Fall Rains

Raindrops

heard plop

on treetops

then leaves drop.

Leaves drop

like raindrops -

plop, plop, plop

then stop...

resting atop

grass and rocks

in my lot

round the clock.

Morning rain stops

though raindrops drop

from the leaves atop

trees wearing lots.

Squirrels come out and hop.

Seen hop, skip, jump, hop.

They play in my lot

while the clock ticktocks.

Up the treetop

they nimbly hop

from limb to limb atop,

then a walnut drops.

Then down the treetop

one squirrel hops

to find where the nut dropped.

Off it goes – hop, jump, hop.

Crows seen when the rain stops.

Their black wings flop as they drop

down from the sky in my lot

for they saw something they sought.

Squirrels scamper then stop

to watch crows in my lot.

Will they share or not?

Crows heard caw and mock.

When raindrops

again drop

squirrels hop

and crows flock.

Raindrops drop,

more leaves drop.

Soon treetops

are bare on top.

* * * * *

Rain is one of the Lord’s many blessings,

so why is it we’re often found grumbling

when rain rains

on our plans.

Our plans, temporary in nature,

while rain benefits all of nature

causing gardeners crops to grow

becoming sustenance below.

We often forget God’s plans

are higher than our plans.

He also sees the bigger picture

which contains a plan to bless us, for sure.

Next time it rains, look up rain in your Bible’s concordance.

You’ll find rain was ordained as a good thing, of importance:

for our sustenance

and our continuance.

If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands,

I will send you rain in its season

and the ground will yield its crops

and the trees of the field their fruit.

Your threshing will continue until grape harvest

and the grape harvest will continue until planting,

and you will eat all the food you want

and live in safety in your land.

Leviticus 26:3-5

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.

Hosea 6:3

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

Be glad, O people of Zion,

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.

The threshing floors will be filled with grain;

the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

Joel 2:23-24

Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,

and as I have purposed, so it will stand.

Isaiah 14:24

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,

declares the Lord.

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

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 55:8-10

This year has been a dry year. Despite daily watering, vegetation suffered greatly. Potatoes were small and few. Squash vines were scant and not leafy. Very few fruits. Though beets seemed to appreciate lack of rain as there are three pounders, according to a friend’s kitchen scale. Daily watering did benefit the tomatoes, thankfully, despite cracking. Be sure to focus on the positives.

Then when soaking rain showers finally came in September, vegetation grew by leaps and bounds but too late for fruits to mature. This week the scarlet runner bean blossoms look like red Christmas lights among the green leaves. Adored by hummers. When I share the dried beans I recommend planting where you can watch the hummers zoom as red is their favorite color. Just this week a chase ensued.

The Argonaut squash planted on top of last year’s compost pile finally took off running (across property lines) in September after the soaking rains came. A few male blooms but no squash will be harvested this year, unfortunately, even if frost holds off until October.

The lawn was mowed on Saturday. On Monday it looked like the grass needed mowing again. What a marvel rain is! So appreciated, but also increases the work load. Take note how luminous the grass is after it rains as rain contains minerals of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium as well as vitamins. Nature’s fertilizer.

On the converse, too much rain can be destructive and deadly as nature is unpredictable. Sometimes we pray for rain. Other times we pray for it to stop. No matter what time of year someone somewhere suffers from weather-related catastrophes. The only advice I have would be to routinely pray for a hedge of protection.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

DESCEND

 

Descend

Fall officially descends again this week.

A few depleted chlorophyll leaves today peek.

Soon golden yellow or burnt orange leaves will peak

in multi-colors, along with magentas deep

before turning into crunchy brown under one’s feet.

Their descent means it will be time to rake into a heap.

Then you'll find your elbows may feel weak

and possibly your knees will creak.

Dry, crispy leaves smell autumn sweet

as more leaves descend on your street.

You'll find music makes any day less bleak

as the rake descends to sweep and sweep and sweep

keeping its own yearly harmonious beat.

As you rake you'll be serenaded by tweets

as many colored birds descend for treats.

These treats from sunflower seeds are reaped

by little brown critters that sneak and squeak.

If I see one, beware I'll squeak "eek"

unless it's a bold chipmunk, so sweet,

racing away on its four little feet.

How quickly the sun descends, for time doesn't keep.

The older you become, the faster time leaps.

Just think how quickly a week

goes by, it doesn't creep.

Gone are the days of summer heat.

Soon it will be time for trick or treat.

One winter day there might be sleet,

while we long for last summer's heat.

But time, we find, we cannot reap

except in the memories we keep.

Before I head in I'll harvest some beets.

They'll be good roasted in the oven's heat.

Roasting makes them taste more sweet.

Perhaps I'll roast chicken to eat

or maybe chowder made with leeks.

