God's Beautiful Creation

This fall season has been one of the most beautiful autumns that I can ever remember where I live. The colors of the leaves on the trees have been truly magnificent, even breathtaking at times, reminding me that this is, indeed, my favorite season!  

The splendid show began where I live around the beginning of October. Many trees in our neighborhood caught my eye as I went for walks. I couldn't help but take pictures with my phone.   

These trees started a magnificent display of changing colors! 

A short time later, I saw one of those trees turn into a beautiful, bright, rusty red color! 

The yellow leaves are always so beautiful too! 

This one stopped me in my tracks, literally, on one of my walks in our neighborhood! On my phone, this tree is an even more, vibrant red color! Simply spectacular!   

This tree caught my eye on one of my walks as well.
It looked as though the tree was "glowing" underneath.  
Late afternoon or early evening light effects, I suppose? Just so beautiful!  

Our neighbor's tree, directly across the street from us, was a delight to see as well! 

This picture gives you a small glimpse of my newly painted bedroom - as well as a glimpse of the brightly colored tree
in our other neighbor's yard, looking through the window. 

This picture shows a better view of the amazing colors
I saw through one of my bedroom windows.

For my birthday this month, I wanted to do something special, especially since it was my 40th birthday. Those only come once in a lifetime. But what should I do? I was racking my brain for something special to do that day and couldn't think of much. I've been so blessed to do so much already in the 40 years of life God has given to me. I decided to pray and ask the Lord if there was something special I could do that day, because I couldn't think of anything. I decided that the things I normally like to do on my birthday were good enough, even for my 40th. 

On my birthday, I decided to drive to a natural, outdoor area not far from my home. I'd driven by it many times and was intrigued, but I could never figure out where I’d park my vehicle. On my birthday, I decided to drive by there and, hopefully, find some place to park. When I got there, I was delighted to see that brand new parking places had been designated for this area. Yay! 

As I began walking over a bridge and onto a trail, I thought something like... 

"How can it be that we have lived here for 24 years, and I have never been here before?" 

This place is no more than 7 minutes from our home. And I discovered it on my 40th birthday! 

With a paved bike and walking path, dirt trails, and a beautiful river flowing by, it is now my favorite outdoor place to go to! I relished in the beauty all around me.      

So serene. So peaceful.  

One view of the river. 

Soft, delicate pink flowers growing along a path. 

There were so many, I decided to pick one.

A dirt trail through the trees with the sound of the river flowing nearby. 

I found a stump of trees, and I couldn't believe it when I found a painted rock there with pink flowers painted on it, like the flowers I had just picked! Chance? I don't think so. 
God had someone paint that rock and place it there for me. I'm sure of it. 

More views of the river flowing by. 

God felt so close to me on this nature walk. It was then that I realized that God had answered my prayer - for me to do something special for my 40th birthday! Discovering this place was God's birthday gift to me! With happy, grateful tears, I thanked Him! 

Of course, after discovering this beautiful place not far from our home, I had to go back a few days later. And when I did, I snapped this picture (below) on my phone. Once again, the colors are more vibrant on my phone. 

God's marvelous creation! 

God's creation is so beautiful in every season. But this time of year, His creation seems a little extra glorious to me! Truly, all of creation gives tremendous glory to the One Who created it all.