September arrived with one hand holding onto warm temperatures and the other hand waiting for leaves to fall. Well, wait no longer. In many parts of the country, leaves float to the ground even as I write this post.

The ninth month also brought my birthday, back to school days and back to whatever we do with shorter days and longer nights. If you joined me for Joy to the Soul Summer, you know the sun’s shiniest season has its own unique vibe.

But autumn has arrived!

Since it’s my favorite season, here are five reasons (along with some scriptural inspiration) why Fall has a special place in my heart.

1. The leaves alone are stunning. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT)

Autumn is the time when leaves are picture worthy. The vibrant colors are a sign — change is in the air. Depending on where you live, any day is a good day to catch a kaleidoscope of red, gold and green foliage. It’s also a good day to rake up a pile and jump in!

2. The flavor of pumpkin is everywhere. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)

In Christ, our fruit (our spiritual growth and character) is how we show we are His. But in autumn, pumpkin is a fruit we can find in many forms almost anywhere. If pumpkin is not your favorite flavor, apples are popular too. But for those of us who love the aroma of this spicy orange-yellowish gourd, we have our pick from coffee to candles and of course, pie.

3. There are less than subtle hints of the holidays. “So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8 NLT)

As I walk down the aisle of any craft or grocery store, I need “sincerity and truth” to guide my holiday spending. There are plenty of ideas to celebrate any special day between now and December 31. Apparently, advertisers are hoping we’ll celebrate early and often.

4. The coziness is irresistible. “Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” (James 2:15-16 NLT)

Cooler temperatures mean sweater weather. This translates into cozy if we have a warm place to live. However, cooler temps are not so cozy for those who do not. If we have gently worn coats, consider donating them to a shelter. You can even leave a note of encouragement in the pocket.

5. The season brings reflection. “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

Heading into the year’s fourth quarter (a nod to football fans), it’s time to assess January’s goals, mid-year missions and how we’ll finish the year. My word for 2018 is momentum. I continue to seek God about its meaning and how to fix my thoughts on what is “excellent and worthy of praise.”

That’s my fab five for Fall.

As you reflect on the season, is there something you love about Autumn?

As I continue to discover the beauty and power of biblical truth — regardless of the season — I know it brings hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

All Scriptural references are in the New Living Translation (NLT).