Awesome Autumn – The Season For Family Togetherness

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Autumn is the culmination of the harvest season. It's the time we celebrate all the ways that God has blessed and provided during the spring's and summer's long planting, growing and tending cycle. Now is the time to come together as family to enjoy cooler temperatures, final pickings, canning and meals together.

FAMILY TOGETHERNESS - CELEBRATE BEING WHO YOU ARE

As we talk with people throughout the world, regionally and locally from all different walks of life, one thing becomes really clear: People long to be family and yet often find it difficult to do that. They want to experience and truly know the intimacy of family relationships, but distractions, busyness, misunderstandings, hurt feelings and even a growing apart from each other are all dynamics that keep them from what they earnestly want. It's Satan at work against them. It feels like a hopeless cause but there are things you can do:

Read the Bible and pray. Yes, it's the 2 most basic things. Do them and you'll find they are key to making autumn family togetherness a reality. It will get your time together planned well, started well, done well and remembered well.
Make it about just being family. Sure plan something and plan it well but then let it happen. On time, flawless and picture perfect isn't the goal. Being in the presence of God IS. And sometimes it's the ugly, rushed, stressed and frustrating moments that help get all of you and keep you seeking God's presence.
Discover the beautiful. Have a pleasant conversation where you practice and value listening. Look deeply into the eyes of your family - it's one way God connects our spirits. Hold hands, touch, hug, embrace and HOLD it for a longer than usual moment - feel that well!

AT HOME OR BEYOND HOME - YOU DECIDE WHERE AND HOW

There are so many ways that together as a family you can enjoy the autumn season at home. It may be coming together on a weekend to tidy the garden, pulling dead plants, draining irrigation lines, and getting tools and items put away for the season. Once the work is done, come to the family table to have a hardy meal indoors or outdoors in the low angle of the autumn sun. Later in the crisp cool evening have a campfire and just relax sharing stories, singing some praise and worship songs together and everyone sharing a favorite Bible passage.

Beyond home there are orchards, farms, festivals, farmer markets and nearly and endless list of destinations and events where you can adventure into the beauty and celebration of the autumn season. If you decide to truly 'get away' among the colorful leaves then commit to making at least some of the time restful and quite. Peaceful autumn days are quite honestly given to us by God to set the stage and invite our spirit into simple communion with God. We need it - not just as individuals but together as family. Watch the video short below and then below it we invite you to be a part of this story by tapping the 'Add your contribution' button.

BE PART OF THIS STORY

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RECAP: TIPS TO MAKE YOUR AUTUMN ACTIVITY REALLY AWESOME

Plan in advance. If you're going somewhere be sure to confirm address and directions, hours of operation, fees/costs/admission details and other considerations. Discuss your plans with someone. Did you miss anything?
Get started early and don't over pack your agenda/schedule. You'll appreciate the margins that doing this gives you.
Pray before you start and be intentional to include God throughout the day.
Use the time/experience to nurture rest and relaxation. Commit to actively listening to those in your group. Make eye contact and elevate relationship over activity.