Still

Still

In the still of the night they came

as a hush lay over the land;

silently they came, though not motionless,

causing more work for many of us

and fun for some of you -

rather young or old, it's true.

They came fluttering,

a silent spiraling,

orbiting round and round

then lay still on the ground

silent, their journey ending,

though employment is pending.

A frozen orb caused this fuss,

though it creates a hush,

in the meadows and woodlands,

the countryside, towns, and lawns

as it falls silent and still

while stirring up a chill.

Silent, yet sparkling, effervescent before becoming still

then children in multi-colored snowsuits and mittens spill

dispelling the quiet born

from these orbs cold and frozen.

Laughter fills the air

from children playing there.

The stillness of the landscape becomes tracked

as snowmen appear from snowballs packed.

These snowmen, still, like guards

made from snow packed hard

survey the snowflakes that descend

from someplace up in the heavens.

Other people get out the shovels,

or noisy snow plows and blowers,

interrupting the still silence

as they seek to keep their balance

though they might not giggle and laugh

as they work at scooping out a path.

However you view

this cold, still view

a photograph - a still,

will freeze this moment, it will,

of snowflakes falling...

still, silent, calming.

And still they come with a certain solace

as they flutter down from outer space

a serene,

tranquil scene,

silent and still now,

though cold and how.

Still...they lie after their journey,

still...they come every January,

still...the hush heard in February,

still...to some quite contrary.

Now lying still...

through tomorrow...still.

* * * * *

Our lives are rarely still.

We tend to make ourselves ill

with busyness from sunup to sundown

all around our homes and even around town.

Ill as in physically drained

and even emotionally drained

for we take care of everything

but sometimes forfeit one thing.

That one thing is time with the Lord.

Where we should go to be safely moored.

Where peace is found despite difficulties.

When God enables with grace, plenty.

God desires that we learn to be still.

To hear from Him we need to be still

for God speaks to us in a still, small voice

which surely gives us reason to rejoice.

His voice gives us comfort and hope,

gives us direction when we can't cope,

brings us peace in the midst of our troubles,

making our impossible, possible.

Be still and know that God is the Lord

who longs to carry our heavy load.

Don't make yourself ill.

Learn to cease and be still.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

...a still, small voice...

Then a voice said..."What are you doing..."?

I Kings 19:12 (KJV/NIV)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you...

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

My grace is sufficient for you.

II Corinthians 12:9

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January Saturday

January Saturday

Haven't seen the sun in a while.

Seeing it today brings a smile

and causes yesterday's snowfall to glisten

this morning as daybreak has risen

over the hill

where sunlight spills.

The snow sparkles

with a twinkle

as the sun shines upon

this fluffy white down,

though too cold to be out and about.

The sun, though, erases any pout.

The sky is blue today,

instead of laden gray

when the sun didn't shine

upon the evergreen pines

where fluffy snow now drapes

and like sequins decorates.

Today a bird chirps a melody.

It's a cardinal in the magnolia tree.

Like the sun, he too was missed

this month after Christmas.

Just three weeks ago Christmas was

as time quickly ticks away, it does.

Soon the sun will be overhead.

It will be noontime instead

for the morning has quickly passed

for, you see, time doesn't last

and neither will the sun.

Soon it will be gone.

It will slip down over the western hill

where the sunset will beautifully spill

in pink and rose and orange hues -

a breathtaking view.

Be sure to enjoy this afternoon

for the sun will be gone from the sky soon.

* * * * *

Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Each day also has many delights for us to own.

Take a minute right now to enjoy

whatever it is that brings you joy.

Don't concentrate on your troubles

but concentrate on and savor

something that brings delight -

like sunshine shining bright...

or the cold, sparkling snow,

or the grass beneath your toes,

the rainbow after the summer storm,

or talking to a loved one on the phone.

In truth, there are more delights to be had

than troubles that might make you feel bad.

Don't be sad.

Be glad.

There's much to be thankful for.

God has many good things in store.

Start today. Learn to look

then write them in a book.

A diary of God's many blessings

instead of daily worry and stressing

will change your countenance and outlook.

You'll be smiling. Now go look.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:20

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Winter Wonderland

WINTER WONDERLAND

Evergreens seen wearing powdery poufy gowns

for snowflakes piled during the night in my town.

