Christmas Cards

Christmas Cards

It’s time to address Christmas cards

though sometimes it seems to be hard.

With each name on the list we see

we remember those loved, you see.

There are others who are no longer with us.

What joy they now live in heaven with Jesus!

It seems each year more are subtracted from the list.

Though their memory is sweet, their presence is missed.

There are those we haven’t seen in a while.

Just the thought of them today brings a smile.

Some live far away.

We’ll write a note today.

There are friends we love - young and old.

Their acquaintance never grows old.

Friends, we know, are a gift

and help to lift our spirits.

Then there is family - each year more added

for the kids soon grow up and get married.

Uncles and aunts and cousins

all receive a card this season.

There are those we know through life’s journey.

They, too, make a special memory.

And those that have been kind and helpful

must receive a card to say I’m thankful.

When this year's Christmas cards are done

I realize the chore was quite fun

for each name on the list brings to mind

the blessing of you to me one more time.

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Philippines 1:3

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Gathering

Gathering

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

as friends and family join in one big union

around the table abundantly laden

with the garden's yearly colorful offerings.

But before we partake by dining

we'll offer up heartfelt thanksgiving

by coming together with a connecting

of everyone's hands around the table joining.

There's the large calloused hands of those who labor,

rather fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers,

co-joined with the frail, soft hands of one's great grandmother

who may join hands with a pudgy-fisted toddler.

There's the hands of the ones who prepared dinner,

perhaps roughened and red from cold weather,

linked with antsy teenagers

who can't wait to eat dinner.

Hands that create

and others that bake

something for dinner tonight

which brings diners delight.

Other times two loving hands connect

though this merging is often too quick.

Fingers wearing rings engraved with "together forever"

and other fingers with scars and stains worn forever.

There are hands dotted with age spots,

lined hands that have seen a lot

of sorrows and joys

as their hands employed.

If only these hands could talk

they'd tell tales that you'd never thought.

Sometimes this familiar joining

is meant to stop fidgeting.

Hands with short fingers still growing,

slender fingers of one blossoming

wearing nail polish expressing

one's individuality often.

Hands that lovingly care,

hands that often share,

hands that burdens bear,

hands daily pressed in prayer.

Hands in all shapes and sizes, eight fingers, two thumbs,

in various shades, belonging to a loved one,

held together for a moment in time -

a familiar tie in which love binds.

Hands joined together with thankful hearts

that one day will no longer park

around this table any longer

replaced by hands of a stranger.

Yet this stranger one day invited in

becomes family now known as kin.

This gathering around the table becomes

to new family members a heartfelt welcome.

May tonight as you gather together to eat

become a time when hands reach out to greet,

to connect with a loving heart

before dining begins to start.

Holding hands in prayer,

thanking God for His care,

then God's goodness share

through abundant fare.

* * * * *

Have you ever thought about God's hands?

Every day they uphold men and women

and care for His little children

for in God's hands there is a saving plan

to sustain and protect all humans

across all countries and distant lands.

Here's some selected verses from Psalms

on which to quietly reflect on

about God's awesome hands.

Hands which fill us with songs

with grateful thanksgiving on our tongues

giving praise to God to whom we belong.

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

Psalm 18:35

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;

he answers him from his holy heaven

with the saving power of his right hand.

Psalm 20:6

If the Lord delights in a man's way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

In your majesty ride forth victoriously

in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;

let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Psalm 45:4

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8

You hold me by your right hand.

You guide me with you counsel...

Psalm 73:23-24

Your arm is endued with power;

your hand is strong,

your right hand exalted.

Psalm 89:13

For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The seas is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

Help me, O Lord my God;

save me in accordance with your love.

Let them know that it is your hand,

that you, O Lord, have done it.

Psalm 109:26-27

The Lord's right hand is lifted high;

the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!

Psalm 118:16

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 138:7

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever -

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Thankful

Thankful

I'm thankful for skies of blue

and the morning's sparkling dew

covering blooms that grew

in a rainbow of hues

every morning like bright jewels

making for a pretty view.

I'm thankful for birds that flew

and to hear them sing coo coo

for songs brighten my day anew

giving me a much clearer view

of God's goodness to me and you.

Is it the same for you too?

I'm thankful for rainbows too

and the sunset's golden hue

for both are God's jewels

sent to me and you

as promises anew

of God's faithfulness true.

I'm thankful for days rainy and cool

for rain greens the grass to look like new

and fresh vegetables will grow anew

in a rainbow of colors, it's true.

One day they'll make a healthy stew

to keep me safe from the flu.

