Turn back to God: PRAY

Turn Back to God:  PRAY

Since hearing of the riots - again - which have accomplished nothing for the good in the past, the phrase from the Christmas carol "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" has been running through my mind:

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

The next verse states:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.
For wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, goodwill to men.

(Words of carol by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,
mid 1800's, i.e. Civil War,
who knew what civil unrest was about firsthand.)

Remember:  God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.

How can right prevail through all this wrong (riots)?
Riots do not solve anything. They only promote what's wrong.
Who will stand up to be another Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Pray, pray, pray for peace.

P.S. If you're at all familiar with the Old Testament, God allowed the people to go their own way. When the people were fed up with difficulties, they turned back to God and God always answered. Present day is no different. The answer is in turning back to God.

If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

We are to humble ourselves, pray, seek, turn.
God will hear, forgive, heal.

P.P.S. I've seen a lot of grumbling about churches being closed during the pandemic, but I've not seen most Christians share their faith on social media. Faith comes by hearing.  How will people hear if we do not share our faith?  The focus on churches being closed was not the right focus.  We are to be the church, as Jesus said "Go into all the world and preach the gospel."  Social media is one of our platforms to share the "Good News."  Simply posting God's promises will encourage one another, which is greatly needed for our peace of heart and mind.  

Grow

Grow

A tiny seed planted in a peat pot

to grow under a heat lamp, not too hot,

and sprinkled with water wet

will sprout with two green leaflets.

In a few weeks this seedling

will need careful transplanting

then will daily mature under the sun

and from a needed rain which weekly comes.

By inches it will creep

and soon blossoms will greet

in a yellow array

imitating the sun's rays.

Bees will unerringly seek

these pretty blossoms which greet

as this plant now matures,

though hardship it endures.

Yes, buffeted about

by wind and/or drought

it grew despite

life's unknown plights.

For its life is filled with hardships whether

from too much sun or from stormy weather.

These hardships will harden the plant to endure

and most likely a sweeter harvest ensure.

On summer afternoons the plant will wilt

as the sun over the horizon tilts

but the plant will survive

for its roots keep it alive.

This plant that started life as a seed

now produces enough to feed

ones family through the months of winter

as it soaks in the goodness of summer.

This seed grew

with life anew

for inside each seed is a miracle

waiting to be let out. Grow little plant, grow.

* * * * *

And so it is with us

as we grow in faith and trust.

We mature through hardships

for hardships equip us.

One day our hardships may another encourage

as others see us prevail and take courage

as our roots have grown deep

in God's Word, which we seek.

God's Word assures us that God is with us,

and in us, and will never forsake us.

We are assured that God loves us

and through His Son has forgiven us.

Hardships are meant to refine us,

as we learn about God's faithfulness,

and in the end, we find, teaches us

to give glory to God who blesses us.

His delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:2-3

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

God has said, 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

Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief

in all kinds of trials,

These have come so that your faith -

of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -

may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor

when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I Peter 1:6-7

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Of Cups and Nuts

A teachable lesson for those planting a garden for the first time:

Cups and Nuts

What do cups and nuts, of all things, have in common

if in the vegetable garden they're growing?

Beware, don't plant these cups and nuts side-by-side

or the visiting bees will pollinate inside

then the cups end up intermingled with the nuts

or maybe the nuts will get mixed up in the cups!

One year I had cups and nuts mixed up!

They were so hard I could hardly cut!

Some were most oddly shaped and colored

from the bees pollinating their flowers.

These cups and nuts taught me a lesson

so to you I'm embarrassingly confessing.

Perhaps you'll learn from my mistakes

before you get out your seeds and rake.

Now I plant cups on the north

and the nuts on the south

or the cups on the west

and the nuts on the east.

Or the cups on the south

and the nuts on the north

or the cups on the east

and the nuts on the west.

The seeds of these cups and nuts may look the same.

The leaves of cups and nuts are similarly famed.

But their shapes are different and unique

as is their buttery flavor, I think.

Cups and nuts are my most favorite vegetable

full of Vitamin A and good-for-me minerals.

Their blooms are golden yellow

which attract bees when they flower.

Cups and nuts are not a bush.

They grow on vines; they're winter squash!

They are round green buttercups

and pear-shaped golden butternuts.

Did you already guess?

Vegetable cups and nuts

are winter squash!

Honey bees love these cups and nuts.

The day before frost is forecasted

be sure your cups and nuts are harvested,

then let them cure for a week

to ensure their flavor is sweet.

To easily cook your cups and nuts,

cut in half and scoop out the seeds, then put

in a roasting pan to roast

for 90 minutes at most.

So that's the tale of cups and nuts.

I hope you don't think I'm nuts.

* * * * *

This application is about being at wit's end.

Something I do not wish for you, my friend.

But when this does happen to all of us from time-to-time,

know that God is with you and will give you peace of mind.

At wits' end when ones child is ill

and tears before God in heaven spill.

At wits' end through difficult seasons of unemployment,

when savings have been spent, when life has lost its enjoyment.

At wits' end because of a diagnosis

that's only cured through prayer and God's promise.

