Trowel

Off to do the edging
around the flower gardens.
What inspiration will abound
in my little Eden on the ground?

It's a perfect day to be gardening
which makes the activity heartening.
About 70 degrees
with a gentle blowing breeze.

Neighbor children are having fun
as they run and laugh under the sun.
Lots of earthworms are found
as I dig around in the ground.

I score the ground with the shovel
then with the trowel I then shovel
the edging into the wheelbarrow; when piled
high, it is dumped into the compost pile.

Half of this activity is done down on my knees.
On the lookout for inspiration I hear the bees.
I see dandelions about ready to open.
That stinky creeping charley is already in blossom.

Stones are found hiding underground,
dug out to build a stone wall round.
Heaved to the surface over the winter,
underground a gravel pit seems to litter.

Oh no!  The trowel is now broken.
The point is in the ground hidden.
Still usable it is
as I continue to dig.

About half the edging was accomplished today.
The rest will be done another sunny day.
The weather forecaster said rain.
Besides tomorrow I'll feel lame.

* * * * *

The broken trowel was my inspiration
for today's spiritual application.
Read on to find out what it is.
Perhaps I'll even include a quiz

The point is this
so do not miss:
Unfortunately life wears
down everyone everywhere.
We are all filled with cares -
a weight heavy to bear.
It's just not fair.
Besides, who cares?

We're left broken
from rejection,
separation,
relocation,
unfair situations,
false impressions,
lack of attention -
causing depression.

We're broken into pieces.
"Help me, help me Jesus,"
we pray when we're torn to pieces.
Our prayer to heaven reaches
and it's then peace releases.
A lesson this teaches.
Let God's Son, the Lord Jesus,
mend your broken pieces.

Broken pieces have a purpose.
A purpose fit for God to use.
Go now, without excuse,
for healing from abuse.
You have nothing to lose.
Today let God's peace soothe.
God sees you as His precious jewel
and He has a good plan for you.

Look beyond what troubles you today
for God has a purpose hidden away.
A lesson, a reminder, an example, okay,
an instruction, a message, a principle say
in whatever it is that lays
heavy on your heart and mind today -
to draw you closer to God, it may.
If that's the case, then trouble pays.

Quiz:
1. What are your broken pieces?
Have you given them to Jesus? (date)

2 Are you crushed in spirit/depressed?
Jesus can give your heart and mind rest.

3. Have you ever thought God might have a purpose?
Please know God has a good purpose.

4. Have you ever thought about sharing your life's journey?
Your journey might encourage someone who's lonely.

God has a good plan in mind to mend your broken pieces.
Ask God to manifest His plan, bringing glory to Jesus.

God intended it for good.
Genesis 50:20

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

Praise be to the Lord,
to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 68:19

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you.
I Peter 5:7

Queens

I may never see a queen bee
but I have seen queens that be
reigning monarchs
over much yard work.

This queen may not primp in front of the mirror
but be assured, she primps her flowers so dear.
She removes spent blooms
and bushes she prunes.

She gushes over her newly-born monarchs with smiles.
Their cousins are admired when they visit for awhile.
Rather viceroys, swallowtails, admirals or painted ladies,
this queen adores all her constituents; she's a classy lady.

Other subjects wave as they hurriedly wing on by.
Off to pollinate, they're happy their work day has arrived.
There's a buzz of contentment in the air
as these busy workers are employed to share.

In fact, an entire orchestra entertains
the queen on sunny days when there's no rain.
This orchestra considers each day a coronation,
rehearsing "pomp and circumstance," in celebration.

Her royal scepter dethrones
what has become overgrown.
Rather unwanted weeds or thorns,
into the compost they're thrown.

These free loaders which daily trespass
are not welcome in the queen's palace.
They are duly banished for they live a life of crime -
though transgressors reappear time after time.

My lady holds court with her dames, each one so cute.
That is, the vegetable garden which bears fruit.
For each blossom in her entourage,
she dubs a prayer to encourage.

Inspecting what grows
in neatly hoed rows,
this beaming queen is quite pleased
with blossoming beans and peas.

When the queen passes by
some bystanders act shy.
The cabbages hunker down
in their round bed on the ground.

Others stand at attention
to view the queen's reaction.
They aim to please her royal highness and they do
as they bask in the sunshine or when covered with dew.

She bows a curtsy to see
blossoms formed so perfectly.
There are pots of gold which soon will turn into squash.
Yellow blooms on the tomatoes, a summer-time must.

