (38) "The WAY He Heals Your Wounds"(39) "The WAY He Calms Your Storms" (40) "The WAY He Guides Your Steps" "The WAY He Provides for You" "The WAY He Lifts You Up" "The WAY He Listens to Your Cries" "The WAY He Rescues You" "The WAY He Redeems Your Pain" "The WAY He Restores Your Hope" "The WAY He Breaks Your Chains" "The WAY He Gives You Peace" "The WAY He Lights Your Path"     (50) "The WAY He Shields You from Harm" "The WAY He Empowers Your Soul" "The WAY He Guards Your Heart" "The WAY He Silences Your Fears" "The WAY He Strengthens Your Faith" "The WAY He Stays Faithful" "The WAY He Answers Your Prayers" "The WAY He Calls You by Name" "The WAY He Fills You with Joy" "The WAY He Is Always Near"      (60)

The day that I was preparing this blog post 9/26,
extended family & life in southern Minnesota
are mourning yet another loss 9/22/26 of
 a beloved mom, sister, grandma ...

[Grandma Bea, Tracy, Vincent, Oct. 2025]
May Comfort, Peace, Love & Strength
accompany each one as 
Gramma Bea is now at her heavenly Rest!
My condolences & sympathies to all. 
{I read & prayed the many prayers & verses in Rachel's book}
for
Healing
Strength
Comfort
Peace
Grief




* the first 5 underlined are in a You Version plan "When the Battle is Raging", the numbers in parentheses are the chapter in Rachel's book and challenge on her blog for October. 

REMEMBER Who God Is: Where Weary Hearts Find Rest

Today, as I look at this image along the river and remember my earthly father on what would be his 117th birthday, my heart is full. The gift before me is not only a beautiful scene. It is a reminder of the deeper journey God has been walking with me, step by step, through these last days.

This past week’s devotions (and month) have all circled around one precious theme:

Remember who God is. 

Remember Who God Is When You’re Weary

When we are weary, that is where we must begin. Not with our weakness. Not with our confusion. Not with our fears. But with the unchanging character of God.

So many battles of the heart become lighter when I stop staring only at the battle and begin remembering the One who walks with me through it.

When trust is tested, God is trustworthy.
When I am misunderstood, God understands me and calls me to faithfulness.
When I feel defeated, God fights the battle.
When the past won’t let go, God makes me new.
When guilt overwhelms me, God forgives and frees.
When darkness closes in, God is my light and stronghold.
When I can’t find the words to pray, God already knows, and the Spirit intercedes.
When I face rejection, God receives me even when others do not.
When I need to surrender, God is sovereign, present, and worthy of my trust.

That is the pathway of remembrance.

As I look at the image of the woman holding the little lamb, I cannot help but see my own story there too. I am the one who has been held, carried, led, corrected, comforted, forgiven, and restored. I am also the one invited to keep coming back — not in shame, but in surrender. Not in striving, but in trust.

The St. Croix bluffs in the background feel especially meaningful to me. Rivers have bends. Journeys have valleys, cliffs, shadows, sunlight, and unexpected turns. Yet through all of it, God remains the same.

He has been my constant Companion.
My Lord and Savior.
My Redeemer and Friend.
My light in darkness.
My Shepherd when I was weary.
My stronghold when I felt weak.

And today, I give thanks not only for my earthly father and the life he lived, but for my Heavenly Father, whose character has never failed me. He has known every step of my story. He has seen every wound, every longing, every surrender, and every small beginning of healing. He has not left me. He has not forsaken me. He has remained faithful.

So today I remember.

I remember who God is.
I remember that His grace is enough.
I remember that His presence still goes with me.
I remember that salvation is in Jesus.
And I remember that even when I am weary, I am never walking alone.

avec Grâce. Paix. Tranquillité.☀️🕊️ & PeG💙

Today, on my dad’s birthday, I dedicate this as a tribute to him, BUT I am especially grateful for my Heavenly Father, whose love has been steadier than every changing season of life. Through valleys, cliffs, shadows, and sunlight, He has remained my Shepherd, my Savior, and my Friend.

💙

Remember who God is. That is where weary hearts find rest.

When trust is tested → God is trustworthy. Proverbs 3:5-6 When misunderstood → God understands and calls me to faithfulness. John 15: 18-19 When defeated → God fights the battle. 2 Chronicles 20:15 When the past won’t let go → God makes me new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 When guilt overwhelms → God forgives and frees. Psalm 32:5 When darkness closes in → God is my light and stronghold. Psalm 27:1 When I can’t find words to pray → God already knows and the Spirit intercedes. Matthew 6:8 When you face rejection → God receives me even when others do not.      Psalm 27:10 When you need to surrender → God is sovereign, present, and worthy of my trust. Psalm 46:10

💙

Getting ready for OCTOBER
Part 2: For the Warring
in Rachel's book
post on
Oct. 1st

I REMEMBER WHO GOD IS ...

