This autumn of 2009 has a different type of feel than its predecessors. The world is upside down and yet this particular autumn has a preternatural quality to it. In this writer's view, if this October of 2009 was to be compared to a woman, she would be exceedingly fetching. God has graced Central New York with cool temperatures and leaves that are more beautiful than any time in recent memory. And while the Obama administration preaches hope and change, it isn't the type of change that I would wish on America. Instead, I await the blessed hope and anticipate change that the current occupant of the White House has nothing to do with.

We know not the day nor the hour of Christ's return for his bride, but we can have a sense of the season. As in this writer's view the fall of 2009 is unusual in its beauty and stimulation of all five senses; the broader "season" is particularly stimulating as well. Things out there just look different. Things smell different and possess a different sonic quality as well. Obviously, things just feel different to this writer than any time prior. My sensory perception is heightened as I am on a heightened state of alert. I am waiting and anticipating. I expect sudden, breathtaking, and beautiful change...

Listen, for He will call you by name. Get up, you will leave this earthly plane. Sing out, He wants to hear praise from you. Hold on, because He's coming back for you! The previous four sentences make up the second verse of my song So Very Soon. Now, to be sure, I cannot say that Jesus is coming back for His church this month or this fall, but it seems to so many of us watchers at the wall that we are in the season of his return. Look at America creeping toward Marxism while it falls away from Superpower status. Look at American society and culture as it worships a charismatic community organizer cum senator who rose out of obscurity to the presidency. See this same society bow to its Pop Culture icons while it elevates itself to demi-godhood. Look at the Dollar losing its status as the dominant currency in the world while this world consolidates its monetary system into a single entity. The European Union is now made up of 27 countries and more desire to be admitted; steadily moving the world toward a single governing institution. Look at Israel's neighbors -- who are her enemies -- threaten and plot against her. These are but a few of the many signs of the End Times and indicate that the trumpet of rescue should soon sound.

I am left with a feeling of slow finality and sure change -- but it's coming and it will be sudden. I am walking the towpath to eternity, looking at beautiful autumn leaves that are but a foretaste of the color and beauty that awaits. Heaven is no Land of Oz, there's no Yellow Brick Road. The city isn't emerald, it is pure gold. In the meantime, we must occupy until He comes. We must be a living witness to His saving grace and eternal glory though our walk and our talk. For this many will hate us, but we must remember that they hated Him first.

Surely, we are in the season and soon we will fly -- breaking the barriers through the Rapture sky. To this end, I remain on a heightened state of alert.