Shifting Gears Into Fall

Our family recently returned from our long-anticipated annual vacation.  One of the few times in the year that we can spend more than a day together, it was delightfully exhausting, joyfully busy, and the absolute highlight of our summer.

And then, without warning, the countdown to fall seem to begin.

After a final day of partying last Saturday, we said good-bye one last time as the gang headed back to Massachusetts and Maryland.  Our sons-in-law both head off to their classrooms to teach today.  Our two oldest granddaughters start school tomorrow. 

The official beginning of fall might be weeks away, but our family has started the annual move from the lazy days summer to saying hello to autumn.

An email came in from my oldest daughter just now: 

GOOD MORNING!!!!! It’s a nice cool morning, I had a great morning with the girls, I had a cider donut this morning, Martha brought in fresh tomatoes and homemade Whoopie Pies, Tom’s back at school and we can start a new routine … it’s going to be a good day!"  

Yes, we're in transition.  It's time for those new, yet comfortingly familiar routines to begin.  The morning air is brisker, the sun is setting earlier.  Sweatshirts and quilts are making an appearance and we're trading our flip-flops for sneakers.  Back-to-school is the order of the day.  Churches are gearing up for their fall programs.  Young and old are signing up for sports teams, small groups, new activities, and classes.  We're even beginning to make plans for the {gasp!} holidays.   

We are shifting gears!  Let's do it well!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ORGANIZATION - Laura provides hands-on coaching, covering everything from clothes and supplies, to routines and a backpack station that just might save your sanity.

FINANCES - Dave sees autumn as an opportunity for a fresh start as he challenges us to incorporate our dreams with our financial goals.

HOME SCHOOL CLASSROOM - Ann's gorgeous, welcoming space is almost enough to motivate me to teach.  Or to be a child again.

MINISTRY LEADERS - Ruth begins an important new series by focusing on the rhythms of work and rest needed to prevent us from compassion fatigue.

SCHEDULES - Vicki helps us discover that vital extra hour a day that's been lost along the way, showing us how to tighten up on life's nuts and bolts - morning routines, meal planning, shopping, wardrobe, using technology wisely ... and more.

Please join me in welcoming another season of transition ~
Linda