To some, the coming of Autumn brings a touch of despondency for the shortened days, weather's chill, and the decline of summer's blooms. How could one experience such? Summer's blossoms are soon replaced with the beauty of Autumn's palette: golden highlights across the fields, bursts of orange among the trees and crimson ornamentation near the pickett fences and porches. The wonder of Autumn's colors never ceases to amaze me! Road travelers who venture out in October's countryside, view nature's glow and are awestruck. Fisherman traveling to that salmon stream are overcome by the rich colors they encounter during their three day outing. Hikers and bikers often select October for their weekend getaway knowing the fabulous scenery that awaits them is unmatched during any other season.
If you'd like to preserve such beauty, collect autumn leaves at their colorful peak; press them in the phone book for a day or two; then dip these treasures in melted wax. Gulf wax, sold in a butter size box, works best. Remove one rectangle, melt it in a double boiler pan (with hot water below) using an aluminum pie plate at the top. The wax melts quickly and is ready for dipping. Turn off the heat. It's best to hold on to your leaf with kitchen tongs by the stem. Gently dip it and shape it near the edge of the pan - curl the edges slightly. Shake excess wax gently and lay each leaf on a sheet of wax paper. It dries in minutes. Each rectangle of gulf wax will coat at least 50 med. leaves. You can dip your dried rose buds, too! These will last for months without crumbling. I even have boxed my favorites to save them for the next year.
God's word tells us that our Lord preserves us and helps us in Psam 116:6. "O Lord, thou preservest man and beast" Psalm 36:6. Preserving is more than saving for the future, it is keeping safe from injury or harm as in Proverbs 2:8 "He preserveth the way of His saints." It's a lovely promise: Preserved by Him.
