ALREADY

 

Already

It's the end of April already.

A pair of wrens are going steady.

They're building a home quite busily

while singing a cheerful melody.

It's the end of April already.

This year the tulips are so pretty.

The alliums will soon be lovely.

Will certainly enjoy their beauty.

It's the end of April already.

Today it feels sticky and balmy,

humid, not at all comfy.

It seems too early already.

It's the end of April already.

Dandelions make me crazy.

They make the gardens look weedy

as if I have not been busy.

It's the end of April already.

There are blossoms on the strawberries

so lovely white and pretty.

Isn't it too soon already?

It's the end of April already.

The asparagus is ready,

thankfully, two weeks early.

It tastes quite tasty.

It's the end of April already.

My fingers are stained and dirty

as I weed out creepy charley

from amongst the scented tansy.

It's the end of April already.

Everything is blooming early

causing allergies

which make me feel dizzy.

It's the end of April already.

Mosquitoes and insects arrive early

as if invited to a party.

They do not make me happy.

It's the end of April already.

Today is rainy and balmy

making the grass grow quickly

and weeds grow more rapidly.

It's the end of April already.

Time to cut the rhubarb already.

Though tart it will be quite tangy

then will be harvested weekly.

Can you believe it's May 1st already.

Today it's blustery and stormy.

It's very cold and too chilly

to enjoy the flowers pretty.

April is past already.

May is here suddenly.

The year is 1/3 over already.

Where does time go so fast - and quickly?

* * * * *

Time is a gift

that floats adrift

never to be recaptured,

except perhaps in pictures.

Time, quickly lost,

cannot be bought

for time is free

to you and me.

Time, though free, is precious

making each day wondrous

for each day is a gift, a present,

to be spent wisely in the present.

Time is not to be wasted.

It's a gift to be treasured

for soon time will pass

as time never lasts.

Tick tock

tick tock

goes the clock.

Time talks.

How did you spend your time today?

Benefiting others along life’s way?

Doing something that profits the future?

Making a difference? Something that endures?

Did you take time today to study the scriptures?

Was time spent giving God praise through worship?

Were you able to talk about God’s blessings with someone?

Your sharing grows others faith journey in the long run.

Do make it a point to talk about God’s goodness,

His patience, kindness, blessings, and faithfulness.

Talking about God is one form of worship

and you’ll gain a heartfelt fellowship.

Show me, O Lord, my life's end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting is my life.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Psalm 39:4-5

Teach us to number our days alright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16

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Vol IV

 

Life Is a Garden Party Vol IV

is available via Amazon

for $19.95.

Of Lions and Lambs

 

Of Lions and Lambs

Snow atop dandelions?

It's true. Really. I'm not lying.

It's the last week of April, no less.

Going out like a lion, I'd guess.

It makes sense for it came in like a lamb

as the warm temperatures were above norm.

Everyone was excited that winter was past.

This week, though, winter came back with a surprise blast -

of snow, sleet, rain, and freezing temps.

Is that what the poet meant?

Was his quote from experience?

Is it from a trick of science?

"Out like a lion, in like a lamb"

for April did come in like a lamb

now snarling like an unhappy lion

leaving snow behind on the dandelions,

the daffodils, forsythia, wild violets,

grape hyacinths, dogwood, weeping cherry, tulips.

The fruit trees in blossom endure

this week's freezing temperatures.

Thermostats are grudgingly hiked back up,

again wearing long pants instead of shorts,

winter hangs on and on and on.

Everyone seems to grumble and moan.

So as the saying goes

and this year again proved so:

“In like a lion, out like a lamb”

or vice versa throughout the land

proved true once again

no matter what one plans.

* * * * *

Revelation 5 talks about the Lord as both a lion and a lamb.

The Old and New Testaments refer to God by the name “I Am.”

Those these thoughts do not coincide with the above chapters

they could be thoughts to ponder or consider.

As many have thought and asked,

how could God ever allow that?

Meaning, why do bad things happen to good people?

Or why do good things happen to bad people?

A paradox, it seems.

Is God good or mean?