I'm thankful for cattle that moo

and for animals that live in zoos

where they are cared for by a crew

of working men and women who

enjoy their work each day anew.

You should plan a trip to the zoo.

I'm thankful that everyday is a school

where I always learn something brand new

or perhaps something I once knew

for I tend to forget, it's true.

Is it the same way for you too?

Learning gives us a clearer view.

I'm thankful for garden tools.

Some purchased, some like new

given by friends who knew

I needed a helper to

control how the garden grew.

Tools are helpmates and cool.

I'm thankful everyday, it's true,

but not for insects, they're cruel,

nor for those bucks and does who

visit during the night to

eat my garden's view.

It's like my garden woos.

I'm thankful that when bills come due

I'm able to pay each month anew

for God supplies all my needs, it's true,

and many of my selfish wants too.

Did you know God's Word says we're His jewel?

I know God is faithful to you too.

I'm thankful for the Creator who

provides and protects me each day anew.

Who proves His love for me, it's true,

by His faithfulness sent from above to

bless me and those I love anew

with His best as we follow God's rules.

I'm thankful for celebration's ado

with Valentines sent from you know who,

Easter baskets filled with surprises new,

Halloween when children say boo to you,

then Thanksgiving when we review,

and Christmas - God's gift to me and you.

I'm thankful when it's your birthday too

when a special cake is baked for you

to be shared with those who love you

celebrating you with much ado.

My, how the years flew

while the young ones grew.

I'm thankful everyday there's always something new

to be thankful for. I'm sure you already knew.

Being thankful is a mindset to see what's true

then daily dwell on that truth each day anew

until thankfulness resides in you.

Being thankful will chase away the blues.

I'm thankful for many friends who

were sent by God for He just knew

who I would need when He sent you

and blessed me with the gift of you.

May God always bless you

with peace and joy anew.

* * * * *

And may each and every day you too

find much to be thankful for anew.

Being thankful gives us a new view

refreshing us like cool morning dew

while worries, over which we stew,

weigh us down like sticky glue.

Remember this rule:

Thankfulness rules!

It's a jewel

of many hues -

physically, emotionally, it's true,

mentally and spiritually too.

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

A morning view.

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

For Such a Time as This

This blog is not a gardening/nature story, but a story relevant for anytime. 

For Such a Time as This

(Esther 4:14)

Everyone you know
knows heartaches and woes -
physical,
emotional,
financial,
spiritual.
Heavy burdens
and real concerns.

Everyday someone
loses someone -
fathers, mothers,
sisters, brothers,
husbands, wives -
from their lives.
Their tomorrows
are filled with sorrow.

Rather spring, summer,
autumn or winter
every season
there's someone
who needs Christ
in their life.
For such a time as this
you can be like Christ.

Be a Barnabus -
an encourager, yes!
Someone needs you
to be like Christ, to
hold a hand,
send a note,
to give a gift,
or spirits lift.

Someone encouraged you...
so be an encourager to
your neighbors,
and strangers,
your old friends,
and new friends.
Today don't miss
such a time as this.

Refrain:
For such a time as this
God has you on His list.
There is someone you know whose wish
is "please, someone care", so don't miss
this opportunity to be like Christ.
God has appointed you for such a time as this.

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Ablaze

ABLAZE

The hills are alive with a blaze of colors.

Among the green: red, orange and golden yellow,

as if the painter’s palette had spilled

splashing the trees upon the hills.

The deep burgundy of the red maples,

the bright orange splashed upon sugar maples,

a magenta red drawing attention to the sumac,

autumn's golden yellow foliage never seems to lack.

When the sun shines, the hills are ablaze

under the autumn sun’s golden rays

calling attention to us today to gaze,

to take a moment to capture this blaze.

It will take your breath away

to see their beauty today.

Enjoy before this color leaves

when the rain falls on these leaves.

For when the rains come,

these leaves are soon gone.

Floating down they gather in a pile on the ground

where several afternoons of work will then be found.

Mottled leaves lie there,

crispy ones join in pairs.

The pile turns to brown

as these leaves pile on the ground.

Another year has come and gone,

another season is done.

At time of renewal awaits the trees.

A time of reflection for you and me.

A time to count our blessings

with a song of thanksgiving

from a glad, thankful heart.

Let's everyone now start.

* * * * *

Counting our blessings everyday

is a habit that will well pay.

One payment will be a happy heart

from the moment each new day starts.

You’ll discover more blessings to add,

even if the day turns from glad to sad.

Those with a heart full of thanksgiving

are thankful for their many blessings.