IN EVERY

... WHEN ...

because HE is THERE in every WHEN

Many details, but here are a few I'd like to point out:

- the deer can quietly echo His gentleness,

- the sun / Son is already present in the light,

the kneeling figure can feel as though she is held in His mercy,

and each stone carries a facet of His faithfulness.

<>

This past week in review (days 15-21) from Rachel's book:

When strength fades — rely on His grace. When prayers seem unanswered — wait with confidence in His goodness. When loneliness lingers — remember His presence. When disappointment comes — take refuge in His unchanging character. When the tears won’t stop — remember, He comforts and transforms. When you need comfort — remember your Shepherd’s Presence with you. When grief is heavy — remember, He comes alongside and comforts.

and might I add coincidentally - my week{but you know what I call those coincidences} 

... Each statement begins with the human situation: When strength fades When prayers seem unanswered When loneliness lingers When disappointment comes When the tears won’t stop When you need comfort When grief is heavy But the real anchor is always the second half — who God is in that place: His grace His goodness His presence His unchanging character His comforting and transforming work His Shepherd Presence His coming alongside

A Prayer for the Weary Heart

Lord,

When strength fades, remind me that Your grace is enough.

When prayers seem unanswered, steady me in Your goodness.

When loneliness lingers, make Your presence more real than the silence.

When disappointment comes, anchor me in Your unchanging character.

When tears will not stop, meet me with Your comfort and keep working gently 

in what I cannot yet understand.

When I need comfort, draw me close to You, my Shepherd, 

and let Your presence be my refuge.

When grief is heavy, come alongside me and help me carry what feels too much to bear.

Keep me from measuring Your faithfulness by my circumstances.

Help me remember who You are when I am weary, confused, disappointed, or hurting.

You are still good.

You are still near.

You are still faithful.

You are still my refuge, my Shepherd, my comfort, and my strength.

Teach me to rest in Your grace, trust Your heart, and walk one step at a time in Your presence.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

{Trust me, I have prayed words like these for the past ... week or longer ... and I know that God is HERE, THERE and WHEREVER you may need Him!}

RETURN ... RESTORE ... REFRESH

PÈRE… JE M’ABANDONNE ENTRE TES MAINS
Father… I surrender myself into Your hands.

REMEMBRANCE ...

[UPDATED]
CAROL
a tribute to 

[graphic by her daughter, Amy]

Carol & Family (2025)

Isaiah 43:1-3 & 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  Gospel Reading - Matthew 11:28-30*

{*I did not know this was the Reading until today, when I added this to the beginning of my last post}Click on those words & you'll go there & see


I hope to be able to share more later ...
these are words of
REMEMBRANCE
remarks written and spoken byChristine Metry
{their oldest daughter}

" Welcome ... Carol/ Mom was born on Wednesday, April 2nd and  she had made it in time for her first Easter- just 4 days later Mom loved Spring! Probably had something to do with being a Spring Baby. She always looked forward to the signs that the long winter  was coming to an end and that Spring would be soon bring more sunshine, and waken the plants and flowers. This year, mom turned 79 a few days before Easter. The buds on the trees had not even started. She got to have one last Easter here on Earth  and passed away that following week. And even though this year, she did not get to experience the lime green spray of the new Spring leaves on the trees, and the poking of crocus, daffodils and tulips coming up thru  the soil of the gardens, I like to think that she now gets to have Eternal Spring. Mom’s faith was important to her. She lived out her faith in service to her family {*and others} And she lived a Life of Prayer. Praying unceasingly for us, for her family. As the Protestants/Evangelicals say: Covering us in Prayer. And over the years, I felt her answered prayers in my life over and over. Mom chose all the songs and readings for today and turns out there is a reoccurring theme. I believe she wants us all to share the Hope that she had/has: Hope in her Savior’s Love and Care, Hope in  The Resurrection, and ultimately, hope in Everlasting Life. Thank you for being here with us to celebrate her, the life that she shared with us."~Christine Metry

{Thank you for allowing me to share your words! * my insert}

"A beautiful soul is never forgotten"
[the words on the beautiful framed tree (left)]

[nieces, cousin & me]

A glimpse into the day
we celebrate
the well-lived life of
my sister, Carol
{their mom, & one of 4 cousins that she took care of as a teen when their own mom was dying from cancer & after}
Then she survived her own battle of various cancers
until a week after her 79th birthday & Resurrection Sunday
when she finally was welcomed into the arms of
Jesus
"Welcome Home Carol"{these words were written on the overhead screen}

[credit]on this Danny Hahlbohm REUNION image 
And I will add, as her sister, who watched & admiredher life as the oldest & my only sister, and in many wayslike my mom, when our mom wasn't able- she cared for we 2 younger ones -and as I wrote abovemy 4 cousins
💜WELL DONE💜
Rest in Eternal Peace
<>




If you didn't read my previous post noted above please follow this link which will take you there

WHEN YOU'RE WEARY ...

