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.

Rain and thunder produce nitrogen which makes the grass appear luminous - and to grow faster!

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Morning Blessings

Was searching for zucchinis early morning when heard the distinctive hum of a hummer.  

Finally got some clear photos - in the scarlet runner beans.  (TY Andre Jones)

When I share these beans I suggest planting where you can watch the hummers.

Some of this morning's "pots of gold" here at Rainbow's End.

High humidity is beneficial to the vegetable garden.

Been searching for butterfly caterpillars in the dill and parsley but so far nothing.

I've also seen caterpillars in parsnips and lovage in year's past.

For the earth

which drinketh in the rain

that falleth often upon it

and bringeth forth

herbs fit for him

by whom it is tilled

received blessings from God.

Hebrews 6:7

'Tis the Season - Zucchini

 

Vegetable Pizza

4 cups shredded zucchini

1/2 tsp salt

Let stand 10 minutes in calendar, squeeze dry.

Oil 9x13 with olive oil. Heat oven to 400.

2 eggs

garlic

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese of choice

Bake 20 minutes.

Cook 1# ground beef/turkey/sausage

Cook diced onions/peppers/mushrooms

Top with sliced tomatoes or tomato sauce

Sprinkle with garlic/basil/oregano/etc.

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Bake 20 additional minutes.

-----

Zucchini Bread

1 cup shredded zucchini

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup oil

1 egg

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup w/w flour

1 t baking soda

1/4 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

3/4 t cinnamon

1 1/2 t vanilla

2/3 cup walnuts

Grease pan. Bake 350 for 55 minutes.

-----

Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes

2 cups grated zucchini

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 t vanilla

1 cup flour

1 cup w/w flour

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

1/2 t baking powder

3/4 cup applesauce

2 T olive oil

2/3 cup cocoa

Bake 325.

FOR THE BEAUTY

 

BEAUTY

For the beauty of the earth 

filled with sun's bright light and warmth 

causes plants to spring forth 

and pretty flowers with each birth. 

A song of thankfulness they raise 

to the Creator of their days. 

For the beauty of the earth

seen in sunrises and sunsets. 

A benediction from on high. 

Truly, God's blessings daily nigh. 

A song of thankfulness they raise

to the Creator of their days.

For the beauty of the earth

filled with sounds of joyous mirth 

from feathered creatures found throughout 

with a melody they tout. 

A song of thankfulness they raise 

to the Creator of their days. 

For the beauty of the earth

from ebb and flow of ocean's surf. 

Heard in rippling river's course. 

God's power daily sung in verse. 

A song of thankfulness they raise

to the Creator of their days.

For the beauty of the earth

where seagulls splash and heard laugh. 

Their laughter heard on land and sea 

bringing delight to you and me. 

A song of thankfulness they raise 

to the Creator of their days.

For the beauty of the earth

where healthy grains are brought forth 

from God's soil, rain, and sun 

supplying health to everyone. 

A song of thankfulness we raise 

to the Creator of our days. 

For the beauty of the earth -

east or west or south or north. 

For the beauty that surrounds 

in the sky and on the ground. 

A song of thankfulness we raise 

to the Creator of our days. 

For the beauty of the earth -

the length and width, depth and girth, 

created to be enjoyed by all 

because God loves us all so well. 

A song of thankfulness we raise 

to the Creator of our days. 

For the beauty of the earth

rather found on turf or surf. 

Many blessings there abound 

from creation all around. 

A song of thankfulness we raise 

to the Creator of our days. 

For the beauty of the earth

filling us with life-giving breath. 

Planned that way from inception 

on the 6^th day of creation. 

A song of thankfulness we raise

to the Creator of our days.

For the beauty of the earth

where thankfulness does ring forth. 

Heavenly music does resound 

in the cities and the towns. 

A song of thankfulness we raise 

to the Creator of our days. 

Can be sung to “For the Beauty of the Earth”

by Conrad Kocher/Folliott S. Pierpont.

* * * * *

Thankfulness should fill our hearts

every morning as we start

our busy day

before worry preys,

for when we worry

thankfulness hurries

out the back door

making us poor.

If we are thankful

our hearts are full.

We feel rich, not poor,

as blessings pour.

Being thankful is mature.

Worry is against God's nature.

Try being thankful today.

It will keep worry at bay.

Do not fret (worry) -

it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:8

An anxious heart weighs a man down.

Proverbs 12:25

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

I Peter 5:7

Do not worry.

Luke 12:22

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

AFTER

 

After

After seeds are planted in the ground

life begins from that little round

or oval-shaped seed so small

in which life originates for all.

After sun and rain nourish that little seed

buried under the soil down on ones knees

it begins to sprout

quickly bursting out.