No black winding ribbon streets seen

for the snow makes an all white scene.

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 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 37:5-6a,8,10

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Out of Hibernation

OUT of HIBERNATION

Yesterday a winter wonderland

as snowflakes piled up like white sand.

Creatures hibernated outside

as people hibernated inside.

Too cold to venture out.

A snow day so stayed put.

Traffic minimal.

View sensational.

Everything’s covered in white -

a pretty, peaceful sight.

Looks like a white Christmas

has descended on us.

Tree limbs frosted white.

Evergreens now iced.

Like frosting on a cake

while creatures hibernate.

Quiet and still.

No movement spills.

No birds are seen

in the evergreens.

Today, though, many black birds flock

in the crab apple tree out back.

Ravenous from yesterday’s fasting

they feast then are seen sharing.

For more birds wait their turn

this sunny winter morn.

Hundreds seen descend

to sup and then lend.

They seem to share this offering

found under the snow’s covering.

Listen. Joyous chattering.

No longer hibernating.

Ever thankful they sing grateful praise

to their Creator as songs they raise

for God provides their daily bread

as each and everyday they are fed.

Crows are now heard cawing in the distance.

God must have provided them sustenance

for God’s eyes are on each and every sparrow,

blue jay, cardinal, chickadee, and crow.

As God is concerned about the least of these,

then certainly He will your needs and wants appease.

In the meantime, thank Him for His faithfulness

and in His daily blessings everyday rest.

* * * * *

Thank you, God, for the beautiful snow.

It comes as a blessing bestowed.

Thank you, God, for the birds that teach me

everyday your faithfulness to see.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow,

'Fall on the earth.'

Job 37:5-6a

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

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Catalogs

Catalogs

Every December temptation arrives

when Burpee's, Gurney's, Garden's Alive,

Jung Seeds and Henry Fields fill my mailbox.

Each year my mailbox is stuffed with lots.

There's Brecks, Dutch Gardens,

Parks Seeds, Roots & Rhizomes,

van Bourgondien, Bluestone Perennials,

Oakes Daylilies – my favorite of all.

This year there was also a Shumway's, a Thompson & Morgan,

a Pinetree Garden Seeds and a Totally Tomatoes.

But because it's December filled with festivities

there isn't a minute to look at flower nurseries.

My dream of purple bearded iris interspersed with orange poppies,

of an oak leaf hydrangea - which would make me very happy,

of walla walla sweet onions and more asparagus

will have to wait until after Christmas is over, I guess.

Today's the day!

Hooray! Hooray!

I want, I want, I want...

each heartbeat seems to pant.

Today as I take time to look,

each catalog becomes a wish book

and in each wish

there's a promise.

A promise that spring will come

after the cold snow is gone.

A promise that life will go on

as each plant matures and blossoms.

I dream of what my garden could look like

if I were to buy whatever I like.

As that's not possible the dream will continue

for many years as I add more plants to view.

In my mind I limit myself to one item on each page

which I'm sure would add up to more than a yearly wage.

Though the temptation is great

I've learned I'll have to wait.

Because a lesson I have learned

that quite often for what I've yearned

is shared when someone gives to me

making a lovely memory.

When all is looked at today

I've ordered vegetables for May

and some helpful organic insecticides

for in organic gardens insects abide.

My dream still lives of a sanctuary,

without weeds - which are quite contrary,

where my Eden would grow weedless turf,

where every plant is picture perfect.

Dreams keep ones hopes alive

for don't we often strive

for perfection

in our garden.

* * * * *

Life will never be perfect,

as no one is perfect.

If not for God's unfailing faithfulness

we'd all give up under daily stress.

Focus on God and His faithfulness

versus on your personal mess.

You'll find you'll have much less stress

when in the Lord you find rest.

O Lord, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness

you have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in his distress,

a shelter from the storms

and a shade from the heat.

Isaiah 25:4

Thank you, everyone, who took time to read this story.
Should you need a gift for a gardening friend,
Life Is a Garden Party is available as follows:

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III

is available via CreateSpace.

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

is available via WestBow Press.

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

is available via Amazon.