AUTUMN'S BLANKET

 First "story" in Vol V.  Life Is a Garden Party is available via Amazon or Palmetto.

AUTUMN'S BLANKET

Rain fell during the night.

Leaves now float in flight

weaving a blanket on the ground

where autumn's rainbow is now found.

Gently leaves drift down, quiet,

settling as a soft quilt

warming the ground

in rusts and browns.

Other leaves are bright burgundy,

or orange from sugar maple trees,

nestling together as they cuddle 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 snuggle

into a blanket in a huddle.

Covering the earth in a hug

waiting for someone to come lug

this comforter which gently settled

upon 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 an afghan 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 our troubles.

He has a plan and purpose already in mind

to relieve you of the burdens that are not kind.

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 prayerfully battle whatever it is you're going through

and is with you to comfort you with His 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.

For whatever comes your way might be God's way

to show Himself faithful to you everyday.

(Here’s an example of God’s love: In Genesis we read about Jacob’s wives: Leah and Rachel. Rachel was loved by her husband. Leah felt unloved. Leah’s prayers are recorded: “The Lord has seen me..., the Lord heard..., God listened to Leah..., etc.” Leah appears to be a godly praying women. It seems her sons were raised under her godly influence, because it is Leah’s descendants mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1 [Judah’s brothers which included Levi, who became the Levite tribe of priests serving God]. One example that God loves those who feel unloved.)

Do you know, impossible

spells “I’M-possible”

for God is the great I AM!

Everyone say Amen!

I AM the way, the truth, the life.

Claim these promises for your life.

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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

John 1:40-50

The way this passage is worded, I'm seeing Andrew running to find his only brother Simon to tell him that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ! V41 says Andrew found his brother and told him first.  Andrew was soooo excited he was bursting at the seams to tell someone and the first someone was his brother.  Sounds like they had a close relationship.  Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.

When Jesus looked at Simon he changed his name to Peter.  Peter means rock.  When you read the gospels about Peter you learn that he was impulsive and unstable.  YET, Jesus named him for what he would become!  (Jesus also sees what you are becoming as you seek and grow in Christlikeness.)  Peter was the one who hung around in the background at the cruxificion, even denying he knew Jesus 3 times. Peter is also the one that Jesus told "I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail..." Luke 22:32.  YET, Peter was also the one who wrote the books of I and II Peter.  Books that would give testimony to the relationship he had with Jesus Christ.  (I'm seeing YET as a U-turn, a transformation.) The end of Luke 22:32 says "And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."  Jesus words came true.  Jesus saw what Peter would become, just as Jesus sees what you are becoming.

The next day after meeting Peter, Jesus said to Philip, "Follow me."  Philip then found Nathanael and told him about "The One" written about in the Law and by the prophets.  I'm thinking Philip didn't accidentally find Nathanael but searched for him.  Perhaps knowing where Nathanael would be Philip ran to find him.  He couldn't keep the 'good news' to himself.  "The One" Philip was talking about is Jesus. Philip then encouraged Nathanael to come see for himself.  

When Nathanael saw Jesus he asked "How do you know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you ...under the fig tree before Philip called you." NIV study Bible says the fig tree's shade was a favorite place for study and prayer. Jesus saw Nathanael.  Jesus sees you too.  He sees your heart.  He sees your willingness.  He sees your growth.  He sees what you are becoming.  (Just like Hagar in Genesis who said, "You are the God who sees me.")  Then Nathanael believed Jesus is the Son of God, the King of Israel.  Note, when Simon met Jesus v42 says Jesus "looked at" Simon, who was renamed Peter.  Jesus saw Peter also.  He saw his heart.  

Did you notice Andrew's and Philip's reaction when they realized who The Messiah or The One was?  Sounds like they ran to tell their brother or their best friend.  They couldn't keep the good news to themselves.  

Does picturing the excitement of finally realizing the actuality that Messiah had finally arrived on earth, or picturing two grown men running to tell, to share, or the love poured out by The Messiah when he looked/he saw the hearts of Peter and Nathanael prompt you to tell someone?

Who is on our mind to tell about Jesus? 

Tomorrow may be too late.

Two mini devotionals...

 ...on my Life Is a Garden Party facebook page.

One has to do with the verse about God being the potter and we being the clay.  (There's been a hymn written about that as well.)

The second one is dedicated to my friend Sissie who now lives in heaven.

Heavenly Blue morning glories yearly planted in memory of a friend's mother.  Love how its light shines.  An example to us.

DAY IS DONE

 Captured many photos of sunset last night. I see sunrises and sunsets as "God's glory touching earth."

