Serve by Design

Technically, the first day of fall arrived during the early evening hours of September 22 nd . But we have had such dry conditions and warm temperatures for weeks that the trees waited until a month later to begin showing their fall colors! On our way to church yesterday, we caught a glimpse of what is in store for the closing few days of October! As we passed the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the north side of Springfield, we could see nature leaning into autumn. Hello, Fall!! I prefer spring and summer, but reluctantly embrace fall. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the brilliant colors, unseasonable temperatures, and getting outside (without choking humidity!) for walks and short road trips to see the harvesting progress of area farmers. What tends to steal my joy, in this short season, is that I think I know what’s ahead… those four-letter words… cold and snow! I just can’t lean into winter, although I know it is part of God’s plan for nature’s cycle. It always amazes me how th...

We recently returned from a two-week visit with our family in New Mexico. The temperature was unseasonably warm, winds were light, and the daily bright sunshine is what is expected in the Land of Enchantment. This is a high desert experience with lots of sagebrush, tumble weed, and sand. Albuquerque has a beauty all its own with its narrow green belt down the Bosque and Rio Grande River. And who can refuse three-hundred days of sunshine! ABQ Balloon Fiesta The conditions were perfect for the Balloon Fiesta this year! It is the world’s largest hot air ballooning event. It is so unique to be down on the infield at Fiesta Park where you can stand side-by-side with pilots and crew members who prepare their balloons for launch just after sunrise. The Balloon Fiesta is a once in a lifetime experience that everyone should have on their bucket list! This year we passed on going down to the launch site since we have already been on three other occasions. Instead, we let the balloons come to u...