Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Everywhere

There's another way to tell that autumn is coming on besides the leaves turning the beautiful fall colors and the crispness of the morning air. Pumpkins suddenly come to life -- appearing on front porches and steps, nestled among a dining room table decoration, and stacked in front of grocery stores displayed in their blazing coats of orange. Autumn also means that I get to play with my pumpkin stamps. So yesterday I browsed through the drawer where they had been hibernating until their season came around again. And that reminded me how blessed I am to live in a place in God's world where the seasons are uniquely and distinctly different from each other -- each with a glory of its own. What a gift!

So I set about, pulling out stamps, papers, inks and got busy. Here's a couple of cards that resulted from the flowing creative juices yesterday. Sometimes I like to do something special on the inside of the card also.

Sizzix Big Kick dies and Stampin' Up punches were used for all the different shapes.

These teeny pumpkins are set out every autumn. They're made using little clay pots and are only a bit over one inch tall. A sparkly cord comes out at the top and they have tiny punched leaves on their head. I never fail to chuckle when they once again make their appearance.
For those of you who love carving pumpkins, here's a PUMPKIN PRAYER for you to use for yourself, or with children or grandchildren.
(Remove the top of the pumpkin and pray:) "Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you."
(Pull out the seeds and pray:) "Remove the things in my life that don't please you. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others."
(Remove the eyes and pray:) "Open my eyes to see the beauty you've made in the world around me."
(Take out the nose and pray:) "I'm sorry for the times I've turned up my nose for the good food that you have provided."
(Remove the mouth and pray:) "Let everything I say please you."
(Place a candle inside, light it, and pray:) "Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do."
One final thought, we can be close to God in whatever we do -- even when carving pumpkins. May you be blessed in a special way this autumn season.
Annie