Day is Done

As day fades into twilight

the afterglow of the sun's light

is sprinkled like gold reflecting dust

illuminating all it does touch

when day composes its last refrains

reflected in ripening grain,

mirrored in far away oceans and seas,

lakes and rivers as far as one can see.

This gilded afterglow

casts a radiant glow

on everything below

as it ebbs and flows

casting a golden hue

making everything look new

for a minute in time

then quickly lost in time.

This fading glow of gold

is a sight to behold

as the sky reflects

a masterpiece perfect

in waves of golden rosy pinks

although quickly gone in a blink

as day is done, gone

when twilight comes.

This golden shimmer

highlights and glimmers

all it touches

although never captured.

It's illusive, except for a moment,

when your eyes behold this heavenly event -

somewhat sacred, always awesome -

with each replay always welcome.

Yet each replay is always different,

never copied, always unique, distinct

from the sunset the day before

as this golden glimmer pours

over the firmament

when the close of the day is met -

a benediction

in the making.

This gold,

not sold,

is often attempted

to be recreated

by artists

and poets

although a far cry from perfect

although sunsets are always perfect.

* * * * *

Do take time to watch the sunset cast its spell

in the sky above, then over hill and dell.

You'll be awed by the Creator's inspirational masterpiece

and will experience a reverent contentment, a perfect peace,

as day turns into night

with a sigh of delight.

Another gift from the Master's paintbrush

because He loves us so very much.

God called the light “day,”

and the darkness he called “night.”

Genesis 1:5

The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

May God himself, the God of peace,

sanctify you through and through.

May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

I Thessalonians 5:23-24

May the God of peace...

equip you with everything good

for doing his will,

and may he work in us

what is pleasing to him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Hebrews 13:20

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84:11-12

This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The righteous will shine like the sun

in the kingdom of their Father.

Matthew 13:43

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Volume V

 

Volume V now available to preorder from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

Back cover:

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Winter, a time of rejuvenation for flower bulbs, perennials, and trees, although winter seems like a respite for plant life as well as for gardeners, winter's hibernation is actually life giving. Spring: a time of rebirth.Flower bulbs awaken and bloom, flowering trees follow where birds start raising their family, which will awaken gardeners early to watch the miracle of germination form - which fills this gardener's heart with glee for within each seed there is a miracle waiting to spring forth.

Much regeneration takes place during the summer with many activities for gardeners: searching early morning for new golden blooms where honey bees nectar. Filling the compost with nutrients (there's no waste in God's economy) from endless weeding. Harvesting daily, albeit the longed-for tomatoes take much longer to mature. Summer harvesting is what gardeners long for during the long winter months. A daily stroll to see a rainbow of new flower blooms. When asked what my favorite flower is, my response: "whatever is blooming!" My little plot is named Rainbow's End. The proverbial pot of gold is found in squash blossoms!

Then comes the resurgence of autumn, all too soon. Autumn means harvesting summer's bounty, when soups or chowders please one's taste. The hills are alive with a blaze of my favorite colors, changing daily, beautifying the hillside temporarily. Rather plant life, or human life, seasons come and go too quickly; each filled with lessons, wonder, miracles, and blessings for each new day. After all, Life Is a Garden Party!

Many more "stories" are shared on my blog, where I can be contacted, at http: //lifeisagardenparty.blogspot.com

Spent this past winter with left hand in cast "enhancing" Vol V to prepare to send to publisher.  Enhancing ended up being more than proofreading.  Many paragraphs added to update on either what I learned since original writing or the endings of stories of what transpired here at Rainbow's End in the past as original stories written more than 10 years ago.  Re-reading reminded me of God's past faithfulness.  A joy to recall.

I thought it was as good as I could clarify in the spring, but my head voice discouraged me from sending.  That day two facebook friends shared with me how my simple words encouraged them.  To God be the glory.  Contacted the publisher the next day.

Although sales remain low, the blog is busy.  Especially from European and Oriental countries.  

Feel free to share this photo on your page along with where to order.  Thank you for being a blessing.

ROOTS

 Roots

Each year when one plants seeds or plants with roots

much emphasis

is placed on the condition of its leaves which boosts

photosynthesis,

but not much attention is paid to its roots.

Yes, it is a good sign when the plants roots,

their genesis,

are growing out of the bottom of the pot like boots

but there’s a crisis

if round and round the pot grow the plant’s roots.

In this case, these pot-bound roots

caused paralysis

choking the plant from sending forth shoots,

lacking osmosis

from drinking in needed juice.

After removing the circling roots

from its nemesis,

one must de-tangle and/or cut the roots,

a needed prognosis,

so that new growth the plant will boost.

Rather these roots

feed coreopsis

or grow slender cucs,

roots basic catalysis

is to produce fruits.

