DESTINY

 

DESTINY

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God also sees us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading and meditating on it

finding just what is needed to lift our waning spirit.*

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's commitment?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully abundant favor.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs reinforcement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement,

perhaps in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” today.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesy,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Encourage one another

and build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us

eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17

* If your spirit is waning, start by reading Psalm:

David cried, the Lord heard...

David prayed, the Lord answered...

David sighed, the Lord listened...

each and every time.

David praised his God, he sang about his Lord, he recorded his thoughts - rather they were confident or questioning. Many of David’s prayers were prayers related to struggles. Take note of David’s communication with God, put these examples into practice, even rewriting to fit your circumstance. You’ll find your spirit will lift.

 

God's Gift to Us Christmas

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CHOSEN

 

CHOSEN

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy ancestry.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please the Lord.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph,

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided, always,

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful, though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come He would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God's gift to us; celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though troubled when the angel announced these unbelievable tidings,

she surrendered her life to God after receiving this greeting.

She chose to give God glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

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SHEEP

 

SHEEP

God is in the details

everyday without fail.

Consider a powerful little ant that provides aeration

or a blade of grass miraculously producing oxygen.

Yes, even in the smallest details there's a plan

to secure life for this earth and for humans.

What about the sheep in the story of Jesus' birth?

I don't think their being included was an accident.

We read in Luke that shepherds were watching their flocks or herds.

The Old Testament tells us that tending sheep was a common livelihood.

Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, to name a few,

were shepherds who herded massive flocks of sheep, for revenue.

The sheep in the Christmas story

might be metaphors for our life's story.

"All we like sheep have gone astray."

Examples in the Bible teach us today.

The Old Testament shows us again and again

that God's people (His sheep) went astray then turned back again

to God, their Good Shepherd,

as recorded in God's Word.

Went astray, as in seeking their own way,

then turning back when their own way went astray

causing heartache and hardship,

making a complete switch.

There's a parable in Matthew 18 about one sheep that wanders off.

When the shepherd realizes it, he's leaves the 99 in the fold then off

he goes to seek and save the one that is lost,

which brings the shepherd great joy when it's found safe.

We are like that one sheep that goes astray.

The Good Shepherd, Jesus, is the Way.

He's also the Truth and the Life.

Is Jesus Lord of your life?

Do you seek God's will

over your own will?

If you seek your own will,

Jesus is not the Lord, nil.

It's never too late to turn,

and it's never too late to return.

Find your way like the sheep that was lost - from lost to found.

God will always meet you when you lay your burdens down.

* * * * *

The parable of the 99 was written into a hymn.

The lost was found. Don't you just love happy endings!

The Ninety and Nine

(copied)

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

in the shelter of the flock,

but one was out on the hills far away,

for off in the cold and dark;

away on the mountains wild and bare,

away from the tender shepherd's care,

away from the tender shepherd's care.

Lord, thou hast here thy ninety and nine;

are they not enough for thee?

But the shepherd made answer: This of mine

has wandered away from me;

and although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep,

I go to the desert to find my sheep.

And all through the mountains, thunder-riven,

and up from the rocky steep,

there arose a cry to the gate of heaven,

Rejoice! I have found my sheep!

And the angels echoed around the throne,

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own.

- - - - -

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth,

he is happier about that one sheep

than about the ninety-nine

that did not wander off.

Matthew 18:13

From sheep to the Good Shepherd.

Jesus wants to be your Good Shepherd.

He wants you to come into the fold

and accept Him as Jesus Christ the Lord.

Matthew states that the shepherd was happy when the lost is found.

When you make the turn around (your waywardness lost, God's way found),

Jesus and all the angels celebrate

this life-changing date.

Meditate on these verses about the sheep and the shepherd.

Let them be a metaphor for your life - before and after the Lord.

Let the sheep of the Bible lead you

to the Good Shepherd who loves you.

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Luke 2:8

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

Psalm 23:1

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way.

