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My name is Tara. (Most people call me T.) I am the author of Finding Everyday Fruit and Waiting On Wonders. I am also a contributing author in the 30-Day Devotional, Chosen, from Seacoast Sisterhood, and the 365-Day Devotional, A Year of Hope, from Hope*Books.

I couldn’t be happier that you’ve chosen to read what I’m putting into the world. I pour out my words here every week, and if you enjoy them, I’d love for you to leave a comment, restack/share with friends, or add a little heart to let me know it resonated with you.

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Recently, I saw a thought-provoking note on Substack with an attached image of vibrant fall leaves. The note's sentiment was a parallel between the beauty of fall leaves and death. (It wasn’t as morbid as it seems—stick with me.) Although I’ve searched, sadly, I cannot find the note again. (If any of you saw it, please let me know so that I can credit the author.) Below, I will do my best to put my T. Banks spin on that note so that I can share it with you, too.

While I was out on a walk this week, I snapped these photos and thought a lot about that short note and its parallels. I experienced God’s presence in the beauty of that walk and sensed the fruit of the Spirit of joy as I observed the trees doing what they were created to do. The “fruit of wonder”. ✨

These were my thoughts as I walked, enjoyed His creation, and reflected on the note:

“I hope that my life looks a lot like these fall leaves. Not just from September to November, but year-round. As I die to my selfish desires, my preferences and bends, may the things that are leaving my life, like the falling leaves, be just as beautiful as they go. In the process of learning to let go of the patterns, unhealthy mindsets, and ideas that don’t line up with what God wants for me, may I blanket the floor of my surroundings with what I no longer need in a way that makes others stop and take notice. May the crunching leaves beneath my feet be like the actions and attitudes of days gone by that no longer support my growth. May all I’m trying to die to daily and the release of what will not serve me in the next season, be as beautiful as the changing, releasing, falling leaves of autumn. May the beautiful end of all I do not need in this season set me up for unprecedented growth in the next. Oh, to be this beautiful in death.”

I hope this little post reminds you that He always wants to teach you and point your heart toward His (even through stories about the changing leaves), and that His presence and the fruit of a Spirit-filled life are available to you if you’re willing to raise your awareness to them.

Where are you finding the fruit of His Spirit today? What everyday moment will you allow Him to use to share the wonder of His presence?

Much love,

-TLB

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Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my writing work.