It’s beginning to feel like fall in northern Virginia. The bright sunny days are crisp and the night temperatures are dropping. While the trees start to undress for winter, the fall mums and pansies are putting on their gorgeous fall gowns and the ornamental cabbages and kales are ready to occupy a colorful spot in the landscape. Fall perennials are adding color to the show along with shrubs’ late season bloomers.

If you are in the Leesburg, Virginia area, please visit the Fall Plant Sale at Monroe Technology Center. You will find lots of fall color variety and our agriculture students will be happy to assist you. The sale dates are Wednesday, September 16, 10-6 pm, Thursday, September 17, 10-5 pm and Friday, September 18, 10-4 pm. Plant proceeds go towards scholarships for the department’s seniors.

“Secular Progressives is the official title for those who promote the opposite of the Judeo-Christian lifestyle/ethic and who object to almost all things biblical. This is a lifestyle of unbelievers, who will always find something to object to when the subject involves a serious, committed consideration of the Bible or Christianity, i.e., a Bible on a table, talk about Jesus, that Christians choose to pray to the living God, etc, etc.etc. Often God seems like Santa Claus to those who embrace this Secular Progressive lifestyle/belief system. He is “love” or “tolerance” considered in a way that has no balancing justice, no boundaries, and most of all, no biblical accountability. Some people call it “sloopy agape.” It is. It is not love at all. It is important that Christians have a name for these folks. Being able to identify both friend and enemy is important. Words matter. Definitions matter. That is why political correctness is so intimidating, deadly, and dishonest.”

Gail Cohoon

“Purple is a biblically royal color. Lydia, of Greece, the first European convert baptised through Paul’s ministry was a “seller of purple.” This purple was extracted from sea shells, I believe and therefore rare at the time. That meant she made a good amount of money because the Caesars in Rome and others of prominence there wanted purple cloth for their own textiles, ie. clothes and home furnishings. She was able to support Paul’s ministry in large measure. I went to the place where she was baptised in Greece. It is up above Thessalonica, near Macedonia. There is a stream of running water there and a church which commemorates her baptism. It is a pretty place. We celebrated Eucharist there. She was a “sending” missionary. Missionaries come in two varieties: those who send others and those who go directly. Both are essential to spreading the gospel as Jesus calls us to do at the end of Matthew’s gospel. In the meantime, all of us can “gossip the gospel,” a phrase my church history professor taught.”

Gail Cohoon, Columbia, NC

Savor His Presence! It is intoxicating! And, the things of earth seem to grow strangely dim in His Light. Savor! Savor! Savor! (to delight in, enjoy or appreciate completely, esp. By dwelling on it)

As we continue to plan and organize and follow the leading of The Holy Spirit we are just so touched by the artisans that continue to show God’s Glory in the earth through their hands and deeds. We are so grateful to Mr. Larry, our caretaker that has painted some of our benches that was in much need. Also, just one of the slates that make up family trees painted by Debi.

“How blessed the man you train, God,
the woman you instruct in your Word,
Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil,
while a jail is being built for the wicked.
God will never walk away from his people,
never desert his precious people.
Rest assured that justice is on its way
and every good heart put right.” Psalm 94: 12:15 MSG

Our meditative Memorial walking Garden, “A Circle of Quiet” is underway. Debi has planted nine new fruit trees and berry bushes as well as painting of stones and many other garden cultures to delight the soul. MG has added some lights, benches and other restful visual joys. Rena has been busy on her wood paintings to add the gospel to be read as one meanders the walkways. Tammy has made a trip to check and make sure the trees were fully watered.

Thanks to ALL for being part of “A Circle of Quiet.” MG saw this scripture (Psalm 94, A Circle of Quiet) in her devotional this week. Tammy found a vase of sunflowers in a hospital waiting room and stopped to photo and share with me the same time Rena was sending her art. There are many other connections of confirmations happening daily. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to the Holy Spirit and His healing as we join our hands and hearts to publish the good news. Isaiah 55:10-12 NIV

“Has God’s Word ever come to you, pointing out an area of your life, requiring you to yield it to Him–maybe certain personal qualities, desires, and interests, or possibly relationships of your heart and mind? That is where the battle is truly fought–in the realm of your will before God. What Jesus says is difficult–it is only easy when it is heard by those who have His nature in them. Beware of allowing anything to soften the hard words of Jesus Christ.” –Oswald Chambers, from My Utmost for His Highest

Yes, even now.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people? 1 Kings 3:9, NRSV

Share your lastest story of a conversation with a prophet?

Finding the sacred in the ordinary is my way of living. Wonderful, joyful blessings as well as pain and suffering spring up in the most unlikely places at times. How often do we miss our blessings when we have the answers in our midst on our phones as we chat? Join me in reflecting on the ordinary and discovering the sacred. Share your discovery and just maybe your experience will be a teacher for another.