Sunshine Yellow

SUNSHINE YELLOW

A test of patience each spring is yearly instilled

as we wait 11 months for the daffodils -

some bright yellow with trumpet frills

or maybe the white ones will thrill.

Though these yellow blooms last for up to three weeks

their green leaves from the flower bed will peek

for several more weeks,

looking messy, not neat.

In the meantime yellow forsythia bursts into bloom,

though if you're impatient you can force their yellow blooms

by cutting a few canes to bring inside.

Just a week it takes for flowers to betide.

Forsythia, another springtime bloom,

that we patiently await to bloom

bursts into color, a bright sunshine yellow,

reinforcing spring is here – hello!

How soon these bright sunshine yellow daffodils are over and gone

but do not fear, yellow dandelions are soon coming on...

and on...

and on.

Dandelions test our patience

seemingly beyond our endurance.

Many neighbors yearly apply "weed and feed"

as dandelions are filled with endless greed.

You'll find my yard filled with an abundance

which remind me of God's "faithfulness"

for that's what dandelion happens to mean -

these sunny blooms among jagged leaves of green.

For many weeks on end, over and over again,

you'll find me (impatiently) digging out dandelions in the flower gardens

as last year's dandelions went to seed

growing thousands of dandelions to weed.

I'm reminded of God's patience

and everlasting faithfulness

daily toward me as I weed -

a needed reminder indeed.

Let's not forget the sunshine yellow sun

that each spring brightens and warms

the barren, colorless earth

causing new life to spring forth.

Bright sunshine yellow,

such a cheerful color.

Much happiness it brings,

painting the earth each spring.

* * * * *

Patience is a hard lesson to learn,

though often needed at every turn,

for everyday something unforeseen goes awry

causing unwanted suffering, why oh why?

Yet God's Word says those who persevere are blessed.

Something to contemplate during the next test -

and you can be sure one will come,

though hardly ever welcomed.

Instead of worrying,

simply start praising.

The peace of God will again calm your spirit,

then perhaps you'll see God's solution in it.

And you'll find an attitude

of unceasing gratitude

will peacefully surround

through life's many ups and downs.

Asking for God's "hedge of protection"

will allay many daily problems

showering us with blessings instead.

Just pray this simple prayer before bed.

Focusing on the positive

instead of the negative

will change your perspective.

A blessed way to live.

As an example of patience in the face of suffering,

take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job's perseverance

and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James 5:10-11

Have you not put a hedge around him

and his household and everything he has?

You have blessed the work of his hands...

Job 1:10

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Out of Hibernation

Woke up to a winter wonderland this morning.  Blue light photos are so pretty.

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.

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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Of Thorns and Roses

This morning my 2nd grade teacher telephoned to say she reread some of my poetry I sent during her husband's last days, and how the selections took on new meaning at this phase of her life.  Appreciate the compliments - but mostly, to God be the glory!  Here's one of those selections with a photo of a rose from that rose bush:

OF THORNS AND ROSES

Every rose bears a thorn

for thorns roses adorn.

Just as in life, good times born

are adorned with many storms.

We moan, are worn, and forlorn.

Storms leave us alone and torn.

For good times we yearn.

A shelter in the storm.

There is a purpose in thorns

for patience and hope is formed.

Hope is a confidence being born.

Out of it blooms roses despite the thorns.

Every thorn wears a rose.

That’s just the way it grows.

Just as in life, every sorrow

can bear a joyful tomorrow.

So next time life sows woes

and you’re feeling quite low

remember the rose –

with thorns it does grow.

Your lows and woes

will someday sow

a lovely rose.

Beauty grows.

Half of the beauty from life’s roses

comes from thorns we’ve endured along the road

for thorns are what shape us into who we are.

In the end, we’re much better for it by far.

Instead of concentrating on the thorn,

look beyond it to the rose being born

for from thorns beauty is formed.

We are being transformed.

Being transformed through difficulties.

That’s what thorns are meant to do, you see.

Being made into a rose

where beauty is seen and glows.

It’s only norm

that every thorn

will one day grow

a lovely rose.

Growing beauty

is its duty.

Just as our trials teach us

patience and to learn to trust –

growing our inner beauty

so we will turn out lovely.

From lows and woes

a rose arose.

* * * * *

Right now, today, are you going through a storm?

Does it feel like a festering thorn?

Concentrate on the word “through”

as your storm will come to pass, too.

Though you may temporarily mourn,

in the end, beauty is being born

as patience

or kindness.

One day we'll see that Sovereign God

worked all things together for your good.

His holy purposes

were worked out through us.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze...

since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you.

Isaiah 43:2,4

The fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22

God intended it for good

to accomplish what is now being done.

Genesis 50:20

And we know that in all things

God works for the good

of those who love him,

who have been called

according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

We were also discussing the GOOD manifested during this time in history.  One of my GOODs is that 6 neighbors have contacted me to inquire if I needed anything.  (We are blessed to be a blessing.)  Feeling the love.  Praying that you feel loved as well. 

