“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

I live in Minnesota, usually thought of and referred to as a frozen tundra. Which is entirely accurate for about half the year. But truly, this is the land of four distinct seasons. Our summer, autumn, winter, and spring seasons are each beautiful in their own unique ways, and living here for them all helps me see the Lord.

Summer here is hot. Humid. The bugs come out (especially the dang mosquitos) but so do the birds. Loons can be heard calling sweet and strong across our many enormous lakes. In the summer people flock “up north” to cabin country, gather in backyards for cookouts and bonfires, and meet up in neighborhood parks and pools. The sun sets glorious, the sun rises early, and the days between are sticky with heat and melted popsicles.

Autumn blazes a trail of glory in the now red and orange forests of maple, birch, oak, and elm. The early morning sparkling drops of dew return to still-green blades of grass when the air turns chilly again. Sweaters make their return, pumpkins sit on porches, and orchards open for apple picking. We pray for the harvest and the farmers, rake leaves off lawns, and relish in the return to school and routine. Some of us also rejoice at the return of pumpkin spice everything.

Winter here can be harsh, but it can also be beautiful. I, for one, love it. The bite of the wind, faced while wearing a parka, boots, mittens, and a knit hat. The crunch and glitter of freshly fallen snow. Hot cocoa and lit fireplaces, shoveling each other’s driveways, and kids building snowmen and sledding the day away.

Spring is a welcome respite from the bitter winter, with warmth returning to the undercurrents of the breeze. Annuals and planted bulbs burst through dull earth, and everything seems to sigh as it thaws. Blossoms open slowly on flowering trees, rain washes away the dust and refreshes the gardens, and we pull on galoshes and raincoats to stay dry. The sun seems to shine a little brighter, warming front porches and our hearts.

His glory is on display in each and every season — if we just remember to look for it. And when we look, when our eyes stay open to seeking His glory, we remember that Jesus came for us all — all the time. In the grey days of November. In the summer heat of August. In the slushiness of March and the blossoms of May. When we’re looking for Him and when we’re running from Him. When our hearts are soft and open, and when they’re hard and closed.

In all seasons of the year and of our lives, Jesus comes for us. He welcomes us wholly at any time, in any space, in all of our seasons.

By Anna E. Rendell from the (in)courage archives

We’re whispering ‘welcome’ to the return of routine, rhythm, and all things autumn as kids head back to school and calendars begin to fill up. This flavor-packed baked oatmeal is great as a brunch offering at a potluck, or can be cooked and reheated for an especially busy morning at home. A perfect recipe as we tiptoe into welcoming autumn!

Scroll down for the recipe (courtesy of our friend Nancy) and download a FREE printable recipe card!

Apple Baked Oatmeal

Download the FREE recipe card here!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. canola oil
• 2 cups diced apples

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 9″ round deep dish pie plate or 8×8″ square baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the milk, applesauce, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl and then add in the oil; mix everything together well. Then stir the diced apples into the mixture.
4. Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared pan and bake at 350˚F for 35 minutes, or until set in the center. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then spoon or cut the slices or squares and serve in bowls – you can pour some milk over the top of each serving if desired.

To enjoy the look Nancy created for this dish, use the Grace & Gratitude White/Blush All-Purpose Bowl, and set it atop a Grace & Gratitude Blush Accent Plate. You’ll have a lovely breakfast table in no time! Find these beautiful pieces and more in the full Mary & Martha collection at DaySpring.com.

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