WAITING

 

Waiting

For the beauty of the snow,

piling high in valleys low...

Decorating trees and earth

with a cover of new birth...

Yes, there is beauty in the snow

but there comes a time, you know,

when it seems "enough already!"

as for spring we're more than ready.

Enough of the below zero temperatures.

Enough of being frozen to the core.

Enough of shoveling.

Enough of sniffling.

We're tired of sunless mornings.

We're tired of long, dark evenings.

We're tried of the wait for warmer weather.

We're tired of the wait to feel better.

We can't wait to put away our boots, scarfs, and mittens.

We can't wait to be rid of this weather that sickens.

We can't wait for spring.

We can't wait to garden.

We're quite antsy

which is funny

for we couldn't wait for winter either.

Our minds quite often are halter-skelter.

Though come February

we can't see snow's beauty.

We are weary of this weather.

We seem to think spring is better.

We forget weather is temporary,

although it sometimes makes us contrary.

When winter does give way to spring

we forget there's more work to begin.

Then there'll be something else to complain about.

It's a wonder we don't wear a permanent pout.

Are we ever content?

Or do we just vent?

Enjoy the beauty of the snow

for it's temporary, you know.

In a few weeks the birds will again sing

when they announce it's here – finally: spring!

* * * * *

Bottom line, though,

snow is a gift for

its an insulator

to the plants below.

Without the freezing snow

many bulbs wouldn't show

their brilliant beauty each coming spring

for bulbs need this time for hibernating.

Yes, beauty is found in the snow's offering.

Take a moment to watch it quietly falling.

See it covering the trees,

that is, until there's a breeze.

On sunny days it melts

then puddles come out

to water the earth

wherein lies new birth.

Next month it may be gone

then you'll have to wait long

for snow to return again.

You might find you'll be welcoming!

So enjoy it today.

Make today a play day

for snow is a gift, a present,

then gone when spring is present.

He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'...

so that all men he has made may know his work,

he stops every man from his labor.

The animals take cover;

they remain in their dens.

The tempest comes out from its chamber,

the cold from the driving winds.

The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen.

Job 37:6-10

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return to it without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower

and bread for the eater.

Isaiah 55:10

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds.

He gives showers of rain to men,

and plants of the field to everyone.

Zechariah 10:1

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Psalm 10

 In view of current world events, a friend shared this scripture with me:

1. Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2. In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,

who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3. He boasts of the cravings of his heart;

he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.

4. In his pride the wicked does not seek him;

in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5. His ways are always prosperous;

he is haughty and your laws are far from him;

he sneers at all his enemies.

6. He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;

I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

7. His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;

trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8. He lies in wait near the villages;

form ambush he murders the innocent,

watching in secret for his victims.

9. He lies in wait like a lion in cover;

he lies in wait to catch the helpless;

he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.

10. His victims are crushed, they collapse;

they fall under his strength.

11. He says to himself, "God has forgotten;

he cover his face and never sees."

12. Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.

Do not forget the helpless.

13. Why does the wicked man revile God?

Why does he say to himself,

"He won't call me to account"?

14. But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;

you consider it to take it in hand.

The victim commits himself to you;

you are the helper of the fatherless.

15. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;

call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

16. The Lord is King for ever and ever;

the nations will perish from his land.

17. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;

you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18. Defending the fatherless and the oppressed,

in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Lord, thank you that you see trouble and grief (v. 14). We pray v. 15 - break the arm of the wicked and evil man.  Encourage those in harm's way (v.17).  Bring an end to this oppression soon.  Yours is the glory and the honor and the power, Amen.

FEBRUARY WEATHER

 Although this story was written years ago, it's almost an exact representation of yesterday and today's forecast.  Yesterday I did hear the chickadee's dee dee dee when I opened the door to put out peanuts for the birds.  I did hear the eaves dripping.  Last night the wind woke me up.  This morning the snow-covered ground is covered with twigs and branches.  And snowflakes are obscuring the view of the hill out back.  Yesterday a taste of spring teased.  Today winter returned again.

February Weather

Yesterday more than 60 degrees.

A torrent of melting ice in the eaves.

The sound of running water in the eaves

off the snow-covered roof certainly did please

as did reaching for a lighter jacket

to chop up the thick sidewalk ice now wet.

It seemed that lagging energy levels picked up

throughout this winter day as the bright sun warmed up.

Even the chickadees were as happy as could be

as they sang a sweet chorus of dee-dee dee-dee.

This longed-for balmy weather

made everyone feel better.

The thick ground cover of ice disappeared

into ice-cold puddles of water clear

from the unusual warmth of the sun

this day in February that has come.