Come ... and ... Rest

Take ... Learn

Find Rest

(Matthew 11:28-30)

and

always

REMEMBER WHO GOD IS

{and has been}

<>

I shared on Rachel's release day
her newest book and
that my plan was to be doing 
each of the 30 days
in September, October & November
but I should have shared 
Rachel's CHALLENGE
from her blog website
when I  posted
some sample plans that
You Version
also has from her book
{I included them in that August blog post too}
So here are the daily readings for her Challenge:(available in her book, of course, with much more)

"Praying through Life’s Battles Part 1: BIBLE READING PLAN - Rachel Wojo For the Weary  Day 1:  Psalm 116:1-7 Day 2:  Psalm 34:1-7 Day 3:  Jonah 2:1-10 Day 4:  Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Day 5:  James 1:2-8 Day 6:  Ephesians 6:10-18 Day 7:  Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Day 8:  Micah 7:7-9 Day 9:  Isaiah 53:1-6 Day 10:  Psalm 73:23-28 Day 11:  James 1:5-12 Day 12:  Romans 15:8-13 Day 13:  Psalm 94:16-23 Day 14:  Isaiah 54:10-14 Day 15:  2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Day 16:  Psalm 27:13-14 Day 17:  Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Day 18:  Psalm 46:1-7 Day 19:  Isaiah 61:1-3 Day 20:  Psalm 23:1-6 Day 21:  Matthew 5:1-12 Day 22:  Proverbs 3:1-8 Day 23:  John 15:18-25 Day 24:  2 Chronicles 20:10-17 Day 25:  2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Day 26:  Psalm 32:1-7 Day 27:  Psalm 27:1-6 Day 28:  Matthew 6:5-13 Day 29:  Psalm 27:11-12 Day 30:  Psalm 46:8-11

I'm pretty sure most of us 
need to
strengthen our faith
and/or
have grown weary on
our journeys

Rachel has a podcast and it's also available on her You Tube
Untangling Prayer

Rachel and Isaiah 61
{this looks like it goes with day 19}
In my last post, I revised
just to add (and edit again) my image
that I created for the 1st week to
REMEMBER WHO GOD IS
{kinda wished I had saved it for this blog post, but maybe I will do one for this past week}
AND HERE IT IS FOR THIS PAST WEEK 2{a day ahead}

because the
 Battle Belongs to the Lord
STILL
[every single battle, struggle, situation]
Look for theseON THE ROCKS

Day 8 — When failure haunts:
remember the Light and rise.

Micah 7:8

Day 9 — When wounds reopen:
remember the Healer.

Isaiah 53:5

Day 10 — When strength fails:
receive His strength and rest in His portion.

Psalm 73:26

Day 11 — When doubt creeps in:
anchor in His unchanging character.

James 1:6

Day 12 — When hope feels lost:
remember the God of hope.

Romans 15:13

Day 13 — When anxiety takes over:
receive His consolation and rest in His presence.

Psalm 94:19

Day 14 — When you feel unworthy:
rest secure in His unfailing love. 

Isaiah 54:10

WHEN YOU'RE WEARY

... feeling small

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, (all)
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough...

... When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down ...
SOthis song is what came to meas I turned to this pagethis blog postfrom the... REMEMBRANCE ...of my sister CAROL{to be sure the link worked}
and this song just came rolling out of my head as I read and all those tears from after yesterday & today
so I decided to prayfor all who find themselvesWEARYor may have tears in their eyes too
REMEMBERWHO WILL WIPE THEM ALL
AWAY
ONE DAYSOON
<>
REMEMBERING 9/11
on this 25th Anniversary of this horrific tragedy
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
and I hold ALL in my prayerswho still feel the weightof that day
We remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who ran toward danger, and hold close the families who carried/carry the unimaginable.🙏
<><><>
Also wishing someone special a
Heavenly Happy Birthday
Beverly J Busse![September 11-January 17, 2021]
💙



[images are all mine]1) College of St. Catherine2) book cover imageYou Tube3) Remember Who God Is[created by gpt & me]