September has always felt like a turning point, hasn’t it? In North Texas, it’s when the air shifts, ever so slightly, whispering that fall is on the way—even if the thermometer isn’t quite convinced. Around here, we know the season has truly arrived when the State Fair of Texas kicks off its 24-day run. There was a time when, without fail, the weather always seemed to cool just in time for opening day, as if Nature herself had joined us in marking the occasion. But as of late the climate-change grinch has been busy, and now we usually don’t get the cooler weather until about midway through the fair, right on cue for the two Football Classic Rivalries at the Cotton Bowl.

For many of us who grew up here, September also carries a bit of nostalgia. I still remember when school started right after Labor Day, not in early August as it does now. That late-summer window held a kind of freedom: one last stretch of lazy mornings and barefoot evenings before the busyness of the school year took over. In a way, September still feels like that—an invitation to refocus, reset and prepare for what’s ahead.

Because after Labor Day the pace quickens. The weeks between then and the holidays always fly by for me, packed with work, family and community commitments. It’s like someone took their finger out of the dike. September is the final, gentle nudge before we tumble headfirst into the full swirl of the holidays.

And yet as the seasons shift around us, I’m reminded of something greater at work—God’s perfect design. Scripture speaks often about the change of seasons, not just as markers of time, but as reminders of His faithfulness and constancy. Genesis 8:22 tells us, “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.” The Bible, after all, is more than an instruction manual for life—it’s a living history book. Whether or not people realize it, so much of what we do today, and even how our society is structured, has roots in its pages. Our civil laws, for example, often mirror the principles God handed down to the Israelites thousands of years ago as they entered the Promised Land: rules about fairness, justice, caring for the vulnerable, honoring commitments. These ancient foundations are woven into modern life—even for those who may never open a Bible or believe its words.

This month, our Natural Awakenings Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex issue offers fascinating insights that can help us nurture ourselves while stewarding the health of our community and planet. Three local functional medicine experts share their practical, science-based strategies for improving gut health and understanding its profound connection to overall well-being.  We’re also excited to shine a spotlight on the Plano International Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and community that has quickly become a national leader in green festival practices. Their innovative approach offers inspiration for events across the country—proof that sustainability and celebration can beautifully coexist. Finally, we take a deep dive with Dr. Alisa Rich into her groundbreaking work at the Catch the Wave Quantum Wellness Center. Her integrative approach uses cutting-edge therapies to support the body’s natural healing processes, and her insights remind us just how connected science, energy and holistic health can be.

And yes—make time for the State Fair! Whether you’re there for the food (fried everything, of course), the music, or the art, or simply to stroll the grounds with family and friends, it’s a uniquely Texan way to welcome fall.

As we turn the page to a new season, I invite you to pause, breathe and embrace the rhythms around you—the softening sunsets, the promise of cooler days, and the constancy of God’s design. May this issue inspire and support you on your journey to living a healthy life on a healthy planet.

Blessings until next month,

Bernice Butler