As I write tonight, I am overwhelmed with the feeling of being grateful.  This has been an unexpected day.

It started first thing this morning with a call from my dad that he was on his way to the emergency room in an ambulance.  Not the first task listed on my to-do list but immediately made it to the position of priority one.  My sister and I spent the day waiting.  If you have followed the blog for any length of time, you know that it was just over a year ago that we received the same kind of sudden phone call about my mom and a short 10 days later, she went home to be with Jesus.  So this type of call from my dad was frightening to say the least.  Things turned out fine and he is doing well.

My sister and I were sending our last texts of the day which is customary and she said, “…ready for a new season.”  My response was spontaneous, but I think true, “I think somehow we are going to have to find a way to usher in the new season.”

<img title=”Ushering in a new season” src=”https://candygibbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/a-new-season-300×300.jpeg” alt=”Candy Gibbs, Brian Gibbs, Pearls curriculum, Chosen curriculum, Purity Curriculum, parenting, parents, parenthood, parenting resources, positive parenting, raising children, help for parents, parent help, teenagers, how to parent a teenager, how to parent, parents of teenagers, purity, mentoring, mentor, mentors, mentor programs, mentoring programs” width=”300″ height=”300″ />

So I decided to spend a little time asking the Father about that and letting my thoughts try and bring that thought to life.  Here is what I came up with.
<ul>
<li>It is what it is and He has not left us here alone.  We aren’t the only one facing difficulties.  I know I can spend too much time feeling sorry for my situation rather than searching for His direction.</li>
<li>As my man would say, “Enjoy the good times.”  If we know that we all go through a season of difficulty, then we must learn to appreciate our good times.</li>
<li>Look for the lesson.  I love the Lord and I love that He doesn’t allow any circumstance in our life but that it could be used for good.  Find the good and learn all that you can.</li>
<li>Create memories.  Learn to be in the moment.  Time goes so quickly.  Take time to taste, smell, see and touch your “moments” and really be a part of them.</li>
</ul>
Finally, as we move into this fall season, I am determined that it will literally mean a change of season in my family.  My momma will for eternity celebrate her holidays in the Presence of the Reason.  We will continue to miss her, yet we will celebrate.

I believe that part of ushering in a new season is making a plan for precious family gatherings that will create memories.  I am calendaring different holiday events that I am planning for my family.  We are having a hay ride, participating in our church’s Thanksgiving meal provision, and having “thankful” rolls for Thanksgiving dinner.  We will laugh our heads off during black Friday shopping, enjoy our annual family tree trimming, have a night of “wreath making”, a trip to look at Christmas lights, and lots of evenings by the fire.

I will be a wife to Brian and I will be honored.

I will be mom to Jake, Madi, and Tanner, and I will cherish it.

I will be Whit’s mother-in-law and I will adore it.

I will be Bracen’s GiGi and I will thrill in it.

I will be a daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend and I will be thankful.

Why?  Because my greatest joy comes from being a child, His child, and He is good to me.

I will remember that this fall, on purpose.

What are you going to do to live life on purpose and usher in a new season?  Please comment below!

My love,

Candy