Winter Wonderland

Evergreens seen wearing sparkling white gowns
for snowflakes piled during the night in my town.
No black winding ribbon streets seen
for the snow makes everything clean.
And silence settles
over the meadows.

Everything's covered with a soft blanket,
like the inner batting of a warm quilt.
A stillness can be heard -
earth being comforted
with this snow-white soft blanket spread
over the garden's winter beds.

It's quiet, no songs heard
from winter-time birds
for creatures are hibernating
hidden under this covering.
The sky's heavy laden.
No bright sun peaking.

There are snow cones
on fence posts formed
and flower pots
wearing cone hats.
A party awaits.
Don't you be late!

Out comes the scarves and mittens,
warm boots, and woolen leggings
for a day of fun is planned.
Don't forget the toboggan.
Snow cones are sampled.
There's snowballs ample.

Soon Frosty takes shape.
With a a bright scarf he's draped.
He oversees his kingdom
until the temperature warms
then he disappears
until next year.

Someone else does appear
with two pink cheeks dear,
and a cold
red nose,
without a hat and clothes soaking wet
demanding a cup of hot chocolate.

Silence returns to the garden
now overseen by a snowman.
The undisturbed covering
now with footprints trampling.
A fun memory was made today.
That makes the cold of winter okay.

* * * * *

A snow day!
Hooray!
Rather you consider snow a trick or a treat,
whichever you might choose - it still is neat!
Little frozen wisps of snowy white fluff
piled high might cause you to get stuck.
Created by God for our enjoyment
while others find extra employment.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways,
he does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth"..
the animals take cover;
they remain in their dens...
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen...
Job 37:5-10

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Side-by-Side

Side-by-side two blue jays built a nest
where one day two little eggs would rest.
Side-by-side they worked together without rest
until they were satisfied with their twig nest.

Side-by-side two little eggs lay
together there on the twigs and hay.
Side-by-side these little speckled eggs stay
as their mother sits on them day after day.

Side-by-side two babies abide
with hungry mouths open wide.
Together they squeak - "me, me, me" side-by-side.
Together under the foliage they hide.

Together their parents feed them
and are often heard singing to them.
Together, side-by-side, they tend.
Daily, over and over again.

Side-by-side these babies sat through the rain or dew,
through several hot, humid days or when a breeze blew.
Side-by-side they peeped and cooed
as their parents fed them anew.

Together whatever betides,
there they sit in their nest side-by-side
getting bigger every day as they hide
not knowing one day they are meant to fly.

How fast these babies grew.
So fast, one day they flew.
Yes, what they did was something new
for it was the first time they flew.

First one than the other,
these birds with blue feathers
left the nest as their father and mother
stayed nearby as nighttime quickly gathered.

Eventually they were together again.
Side-by-side they sat as it began to rain.
Under the big leaf of the angel trumpet the came
side-by-side to spend the long, dark night out of the rain.

Side-by-side they stretch and spread their wings
waiting for their tail feathers to grow in.
Side-by-side their parents watched over them.
From time-to-time dinner they would bring.

Side-by-side these two siblings
would tentatively try their wings.
Side-by-side they remained - kin,
together through thick and thin.

Side-by-side, together -
whatever the weather.
Side-by-side, together -
these birds of a feather.

* * * * *

There is One who is always with you
as you learn God is faithful through and through.
He'll remain by your side
when you in Him abide.

There is One who will strengthen you
through whatever you're going through -
constantly side-by-side
whatever betides.

There is One who will help you
when you haven't a clue.
Throw away your pride.
Learn to see His side.

There is One who will uphold you
when no one else defends you.
He's always there with arms open wide
and will remain with you side-by-side.

Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

The stories I share are true stories.  This blue jay family resided in the juniper.  I watched the fledglings leave their nest.  Their parents were on guard to bomb me when I got too close irregardless of my talking with them daily.  I saw the babies roost on the back of the lawn chair under the angel trumpet leaves that night.  The next day there was a ruckus of crows.  I ran out to chase the crows away without realizing they had a baby blue jay cornered.  In checking on the baby, a flock of blue jays rushed in to bomb me.  Blue jay parents are very protective.  Be sure to give them their space.  

Sky Blue Pink

Sun going down
leaving a pink crown
in the sky behind the hill
where now sky blue pink spills.

Sky lit up with pink
as the sun sinks
ending another day
with sky blue pink rays.