A perfect day to walk the dog

though puddles she did not dodge.

But then the wind came from around the bend,

though no one knows from where it had been.

Harder and harder it blew in gales

awakening sleeping guys and gals,

downing many small limbs

from tree's canopies within.

In the morning the puddles were gone

as the wind blew the whole night long

and flakes falling from the sky

brought winter back, why oh why?

All day long snow piled up

as these frozen flakes were dumped.

Today the thermostat was hiked up

and sweaters were again buttoned up.

Yesterday people were anxious to get outside.

Today everyone was content to stay inside.

Was yesterday a mirage? A spring fling?

Or just a tease as we're all longing for spring.

Flakes swirled and piled up as winter returned again

but each new day we see more evidence of spring

as morning gilds the skies earlier

and sunsets close each day somewhat later.

You'll see more birds return

announcing spring's return.

You'll hear everyone counting the days until spring.

Especially gardeners who can't wait to begin

a new season filled with fresh beginnings,

green shoots appearing then flowers blooming

decorating the earth for a party.

When spring comes, no one's ever sorry.

* * * * *

Weather is unpredictable; even weathermen are wrong.

But spring is coming and we'll see its return before too long.

If you remember, less than four months ago

we were quite excited to see the snow.

See the beauty found in new fallen snow,

even when rearranged by winds that blow.

It sparkles and glitters in the sunlight

and hurts our eyes when the sun shines bright.

We need the sunshine's warmth and light

and it brings with it such delight.

Then needed rains come as a blessing

to water the earth and welcome spring.

When one or the other is lacking

quite often you'll find God's people praying

to send sun or needed rain again,

which was God's plan from the beginning.

God, your Father, longs and loves to hear from you

rather weather related or what makes you blue.

Make it your habit to offer praise to God in word or in song.

Before you know it day long, heartfelt praise will mature your faith before long.

Blessed be your glorious name,

and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

You alone are the Lord.

You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything,

and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

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.

Ezekiel 34:26-27

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.

Joel 2:23

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Vol I, II, III, IV

Gardening season is approaching, Mother's Day will be here before you know it, birthday gifts needed in the meantime.  Consider:  

Available via Amazon,

plus

Barnes & Noble,

and

Westbow Press - II,

CreateSpace - III.

Valentine Bouquet

 

Valentine's Day Bouquet

I'm sending you a bouquet

filled with flowers today

that in their own shy way say

you're loved each and every day.

Your bouquet is filled with

these flowers I chose to give:

as orchids mean beautiful lady,

I chose these for you, beautiful lady.

Red roses that ensure you're loved

by me and by God in heaven above.

These zinnias mean thinking of you

which I find is always nice to do.

A hydrangea to say thanks for all you do.

You are a blessing to others and to me too.

Some daisies for I know you'll act innocent

when someone thanks you for the gift of your presence.

These hibiscus

mean filled with grace

which is seen on your beautiful face

and bestowed on all you embrace.

Tiny blue forget-me-nots do remind me of you

and your faithful friendship to me through the years, so true.

A sunflower will bring uplifting sunshine

even on days when the sun doesn't shine.

Blue and yellow

go so well together

whatever the outside weather

as we’ll be friends through whatever.

Sweet faced pansies for remembrance

of your gentle spirit emoting sweet fragrance.

Surrounded by lily-of-the-valley bringing happiness to you

as I know from time-to-time circumstances make you feel somewhat blue.

Accented with ferns that signify sincerity

and ivy that indicates friendship between you and me.

May this little nosegay

bring you much joy today.

Be sure to give your own bouquet

to those near and far away

for they all need a bright ray

to remind them they're loved, okay?

* * * * *

Flowers in my yard remind me of someone kind

for many were given to me once upon a time.

My friend, Connie, gave me lily-of-the-valley.

Thinking of my dear friend makes me happy.

Pansies were my gram's favorite which I yearly purchase

even though I don't need pansies for remembrance.

A package of zinnias is planted to attract monarchs each year.

You'll find me chasing with camera in hand when they appear.

Next time you see these above-mentioned individual flowers,

may you be reminded of their sincere meanings, thereafter.

Not only do flowers beautify planet earth yearly,

they provide nectar for bees producing honey.

Flowers please our senses - our sight, our smell, our touch;

they also speak, silently that is, with an unspoken flounce.

Flowers speak to our hearts with a message of love

direct from God, the Creator, who loves you. Hugs.

We love because he first loved us.

I John 4:19

Let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God

and knows God.

I John 4:7

How great is the love

the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called

children of God!

and that is what we are!

I John 3:1

Awake, north wind, and come, south wind!