Counting our many blessings

causes us to look for blessings.

There’s always one more

around every corner.

Counting our many blessings

is much better than stressing.

You’ll find you’ll have more energy today

despite the ups and downs of the day.

Do you have a blessings jar?

If you don’t, it’s not hard.

An empty jar, slips of paper,

daily blessings written and dated.

One day you may take time to look back

and give thanks to God who never lacks

in giving many blessings individually

which, in turn, blesses others collectively.

The blessing of the Lord maketh rich.

Proverbs 10:22

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Cabbage Soup

I often create from the garden's harvest.
After all, Life Is a Garden Party at its best.

Simpler than stuffed cabbage is cabbage soup.
Try some.  It tastes just fine so don't be duped.

In large stock pot:
Cook one package of raw turkey, ground
with 1/2 rope of hot sausage, ground.
Push aside, then
add two onions, diced
with garlic, minced.
When translucent:
Add tomatoes, diced
(or one 29-oz. can crushed;
and one 29-oz. can diced).
Simmer away, then
add two peppers, diced
some fresh basil, chopped
oregano, chopped
parsley, chopped
Continue to simmer.
Stir in a small cabbage, chopped
cook until cabbage is wilted.
Stir in one recipe brown rice, cooked.
Pour in tomato juice until souped.

Top with shredded cheese when serving.
Makes a large pot.  Enough for sharing.

When cabbage is abundant, I chop, steam, then freeze in 8-cup packages.
I use one 8-cup package for this recipe.

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Scamper

Raking outside in the autumn sunshine

thump thump thump was heard across the roof line.

Then a rustle in the tree’s leaves.

A branch dipped rustling the leaves.

Down one tree branch then across another,

scampering from one tree to another.

My dog’s long tail went thump thump thump

at the bottom of the tree trunk.

Was she thinking, “come play please,

mom’s too busy raking leaves.”

Scampering from one maple tree to another,

Goldie followed her new friend while nuts it gathered.

Here it comes back again – up the fence post onto the tree,

scampering across the branch, rustling the remaining leaves,

from one tree to another,

overhead jumps then scamper

across the roof line thump, thump, thump.

In its mouth a round hickory nut.

Preparing for winter

with the fruits of summer.

Busy everyday

for toil does pay

for men and women, boys and girls,

and for furry scampering squirrels.

* * * * *

How come watching squirrels at work seems like having fun?

How come working isn’t always a lot of fun?

The Bible tells us to be happy while we work

and to also find satisfaction in our work.

This is so important the Bible tells us more than once.

Read about it in the book of Ecclesiastes.

There is nothing better for men

than to be happy and do good while they live.

That everyone may eat and drink,

and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

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.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.

Bare

Bare

The deciduous trees are bare,

striped down to their underwear.

Skeletons they now wear

seen under the moonlight's glare.

Yesterday the trees did wear

a covering of leaves shared.

Last night a heavy frost, like white hair,

settled on those leaves unaware.

Today these golden leaves float down midair;

steadily they gather on the grass there.

Whereas yesterday they floated solitaire,

one by one their cycle of life declared.

To watch these leaves trickle down in the open air -

it's peaceful, while inside sitting in an easy chair.

Soon, though, work awaits there

as gardeners are not spared.

A leaf rake and a set of elbows prepare

to distribute these leaves scattered carelessly there.

Leaves for composting as gardener's show they care

for the environment by recycling leaves snared.

Each year gardener's find there's more leaves to ensnare

as each year the trees produce more leaves to share.

Each year raking is an annual affair.

Each year gardener's find there's more wear and tear.

For elbows kink, I declare,

you huff and puff hot air,

your nose drips off and on in the fresh air,

and there's more raking tomorrow – it's not fair!

All winter long these leafless tree skeletons bare

will stare through the window wearing their underwear

while the gardener enjoys warm gingerbread baked with pears

in front of the fireplace toasting their tootsies bare.

* * * * *

It's said if the trees are especially heavy-laden with leaves

then the winter will be exceptionally cold – like below 0 degrees.

It's said if oak trees are heavy with acorns

then the coming winter will be colder than norm.

This is one of God's ways to provide for His creatures.

These creatures that scamper all year with tails of fur

collecting nuts to hide for the coming winter.

These creatures which wisely prepare all summer.

Take time to watch the squirrels today

for God's creatures teach us each day

to save or prepare for the future.

Saving pays dividends, for sure.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

The borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

available through WestBow Press, Amazon or B&N.

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

available through Amazon or B&N.

Follow Life Is a Garden Party on facebook.