This has to be the prettiest fall season we have had here in north Texas. The trees have kept their color for the longest time. The colors are brilliant. The reds are the deepest and brightest ever. I'm amazed every day as I travel down the roads. The colors just lift my spirits. I love this time of year.

Today Bob and I traveled out to Rockwall to witness the marriage of a longtime friend, Mary. We met Mary and her husband Kim when our firstborns were just babies. Another couple, Bob and Beth, had brought us together in a bible study. We did a lot together those first years, including being pregnant at the same time, each with our second child. But then as life happens, we moved to the west side of Dallas (Flower Mound), while they moved to the east side (Heath). We didn't see each other much, but kept in touch with cards and letters. Four years ago, we got an unexpected call telling us that Kim had died from a heart attack. He was only in his early 50's. Mary was too young to be a widow. The funeral, sad as it was, was a reunion of sorts, with Bob and Beth coming in from North Carolina.

When the invitation arrived in the mail last month, announcing Mary's upcoming marriage, tears of joy were shed. The ceremony was at the same church in Rockwall where Mary had held Kim's funeral service four years earlier. The bride and groom were extremely happy. Their story is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness. Mary and Richard...we wish you all the best. And thank you, Lord, for bringing the joy back into Mary's life through this new life partner.

May Thanksgiving blessings abound for you this wonderful season!