Blow on my garden,

that its fragrance may spread abroad.

Song of Songs 4:16

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SEEDS

 

A man scatters seed on the ground.

Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up,

the seed sprouts and grows

though he does not know how.

All by itself the soil produces grain -

first the stalk, then the head,

then the full kernel in the head.

As soon as the grain is ripe,

he puts the sickle to it,

because the harvest has come.

Mark 4:26-29

Love contemplating the miracle within a seed (vs. 26 we need not wonder how, for it's a miracle). To germinate/sprout, a seed needs to be buried in a dark place (earth/soil) then nourished with nutrients of rain and warm sun.

Often in life it seems that we are buried, due to difficulties that leave us seemingly hopeless. We need nourishment. Nourishment can be found in scripture reading. Often God supernaturally gives us the exact verse we need to cheer our weary souls. Consider yourself hugged when you read about God's outstretched arms. Night and day God is there for us, with us.

Recently a personal situation felt like a stab in the heart. The next morning it seemed like my scripture reading kept pointing out "reward." I did a word search on reward. The Bible often states our reward will be in heaven. I was encouraged that God spoke to me personally.

When God seems silent, He is working out the details of the solution - often through others. If you feel a nudge from God to encourage someone, it's God asking you to assist in His plan for everyone feels buried from time to time. Will be sharing with two friends this afternoon. One has inflammation of the heart muscle; the other's husband passed unexpectedly last month and now her daughter is in the hospital. Appreciate your prayers. Plant that little seed of encouragement. It will surely nourish.

As a seed sprouts, grows, ripens, it goes through many difficulties from too much hot sun, not enough rain, too much rain, or wind. In the end, all of these difficulties strengthen the plant to endure. In our life difficulties are meant for our spiritual maturity - growing our faith and trust, in turn enabling us to encourage someone else on their journey. Whatever your difficulty be sure to look for the blessing in it. The right focus and attitude are key in overcoming.

Years ago I wrote in one of my poems "Our bills are blessings in disguise, for they teach us God does supply." Life has taught me to pinch pennies. Thankfully bills have been paid on time, sometimes requiring working out payment plans due to medical bills. Many spiritual lessons taught from penny pinching.

No matter what we're going through - sunshine or shadow - God knows. Don't forget, that seed once buried turns into resurrection! In plant life, eventually harvest; in our life, spiritual growth and maturity.

Be sure to share your resurrection story with others. They will be nourished/encouraged on their faith journey as well.

(You might show your children/grandchildren how to germinate a seed. I would recommend a clear container so you can watch the roots form. Roots: that's a devotional for another day.)

THORNS

 

THORNS

Every thorn in life bears a rose.

Beauty from ashes, I suppose.

Verse for many poets’ prose

or so the saying goes.

You need not be old to know,

just smell a rose with your nose.

The thorns will prick and goad.

We forget the lovely rose.

Every lovely rose bears a thorn,

as a rainbow follows a storm.

So next time you’re forlorn,

heartsick, weary, and worn

remember after the storm

one day comes a bright new morn.

The rose with the thorn adorned

reminds us of life – it’s norm.

A lesson from the thorns

perhaps will now be born.

Look beyond the storm

to a bright new morn

where joy adorns

those who are worn.

Beauty from ashes born

out of each of our thorns.

Don’t forget the rose

in front of your nose.

Look beyond the lows.

Don’t dwell on the woes.

A lovely rose knows

one life’s journey goes

from story to prose.

Lovely it grows.

* * * * *

Bad things will happen to good people

for we all go through trials and troubles.

Everyone everywhere bears

heavy heartaches and deep cares.

Everyone everywhere wears

intense sadness mixed with tears.

Sometimes heartaches are not fair.

Ofttimes sadness lasts for years.

Perhaps it’s all we wear.

Sometimes life just isn’t fair.

Life is filled with strife.

Nothing turns out right.

There’s no relief in sight.

Finances are tight.

Perhaps you had a fight.

There’s no longer delight.

You cannot see the light.

When will life be all right?

Problems are temporary.

God's faithfulness is daily.

Focus on what makes you happy.

Don't dwell on whatever adversity.

Do be aware that adversity

is meant for your maturity.

Go to God with your worries.

Your Comforter and Counselor will allay.

If it weren’t for thorns, there would be no roses.

Beauty from ashes. That said, this poem closes.

…to give unto them beauty for ashes,

the oil of joy for mourning,

the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

This is 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

I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13b

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Hebrews 1:9

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him

and show him my salvation."

Psalm 91:14-16

Story from Life Is a Garden Party Vol IV

available via Amazon.