Minute by minute
the Creator's palette
colors and paints
sky blue pink.

Watch now as it dries
high up in the sky
flushed with pink,
sky blue pink winks.

When you wink
sky blue pink
is gone -
so long.

Dusk has turned into night
after a brief twilight
when sky blue pink
briefly winked.

Next time you see sky blue pink,
take a minute to watch it sink
forecasting tomorrow like a mirror
as today's sun slowly disappears.

Sky blue pink is a mirror
that tomorrow will be clear.
Blue skies delight
at first light.

* * * * *

Though gone in a wink
the sky in sky blue pink
casts a rosy glow
wherever it goes.

Like wearing rose-colored glasses
wherever it touches or passes,
sky blue pink
makes one think.

What if we looked at life through rose-colored glasses?
What if our attitude was one of gratitude vs.
grumbling and fretting,
complaining and stressing.

What if we counted our blessings
instead of daily stressing?
Wouldn't life seem better
and a little sweeter?

Doesn't stressing get you down?
Aren't you seen wearing a frown?
Did it benefit in the end
to daily stress to no end?

Daily put on your rose-colored glasses
and count your blessings as the day passes.
When you have an attitude of gratitude
you'll find a positive change in your attitude.

When evening comes, you say,
'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,'
and in the morning,
'Today it will be storm, for the sky is red.'
Mathew 16:2-3

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

The winner of the Life Is a Garden Party contest is:

Lori Byers

Lori, please send your address to my facebook private account.

Congratulations!

Telling Tales

Last night a shimmering blanket of snow
silently fell in the garden and meadows.
Covering everything in its path down low
and what's up high is veiled with new fallen snow.

This morning white glistening snow
is heaped on the evergreen boughs.
From the leafless trees, shadows
stretch out into a tangled row.

Though silent the snow came, this morning a tale follows
for night visitors ventured out from their hollow.
Crossing the road, they know
where tasty edibles grow.

Despite my dog named Goldie, who's yellow,
uninvited critters leave a trail to follow.
Not afraid, they came in the night shadows,
telling tales where their footprints burrowed.

There are rabbit tracks to follow,
hopping, then stopping, in the shadows.
I did not see hide or tail, though
footprints tell tales down low.

There are trails abounding from bucks and does.
Over the fence they jumped for a thorough
investigation in my garden - to my woe.
If only I had a bow and arrow.

It's way too cold, though,
because it's near zero
to check out any damage these foes
have contributed - to my sorrow.

Though silent they came, the fluffy snow
tells tales of where these bucks and does,
rather rabbits or deer, all foes,
have eaten their midnight chow.

What I do find to be cute are the birds nests stowed
in the leafless trees now piled high with snow.
These nests wearing a white cap seem to glow
with promise of spring in the morrow.

When the sun comes out to shine, the snow glows
and sparkles like glitter in my hollow
reminding me of an angel wearing a halo
spreading joy and gladness this cold day - banishing sorrows.

* * * * *

We all live with various type of foes.
Some live with constant grief and sorrow,
maybe health or financial woes
or perhaps in depression wallow.

Sometimes it seems to our sorrow
only gloom awaits each tomorrow.
That's not God's plan for us, though.
God wants us to live life aglow.

An attitude of "woe is me" adds sorrow.
Much unhappiness will surely follow.
An attitude of gratitude, though,
will banish many daily sorrows.

Gladness will replace sadness, we know,
when we come out from the shadows,
for in the shadows we go to wallow
about our personal woes and sorrows.

The abundance of our heart flows
out wherever we happen to go.
Of worry do not borrow.
Of gladness be sure to follow.

You'll be much better for it, you know,
when gladness replaces sorrow.
You'll look forward to tomorrow,
if you search for joy then follow.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45

Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Regarding my dog, Goldilocks, one month ago today she went to puppy heaven.  She had been diagnosed with lyme.  The reason for sharing with you today is that after her diagnosis I learned from a neighbor that there is a vaccination available to repel ticks.  If your neighborhood is overrun with deer, please ask your pet's doctor for this vaccination.  I understand it is administered both spring and fall.

Leftovers

Today I saw a flock of Canadian geese feasting
in the nearby shorn cornfield months after harvesting.
It's January 5th
and there is snow in drifts.

It appeared it was the harvester's intent
to allow the geese to feed to their heart's content
for they were busy feeding their face
as a smile appeared on my face.

