Indian Summer Days

 

INDIAN SUMMER DAYS

Three days of Indian Summer! Hooray!!!

You'll find me sprucing up the yard these warm days.

It sounds like the entertainment committee has gathered

for there are many birds in the yard, some with colored feathers.

Searching for leftover sunflower seeds

are blue jays and papa cardinals who feed.

These birds entertain me the whole year long

when I take a minute to listen to their song.

Their caw caws and cheerio-o-o-s

often dispel daily sorrows

for songs brighten one's countenance

with a smile that does commence.

There's a male house wren in the crab apple tree.

Today he's joined by friends and family.

Maybe on their trip south

they stopped to fill their mouths.

Other feathered friends dine on dried crab apples.

This free diner is stockpiled with ample.

Perhaps they sang out an invite

for many birds stop in flight.

This morning three black crows

in the maple tree pose.

Their feathers shine in the sun.

Then off they go - so long.

A flock of small birds race across the sky.

Perhaps their wings are waving bye bye

for many bird species will migrate

before winter snows accumulate.

A chickadee is seen eating seeds

from the leftover sunflower seeds.

A woodpecker must have found some bugs to eat.

Perhaps his dinner fare came out in the heat.

Here's another round bug

gardeners seem to love.

It's a pretty lady bug.

Now there's a smile on my mug.

On this warm Indian Summer day

yellow jackets surprise me today.

They awoke from their hibernation

to join in today's celebration.

Squirrels are seen gathering nuts,

hickory nuts and black walnuts,

then hop, skip, and jump this Indian Summer Day.

Though busy, their activity looks like play.

Indian Summer is a tease.

Two days ago there was a freeze

when snow covered the ground like frosting on a cake

creating many bushels of fallen leaves to rake.

* * * * *

Yes, I was entertained this afternoon

by God's many creatures with feathered plumes

and two wings, also bugs and bees,

and furry gray squirrels in the trees

who all foraged for lunch

around and about tree trunks.

Indian Summer

makes one feel better,

more energized somehow

as much work awaits – and how.

A last chance to work in the yard

before it looks like a Christmas card.

God has ordained work as a good thing.

Look at the good things work will bring: (see verses below)

satisfaction and joy,

as we can all enjoy

God's many blessings

in the life we're living.

Whatever awaits you today, be glad

for blessings from God are to be had.

God commends us to happy, do good, and enjoy life

though many of us often go through life filled with strife,

worry, anxiety, difficulties, disappointments,

fears day in and day out, without finding enjoyment.

Start today by thanking God for the work that you do.

Thanking God often keeps us from feeling anxious and blue.

Realize work is a gift from God

as life, also, is a gift from God.

God has a plan for you that supersedes all you can ask or imagine.

Put on your thinking cap, list your strengths and weaknesses, then imagine...

Man can do nothing better

than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.

this too, I see, is from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

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 3:13

I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

I realized that it is good and proper for a man

to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction

in his toilsome labor under the sun

during the few days of life God has given him.

Moreover, when God gives any man

wealth and possessions,

and enables him to enjoy them,

to accept his lot and be happy in his work -

this is a gift of God...

God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

I commend the enjoyment of life,

because nothing is better for a man under the sun

than to eat and drink and be glad.

Then joy will accompany him in his work

all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

To him who is able to do immeasurably more

than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us.

Ephesians 3:20

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Two Thanksgiving Stories: The Day Before Thanksgiving and Gathering

 

Turkey salt and pepper shakers inherited from my grandparents.

(I attempted to wash them years ago but the paint was flaking off.)

The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving

in this blessed country we’re living

our kitchens are a-flutter.

Don’t forget the butter.

The day before Thanksgiving

there are pies baking in the oven

with cinnamon and allspice.

Doesn’t it all smell nice!

The day before Thanksgiving

the turkey’s still defrosting;

butternut squash is ready for roasting

when the pies come out of the oven.

The day before Thanksgiving

there’s day-old bread for cubing

to mix with poultry seasoning,

causing some to be sneezing.

The day before Thanksgiving

celery and onions are sauteing

to be added to the stuffing

or do you call it dressing?

The day before Thanksgiving

the refrigerator’s stuffed with everything.

In fact, each one’s favorite foods for eating,

as everyone is preparing for a day of feasting.

