TEA PARTY

 

Tea Party

An afternoon tea is being prepared.

Sun tea. What will today's guests wear?

In what color will they dress?

Which tea will they like best?

On the wings of the wind floats

someone dressed in an orange cloak

stopping at the purple butterfly bush

where yellow striped guests also sip their lunch.

Dressed to the hilt

with polka dots and stripes

she's not late for her afternoon cup of tea

which she's happy to share with hes and shes.

There's purple cone flower tea

and lavender blazing star tea.

She sips to her heart's content

then up, up, up she went...

to try another flavor -

zinnia tea she favors.

It's hard to decide

as she quietly glides...

to sample pink hollyhock tea

where she finds more hungry bees

sipping this nectar

for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

This tea party guest

wore an orange dress.

Did you guess a monarch butterfly?

There she goes, on the wind she glides.

Other teas await.

Guests are not late.

Yellow lily tea is sipped in my town

by someone dressed in a yellow striped gown.

Looking like she lunched on "Cheetos,"

she then stops at the cosmos.

Her wings are covered with golden pollen

as she sips from each, going round and round.

She, too, likes zinnia tea

as do the yellow striped bees.

Afternoon tea delights

these winged creatures in flight.

She samples another flavor tea

sharing next to her friends, it's free.

Fragrant, colorful ambrosia

uplifting, yet relaxing, to all.

This garden guest

wears a yellow dress.

It was a swallowtail

who visited my dale.

Another guest prefers red tea

as they share alongside the bees.

A green vest is worn over a white tee.

They prefer a straw to sip their tea.

Geranium tea is drunk this afternoon.

Look quick as its sipper zooms

in the red begonia for more tea

before sampling red trumpet vine tea.

They especially love red bee balm tea, they do,

pleasantly scented with citrus flavored dew.

To cleanse their palate, a sip

of blue borage tea is sipped.

This afternoon guest

was a hummingbird.

Did you know? Did you guess?

Their favorite color is red.

Who likes sunflower tea the best?

It's the bees wearing yellow striped vests.

They also like squash blossom tea

while humming a song of glee.

This song of contentment is heard

at this tea party outdoors.

The crickets even join in

strumming a constant din.

Afternoon tea was a great success.

Whose outfit did you like the best?

Tomorrow more tea will be brewed

and more acquaintances will be renewed.

Do you have a tea party planned?

Please do take the time to plan

time to sit and sip

as your cup is tipped...

with a cup of hibiscus tea

full of Vitamin C.

Cheers! Cheers

to you, my dears.

* * * * *

I hope these tea party guests brought a smile to your face.

When they visit me, they bring a smile to my face

as one afternoon in August I sat

with pen and paper in lap

recording what I saw happening

as fluffy clouds overhead were drifting.

My heart was cheerful

as my yard was full

of winged guests -

can you guess

from the clues above:

butterflies, which I love,

bees and hummingbirds

quite often heard.

Rather sitting or working in my yard,

it's an occasion to give glory to God:

“O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder

consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

thy power throughout the universe displayed,

then sings my soul

my Savior, God to thee,

how great thou art,

how great thou art!”

A happy heart makes the face cheerful. Proverbs 15:13

The cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

BREAKFAST

 

Breakfast

In the newness of the early morning as the sun peeks through

something yummy for breakfast is waiting for the garden crew.

Just who is the garden crew?

Let's take a minute to view.

A morning dew

covers like glue

inviting winged creatures to sip

this early morning refreshment.

Yes, their breakfast awaits,

although not served on a plate,

being sought after

by garden creatures.

Happy bees hum

in golden blossoms

in everyone's vegetable garden.

Gardeners gratefully welcome.

Do take a minute to listen

to their harmonious drone

as they sip from a cup of yellow pollen,

a breakfast filled with good-for-you nutrition.

A just-hatched butterfly seeks morning nourishment

from purple cone flowers, absent of scent,

then off to the garden phlox, which he seems to like best,

before visiting the butterfly bush for breakfast.

Watch him float and glide

as on the breeze he rides

satisfying his hunger

on his morning garden tour.

A hummingbird dines

on red trumpet vine

where ants share a feast

every day of the week.

If you're wearing a red or pink shirt

beware, those hummingbirds might flirt

thinking you're the prettiest flower

of all that grows in your bower.