At wits' end when relationships erode

and it seems to be the end of the road.

At wits' end when needs are unmet

and you're ended up with endless debt.

At wits' end when life is topsy-turvy

and you're hanging on – but just barely.

When, not if, you're at wits' end

know on God you can depend

for He comes alongside like a friend

and is there to tend, to defend, to mend.

Know on the Lord you can depend

time after time and again,

and is there when

you need Him.

The righteous cry out,

and the Lord hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and save those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,

but the Lord delivers him from the mall.

Psalm 34:17-19

Unless the Lord had given me help,

I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”

your love, O Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19

For he spoke and stirred up a tempest

that lifted high the waves.

They mounted up to the heavens

and went down to the depths;

in their peril their courage melted away.

They reeled and staggered like drunken men;

they were at their wits' end.

They they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he brought them out of their distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,

and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for men.

Psalm 107:25-31

A crossbreed.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

"x"

“ x “

(INCH by INCH)

On Memorial Day beans, peas, beets, carrots

planted down the hoed row “ x “ apart.

Each and every seed pinched

before planted “ x “.

“ x “ each seed with grow

after planted in the row

for sun and rain will soon sprout

what's inside waiting to get out.

Perhaps this week's forecasted rain

will wash the seeds out again.

If so, the seeds will attract the finches

before I poke the seeds back in “ x ”.

“ x “ vines

will one day twine

up the garden fence -

snow peas, pole beans, hence.

Soon it will be time to rinse

then cut those beans “ x “.

After blanched, into the freezer goes

for rainbow soup or with meatloaf goes.

“ x “ down into the ground

beets and carrots will grow round

to harvest after Jack Frost comes around

for frost makes root vegetables sweeter, it's found.

Traveling “ x “,

inch worms cause me to wince

for they will lynch

unless I pinch.

“ x “ my middle increases

while unfortunately my height decreases

despite bending and weeding “ x “.

In the morning you'll hear me grimace.

“ x “ the hands on the clock go round.

In 24 hours a new day is found.

Another day will be dispersed “ x “

filled with blessings from God, I'm convinced.

* * * * *

Growth is a process that takes time

and will not be hurried one finds.

"x" we grow physically

as well as mature spiritually.

Though we struggle to, we never completely arrive

at complete spiritual maturity in our lives.

Three steps forward, two steps back it seems

for each day there's a battle that screams.

Our good intentions to please the Lord

are left on the side of the road

for busyness creeps in

and the Lord is forgotten.

There's much to do and places to go

our days are scheduled with overflow.

Much gets accomplished, but are our accomplishments

accomplishments that bring God glory where we went?

We might remember to pray when we need help,

but spending time developing relationship

by reading God's Word

is often ignored.

It's relationship with the Lord

that is pleasing to the Lord.

It's spending time with Him

that grows us up within.

"x" we should want to daily read

a few verses in the Bible which will feed

our mind, heart, soul

as we inwardly grow.

We'll learn the right way to live

as each day we seek to give

the Lord His rightful place

in what's commonplace.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

II Corinthians 4:16-17

“This is the resting place, let the weary rest”;

and, “This is the place of repose” -

but they would not listen.

So then, the word of the Lord to them will become:

Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule;

a little here, a little there -

so that they will go and fall backward,

be injured and snared and captured.

Isaiah 28:12-13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Raindrops

As there are raindrops out my window right now, I thought this was fitting story to share:

Rain Drops

Raindrops keep falling on my head (Copied)

as the grass and flowers are fed

this warm spring day

in the month of May.

Though the bees

are not pleased

when the rain storm

comes this morn.

Soon the trees will begin to drip

from their budding green leaf tips

as the spring rain comes down

soaking into the ground.

You'll find the budding leafs grew

from this rain shower that blew

across the sky

breezing by.

On the ground you might see

blossoms from the maple tree

that the rain disengaged,

thus starting a new phase...

as now the leafs will burst

providing an under-girth

as shade

is made.

High in the tree

a birdie

huddles on its nest

of eggs yet unhatched.

It waits for the shower

to be gone and over

as the tree's leaves still furled

don't yet offer shelter.

If the rain continues long

you might find puddles strung among

the newly plowed soil

where yesterday you toiled.

But the spring earth

rich with new birth

will soak in the rain

being for our gain.

The rain also popped up the flowers

as overnight they seem to tower

out of the earth

in a mound of dirt.

A welcome sight this day in May

to see the promise of spring displayed

as bulbs and perennials,

fruit trees, fields of grain, and vines – all...

are thankful for this shower of blessing

that came up over the hill cresting

then dropped

raindrops.

* * * * *

Showers of blessings

come after testings

when you start trusting

and in God resting.

Each morning when you're dressing

don't start the day stressing,

with doubts your mind messing,

often second guessing.

Start each day in faith resting

as in the Lord you're trusting.

You'll be experiencing

abundant showers of blessings.

I will bless them...

I will send down showers in season;

there will be showers of blessing.

The trees of the field will yield their fruit

and the ground will yield its crops;

the people will be secure in their land.

They will know that I am the Lord...

Ezekiel 34:26

It is a land the Lord your God cares for;

the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it

from the beginning of the year to its end.