As the day descends it will be time to eat

after another rosy pink sunset streaks

the sky with colors too awesome to speak.

Be sure to take time to watch the sunset descend and peek

for it disappears in a moment when twilight another night greets.

Soon another daily nighttime dusk greets

for the sun from east to west did creep.

Hopefully you'll find time to put up your feet

as you descend into a comfortable seat,

perhaps to enjoy the fireplace heat

or to review the day's many feats.

Then it will be time for sleep

as you listen to the clock’s hands sweep

as time quickly and quietly descends, it fleets,

never to be captured again, for time doesn’t keep.

* * * * *

Fall brings with it the passing of time,

despite daylight savings time.

Another year three quarters gone.

We find seasons do not last long.

After this season of harvest,

follows a season of rest.

Fall brings with it leaf raking

after multi-colored leaves falling

turn into dry shriveled nothingness

to make gardener's gold, it's the best,

repeating the circle of life

as there's life after death.

Someday life for you and I will end.

Will our sojourn on life simply end

or will there be a legacy to pass on

to those who are yet to come.

A legacy of faith that stands the tests of time.

A legacy that others will seek after and find.

It's never too late to start.

Make a commitment in your heart

to stand in faith

then share that faith

always giving God glory.

It will be your life's story.

We all shrivel up like a leaf...

Isaiah 64:6

Better a meal of vegetables

where there is love.

Proverbs 15:17

I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O Lord,

make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

They will rest from their labor,

for their deeds will follow them.

Revelation 14:13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

OLD TIMERS

 

OLD TIMERS

A woolly bear

with black and brown fur

today quietly travels

in a slow and steady crawl

across the roadway

on a day that's sunny

announcing “winter's coming,

another summer is ending.”

You'll find this "old timer"

knows more than a primer.

Summer came and went so fast

though many wish it would last.

Winter follows fall

after Jack Frost calls

painting a colorful rainbow in the leaves,

then down these leaves come when there's a breeze.

Returning black and brown woolly bears are seen,

on sunny days, forecasting winter's scene.

Today this "old timer"

called out to this rhymer.

It is said his stripes tell a tale

of cold snow or freezing hail,

of dropping temperatures

or mild weather,

of a short season

or maybe prolonged.

Woolly bears are barometers

welcomed by many old timers.

You might hear this black and brown "old timer"

talked about by another old timer.

This other old timer also forecasts the weather

for each year when the seasons change, you'll find rather

rainy or cold

changes are foretold:

muscles tighten

or joints stiffen

and they're in a hurry

to get out their woollies.

Is there anything timelier?

Just ask an old timer.

* * * * *

Old creeps up on us fast.

You'll find young doesn't last.

Old is better in some ways

you might hear someone say

for the old have gleaned wisdom,

knowledge, and understanding.

They have answers to life's questions

that will aid the next generation

for they have figured out the solution

to many of life's problems.

Be sure to make friends with some "old timers"

then seek out these friends for age-old answers.

I was young and now I am old...

Psalm 37:25a

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18

Regarding wisdom and knowledge from old timers vs. youth,

many wise, older people made the wrong choices in their youth.

On the other hand, many young people have been taught

by those who have already learned, to chose the right path.

Don't be like the foolish king of long ago

who asked for advise from both the young and old.

Instead of listening to sage advice from the wise elders,

he chose to follow consult from the young whippersnappers.

Now consider Timothy's advice re setting an example.

Be aware that wrong choices you make in your youth entangle

you for the rest of your life.

Wrong choices lead to strife.

Timothy's advice states "set an example."

Timothy lists ample examples:

"in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

These examples showcase your spiritual maturity.

God gave you wisdom to choose between right from wrong.

Choose to follow the right path when you are young.

Be sure your choices line up with God's timeless principles.

Remember, your life is a testimony of God’s values.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him

and consulted the young men

who had grown up with him and were serving him.

I Kings 12:8

Don't let anyone look down on you

because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I Timothy 4:12

Last summer 3 physical therapists I’ve had occasion to work with asked for gardening advice. Is that due to my having “silver” hair = wisdom? I assured them I am not a Master Gardener, but from the “school of hard knocks.” Advice given was from that schooling.

Look what I found today!

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

TRANSFORMATION

 

TRANSFORMATION

Autumn brings a colorful transformation -

a metamorphosis in the making.

The season of autumn is replete

when leaves crunch under ones feet.

A time to live, a time to die -

autumn's flamboyant leaves sigh,

in surrender to this picturesque season

preparing for their showy transformation.

Autumn's intermission

brings a celebration

when everything is dressed

vibrantly in their finest.

These leaves, once green, are now noted for their array

of dynamic multi-colors, day-after-day,

ever changing,

transforming.

A termination of what was, these leaves

now begin the process of what will be -

a return to earth where they lie

before their final goodbye.

