September in the Desert: Autumn Fragrance of Christ

 

Hello my lovelies!  First of all, notice the  newest addition in the Lilacs and Lavender Gifts section?  It is from the picture above.  This is a sketch I drew and short poem I wrote this past summer and thought I would just share it in postcard and stationary form in case anyone might enjoy something a little unique from the home front.  I do take time now and then to get outside of the chores of life to express a bit of creativity.  I am not good by any means but I do have fun with it. 

Today we have had some rain and September is in full swing.  I cannot believe we are already passed the half way mark!  I want to take in every bit of fall but it seems to be moving in fast motion!  Does anyone else feel time is moving way too quickly? I did get my fall things out of storage but I must have cleared out a bunch last year because I see I didn't overwhelm the treehouse apartment with too many seasonal items.  I like decorating for the season at hand only because I believe it just adds to the beauty of the season.  I would love to have time to craft some fall decor but it may not happen this year.  We shall see.  The best thing about moving into the fall season here in the desert is it finally has had a break in the extreme heat. Nights are beginning to be easier and actually bearable, even pleasant, Dare I say?  It is hope rolling in.  The monsoon storms came through again but they will begin to fade and life in this Phoenix desert area could easily be defined by a massive collective sigh of relief and a waking from hibernation with a shift to an outdoor centric lifestyle, locally known as the "breaking of the heat".  The new fall season marks a restart of the year for us who call the Valley of the Sun our home.  This city, although busy year round, will be transforming as the influx of snowbirds will soon arrive and we become this massive hub for events, like sporting venues, arts and music festivals, car shows and food fun everywhere.  What makes desert life unique during this time of year is it becomes the primary planting window because evaporation rates drop and soil temps cool down.  We see pumpkins, squash, leafy greens and winter wild flowers.  When the rest of the country is freezing, we have blooms.  Truly remarkable!

So when you think of Autumn, what images come to mind?  Perhaps it is changing leaves falling to the ground, hot cinnamon rolls, or pumpkin spiced lattes, cooler temps with hoodies being worn, and football season..  Or maybe it is sitting by a fireplace with candle lit, your fav hot drink and a good book in hand.  Autumn is naturally beautiful as it is a season of release, transition and deep aroma.  It is during this time that the trees let go of their leaves, which then decay and create a rich, earthly scent.  And just as leaves must fall and decay to nourish the soil for next spring, we must also release things to allow the fragrance of Christ to emerge.  To become that sweet aroma ourselves we much first surrender our old nature.  Real fragrance is released when something is broken down or yielded up.  So, I ask myself, "What 'dead leaves' do I need to drop so that Christ's sweetness can emerge?  And what am I holding onto that is starting to smell like bitterness, anxiety and pride?  

We also look forward to the harvests in Autumn.  I know I do.  The harvest of apples, grapes and pumpkins reach peak maturity during this time, filling the air with a sweet, fruitful scent.  When thinking of becoming the "fragrance of Christ", we see it as an outward manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.  Maturity in Christ smells like love, joy and peace.  So is my life smelling sweet to others?  Is it sweet and life-giving or is it bitter?  These are the things to reflect on during this season as I work on becoming more Christ-like. 

"Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  Ephesians 5:2

Did you know that autumn is historically the season for pressing grapes for wine and even olives for oil?  Fragrance is almost always intensified through pressure.  This is so true with the lavender buds.  Try it!  Take a lavender sprig and rub it between your hands and then take a whiff.  The aroma is magnificent and actually brings on a calm and a peace with it's aromatic smell.  Christ's ultimate aroma of love was poured out at the cross and in a similar way our trials can produce a beautiful, resilient spiritual fragrance.  

This week let us focus on these things while in study and prayer.  When I sit down to study I love to light a scented candle and right now I love the fragrant scents of fall like cinnamon, cedar or spiced apple.  It brings a sense of warmth and it reminds me to carry that warmth into all I do today and every day as well as with all of my interactions with others.

Here are a few verses to enjoy while in study:

2 Corinthians 2:14-15, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (The Aroma)

Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (The Harvest)

James 3:18, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." (The harvest continued)

John 15:1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."  (Preparing for new growth)

Ephesians 5:2, "and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

So here is our focus:  What does my life smell like to those around me spiritually?  Grab a warm cup of spiced tea or cider, light a scented candle and just dig in and allow God to speak to you.  

Some things to think on:

Falling Leaves:  Nature demonstrates that letting go is an essential part of God's grand design for renewal and ultimate growth.  "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere."  2 Corinthians 2:14

In the ancient Roman world, a victorious general marched his captive soldiers through the city streets while sweet incense burned along the route.  To the victor, it was the sweet smell of joy and triumph, to the captives, it symbolized submission and defeat.  In a similar way, following Christ means we live in a continuous "spirit of Autumn".  Real fragrance is released when we willingly step into a position of total surrender, dropping our old habits, pride, and defense mechanisms like leaves falling gently to the forest floor.  

Let us pray:

Lord, as the air turns cooler and the earth changes garments, change us too.  Let our lives smell less like our own striving and more like your enduring grace.  Break down our pride, refine us through our trials, and make us a refreshing harvest.  May we leave the sweet aroma of your love in every room we walk into, and with every person we meet.  Amen!

Now, what are some delicious autumn snacks that are easy to assemble?  Share your favorites!  

To start, let's infuse the room with the scent of reduced apple cider, nutmeg and cinnamon.  Sound good?  Enjoy some delicious apple cider and pick up some pumpkin bread (or bake, if you so desire) to pair with your cider.  

Try this:  Apple Harvest Bites

Slice fresh honey crisp apples thin and top each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream cheese, a pinch of cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup and toasted pecans.  Tip:  Brush the apple slices with a tiny bit of lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.  

Looking for something fun to do without spending a fortune?  How bout have a movie night with friends and or family?  Decorate your living are for the season. 

Arrange a beautiful wooden board filled with a mix of sweet and savory.  Set up fruits and cheeses like sliced apples, pears, grapes, sharp cheddar blocks and a wedge of gouda.  For crunch add pretzels, whole wheat crisp crackers and toasted pumpkin seeds.  For nuts and sweets serve candied pecans, dried cranberries and a small dish of caramel sauce for dipping apple slices and add a bowl of seasonal candies.  

Try this for your movie night:  Pumpkin Spice Autumn Snack Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 cup pecan halves

2 cups almonds

4 cups pretzel twists

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch salt

1/2 cup candy con

1/2 cup candy pumpkins

1/2 cup Reece's Pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, vanilla, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice,, pinch of salt. Then add pretzels, nuts and stir until completely coated.  Spread mixture on baking sheet.  Bake 12-18 minutes, stirring twice.  Remove and cool completely.  When cooled, add the candy.  

How fun does that sound?  What movie or movies would you choose to watch?

On a closing note, I appreciate each and every one of you.  Please keep coming back and let's get to know each other.  And this week, take a look at the newly released Rise Anew program workbook, which is a 21 day wellness retreat.  In January I am planning to host an online group that will follow this workbook for 21 days of renewal.  Get ready, transformation is coming!

God bless you all...love you!  

Kimberly