29 years

The leaves are changing quickly - all reds and golds and scarlets. Evenings are cool - despite daytimes reaching record level heat! My front porch is full of haybales, pumpkins, gourds, and mums. I adore hearing the breeze gently shake the dead leaves off the trees in the backyard - the leaves tumble to the ground as if a rainshower, littering the grass with brilliance.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me,

fluttering from

the autumn tree.
-emily bronte

All these autumnal greetings usher us into a season of new growth, of beauty from death, of colors among brown. Fresh grace, new mercy, a clean slate... all as the earth prepares to recede into itself, hibernating until after snow melts away in the spring. Isn't that beautiful?
Today is my 29th birthday. I am so very thankful for where God has quietly ushered me. For the times I've spent in hibernation, only able to breathe again after receiving new life. For places I've been that remain a warm glow of joy in my heart. Humbled speechless by those He has surrounded me with - my family, my poochie, this growing baby inside... and especially for my Husby - my rock and love and everything.

Breathe in these simple gifts today, giving thanks. That's how I'll spend my birthday. =)
-anna
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