Her royal duties have been accomplished
when vegetable are served in a dish.
A rainbow of healthy goodness.
Everything does taste de-lish.

The queen's garden
is her kingdom
where she daily reigns
from her throne supreme.

And her subjects as a happy as can be -
rather flowers, vegetables, birds or bees -
when she strolls among the beauty of creation,
her "garden of Eden," her little bit o heaven.

* * * * *

Though this garden queen may not wear a crown,
with God's love and compassion she is crowned.
There are just two of God's personal benefits promised for you and I.
Psalm 103 states, He also forgives, heals, redeems, and satisfies.

Isaiah promises crowns of joy and beauty are bestowed
to replace times of confusion we experience on life's road.
Hebrews states we are crowned with glory and honor.
How come?  Because we are God's children and heirs.

There will be times when our crown slips;
when we'll need to remember this:
God crowns us with unconditional love and compassion,
joy, beauty, glory and honor everlasting.

So wear your crown with grace.
Let God's Word embrace
then joy will replace
life's certain heartaches.

Psalm 103:2-5

Isaiah 35:10

Isaiah 61:3

Hebrews 2:6-7

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.

Harvest Bread

A recipe from Vol III of Life Is a Garden Party, not yet published.

Harvest Bread

Grate apples/pears, carrots/parsnips and zucchini/summer squash
to equal 2/3 cup each or 2 cups total.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour glass loaf pan.

Blend together:
3/4 cup unbleached flour
3/4 cup w/w flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons wheat germ
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add:
2/3 cup grated apple or pear with peel
2/3 cup grated carrot or parsnip
2/3 cup grated zucchini or summer squash with peel
1/3 cup canola or olive oil
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 Tablespoons honey
Blend together.

Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake about 60 minutes.

Or make 16 muffins.
Bake about 20 minutes.

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.

Frosting

In the dark of the night
comes something cold and white
covering everything
like a layer of frosting.

It's like a wedding cake maker
worked late, but not as a baker.
As a pure, white frosting icer
making everything look nicer.

Her palette of fluffy white
decorates with much delight
as she pipes
with white.

She has fun with the frosting
as everything she's topping.
It's like she doesn't know when to stop
for everything in now white on top.

She knows when morning
finally comes
someone will delight in her sweet treat
by exclaiming her work is neat.

Her work beautified the earth
while bringing with it mirth
to young and old,
she's often told.

Though her sweet treat doesn't last long,
she'll be back again before long
with her special one-of-a-kind, pure white frosting
when you look out the window and see it snowing.

Take time to check out her masterpiece,
that covers with a quiet peace
as she pipe from her pastry bag
decorating with zig-zags.

* * * * *

Here's my recipe for butter cream frosting:
9 cups confectioners'
2 cups shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk
splash vanilla
Beat 7 minutes with heavy-duty mixer.

You'll find frosting sweetens life,
but not every day of your life
for it's not heart healthy,
neither waistline healthy.

Frosting is a sweet treat
to once-in-awhile eat
when you celebrate
a special event.

You'll find another sweet treat
is when encouraging words greet.
Encouraging words lift up
when you find you're in a slump.

Encouraging words are recalled time-after-time
when hope is needed to renew one's troubled mind.
Everyone could use an encouraging word -
perhaps written in a note or spoken heard.

Become an encourager today.
Help spread around the sunshine's bright rays.
Everyone needs encouragement.
I know you're in agreement.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103

Let your conversation be always full of grace...
Colossians 4:6

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.

Crows

Been hearing crows in the mornings and have been editing Vol III in the afternoons. Came across this one.  This is a bit different that what I usually concentrate on, but gives thought.  Had seen a crow atop a dead tree when coming home from errands a few years ago.  This story commenced:

Atop the weathered, dead skeleton of a tree
sits the black form of a crow cawing freely.
Apropos, this lifeless tree,
a perch for this vulture greedy.

Dead, without life, this tree
now a skeleton of what it used to be.
Black, as night, this crow
born to be many creatures unsuspecting foe.

There he sits surveying his kingdom,
inbred with an inbuilt wisdom,
searching for a free dinner
as his beady eyes tour.

Caw-caw he loudly yells.
His greediness soon quelled.
This crow once still
spies roadkill.

Spreading his wings
he swoops in
to dine
on his find.

Answering the call of nature,
knowing tomorrow there's more,
while thinning out over-population naturally,
this gluttonous crow fills his greedy belly.