The day before Thanksgiving

the pretty company dishes need a quick washing,

perhaps the tablecloths or linens need pressing –

and there doesn’t seem to be time for everything.

The day before Thanksgiving

our country is preparing

for a day of feasting

with much thanksgiving.

* * * * *

The day before Thanksgiving

with thankful hearts we’re intent on giving

a prayer of gratitude overflowing

for much more than the food we’re busy cooking.

We’re thankful for our loved ones,

those near and those far from home,

for those added to the family

and those now in eternity.

We’re thankful for everyone’s health

irregardless of what has been dwelt -

for adversity teaches us to trust,

growing our faith, which is God’s good plan for us.

We’re thankful for freedom to worship

with others in like fellowship,

to pray for one another

and encourage each other.

We’re thankful for God’s Word

which helps keep us moored

in choosing to do what’s right,

to stand firm in faith, not sight.

We’re thankful for God’s Word which keeps us nourished

so that our faith will grow strong and flourish

as God’s Word is food for the soul -

sustenance to keep us well and whole.

We’re thankful for …

(be sure to discuss what you’re thankful for).

Foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and who know the truth.

For everything God created is good.

I Timothy 4:3-4

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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.

He's got the whole world in His hands...

He's got you and me brother in His hands...

He's got you and me sister in His hands...

He's got the little tiny babies His hands...

He's got the whole world in His hands...

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

Into your hands I commit my spirit.

Psalm 31:5

Bare

 

Bare

The deciduous trees are now 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 gardeners 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 zero 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 He provides 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

is available via Amazon.

Autumn's Blanket

 

AUTUMN'S BLANKET

Rain came during the night.

Leaves now tumble in flight

weaving a blanket on the ground

where autumn's rainbow is now found.

Gently leaves float down, quiet

settling as a soft blanket

warming the ground

in rusts and browns.

Other leaves are bright burgundy,

or orange from sugar maple trees,

nestling together as they settle on the grass

where they'll slowly turn brown as autumn comes to pass.

These leaves will rustle when the breeze blows

making more work for someone to tow,

but in the meantime they cuddle

into a blanket in a huddle.

Covering the earth in a hug

waiting for someone to come lug

this blanket which gently settled

over the ground in a puddle.

Autumn's blanket in gold, orange, brown, or rust

with burgundy swirling around when a gust

of wind rustles the leaves.

A-choo! Someone just sneezed.

For autumn brings with it allergy season

until Jack Frost comes and it's freezing.

In the meantime someone snuggles,

under a blanket they huddle.

* * * * *

Snuggling under a blanket

at night when it's quiet

when the day is done

just before sleep comes

what do you think about?

Are you filled with doubts?

There's much uncertainty in the world.

Everyday more unrest unfolds.

There might be calamity

filling one with anxiety.

Many are in pain and distress

causing relentless ongoing stress.

Everyone everywhere has troubles

but bear in mind God is able -

for with God nothing is impossible.

God has an answer to your troubles.

He has a plan and purpose already in mind

to relieve you of the burdens on your mind.

The answer is found in patiently waiting

while everyday in faith believing resting.

Faith believing should be a place of calm assurance

that God is with you and will give you endurance

to battle whatever it is you're going through

and will bestow you with loving kindness too.

Yes, you are loved by God, it's true,

as each morning breaks anew.

Remind yourself, “I am loved by God today.”

It will help you cope with whatever comes your way.

And whatever comes your way might be God's way

to show Himself faithful to you everyday.

Yet this I call to mind

and therefore I have hope.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “the Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.”

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles.

II Corinthians 1:3-4

What is impossible with men is possible with God.

Luke 18:27

"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.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5

So we say with confidence,

"The Lord is my helper."

Hebrews 13:6

After many days of raking, 

this golden blanket now covers the vegetable garden 

as well as many flower beds.

Life Is a Garden Party 

is available via Amazon.

Scamper

 

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,

My dog 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.

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink

and find satisfaction in his work.

This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

To the man who pleases him,

God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26a

So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work,

because that is his lot.

Ecclesiastes 3:22a

When God gives any man wealth and possessions,

and enables him to enjoy them,

to accept his lot and be happy in his work -

this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

So I command the enjoyment of life,

because nothing is better for a man under the sun

than to eat and drink and be glad.

Then joy will accompany him in his work

all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.