In Louisiana we are finally beginning to see beautiful colors in late November. They are often not as brilliant here as they are in other parts of the world because of our mild climate, but this year the trees are really showing off. The cypress trees are a gorgeous burnt rust and the Pistachio tree in my driveway is brilliantly shimmering gold and orange as I drive down our street. I love all things fall – pumpkins, apple cider, falling leaves and the brilliant golds, oranges and reds the Lord paints in our world. It’s a season for which I am grateful. As I write, my pumpkin spice candle is burning and filling the room with the scent of autumn. Throughout the year, I collect some of my favorite pictures of fall. The colors remind me of the beauty our great God has put on display for us in His creation. They are a visual feast for the eyes. Enjoy the gallery of autumn images and pathways below. They are lined in vibrant colors. As you view them, ask the Father to give your eyes the capacity to see the beauty and wonder in the path where He is leading you in this season of your life. You may find it in unexpected places.

Spinach Madeleine (adapted from River Road Cookbook)
2 Packages frozen chopped spinach                                       
4 TBL. butter                                                                                  
2 TBL. flour
2 TBL. chopped onion
1/2 cup vegetable liquor (drained from cooked spinach
1/2 tsp. black pepper
3/4 tsp. celery salt
3/4 tsp. garlic salt or fresh chopped garlic
salt to taste
1 pkg. Mexican Velveeta mild cheese (use about 6-8 oz.)
1 tsp. Worcestire sauce
red pepper to taste or Toni's seasoning

(If you cannot find Mexican Velveeta cheese use regular Velveeta and add chopped jalapeño peppers)
Cook spinach according to directions on package. Drain and reserve liquor. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and smooth but not brown. Add onion and cook until soft but not brown. Add liquid slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. cook until smooth and thick; continue stirring. Add seasonings and cheese which has been cut into small pieces. Stir until melted. Combine with cooked spinach. This may be served immediately or put into casserole and topped with butter bread or cracker crumbs. The flavor is improved if the latter is done and kept in fridge overnight. Serves about 8. Freezes well. Enjoy!

It is a joy to welcome Margaret Kemp once more as our guest writer to Restore's Monday Musing Blog. Her beautiful writing always touches my heart in deep places of need. It is so easy to get caught up in thinking that if we just have that One Thing, our lives will be more significant. Often, Jesus has a different, better answer for our lives.
What is it that we really need? As you read today consider what Jesus might be offering you?
Blessings, 
Kathy

He was so close.
He was on the brink of attaining the one thing that would bring him wellness, or so he thought.
But someone else always got there first. Day after day, the paralyzed man dragged himself to the edge of the pool, for legend had it when the waters were “stirred up” in the Pool of Bethesda, the first person in the water would be healed from whatever affliction tormented him.
But only the first.

So day after day, the man, an invalid who had suffered for 38 years, dragged himself to the pool and watched.
Hopeful, he waited, poised to make his move. But someone else always got there first.
His heart’s cry was to have a friend who would put him in the water…give him his big break…usher him into wholeness and happiness.

So many times I’ve been like that man, desperately wanting that One Thing that promised to bring me significance, security, wholeness and happiness. My Pool of Bethesda has taken on different forms, but the cry of my heart has been the same: If only I could have this One Thing.
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My first “Pool of Bethesda” was the stage of the auditorium in my elementary school. On that stage knelt a pint-sized pair, Mary and Joseph, bending over a baby doll in a wooden manger. Behind them stood angels in white robes made from bedsheets, their tinsel halos slightly askew. Above them towered the most prominent angel of all, Gabriel, portrayed by a tall, long-haired sixth grade girl. (Yes, the part of Gabriel went to a girl.) 
I wanted to be on that stage, proudly flaunting wire-framed chiffon wings, delivering Gabriel’s all important lines. Instead, there I was on the sidelines, sitting in a metal folding chair on the auditorium floor, singing in the choir with every other sixth grader who didn’t get a part on stage. 

My infirmity was my feeling of worthlessness.  I’d auditioned for the part of Gabriel to show my teacher and classmates that this shy, plain, chubby eleven-year-old was worthy.   A role in the play was the One Thing I needed to bring me the feeling of significance I craved.  But the part went to someone else.

As a teen, my If-Onlys looked a little different.
If only my parents would let me date…
If only I could be popular…
Have you ever felt like that? If only you could attain that one goal, you’d be complete. Your troubles would be over.
If only could get married…
If only I could be a mother…
If only my child would win the award, the place on the team, the scholarship…
If only I could get the job, the promotion, the raise…
If only I could quit my job…
If only I could be financially secure…

So we pray our hearts out for the One Thing we think we need.  And sometimes we get it, yet it leaves us feeling strangely empty, unfulfilled, wanting something else.
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And sometimes we plead with God, but He says no.
Jesus didn’t help the paralyzed man into the waters. 
Instead He said, “Get up and walk.”

We often go to the wrong pools searching for answers to our problems. But if listen for His voice, we’ll find that He offers us a Better Thing.  Jesus offers to lift us up—not into the waters but onto our feet, so we can stand on the solid ground of His love for us.