After a week it emerges through

reaching heavenward toward skies of blue

where two little leaflets drink

dewdrops when morning winks.

After a few more days more leafs appear

sometimes feed by showers of heaven's tears,

although other times these showers become storms

when this little seedling looks quite forlorn.

After storms of life buffet this little life,

sometimes cutting like a knife,

this little seedling rights itself again

and is happy to see the sun return.

After several weeks of sunshine

this little seedling grows into a vine

where blossoms form and intertwine

its tendrils up a fence line.

After the blossoms form

bees visits from their drone.

Sing-song buzzing is in the air

on days when it's sunny and fair.

After soaking up the sun's warmth

these blossoms turn into fruit -

perhaps snow peas, or cucumbers,

or pumpkins, or green pole beans or...

After these vegetables mature

there'll be good eating for sure.

Harvesting takes place

as one feeds one's face.

After these vegetables mature

inside each are seeds for more

to reproduce next year.

An excellent plan, that's clear.

After awhile seeds are dried

then in an envelope they hide

until next spring -

which is exciting.

After weeks of summer, but all too soon,

autumn's cold frost will bring with it doom

ending the cycle of life

with dying and certain death.

Afterward these vines are recycled into compost

when this gardening "black gold" another seed will host.

The cycle of life completed for this seed.

For humans, bees, and compost it did feed.

After all is grown and gone

a miracle lives on

as seeds will reproduce

with more ideas for this muse.

Seriously, in each seed there's a miracle,

as well as a cure for whatever ails,

for a healthy life is daily maintained

from good-for-us minerals and vitamins.

* * * * *

As all gardening ends with death,

then a recycling; as with life

death is not the end,

it's a new beginning.

After this life

there's eternal life

if you believe

and Christ receive.

Your old life can be recycled into new

if you believe what God did is true.

That God's Son died

for you and I.

There is a happily-ever-after.

It's in heaven, the thereafter,

and will be reserved for you today

if you believe in Christ Jesus, then pray.

"Dear Lord, I believe

and your gift receive.

You're always be with me in all that I do

and I have your promise of everlasting life with you."

There really is a happily-ever-after,

although not on earth as so earnestly sought after.

We won't receive it until we die,

when we go to our home beyond the sky.

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.

Romans 10:9

Our citizenship is in heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by the power that enables him

to bring everything under his control,

will transform our lowly bodies

so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Lady Chatterley II

 After chasing, she will sip then sit on the fence for a minute.

Lady Chatterley

 

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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

AT RAINBOW'S END 7/2/23

 July is the most colorful month here at Rainbow's End.  More buds and blooms daily.

Two campanulas (?) - Korean Bells and Cherry Bells (invasive)/gifted.

Daylilies are blooming:

Spiderman day lily partially open this morning:

Bumblers were happily buzzing away in lamb's ears this morning.  Flower stalk not remarkable, scent not remarkable - but bees love it:

More colors of Gloriosa Daisies daily.  Identified by their fuzzy leaves.

Ornamental grass in bloom - seems too soon:

July is day lily month, including ditch lilies:

Foxgloves finishing up, from Lesley's sister, Gloria, years ago.  Lacecap hydrangea in background.

Two colors of bee balm in bloom.  Expecting hummers to visit.  Today's rainy and humid.

Rose colored bee balm from Ruby:

Rosa-agosa, scented.

Shasta Daisies

Isn't it too soon for mums to bloom:

Stella Dora reblooming daylilies, from Lesley:

Hydrangea beginning to change color:

Tickseed coreposis foreground with Ladies Mantel and Lady Bells background.  Should be pretty when Lady Bells open.

Neighbor's cat was weary of me saying "just a minute" although we had already had breakfast and private time.  She knows she bosses me around.  I call her Spooky but she comes to "Come Here."

This hosta was hard hit by killer frost so now protecting it from sunburn with umbrella.  (When the maple tree came down years ago the hosta was too large to move.)  Ditch lilies behind, Oxeye to right.  Snow on mountain to far right.

Rose camption planted itself behind loosestrife.  Lace cap hydrangea to right.  Weeping cherry in middle.  Korean bells beginning to flower in front.  

Oxeye daisy:

Daisies with feverfew are complimentary:

Loosestrife:

Artemisia from mom makes a striking backdrop for ditch lilies:

Prickly pear from Ruby is beginning to bloom.  Hundreds of buds:

Borage, edible.  Bees love it.

Scotch thistle from Michie:  Yellow finches love it.  Self-seeded itself on both ends of potato patch.

Saw yellow in Scotch thistle but knew it was too soon for seeds.  Happy to capture swallowtail.

Consider how the wild flowers grow.

Luke 12:27

Love walking about early morning to remember who gave me what.  (Early morning is best to avoid shadows.)