Mama and papa wren

busily attend

their brood of hungry beaks

as white grubs they seek.

Hear their "me, me, me"

sounding quite greedy

as mama and papa take turns

feeding their offspring this morn.

While robins seek earthworms

to feed starving newborns

a protein breakfast

so they will grow fast.

Do watch from a distance

for robins have an instinct

to protect their young

from potential harm.

Other birds dine

on seeds they find,

heard singing a happy song of praise

to the Creator of all their days.

These and many more

seek breakfast outdoors

alfresco.

Espresso?

Do take time to watch this muse

as a motion picture is produced

every morning as breakfast is found

around the world, in every town.

* * * * *

In this world of uncertainty,

God shows us examples of His faithfulness

so that we will have a guarantee,

an assurance, to not worry – but to trust.

As you know, birds do not worry.

Perhaps that's why they're always happy.

Know that God already has a plan to solve your concern.

He's waiting to hear from you in prayer. Don't carry your load alone.

Get in the habit of thanking God before receiving.

That's living a life of active "faith believing!"

In the meantime, God is maturing your faith

as you trust Him to supply His abundant grace.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34

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.

Matthew 7:26

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

Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Without faith it is impossible to please God,

because anyone who comes to him

must believe that he exists

and that he rewards those

who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

Yesterday's morning visitor.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SHOWERS

 

SHOWERS

Birds singing loudly this morning

yet the sun is not yet crowning.

Upon investigation there's a shower.

Must be birds heard singing in the shower.

Daylight finally breaks

but the sun is not awake.

Birds chirp louder calling the sun,

singing while the shower runs.

Fluffing feathers, shaking off

spring's downpour of raindrops

glad tweets whistle in the shower,

their chirps grow louder and louder.

A good day to catch a few more winks

except the birds joyfully think

of new songs to sing

this rainy day in spring.

The shower turns into a downpour.

This morning's songs no longer heard.

The flock of cheerful songsters

temporarily disturbed.

But they will be back again

after the shower of rain

or when the sun peaks out

from the cloud cover tarp.

And I will be happy to hear

their songs of jubilant cheer

for they teach that singing is a happy refrain

any hour...or in the shower...or in the rain.

* * * * *

I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

what a glorious feeling'

I'm happy again... (Gene Kelly)

When was the last time you sang? Try it.

You'll find you'll be happier, I bet.

The "old" tunes, like the one suggested above,

are snappy and evoke smiles on your mug.

Don't pick one of cheating and despair.

Pick a song of happiness and cheer.

Your heart will feel lighter

and your face will be brighter.

The worries of the day

will quickly slip away

when there's a song

on your tongue.

...burst into jubilant song with music...

Psalm 98:4

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

Sing and make music in your heart...

Ephesians 5:19

This hummingbird is not singing in the shower,

but they do sit on the fence to take a bath.  

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SHINE

 

Morning glories are beginning to bloom here at Rainbow's End.

Love their light within.  Reminds me of a poem I wrote entitled "Shine."

Shine in the midst of your troubles

proclaiming that God is able.

Others will see you as an example

for when life seems to be impossible

they need a light that shines forth

showing them troubles have worth,

giving hope in their heartache,

bringing God’s peace to their hearts.

Shine in your words, deeds, and actions

for others you’ll be attracting

as you shine bright with God’s light

always proclaiming what’s right,

offering encouragement

to those you have met

with loving understanding and

often giving a helping hand.

Others will see your passion

when as a star you do shine -

so shine bright as the stars

today right where you are.

God’s purpose for you from your birth

is to shine like stars in the universe

to be a shining light in the darkness

so be a light and shine, shine forth.

Chorus:

Always be loving, patient and kind

for God’s plan for you is to shine.

Ambassadors in the family of faith

always illuminating God’s truth.

God’s purpose for you from your birth

is to shine like stars in the universe

to be a shining light in the darkness

so be a light and shine, shine forth.

...shine like stars in the universe...

Philippians 2:15

RAIN

 

RAIN

Rain greens the grass like a can of paint,

like applied fertilizer can't.

There's a luminous brightness

greening the grass with a freshness.

Aglow

it grows

overnight,

leaf green bright.

Blooms reach heavenward to receive

the rain falling on blades and leaves.

Rain welcomed

in gardens

where there's a colorful rainbow on the ground -

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple found.