I heard on the radio this morning, when I was picking up supplies for mom, that divorce rate are  expected to climb during this time in history.  I was thinking bankruptcies will also skyrocket.  A friend posted recently that they are learning how much less is needed to be happy.  Truth!

You could say we are living in a strange new world.  In reference to a new world, God has promised one - heaven.  I am reminded of Romans 1:20:

Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -

his eternal power and divine nature -

have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

and 

Do you show contempt for the riches of God's 

kindness, tolerance and patience,

not realizing that God's kindness leads you

toward repentance?

Romans 2:4

and

Seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness

and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

Do look for the GOOD - God's faithfulness.  Perhaps jot on your calendar each day's daily blessing.  

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:25-26

Sunrise

Sunrise

There's a brightness on the horizon

coming up over the mountain.

This brightness turns a rosy glow

as it welcomes today with "hello."

The cover of night dissipates

as sunlight beams its way in its place

filling the sky with light

from the sun's rays so bright.

Another glorious beginning to today

as the sun dispels the nighttime shroud away.

How the sun is missed in January

and throughout the month of February.

In another hour the sun will rise

as it ascends higher in the sky

bidding late sleepers to arise,

to enjoy this new day's sunrise.

And as the sun rises

there's another surprise.

The coldness of night

is warmed with delight.

The morning chill evaporates

when the sun incorporates

its rays

today.

Yes, it's going to be a great day.

Hope you enjoyed the sunrise today

then can get outside to enjoy the sunshine

as you listen to the birds singing in the pines.

* * * * *

Today's application is about another son,

specifically God's one and only beloved Son,

named Jesus meaning "the Lord saves us"

or Christ, who is the promised Messiah.

God's Son was born to save us from our sins

as we all were born with sinfulness within.

A sin that rules our life

and begets unending strife.

But God in His infinite wisdom

had a plan to save us humans.

Jesus became our sacrifice

when He died upon the cross.

Which means Jesus took our place,

our substitute for sin's disgrace.

He bore our deserved punishment

when up Calvary's hill he went.

Purposely He endured

God's plan that would ensure

salvation

for all humans.

And there He gave His all and died

before His false accuser's eyes

for you and for me that day

now known as Good Friday.

The darkest day in recorded history

as darkness descended at noon that day,

perhaps signifying the black nature of sin.

A day satan, the Prince of Darkness, thought he did win.

But God had a plan to triumph,

quietly, that would circumvent

Satan's joy

with a ploy.

Hallelujah! Jesus did not remain in that tomb

for He's alive in heaven where He is enthroned

and is now our intercessor

with God, our heavenly Father.

Through Jesus, who conquered death,

we have the promise of new birth.

That's why Christians celebrate Easter Sunday.

A day that brings promise and hope everyday.

So sing and shout out

this "good news" about.

Give praise to the Lord

and stand on His Word.

"He is risen, just as he said,

Jesus Christ is no longer dead."

If we believe, our old nature is dead

and we are given a new nature instead.

This new nature is matured

when we read and obey God's Word

and we have God in us and with us

to help us live a life of trust.

We are also instructed to "go and tell"

this "good news" that will save others from hell.

We are called to be ambassadors,

to share the gospel with our neighbors.

We are also encouraged, "Do not be afraid"

when we tell others their sin debt has been paid;

that Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us,

when we believe in Him and live a life of trust.

God with us in life's trials and temptations.

God with us in impossible situations.

God with us to help us to endure.

God with us strengthens us for sure.

May the promise of Easter Sunday

be celebrated each and every day

as you recall the resurrection: “He is risen”

which made a way for our sins to be forgiven.

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel – which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23

From the 6^th hour until the 9^th hour

darkness came over all the land.

Matthew 27:45

Sing to the Lord,

for he has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

Shout aloud and sing for joy...

for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.

Isaiah 12:5-6

Christ Jesus, who died –

more than that, who was raised to life –

is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

He is not here;

he has risen, just as he said...

go quickly and tell his disciples:

He has risen from the dead...

Matthew 28:7

Those who live according to the sinful nature

have their minds set on what that nature desires;

but those who live in accordance with the Spirit

have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Romans 8:5

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,

as though God were making his appeal through us.

We implore you on Christ's behalf:

Be reconciled to God.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,

so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

II Corinthians 5:20-21

"Do not be afraid. Go and tell"...

Matthew 28:10

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:16-17

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Easter Bunny

EASTER BUNNY

The Easter Bunny came

though I didn't see him.

He left a present

but not in a basket.

I heard he wears long whiskers

and is as quiet as a whisper.

Perhaps because I didn't hear him

I didn't realize he had come.

I noticed he sampled my garden's fare

for he nibbled here and over there.

No one tells him to eat his greens.

He's known to lick his chops clean.