These stately geese
did not lease.
Their food was free
to gather, you see.

They were quite content
with food heaven sent
for it was a gift from God this day,
a brisk January day.

The leftover field corn that had fallen
was as if a blessing from God had fallen
for God does provide for all His creatures.
Sometimes His provision is leftovers.

I was reminded of the story where the harvesters
in the Old Testament were instructed to leave leftovers
for the poor, the widow, and the fatherless to glean.
This was a commandment the harvesters esteemed.

Many were blessed by this practice for life is sometimes cruel.
There will always be the poor, the widows, the fatherless who
need encouragement from those who
gladly share what they have with you.

* * * * *

Nothing in life is certain
except for one's salvation.
Consider this this new year:  you never know when you might lose your health.
If you lose your health it undoubtedly will affect your wealth.

Where once before you considered yourself independent,
now you might rely on another as a dependent.
It might be the government's help
setup purposely for when you need help.

It might be second-hand items given
by those who share what they've been given
coming at the 11th hour - just when you need.
You have no doubt God saw and provided your need.

Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries
or cleaned their closet and blessed you abundantly.
These 'leftovers' were meant to bless you
and show you God provides for you.

Traditionally you think of leftovers after a meal.
These leftovers come every time at a good price - a deal.
However your leftovers come,
at some point you'll find they are welcome.

...pick up the leftover grain...
(Naomi) went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters.
Ruth 2:3

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

Catalogs

Today the mailbox is stuffed with seed catalogs adored.
There's Gardens Alive, Burpee, Park Seeds and many more.
Despite a blizzard outdoors,
over their pages I pour.
Every year I seem to want more, more, more.
Seed catalogs offer more than the store.

Whenever a seed catalog comes in my door
my hopes and dreams for my garden named "Rainbow's End" soars
for I want more, more, more.
Seed catalogs allure
with much that I adore.
An enchanting free tour.

If I were to buy more,
I forget I will be sore
for digging in the dirt makes one sore
from stones buried in the earth's floor.
Digging is good for my core.
To me gardening is never a bore.

So today I'll pour
over these catalogs.
My yearly quest for more, more, more
will leave me financially poor
but, oh the allure,
of this catalog tour.

Did I order more?
Unfortunately no for
neither my checkbook nor
my rainy-day fund had in store
enough lucre
for more, more, more.

* * * * *

Contentment:
a word meant
to be satisfied
and gratified.

Serenity comes to mind,
though it's often hard to find.
To be happy with what is.
To not want is the quiz.

Did I pass?
Not while life lasts!
I want more, more, more.
Something always lures.

Keep your lives free from the love of money
and be content with what you have.
Hebrews 13:5

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

go to WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

To order Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

go to Amazon or B&N.

The Sparkle Ball

Listen, there's a hush found
all around the town
when a pure white carpet is laid down
covering the ground all around.

Someone's coming to your town
dressed in their prettiest ball gowns.
Take time to look around
at this festive sight found.

Tonight dressed in a sparkly white gown,
she makes her entrance, though without a sound.
Others are seen in black and white gowns;
some wear a diamond encrusted crown.

Some gowns glitter in sequins round
this special night out on the town.
Others wear fluffy ruffles all around
while they quietly dance in their ball gowns.

You might see noses that look like a clown
or faces that now wear a big frown
for not everyone likes this ball, it's found.
In fact, it might leave some attendees house bound.

So where is their sparkle ball found?
You cannot hear it, for there's no sound.
Just who comes to town
wearing ball gowns?

Can you guess?  It makes no sound,
it creates fluffy mounds,
there's a white carpet laid down,
and attendees wear sparkly gowns?

It's the trees, they're wearing gowns
as snow piles on the ground.
Soon these gowns will be gone
when the sun shines all around.

* * * * *

We should view each day as a school
then we'll learn something new
as we learn to look with eyes new
at what's bothersome, it's true.

Perhaps what makes you feel blue
and keeps you stuck like glue
is meant to teach you
something new and true.

Life takes many different turns, it's true.
Not what's expected surprises you.
Emergencies come with bills due.
What you thought you could rely on flew.

Perhaps if you looked with eyes new,
you'll find God's promises kept you
quite safe and out of harms way too.
Something only you and God knew.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,
may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation
so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.
Ephesians 1:17-18

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer.
I Peter 3:12

Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
II Corinthians 4:17-18