God is righteous, which is the key

to understanding plenty.

The Lord as a lion who rules over us wisely, Amen,

and also a lamb who sacrificed His life for our sins.

The Lord as fierce as a lion or as gentle as a lamb.

He's both and so much more besides. He's the great "I Am."

They are the one and the same.

A righteous judge is His acclaim,

Who knows us all by name

and loves us all the same.

One day all is right in our world and we might boast.

The next day God seems silent when we need Him the most.

Life seems unfair.

Does God even care?

A loved one is diagnosed.

A surprise unemployment.

No money in the bank.

Endings bringing heartache.

Though the end result is not always what we would chose,

God has a plan for us to lean on Him, if we chose.

God waits to hear our unspoken prayers,

even the ones that question if God cares.

God wants everyone of us to daily repent

and He desires everyone to be obedient.

Sometimes troubles come to draw us closer to God,

to teach us God is faithful when times are hard.

Sometimes God decides to test our faith

while always bestowing unlimited grace.

Most times we will never know the why.

Why God allowed our dreams to die.

Maturing will show us by and by

that God works for the good, that's why;

and so that His plan and purposes be ordained

benefiting His loved ones, though sometimes causes pain.

See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah

Revelation 5:5

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!

Revelation 5:12

The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

Psalm 145:17

Godly sorrow brings repentance

that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.

II Corinthians 7:10

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and find grace

to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

...to humble and to test you

in order to know what was in your heart,

whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deuteronomy 8:2

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

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BETWEEN STORMS

 

BETWEEN STORMS

There goes another cloudburst storm...

heard when rumbling thunder roams

across the distant yonder hills

then a downpour when raindrops spill.

Passing through

the air cools,

then humidity rises

when the sun surprises.

What does the sun illuminate today?

An array of spring flowers - nature’s bouquet.

Pinks and yellows and whites!

What a sensory delight.

Each bloom 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 orb-shaped alliums

in the same bed with white lily of the valley

identified by their tiny scented bells, so pretty.

The dogwood will blossom soon

covered with pastel 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;

they’re a study in pollination.

Should another thunderstorm pass through

the dormant grass will change its hue,

then robins will search for breakfast

after the spring storm has passed.

In the meantime, pictures are taken

for when another thunderstorm threatens

many springtime blooms will be seen bending down,

while others lose their color, turning brown.

The long-anticipated wait for lovely springtime flowers

is either benefited or forfeited by rain showers.

Enjoy today for seasons, and intermittent rain showers,

quietly give birth to beautiful and fragrant flowers.

* * * * *

Spring storms bring many welcome changes,

though life’s storms bring changes which rearranges.

Yes, life is full of change

so we should not think it strange.

Though change is seldom ever welcomed,

don’t approach change with rebellion.

Think of it as one door closing and another opening,

or endings giving way to necessary new beginnings.

Lifes 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.

(Believing faith is active faith. It’s confidence/assurance that God is able. 

 One definition of trust is to rely on God.)

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

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SPRING CLEANING

 

Spring Cleaning

Though still a chill in the air,

today is sunny and fair.

It's time for spring cleaning,

a gleaning - not a gleaming,

not inside

but outside.

Ornamental grasses are cut down.

Some strands will form a new bird nest round

as birds are seen flirt this afternoon.

Others are heard singing a happy tune.

Songs make the most mundane chores

seem like fun, instead of a bore.

Entertained by their verse,

compost is dispersed.

Several wheelbarrow loads

are worked into the raised bed loam

where summer vegetables will grow

in rows marked out by the hoe.

Raking needs to be done

this afternoon under the sun.

A welcome surprise

under dead leaves lie.

Though absent of perfume,

there's pink hellebores in bloom!

Serenaded by papa cardinal

this afternoon, his distinctive call

causes one to look for him.

There up high on a limb.

For sure his bright red feathers

brings cheer whatever the weather.

The wheelbarrow filled with dead leaves are added to the pile

of cut ornamental grasses to decompose after a while.

Now to add some greens

from weeds to this bin.

