Autumn Flavors

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works . . . They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:3-5,7 (NIV) Romans 1:20 tells us that we can see God’s character and nature by looking at what He made. As we journey through the fall season, I think of the words “abundant goodness” from Psalm 145. For me, fall is one of those times that I continuously think, “God wouldn’t have had to make it this beautiful, but He did.” His creation puts on an artistic show with colorful leaves and crystalline frost. Mists swirl over ponds filled with waterfowl preparing for southern flights. Farmers harvest their crops and smaller creatures hide away seeds, berries and nuts for the upcoming winter. It is both a cozy time and a sober time. And it is a time for comfort food! I’ve lived in six states and four Canadian provinces, so I have added favorite foods to those I enjoyed while growing up. I have come to appreciate perogies with fried bacon and onions, with a dab of sour cream. We enjoyed crab, halibut and salmon when we lived on the B.C. coast. Saskatoon berries from Saskatchewan tasted like cherries, when I put them in muffins or made a pie. My friend from northern Ontario showed me a photo of dozens of geese laid out ready for their freezer. They roast them on poles around an open fire. Ladies here, where we live now, share their fish and moose with us and, of course, there is always tasty Bannock that we can enjoy with a hot cup of tea. When I look at all God gives us, I am amazed at His abundant generosity. Thank you, Lord, for giving us flavors and variety in abundance! – Sue Carlisle   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org