More will be found tomorrow, you'll find,

when their petals unfurl in the sunshine.

Birds singing in the rain shower.

Their tune as bright as the flowers.

Cheerfully they take a bath

before the rain shower does pass.

Others hover

under cover.

Some cover their little ones

when the rain comes down on them.

Rain cools the air

and scents the air

with a freshness

and cleanness

while clouds pass over

so that others

to the east will receive

as a breeze stirs the leaves.

When rain comes in the middle of the night,

rain becomes a lullaby tonight

for this shower

passing over

is like a blessing

everlasting

sent from God above

with abiding love.

Even though rain grows more weeds

it's still a blessing, indeed,

for a free exercise program awaits.

Everyday there's an expected date.

Weeds call my name

after the rain

softens the earth making easier weeding.

I find the end result is always pleasing.

This week rain is forecasted every day.

Between the showers you'll find me, today,

putting on my gardening boots

for it's a good time to uproot

those weed seeds that sprout overnight

pushing their way into sight.

The birds are singing.

It's time for weeding...

* * * * *

Sunshine, rain, and the brown earth

are needed to give birth

to seeds

and weeds.

God's Son made a way when He came to earth

to ensure those who believe a second birth

when we believe

then receive.

In this second birth we become children of God

who dwells within to guide us on the path we trod

for earth is our temporal home.

Heaven is our eternal home.

Our journey on earth will be full of difficulties,

disappointments, sorrows, troubles, and a lot of worries,

all of which are temporary,

seemingly making us contrary.

The Bible tells us to expect

life to be less than perfect.

But the Bible also gives us abiding hope

for Jesus has overcome, to help us cope.

So when a little rain rains on your parade

in the form of troubles, which sometimes cascade,

remember adversity builds faith

which in turn will grow us more Christ-like.

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God

unless he is born again.

John 3:3

We live by faith, not by sight.

II Corinthians 5:7

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory

that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

II Corinthians 4:17-18

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access by faith

into this grace in which we now stand.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:1-4

(Yes, there's a purpose in sufferings.

Character means Christlikeness.)

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,

for you saw my affliction

and knew the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 31:7

This morning's daily verse:

I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:3

Note to self:

If you feel that you're in a dark place

(unanswered prayers, terminal illness, tight finances, more),

bear in mind that God is there, alongside.

You are not alone. God knows your name.

He knows you personally. He knows what makes your heart heavy.

Those dark times are meant to build your faith and trust.

Faith and trust are the treasures, the riches,

drawing you closer to God, to know Him (heart and head knowledge).

Learn to view your difficulties from God's perspective.

Ask God to teach you what you need to learn.

Strength will come, blessings will flow, prayers will be answered, joy will return -

all in God's time.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

LADY CHATTERLEY

It was July 4th, perhaps 2005, I started writing in rhyme.  I remember I had a bit of sun poisoning so sat outside with a used notebook and pen instead of working in the yard.  There was this phrase that had kept running through my mind for a few days after a conversation with a neighbor - from dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn.  That became the first poem, which is in Vol I.  The title came to me some time later when I was walking in from the garden.  Later I realized deer think my property is a garden party.  

I remember it was a hot summer.  I sat in front of the AC composing poem after poem, staying up later, getting up early, writing thoughts down in the middle of the night and then not being able to read my writing in the morning.  Because it was so oppressingly hot that summer, I went out to the yard early morning to draw some illustrations.

I am not composing new poems these days but editing what has been written from time to time.  This summer the hot, humid days of summer will find me once again in front of the AC again editing.  Looking forward to it.  It's especially heartwarming to be reminded of God's faithfulness back then.  "This I recall to mind and therefore I have hope..."  Lamentations 3.  

Lady Chatterley

Someone's not too happy.

In fact, downright yappy.

Lady Chatterley has returned

this sunny summer weekday morn.

I didn't know she was here

until her chattering appeared.

Yes, I did distinctively hear

Lady Chatterley loud and clear.

There she is chasing my friends

who daily come visit when

the bee balm is in bloom

morning, night, or at noon.

Lady Chatterley doesn't want to share

so she chases away on a dare -

chattering,

while chasing.

Now she's left all alone

to dine on red flowers grown

where beneficial bees

sip contentedly.

Does she know buzzing bees might retaliate

if disturbed when she comes to investigate?