He left behind milk chocolate,

though I prefer dark chocolate.

Not the eating kind,

the composting kind.

It's a present for the garden

as a goodwill offering

for he eats whatever he likes

then leaves turds behind at night.

It looks like his family came to chow down, too,

for there are piles and piles of doo doo.

They had a romping heyday

while I slept the night away.

* * * * *

If we learn to see

with eyes that believe

we'll see the good

that could

come

from

life's emergencies

and unpleasantries.

As every silver lining brightens our day,

every emergency has a way

to teach us to stop and pray.

You'll find prayer is the only way

to get though many a day.

Prayer chases the doubts away.

God's peace will come in and stay.

Faith that believes will always pay.

Believing faith makes a way

for seeking God's ways always

paves the way for peace today.

Learn to hear God's voice say,

“no matter what comes your way today,

I am with you through it and will always

make a way to show your believing faith pays.”

Trust and then wait for God to show you His way.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Life Is a Garden Party 

is available via Amazon.

Celebrating Easter

Celebrating Easter:  For me He died, for me He lives, and everlasting life and light He freely gives.

From Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III
available via Amazon.

God made a way,
His gateway,
when His only begotten Son was born,
long ago, the very first Christmas morn.
Then died and rose again
as payment for our sins.

It was for us He died,
unfairly crucified,
but God had a plan
that thwarted satan's plan
for Jesus rose again
on Easter morning.

He's now in heaven alive,
for He paid the sacrifice,
and lives to intercede
everyday for you and me
when we pray to our Heavenly Father
for whatever it is that bothers.

God's Word often promises us
that He is with us when we trust.
He will never leave us
even when we lack trust.
Right now, today, don't wait.
Enter through God's gate.

* * * * *

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe

and are justified,

and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

With man this is impossible, but not with God;

all things are possible with God.

Mark 10:27

Remember how the Lord your God lead you all the way...

to humble you and to test you

in order to know what was in your heart.

Deuteronomy 8:2

You need to persevere

so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 10:36

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

We live by faith, not be sight.

II Corinthians 5:7

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,

as though God were making his appeal through us.

II Corinthians 5:20

Faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

You know the message God sent to the people...

telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ,

who is Lord of all.

Acts 10:36

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

Why do you look for the living among the dead?

He is not here; he has risen!

Remember how he told you.

Luke 24:5-6

He who searches our hearts

knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints

in accordance with God's will.

Romans 8:27

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

so we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Hebrews 13:5-6

I am the gate;

whoever enters through me will be saved.

John 10:9

Thrills

Thrills

Despite a noticeable chill

in the early morning air still

there's much about that thrills

this first day of April.

Chirping birds trills thrill

from songbirds bills

as melodies spill

across the hills.

An a Capella chirp at will.

Someone else sounds like a drill.

A refrain answered with a trill.

A chorus spills from someone's bill.

Fat buds thrill on bobbing daffodils

surrounding yet-to-be-born yellow frills.

Warm, sunny days will

soon open their five gills.

Perhaps it's the many trills

that pop open these frills.

Perhaps daffodils can't wait to thrill

after their long internment is filled.

Another thrill might be seen, not heard, over the hill

when the sunset graces the sky overhead at will.

Be sure to watch this kaleidoscope change, it will,

from gold to orange to pink. It always thrills!

Before long the sun slips behind the hill.

Twilight descends as quiet silently spills

upon hidden nooks and rills

as chirps and trills become still.

Listen to these musical trills

bid each other goodnight, it'll thrill,

as birds communicate then become still

as quiet descends and the day ends fulfilled.

Nightfall again brings a chill

overlaying rills and hills

until,

until...

the new day's morning sun will

silently peek through window sills

while joyous trills

once again thrill.

Which awakens the day: sunlight that spills

or the joyful chorus of songbirds trill

heard every sunny morning, it will,

welcoming the days of April?

* * * * *

April means "to hope," signifying the beginning of spring

as when birds sing and flowers appear each and every spring.

In my neck of the woods, snowdrops and crocus begin spring's dance,

then trumpeting daffodils and tulip's exclamation points enhance

after the spring rains green the grass

and songbirds return at long last.

Everyday there's something new

in our gardens to view.

A welcome anticipation

after winter's long duration.

A joyous celebration awaits

as spring gloriously awakes.

Flowering bulbs buds open

eliciting smiles often.

Happiness graces

gardeners faces

as miracles daily unfold

like tangible gifts of gold.

Spring's rebirth

gives birth

to more than blooming flowers.

There's an unspoken power.

Anticipation

replaces depression.

Hope is restored

as angst is moored

replaced by a can-do attitude

improving everyone's dismal mood.

The advent of spring yearly giving birth

offers hope to everyone on earth.

For, lo, the winter is past,

the rains are over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

the time of the singing of birds has come.

Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (KJV)

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick;

but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12 (KJV)

Life Is a Garden Party

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