So if you faithfully obey the commands

I am giving you today -

to love the Lord your God and to serve him

with all your heart and with all your soul -

then I will send rain on your land in its season,

both autumn and spring rains,

so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.

I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle,

and you will eat and be satisfied.

Deuteronomy 11:12-15

Be glad..rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.

He sends you abundant showers,

both autumn and spring rains, as before.

The threshing floors will be filled with grain;

the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

Joel 2:23-24

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop

and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:7

Strawberry Blossom

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Between Storms

BETWEEN STORMS

There goes another storm...

heard when thunder roams

across the hills

then raindrops spill.

Passing through

the air cools

then humidity rises

when the sun surprises.

What does the sun bring with it today?

A burst of spring flowers in a bouquet.

Pinks and yellows and whites

always bring much delight.

Each flower adds to the bouquet

emitting springtime fragrance today.

Daffodils which smell spring-fresh

or spicy scented hyacinths.

Today the hardy magnolia burst into bloom

as the morning's sun warmed the earth before noon.

Unfortunately this week's forecasted rains

will cause its snowflake blooms to downward rain.

Can't wait to see pink bleeding hearts on a stem

intermingled with purple globe-shaped alliums

in the same bed with white lily of the valley

identified by their tiny bells so wee.

The dogwood will bloom soon.

Soon will see its pink blooms.

Will two robins build a nest there this year?

If so, I'll be awakened with morning cheer.

Next week the white crab apple will blossom.

Beware! A hive of bees will descend.

Do take a moment to watch them,

a study in pollination.

Should another storm pass through

the dormant grass will change its hue,

while robins search for breakfast

after the storm is past.

In the meantime, pictures are taken

for when another thunder storm threatens

many springtime blooms will be seen bending down,

while others lose their color, turning brown.

* * * * *

Spring storms bring many welcome changes,

though life storms bring life-altering changes.

Yes, life is full of change

so we should not think it strange.

Though change is seldom ever welcomed,

in the end the result is welcomed.

Think of it as one door closing and another opening

or endings giving way to necessary new beginnings.

Life's many surprise storms,

in the form of problems,

will mature us in the end

as they teach us to depend

on God who already has the solution worked out -

to have believing faith and trust, to not give in to doubt.

It's doubt that sees the situation as impossible,

forgetting that with faith in God, all things are possible.

So next time the winds of change storm in

remember that God is with you, He's within.

Your storm is not yours alone

but God's time to perfect, to hone.

Change is meant to grow your faith

as you rely on God's grace

and faithfulness

through each test.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith

develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work

so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Though now for a little while

you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials,

These have come so that your faith –

of greater worth than gold,

which perishes even though refined by fire -

may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor

when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I Peter 1:6-7

He must believe and not doubt,

because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind...

he is a double-minded man and

unstable in all he does.

James 1:6,8

All things are possible with God.

Mark 10:27b

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Weed Seeds

WEED SEEDS

Yesterday I saw two little girls collecting bouquets.

That was a picture that brought a smile right away.

Their bouquets were delicate puffs,

otherwise known as dandelion fluff.

Today the wind kicked up in the afternoon.

Puffs were dispersed in my yard, this month before June.

Over the fence they came in every direction

though I had more than enough, they came without discretion.

If you call them puffs

or their other name fluff,

to me they are weed seeds

full of covetous greed.

Next year dandelions will take over

then I will have to bend over and over

to remove one by one.

I'll never be done.

If I were organized, before dandelions bloom

I could eat dandelions greens one afternoon.

One of my Gram's favorite fares.

Perhaps why she never had gray hair.

Cook like spinach or eaten in a salad,

with vinegar if you prefer. You'll be well fed.

How about dandelion blossom fritters?

Be sure to remove bees or other critters.

Full of Vitamin K,

cooked tastes A-okay

with pickle brine

anytime.

Perhaps you'll try dandelion greens this spring.

Be sure to harvest before they blossom.

Popeye will have competition

with this healthy decision.

Dandelion seeds

are full of greed

so do heed

this creed:

on your knees

weed and weed.

Expect when you get up from this deed

to feel somewhat stiff and lame, indeed.

* * * * *

A simile that might be used for weed seeds

could be your communication, so please heed:

if your conversations are full of weed seeds

your words will be full of contagious weeds.

Contagious weeds are slander and gossip, a form of covetous greed.

These weeds are unruly and lead to upset, traveling at great speed.

Replace those unruly verbal weeds

with necessary, life-giving seeds

which offers encouragement, and are needed to succeed.

By making this your daily practice, you too will greatly succeed,

as it will always lead to good deeds

and others will follow your lead.

Building each other up will lead

to planting positive seeds.

What will you plant in your garden of life? Weed seeds?

Or life-giving words that build up, which is key,

to living a fragrant, victorious, Christ-like, life indeed.

Something to remember next time you see dandelion seeds.

Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

To slander no one,

to be peaceable and considerate,

and to show true humility toward all men.

Titus 3:2

Thanks to be God,

who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ

and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance

of the knowledge of him.

II Corinthians 2:14

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.