These leaves will live on, though, as compost

where new life will one day again boast.

Their cycle of life now complete

as new life continues to greet.

Never ending this life-changing transformation

fulfilling its purpose - a transfiguration.

You'll find each season is a celebration

completing its own awesome transformation.

All too soon the leafless trees are bare

transforming into a skeleton where

it casts its shadow when the moon rises

and again when the sun sets or rises.

Life goes on

with each season

as each rotation of the moon transforms night into day

bringing another sunrise to highlight autumn's display.

A continual transformation

miraculously occurring,

ever changing,

never ending.

* * * * *

As each fall trees leaves change into sought-after displays of picturesque beauty,

or as caterpillars will one day transform into colorful butterflies so pretty,

we, too, are constantly being transformed through our difficulties -

which in the end is meant to reflect our inherent inner beauty.

This inherent inner beauty only comes from the Lord

as left to ourselves, our lives are filled with strife and discord.

You see, we can't handle life's constant problems on our own.

We need to rely on the only One who can transform.

Besides, God already has the perfect solution in mind.

One that will give you perfect peace of both heart and mind.

So let's learn to look at our difficulties differently,

not as burdensome, but as vessels of beauty.

For the difficulties we encounter will one day transform us.

What joy to know our troubles will cause us to grow our faith and trust.

To be changed for the better:

kinder, gentler, humbler.

Lord, transform me through difficulties

to display an inner beauty

that will bring you honor and glory

for through you alone is victory.

And we, with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,

are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increased glory,

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

II Corinthians 3:18

But we have this treasure in jars of clay

to show that this all-surpassing power is from God

and not from us.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not in despair;

persecuted, but not abandoned;

struck down, but not destroyed...

so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

II Corinthians 4:7-9

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:12

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Daytura - opens at dusk

 Like watching a miracle open:

He perfroms wonders that cannot be fathomed,

miracles that cannot be counted.

Job 5:9

DISCONTENT

 

Discontent

Most people can't wait for the hot days of summer.

Somehow people associate hot as funner.

But when they come, they want the hot days over.

A season of discontent seems to take over.

It's too hot to be outside.

Everyone's stuck inside.

Fans are employed

or AC's enjoyed.

But we'd rather be outside

perhaps by the poolside,

but it's too hot.

Happy we're not.

So rain cools the earth,

but mugginess springs forth.

Everyone's sick of being sticky

from the humidity. We feel icky.

It feels tropical,

which is typical,

when the humidity soars

which supersedes the temperatures.

On those humid days of summer

perspiration drips faster.

Heatwave and dewpoint is to blame.

Humidity is another name.

We're not happy when it's too hot.

When it's too humid, happy we're not.

If it were to rain, would we be happy?

Are we ever content? Not likely!

So it rains as we desired.

Then how we perspire.

Our energy is drained

and so is our brain.

Discontent we are.

Unhappy by far.

Definitely restless.

In fact, quite useless.

All because of the "dog days" that arrive each summer

named after the dog star “Sirius”; which has stars for fur.

Those hot days between early July and September,

which many look forward to each year, known as summer.

(Do take a moment to look up the constellation of Canis Major. It really does look like a canine in the night sky. The brightest star in that constellation is named Sirius,

which according to mythology is the bringer of the summer heatwave.)

* * * * *

I'm wondering if those discontented in I Samuel 22:2

were so because they were up to their eyeballs in distress because of debt too.

I would be, wouldn’t you?

Would you feel blue?

Here are other "d's" that discourage

in this generation, at any age:

death, depravity, despair, destitute, detestable, disability, disappointment,

discrimination, disease, disgrace, distress, downcast, drought, disillusionment...

(the list is endless).

Other "d's" are "do not's"; i.e. commandments.

For our well-being and long life they are meant.

Do not: deceive, defraud, defile, be dishonest, be devious,

dishonor, disobey, disown... - this is a short list, it's obvious.

And many other negative words

often discourage then bring discord.

How can one overcome

the damage that's been done?

There is a solution, it's: DELIGHT yourself in the Lord.

In doing so you'll find God's blessings will continually pour,

but not what the world thinks as affluent.

God's blessings are peace and contentment.

These blessings are yours to enjoy

when DELIGHT in the Lord you employ.

On the Lord rely.

Give it a try.

All those who were in distress, or in debt, or discontented.

I Samuel 22:2

Have no other gods before me...

You shall not make for yourself an idol...

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God...

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy...

Honor your father and your mother...

You shall not murder....

You shall not commit adultery...

You shall not steal...

You shall not give false testimony...

You shall not covet...

Deuteronomy 5:6-21

Delight yourself in the Lord

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Photo:  sign that summer is ending as oakleaf hydrangea is changing her dress.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.