Savoring the Season

The Gift of Simple Moments

Fall is a season filled with beauty, change, and an invitation to slow down. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy evenings remind us of God’s goodness in everyday moments. It’s the perfect time to savor the season with intention and gratitude. Spending time with family drinking warm apple cider or freshly baked apple crisp is a blessing from God that warms the heart and soothes the soul.

Be still, and know that I am God ~ Psalm 46:10

As the busyness of summer fades, autumn invites us to breathe deeply and notice the everyday blessings that surround us - the crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of cinnamon and apples filling the kitchen, and the comfort of being together around the table. Each of these small, beautiful moments is a glimpse of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

The Blessing of Gathering

Thanksgiving reminds us that when we gather with loved ones to share food and laughter, we’re not just enjoying a meal, we are participating in fellowship. These special moments reflect the abundance of God’s love. Something so simple as preparing a meal can become an act of worship. It’s a way to thank God for His provision and presence in our lives.

Three Simple Apple Recipes to Celebrate the Season

Food has a way of bringing comfort and connection, especially during the fall season. These three easy and delightful recipes are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a tasty treat while reflecting on what we’re grateful for. They are also simple enough to whip up in the middle of a busy week for a tasty surprise for your family.

APPLE CRISP

Ingredients:

6 apples, peeled, cored, sliced
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter

Instructions:

STEP 1: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

STEP 2: Toss apples with white sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl to coat; pour into a 9-inch square baking dish.

STEP 3: Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl.

STEP 4: Cut in cold butter with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

STEP 5: Spread over apples and pat down gently until even. Pour a little maple syrup over-top of the oat topping.

STEP 6: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and sides are bubbling, about 40 minutes.

Apple crisp is a timeless comfort food. Serve and enjoy!
 

APPLE CIDER

Ingredients:

10 large apples, quartered, water, to cover
¾ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice

Instructions:

STEP 1: Gather the ingredients.

STEP 2: Place apples in a large stockpot; cover with water by at least 2 inches. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 2 hours.

STEP 3: Strain apple mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Drain cider again through a cheesecloth-lined sieve.

STEP 4: Serve warm or refrigerate cider until cold.

In just minutes you’ll have a cozy, fragrant drink that tastes like fall in a cup.

BAKED APPLES

Ingredients:

4 small apples
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
8 tsp. dried cherries
4 tsp. water
2 tsp. vegetable oil or melted butter
8 tsp. chopped walnuts

Instructions:

STEP 1: Cut off top 1/2 inch from each apple. With melon baller, core through stem ends without breaking through bottom.

STEP 2: Place in glass pie plate; sprinkle with sugar and spices. Divide cherries, water, and vegetable oil spread among cavities and tops of apples.

STEP 3: Cover; microwave on Medium-High (70 percent power) 8 minutes or until tender. Let stand, covered, 3 minutes. Top with walnuts.

Nothing could be easier than this version of the classic baked apple, which can be made in only minutes in your microwave.

Small Prayers for a Heart Full of Thanks

Gratitude draws us closer to God and helps us notice His goodness in everyday life. These short prayers are meant to guide your heart in daily thanksgiving—for your health, family, provision, church, and community. Take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and thank God for His many blessings.

Gratitude for Health

“Lord, thank You for the breath in my lungs and the strength in my body. Help me to see my health as a gift from You, and use it to serve You and others.”

Gratitude for Family

“Father, I thank You for the people You’ve placed in my family. Bless them with Your love, and help me to show them patience, kindness, and care.”

Gratitude for Provision

“God, thank You for meeting my daily needs. I am grateful for the food on my table, the shelter over my head, and every good thing You provide.”

Gratitude for Church

“Lord, I praise You for my church family. Thank You for the encouragement of worship, teaching, and fellowship that helps me grow closer to You.”

Gratitude for Community

“Father, I’m thankful for my neighbors, coworkers, and community. Use me to be a light and blessing where You’ve placed me.”

A Heart of Thanksgiving

This fall, may your home be filled with laughter, your table with love, and your heart with thankfulness. May you find joy in slowing down and recognizing that each season — especially one as rich and beautiful as autumn, is a divine reminder of God’s unchanging grace.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. ~ Psalm 107:1