She doesn't seem to mind

when bees zoom in to dine.

But, oh, when she sees another hummingbird

much chattering can be heard

as she gives chase

here at my place.

Although there are many flowers with which to share

she's seen chasing, rather one or a pair.

Perhaps Lady Chatterley thinks she's the queen.

Perhaps she is. I've labeled her the Queen of Mean.

Did you guess who Lady Chatterley is?

She's a female hummingbird. Whiz whiz.

She doesn't sit still for a minute;

neither quiet for a moment.

Not only can you hear that distinct hum,

she pipsqueaks with her fast-moving tongue.

Do take time to be silent and listen.

Here she is now. I hear her wings humming.

* * * * *

How much of our daily chatter

is simply that: babble or tattle?

And quite often what we say probably isn't edifying;

if truth be known, it's usually in the form of murmuring.

What we think

and what we speak

should always be edifying -

building one up, encouraging.

Not tearing down as often is the case,

judging others without a measure of grace.

Looking for the good

as we know we should.

Everyone everywhere

has troubles they bear.

We all need more encouragement.

In turn, peace and joy will be sent!

Be an example in word and deed.

Others will emulate you, indeed.

Encourage one another.

Everyone will be happier.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it

will become more and more ungodly.

II Timothy 2:16

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace

and to mutual edification.

Romans 14:19

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse men,

who have been made in God's likeness.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

My brothers, this should not be.

James 3:10

Whatever you do,

whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Encourage one another

and build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11

To capture photos of hummers, I've learned to sit under the tree vs. approaching.

It can be quiet frustrating, but a few photos will be clear and saveable.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

JULY

 

July

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (by Nat King Cole)

when our gardens display a rainbow of colors

when we celebrate July 4^th

our freedom and our nation's birth

when each morning we can't wait to see

what has bloomed, we're filled with glee

when birds serenade with song

early morning and all day long

when bees hum merrily

among the gaiety

when butterflies flutter here and there

sampling the tastiest fare

when the rainbow of flowers

welcomes afternoon showers

when cumulus clouds float dreamily overhead

or maybe there's an afternoon shower instead

when berries ripen under the sun

and taste sweet on one’s tongue

when blossoms of yellow and gold

fill the garden with wealth like gold

when vegetables grow by inches each day

and you harvest almost every day

when a breeze feels refreshing

after non-stop sweating

when grass grows despite the heat

as children run with bare feet

when sprinklers produce laughs

and children forfeit baths

when there's a perfumed scent

that seems to be heaven sent

when fireflies flash s-o-s,

then it's bed time, at last

oh, the joys of summer

when life seems funner.

* * * * *

If your house

is like my house

there's much work to be done

under the summer sun.

But a lesson I'm learning

is to take time for enjoying.

I sit outside to compose.

About what? Who knows?

Today I saw an ant transporting a dead moth.

Although I didn't look closely, I assume via his mouth.

I thought how strong the ant must be

for the moth was much larger than he.

"Mighty men of valor" came to mind.

Let's see what God places on my mind

for I don't know what I'm going to write

when I start a rhyme on paper white.

Valor means courageous, brave, gallant, a hero.

Cancer victims or those terminally ill come to mind or

those with limitations, rather mental or physical,

are courageous as each and every day is a struggle.

Those who care for these loved ones are courageous, too,

for every day brings more challenges anew.

They all bravely face unlimited burdens with grace

and are often seen with a smile on their face.

Of course, those mighty people of valor in the military.

Each and every one, rather home or abroad, allow us to be free.

And those who protect us in our towns

for we know there's much evil to be found.

These and other courageous, brave, gallant protectors

who quite often are forgotten, unsung heroes

survive each day through God's mercy and grace

throughout the universe, in every race.

Do you know someone you consider a "mighty person of valor?"

Be sure to tell them they are appreciated for they are a hero.

A compliment will long be remembered,

as well as a good habit to be practiced.

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon),

and said unto him,

The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.

Judges 6:12 (KJV)

And the man, Jeroboam, was a mighty man of valor;

and Solomon,

seeing the young man, that he was industrious,

made him ruler over all.

I Kings 11:28 (KJV)

And they helped David against the band of the rovers;

for they were all mighty men of valor,

and were captains in the host.

I Chronicles 12:21 (KJV)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.