Isaiah 53:6

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,

because they were harassed and helpless,

like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

The sheep listen to his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

When he has brought out all his own,

he goes on ahead of them,

and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:3

I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me -

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15

My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

Our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

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. Amen

Hebrews 13:20

For you were like sheep going astray,

but now you have returned to the Shepherd

and Overseer of your souls.

I Peter 2:25

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SHEPHERDS

 

SHEPHERDS

Composed 12/3/11

Who was it that was first told

a story that would unfold

right before their very own eyes.

Were they ever in for a surprise!

It's the shepherds! They were so surprised!

It's recorded they were quite terrified!

This news was too terrific;

in fact, quite fantastic!

So off they hurried to see if it was so

still basking in the heavenly glow

of the glory of the Lord

that could not be ignored.

Was the Savior of the world born?

Perhaps they arrived before morn

to find each detail just as the angel said.

Yes! A baby was lying in the manger bed!

This baby, a Savior, Christ the Lord,

would bring peace and joy abroad

to every tribe in every nation

even down to our generation!

After witnessing this glorious news

they testified to everyone, not just a few.

Everyone was amazed

at history's new phase.

Amazement!

Wonderment!

Too good to be true.

This promise come due.

The world would never be the same

as the shepherds gladly proclaimed

this good news bringing great joy.

These first missionaries or envoys.

These shepherds paved the way

for the Good Shepherd that day.

The Good Shepherd who came to save the lost world,

to bring joy and peace, to ease our heavy loads.

* * * * *

God's Son is referred to as the Good Shepherd.

David referred to him as "my" Shepherd.

The Lord longs to be your personal Savior,

to give you rest from burdens that labor.

Take a minute to read Luke 2 (10-11)

and notice each word "you."

This good news is for you.

This Savior was born for you.

Right now, today, make God personal.

He's ready and willing, always available.

A simple prayer will connect you

to the One who came to save you.

The Lord is my shepherd...

Psalm 23:1

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

John 10:14

May the God of peace...

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

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. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

I bring YOU good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to YOU;

he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

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ABIDING

 

ABIDING

Shepherds abiding

at night residing

on the hill

where moonlight spills,

when suddenly the night sky

is filled with angels who fly.

That dark sky was lit, we are told,

with the glory of the Lord.

The shepherds were afraid,

in fact terrified,

but the angel said, “do not fear”

and spoke these words loud and clear:

“I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

After hearing these joyful words

these surprised and stunned shepherds,

filled with awesome wonder,

proceeded to find the manger.

We read they did not tarry.

In fact, they quickly hurried.

They wanted to know if what the angel said was true,

for it seemed to them to be too good to be real.

It was just as the Lord’s glorious heavenly messenger said

as they did find the newborn baby in a manger bed!

Because it was true they told everyone what they had seen and heard

before they returned to the distant hillside to tend to their herds.

These overjoyed shepherds were insistent

when they affirmed this awesome event.

Is it because of their persistence the Christmas story is everlasting?

Yes, these jubilant shepherds had a part in history that remains enduring

for today the Lord Jesus Christ’s birth

is celebrated throughout the earth.

The shepherds returned to their abiding

filled with much glorifying and praising

for all the things they had seen and heard

which was just as they had been told.

I'm sure they were never again the same

for after seeing the Christ (Messiah) they were changed.

These grateful shepherds saw and believed

and wanted everyone else to perceive.

As they continued to abide in the fields,

I'm certain their hearts were also filled

with all that the Lord Jesus Christ represents -

God's promised Savior, the first Christmas present.

* * * * *

Though the story is old,

its truth still unfolds.

The truth is still the same today

as it was those many yesterdays.

The Savior has come.

Yet, is He welcomed?

Jesus Christ can ABIDE in your heart

if you ask Him to come in, just start

by praying “Dear Heavenly Father,

I realize I was born a sinner

but by your grace my sins can be washed away

so I ask your forgiveness right now, today.

I believe you died on the cross

to take my punishment. It cost

me nothing, for you paid everything,

so all my wrong doings to you I bring.

From now on for you I want to live.

My life, as it is, to you I give."