His hunt successful
until tomorrow.
He lifts his wings and flies
off into the gray skies.

* * * * *

Solomon stated there is nothing new under the sun.
From the beginning of time, crows have a purpose under the sun.
Something becomes their victim,
though that thought isn't welcome.

Despite our best attempts, life isn't always fair.
Many unforeseen circumstances bring about despair.
It's life's joys that keep us going
when it seems our boat isn't rowing.

There's a daily choice to make:
do we focus on what we hate
or do we look for what's right
instead of the darkness of night.

Consider the black and white keys of the piano,
producing music, both major and minor together.
Instead of discord, together pleasing to the ears -
with more white (major) keys, just as in life appears.

Choose joy.
Enjoy.
Your circumstances are temporary.
Your outlook on life complimentary.

Yes, we live in an evil world.
All around us is discord.
Yet there is joy to be found.
It's what makes the world go round.

From crows
to pianos!
Each has a lesson.
Each is a blessing.

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15

Ecclesiastes 12:13

To add cheer to your day, here's some sunrises from my front door this winter:

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.

Sacrifice of Praise

When problems do come, not if they will, but when
I have learned on you I can always depend.
I'll simply offer a sacrifice of praise
to you, the awesome Creator of my days.
Praising you will take the focus off myself
and open the door for you to send your help.
I'll offer a sacrifice of praise to you
for I know once again you will see me through.

Lord, sometimes there seems to be bumps in the road.
They are there to grow my faith, so I've been told.
They are there to draw me close to you, I've learned,
for I have found there is no place else to turn.
So next time I'm wondering which end is up,
I'll simply believe you know what's best and trust.
My faith will grow through learning to always trust.
Trust is believing you know what's best for us.

Lord, sometimes I do find myself at wit's end.
I don't have the answers to why, how, or when.
You know I want solutions right now, today.
I want to know everything will turn out okay.
You've promised that trials build perseverance
and perseverance in turn builds Christlikeness.
If that's the case, then this problem is worth it all.
I'll simply trust you know what's best for me through all.

Lord, I've been burdened with this spirit of fear.
Why now, Lord, when I know you are always near.
Fear makes me afraid so I'll ask out loud, "Why?"
This fear is from Satan, the Father of lies.
Thank you, Lord, for your answer does clarify.
Your banner over me is love personified.
I feel your indwelling now protecting me.
I'm no longer afraid, for you've set me free.

Lord, I don't understand why this has happened.
There are time in my life when I'm deeply saddened.
I know you have a good plan and a purpose
for what has happened matures me for your use.
Grow me through these difficult circumstances.
Knowing you have a purpose, my heart dances.
I desire that my focus be on you,
my Counselor through all. Help me to remain true.

When problems do come, not if they will, but when
I have learned on you I can always depend.
I'll simply offer a sacrifice of praise
to you, the awesome Creator of my days.
Praising you will take the focus off myself
and open the door for you to send your help.
I'll offer a sacrifice of praise to you
for I know once again you will see me through.

Let us continually offer to God
a sacrifice of praise -
the fruit of our lips
that confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15

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.

Night

The stars are out tonight
like diamonds shining bright
winking,
twinkling
in the night sky
saying hi.

As the night descends
more stars open
their eyes
to say hi
bringing a comforting quiet
after a day filled with riots.

For days are overly busy
often making one quite dizzy
from sunup to sundown
all around towns,
cities, and countryside
where men and women abide.

For now, though, quiet settles in.
The hush of nighttime silence begins.
Peace reigns
supreme
for a few hours each night
under the stars shining bright.

Sprinkled across the midnight sky,
tonight stars twinkle as they vie
to hush little ones who might cry
or those who under the sky lie
to gaze at galaxies named
or constellations now famed.

Perhaps tonight you'll take time to treasure
the stars that God once placed and measured
for each one was uniquely planned
on the 4th day of creation.
Not an accident, but specially ordained
just as you and I were from creation.

* * * * *

God promised Abram that his descendants would be
as many as the stars that he could see.
In time and truth that includes you and me
for there were more stars than Abram could see -
galaxies and constellations beyond Abram's understanding;
each one containing a promise of God faithfulness withstanding.

He also made the stars.
Genesis 1:16

Look up at the heavens and count the stars -
if indeed you can count them.
Then he (God) said to him (Abram),
"So shall your offspring be."
Abram believed the Lord,
and he (God) credited it to him (Abram) as righteousness.
Genesis 15:5-6

...shine like stars in the universe...
Philippians 2:15