Autumn is a season of mixed emotions. It is usually a time of natural beauty as the leaves change colors and squash and pumpkins dominate the decor. There’s pumpkin spice latte’s, apple crisp, and football. This year, though, it has stayed so warm and dry that the leaves are still green for the most part. It certainly hasn’t felt like sweater weather, yet. Although the prognosticators say cooler weather is on the way. Around us here in Southwest Missouri, every small town has a Fall Festival so there is always somewhere to go to celebrate the season.

This is the season of change; of letting go. Both of the last two Octobers have brought loss into my family’s lives. A year ago, my brother, Marvin went to be with the Lord, and just this week my oldest brother, Darrel, stepped over into Heaven. They both loved and served the Lord faithfully, and I know they are experiencing the Presence of their Savior and rejoicing with loved ones. For me it is bittersweet. It’s hard to lose them, but God gives such amazing peace. They are both totally healed and walking streets of gold with all the saints who have gone on. How could I begrudge them that? Indeed, I am somewhat jealous of them. I am so thankful that I will be there with them someday soon. We all can, as a matter of fact. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, call on Him today; confess to Him that you have sinned and ask His forgiveness. He will gladly accept you as His child and you, too, can have a home in Heaven. John 1:12

My treasure for this month is Aidan Tate. Aidan turns 12 this month. He loves his little sister, Blakeney. He also loves football, and is a running back on his Mighty Mites team . Aidan is a hard worker and does very well in school as well as being a leader in his church middle school class. I am very proud of this young man. God is going to use him.

The illustrations for the children’s book Grandpa Forgot my Name are almost complete. Hopefully, it will be a reality very soon, thanks to Sharon Kizziah-Holmes and PaperBack Press. Keep your eyes open for the release date on Facebook and Twitter. I am also entering the first five pages of Romance Along the Rails in the ACFW First Impressions contest. Please pray it will do well. We are moving ahead.

Sorry this is late coming out. We just returned from my brother’s funeral in Kansas. Although we were sad at the loss, it was great to see many family members. We have had the joy of having Holly, our youngest daughter, from Heber City, UT. here with us for the week.