Such a simple prayer

the Lord will hear

and then ABIDE in you

and help you each day anew

as you ABIDE in Him.

He's waiting to come in.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

See that what you have heard from the beginning

remains (abides) in you.

If it does, you also will remain (abide)

in the Son and in the Father.

And this is what he promised us – even eternal life.

I John 2:24-25

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NATIVITY

 

NATIVITY

It's unpacked first

before the rest -

the nativity,

for all to see.

The stable crude

with a cow that mooed

and a donkey gray

laying in the hay.

Perhaps there are fowl

or a barnyard owl.

Maybe sheep and goats

with woolly winter coats.

If you listen you might hear

the barnyard animals cheer

with bleats and brays and moos and coos

or even a cock-a-doodle-doo.

Look inside the stable, there you'll find

Joseph and his wife Mary, so kind,

bending over the manger bed

where baby Jesus laid his head.

The manger, the animals feeding trough,

filled with hay so it wouldn't be rough

was shared by the animals that night.

A night filled with surprise and delight.

Weary from their trip and from childbirth

this night God sent His only Son to earth,

Mary and Joseph sent a prayer of praise

to thank God for His wonderful ways.

For a safe trip through the hills

and a warm place to stay filled

with animals

was special.

There's the angel hovering

who told the shepherds abiding

that Jesus Christ was born

in the town of Bethlehem.

See, the shepherds are here

with lambs and sheep near

to see this Savior

who would bring favor.

For the angel announced "good tidings

of great joy" to the shepherds abiding

and they hurried to Bethlehem

to see this divine newborn.

So awed by this reverent event

the shepherds told whoever they met

all they had seen and heard.

Today this news is still told.

All those who heard were amazed

with wonderment at this new phase

and bore witness of this news.

Good news for me and you.

If you look up in the sky

you'll see a bright star up high

much larger than the rest

coming from the east.

In the distance you might see

camels clumping through the trees

laden with packages to give as presents

from wise men who seek the Christ-child's presence.

These presents we read,

amounted to three:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh -

for a king they were.

Next time you get out your nativity

be reminded of this first Christmas story

for its story never grows old

no matter how often it's told.

* * * * *

There's always something that grabs my attention.

This year it was "glory" that merited meditation.

Luke 2:9 "The glory of the Lord shone around"

when the angel spoke to the shepherds on the ground.

"Glory to God in the highest..."

for God's name is above the rest.

Giving glory to God should be

our catch-phrase until eternity.

Simply say out loud in conversation

"Thank You, Lord," will be honoring.

"God Bless You" upon parting

reminds one God's presence is everlasting.

Then when that day does come

when our earthly work is done

giving God the glory

will be our life's story.

When we do give God the glory

God's glory will shine all around.

So give God glory, instead of worry.

You'll find blessings abundant will abound.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them...

Luke 2:9

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13

God's Gift to Us Christmas

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As stated in this poem, the nativity was displayed first before the tree was set up.

The reason for the season.

Every day in the month of December another poem from God's Gift to Us Christmas will be shared.

GATHERING

 

Gathering

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

as friends and family join in one big union

around the table abundantly laden

with the garden's yearly colorful offerings.

But before we partake by dining

we'll offer up heartfelt thanksgiving

by coming together with a connecting

of everyone's hands around the table joining.

There's the large calloused hands of those who labor,

rather fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers,

co-joined with the frail, soft hands of one's great grandmother,

who may join hands with a pudgy-fisted toddler.

There's the hands of the ones who prepared dinner,

perhaps roughened and red from cold weather,

linked with antsy teenagers

who can't wait to eat dinner.

Hands that create

and others that bake

something for dinner tonight

which brings diners delight.

Other times two loving hands connect

though this merging is often too quick.

Fingers wearing rings engraved with "together forever"

and other fingers with scars and stains worn forever.

There are hands dotted with age spots;

lined hands that have seen a lot

of sorrows and joys

as their hands employed.

If only these hands could talk

they'd tell tales that you'd never thought.

Sometimes this familiar joining

is meant to stop fidgeting.