All organic matter will work its magic

and two years later dispersed by the shovel's flick.

After a week of rain

weeds, though always a pain,

pull out easily, a good thing,

as much needed spring cleaning

continues

under skies of blue.

A chill is being felt as the breeze

rearranges last fall's leaves.

Time to head inside

though much more work outside

waits to be done

when tomorrow comes.

It will take several afternoons

of spring cleaning as daffodils bloom,

forsythia mimics the sunshine,

bees in tulips and alliums dine,

newborns learn to sing a chorus of me-me-me

while I weed out the flower beds down on my knees.

In a few short weeks the grass will need to be mowed,

dandelions sowed by last year's wind will grow,

a trip to buy annuals to be planted,

the vegetable garden will be plowed then planted...

though outside work seems more fun,

spring cleaning is never done.

* * * * *

We can hardly wait for the long winter to be past

and to welcome the anticipated spring at last!

The barren land bursts into bloom

scenting the air with spring's perfume

as the greening grass daily grows

making more work to do, you know.

But what a joy to watch the miracle of spring!

Every day take time to look for there'll be something

that will thrill -

perhaps a trill

from visiting robin redbreast

when she takes a moment to rest.

Fat buds on the daffodils burst into little sunshines.

After a few warm days, spring flowering trees bloom so fine.

There seems to be more smiles

and fewer things that rile.

Perhaps this palette of spring colors

causes one to focus less on troubles.

Spring - when earth is renewed,

as one's spirits renew

when delight is revived

and one's hope is alive.

Do allow spring

to cause your heart to sing.

The desert and the parched land will be glad;

the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus,

it will burst into bloom;

it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

Isaiah 35:1-2

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HAPPY EASTER

Editing this afternoon.  Came across this partial poem which goes along with this celebratory weekend:

Something that was completed or accomplished once-for-all

was the plan of salvation when Jesus died on the cross for all.

Jesus took your sins and mine and crucified them

so that we could have new, eternal life within.

By simply believing Jesus paid the price

when He became our once-for-all sacrifice,

we are guaranteed an eternity in heaven

because our sins have been forgotten and forgiven.

Once for all! All means you.

The gospel message is true.

Simply believe

then receive.

(Yes, I realize "all" also means for all time instead of individuals.)

There is a hymn entitled "Once for All".

1. • Once for all, O sinner, receive it,
     Once for all, O friend, now believe it;
     Cling to the cross, the burden will fall,
     Christ has redeemed us once for all.
2. Now we are free, there’s no condemnation,
   Jesus provides a perfect salvation;
   “Come unto Me,” oh, hear His sweet call,
   Come, and He saves us once for all.

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...

for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved."

Romans 10:9-10,13

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 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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APRIL

 

Draft of a poem that goes along with today's date and weather:

April

April flowers, where art thou?

Hibernating still, 'neath the snow

for winter's blanket 'tis cold

as flowers slumber below.

With much anticipation, April

is welcomed each spring, yet...still

a'waiting for flower bulbs

to spring forth and become.

Each new morrow and morn

snowflakes befall and adorn

this month April when

flowers shouldst begin to bloom.

Too cold, too cloudy,

too gray, too wintery.

Methinks the warmth of the sun

shouldst befall; aye, blooms hasten.

In the meanwhile, April's

graceful arrival is spoiled

by cold snow which covers and cradles

the landscape like a betrayal.

Gardeners can'st wait to discover,

when out from hibernation, flowers

haply ope (by chance open),

at last – hope!

Perchange these snowflakes wiltst be envious.

It's knownst, flowers enhance one's countenance.

Wiltst snowflakes and flowers parley (negotiate with)?

Posthaste - will snowflakes scurry....

as in, return to the heavens?

Thank heavens!

My voice exclaims "Yes!"

as does many a lasses.

None to soon spring's apparel

will happily wave their colors.

Everyone everywhere will exclaim: Marvelous!

April's flowers are most intently glorious!

Ahhhh, April

come...my angel,

ever faithful

become now wakeful.

* * * * *

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol IV

will be available in April.