Flowers and edible fruits

need photosynthesis

to grow new shoots and roots

so the synopsis

is: protect those roots.

Begin by giving the soil a boost,

a nutritious oasis,

so that the roots will deeply shoot

during hypothesis,

growing pretty flowers or fruits.

Soon you’ll be enjoying these fruits,

perhaps sharing with brother and sis,

when blossoms mature into fruit

(yes, home-grown is the most delish)

for dinner, dessert, or as juice.

* * * * *

Deeply rooted plant roots

will one day produce

good fruits,

just as our spiritual roots

will one day produce

good fruits.

If our spiritual roots

are not nurtured from the root

they will not produce

beneficial fruit.

These forsaken roots

will become useless shoots.

To nurture your spiritual roots

they need to be fed nourishing juice

daily from God’s Word to grow deep roots.

Then healthy roots will grow, producing fruit,

benefiting many, as healthy fruit will boost

and encourage yourself and others by your fruits.

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge –

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

The fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness

and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

continue to live in him,

rooted and built up in him,

strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

To learn more about nourishing your growth process,

read Jesus words in John 15 about the vine and the branches

regarding abiding or remaining.

Wasn't able to quickly locate roots photo.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 A friend was telling me about last night's sunset.  Reminded me of this story:

God’s Paintbrush

Does God dip His paintbrush

while earth is silent and hushed

before the day is filled with stress

and again when day begins to hush?

Does God dip His paintbrush

then flings from east coast to west

every fair, sunny morning

and again every evening?

Does God dip His paintbrush

then with just a touch

changes the sky from day to night

than back again with delight?

Does God dip His paintbrush

in a pot of colored dust

for God created man from dust.

Is God’s paint made from colored dust?

Does God dip His paintbrush

or perhaps He doesn’t need such

for God creates from nothing

with just a word spoken?

Does God dip His paintbrush

in pinks and yellows or rusts

then paints the western or eastern sky

lovingly saying goodnight or hi?

Does God dip His paintbrush

causing many to gasp

over sunrises and sunsets

as a love gift to us? You bet!

* * * * *

Does God dip His paintbrush

creating a reminder for us

that each day is gift wrapped

in sunrises and sunsets.

Yes, God does paint the eastern and western sky

with His majesty and power on high

to daily remind us

to always, always trust.

The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth

from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

Psalm 50:1

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

From the rising of the sun to the place of its setting

men may know there is none besides me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:6

From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord,

and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory.

Isaiah 59:19

My name will be great among the nations,

from the rising to the setting of the sun.

Malachi 1:11

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

CROWS

 

CROWS

Atop the weathered, dead skeleton of a tree

sits a black form of a crow cawing freely.

Apropos, this lifeless tree,

a perch for this vulture greedy.

Dead, without life, this tree

now a skeleton of what it used to be.

Black, as night, this crow

born to be many creatures unsuspecting foe.

There he sits surveying his kingdom,

inbred with an inbuilt wisdom,

searching for a free dinner

as his beady eyes tour.

Caw-caw he loudly yells.

His greediness soon quelled.

This crow once still

spies roadkill.

Spreading his wings

he swoops in

to dine

on his find.

Answering the call of nature,

knowing tomorrow there's more,

while thinning out over-population naturally,

this gluttonous crow fills his greedy belly.

His hunt successful

until tomorrow.

He lifts his wings and flies

off into the gray skies.

* * * * *

Solomon stated there is nothing new under the sun.

From the beginning of time crows have a purpose under the sun.

Something becomes their victim,

though that thought isn't welcome.

Despite our best attempts, life isn't always fair.

Many unforeseen circumstances bring about despair.

It's life's joys that keep us going

when it seems our boat isn't rowing.

There's a daily choice to make:

do we focus on what we hate

or do we look for what's right,

instead of the darkness of night.

Consider the black and white keys of the piano:

producing music, both major and minor together.

Instead of discord, together pleasing to the ears -

with more white (major) keys, just as in life appears.

Choose joy.

Enjoy.

Your circumstances are temporary.

Your outlook on life complimentary.

Yes, we live in an evil world.

All around us is discord.

Yet there is joy to be found.

It's what makes the world go round.

From crows

to pianos!

Each has a lesson.

Each is a blessing.

I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift

or the battle to the strong,

nor does food come to the wise

or wealth to the brilliant

or favor to the learned;

but time and chance happen to them all.

Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come:

As fish are caught in a cruel net,

or birds are taken in a snare,

so men are trapped by evil times

that fall unexpectedly upon them.

Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth:

righteous men who get what the wicked deserve,

and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve.

This too, I say, is meaningless.

So 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 8:14-15

Here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

I do have crow photos but would take more than a minute to find.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

This story from Vol III.