Hands with short fingers still growing,

slender fingers of one blossoming

wearing nail polish expressing

one's individuality often.

Hands that lovingly care,

hands that often share,

hands that burdens bear,

hands daily pressed in prayer.

Hands in all shapes and sizes, eight fingers, two thumbs,

in various shades, belonging to a loved one,

held together for a moment in time -

a familiar tie in which love binds.

Hands joined together with thankful hearts

that one day will no longer park

around this table any longer,

replaced by hands of a stranger.

Yet this stranger one day invited in

becomes family, now known as kin.

This gathering around the table becomes

to new family members a heartfelt welcome.

May this day as you gather together to eat

become a time when hands reach out to greet,

to connect with a loving heart

before dining begins to start.

Holding hands in prayer,

thanking God for His care,

then God's goodness share

through abundant fare.

* * * * *

Have you ever thought about God's hands?

Every day they uphold men and women

and care for His beloved children

for in God's hands there is a saving plan

to sustain and protect all humans

across all countries and distant lands.

He's got the whole world in His hands...

He's got you and me brother in His hands...

He's got you and me sister in His hands...

He's got the little tiny babies His hands...

He's got the whole world in His hands...

Here's some selected verses from Psalms

on which to quietly reflect on

about God's awesome hands.

Hands which fill us with songs

with grateful thanksgiving on our tongues

giving praise to God to whom we belong.

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

Psalm 18:35

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;

he answers him from his holy heaven

with the saving power of his right hand.

Psalm 20:6

My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15

If the Lord delights in a man's way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

In your majesty ride forth victoriously

in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;

let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Psalm 45:4

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8

You hold me by your right hand.

You guide me with you counsel...

Psalm 73:23-24

Your arm is endued with power;

your hand is strong,

your right hand exalted.

Psalm 89:13

For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The seas is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

Help me, O Lord my God;

save me in accordance with your love.

Let them know that it is your hand,

that you, O Lord, have done it.

Psalm 109:26-27

The Lord's right hand is lifted high;

the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!

Psalm 118:16

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 138:7

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever -

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8

Life Is a Garden Party

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The Day Before Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving

in this blessed country we’re living

our kitchens are a-flutter.

Don’t forget the butter.

The day before Thanksgiving

there are pies baking in the oven

with cinnamon and allspice.

Doesn’t it all smell nice!

The day before Thanksgiving

the turkey’s still defrosting;

butternut squash is ready for roasting

when the pies come out of the oven.

The day before Thanksgiving

there’s day-old bread for cubing

to mix with poultry seasoning,

causing some to be sneezing.

The day before Thanksgiving

celery and onions are sauteing

to be added to the stuffing

or do you call it dressing?

The day before Thanksgiving

the refrigerator’s stuffed with everything.

In fact, each one’s favorite foods for eating,

as everyone is preparing for a day of feasting.

The day before Thanksgiving

the pretty company dishes need a quick washing,

perhaps the tablecloths or linens need pressing –

and there doesn’t seem to be time for everything.

The day before Thanksgiving

our country is preparing

for a day of feasting

with much thanksgiving.

* * * * *

The day before Thanksgiving

with thankful hearts we’re intent on giving

a prayer of gratitude overflowing

for much more than the food we’re busy cooking.

We’re thankful for our loved ones,

those near and those far from home,

for those added to the family

and those now in eternity.

We’re thankful for everyone’s health

regardless of what has been dwelt -

for adversity teaches us to trust,

growing our faith, which is God’s best for us.

We’re thankful for freedom to worship

with others in like fellowship,

to pray for one another

and encourage each other.

We’re thankful for God’s Word

which helps keep us moored

in choosing to do what’s right,

to stand firm in faith, not sight.

We’re thankful for God’s Word which keeps us nourished

so that our faith will grow strong and flourish,

as God’s Word is food for the soul -

sustenance to keep us well and whole.

We’re thankful for …

(be sure to discuss what you’re thankful for).

Foods, which God created to be

received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and who know the truth.

For everything God created is good.

I Timothy 4:3-4

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Thankful for squash seeds from butternut squash.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.