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

Into your hands I commit my spirit.

Psalm 31:5

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

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NESTS

 Story from Life Is a Garden Party, Vol V.

NESTS

In the crab apple tree sits a nest

where last year blue jays built a twig nest

to raise their family,

nestled quite cozily.

All through the winter the nest was seen

after the tree dropped its leaves of green.

Some days piled high when the snow flew.

Other days swayed when a wind blew through.

But the nest was built high in the crotch

where it remained secure in its notch

to withstand many of nature's storms -

rather snow, rain, or wind storms.

This spring morning a gray mourning dove with her husband

were seen taking up residence in the nest abandoned.

There they sat nestled side by side,

though the nest isn't very wide.

Cuddled in their new home

in the treetop enthroned.

I wonder if their coo-coo was in agreement?

If so, they would provide me with days of enjoyment.

For in about two weeks

hairless babies will peek -

quite curious

yet serious.

I’m in the habit of welcoming them

conversing daily as they peek out to listen.

Making up their minds

if I’m foe or kind.

I can tell as “me, me, me” is heard

from these hairless baby birds

as parents take turns flying in

with a protein snack as they’re growing.

Busy parents find something for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and snack.

Soon feathers will grow in, then they grow too large for their nest.

Before I know it they will fly;

leaving me behind to cry.

My (adoptive) mother’s heart is forlorn

for each year I mourn

when babies fly their coop

leaving me behind to cope.

(Each species of bird builds a distinct nest. Robin’s nests are very structured, filled with mud [nature’s air conditioning?]; mourning dove’s nests are just a few haphazard twigs, not really a recognizable nest at all; some birds collect the thinnest dried grasses; I understand hummingbird’s nests are comprised of spider webs. I’ve even seen dog hair added to nests as I used to brush my dogs outside. A soft fur-lined bed. A study in various nests will help you identify which bird species. Avail yourself to use google to recognize bird sounds via videos.)

* * * * *

Have you ever watched a feathered family

raise their brood of fledglings up in the heavenlies?

They have a lesson to teach us.

These life lessons are a must.

You'll learn it takes a mother and a father

to raise a brood of fledglings together.

These parents work together to build a secure nest or home.

After the nest is prepared, they give birth to daughters or sons.

Together they take turns nesting,

expecting, cooing, protecting.

Then when the babies are hatched

the real work begins in their thatch.

Every minute or so one flies in

with a yummy dinner or a drink brings.

The babies beaks open wide

while one parent is seen nigh.

That parent keeps a keen look out

for whatever danger is about.

They then change places, for taking care of their little ones

is too big of a responsibility for just one.

They have much to teach

in just two weeks

all their birdbrain knows

to their babies who grow.

Though human parents have many more years

to teach their children what's right or what to fear,

even though sometimes children seem outside their reach,

feathered parents have the same lessons to teach.

When human fledglings mature

after being nurtured,

parents have a hard time adjusting

to the now empty-nest syndrome.

Feathered parents

learn to adjust,

just as human parents

must someday adjust.

How quickly the years went by.

Too soon it's time to say bye-bye.

Though children think they have learned,

they soon find out there's still much to learn.

Here's a lesson for parents to remember:

offspring seem to know it all as teenagers.

At 20 or so they know they think they know more than their parents.

Around 30 they begin to realize they had wise parents.

Around 40 they find out they didn't know it all after all.

Around 50 they know they'll never know it all,

that there's something new to learn everyday

if they have an open mind to learn each day.

They may even seek out the sage for advice

for their elders have wisdom to suffice.

These sage ones have learned to wait to be asked,

otherwise youth will become defensive and retract.

So if you think your situation is hopeless, it's not.

Give your child a chance to grow, then one day what was taught

will come full circle.

A prayed-for miracle.

Train up a child in the way he should go

and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

These commandments that I give you today

are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Five sparrows are sold for two pennies.

Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Don't be afraid;

you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

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.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Photo taken in January.

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Fall Snow

There’s fluffy, white snow in the air

collecting on grass like white hair,

though does not disappear

when the sun appears.

It’s nearly 55 degrees

this afternoon and there’s a breeze.

This snow sticks around

covering the ground.

It’s silky to the touch,

this little white puff,

which blows in the wind

in every direction.

Thousands spread like new fallen snow

imitating snowflakes, you know,

but not the frozen kind

that falls in the wintertime.

This snow always comes in October

and is even seen in November.

It’s encapsulated in a pod

before it lands on the sod.

When the pod matures

new life will endure

for a seed will disperse

somewhere on the earth.

What is this crazy snow

that in October blows,

but never melts

wherever dwelt.

Its the color of milk

over the ground split

that grows from a seed,

also known as a weed.

Its name is hidden above

if it’s puzzles you love.

It’s a common weed that has milk in its name.

Its scented flower attracts monarchs, as its fame.

In the summer it has a pretty scent.

Soon after the pretty flowers are spent

it develops into a pod.

I take it you know, as you nod.

This silky snowflake is a milkweed seed

that imitates real falling snow, indeed.

Isn’t nature fun!

Let’s go play in the sun.

Do allow milkweed to grow as it's monarchs host plant.

* * * * *

What did you do just for fun today?

Be sure to do something fun everyday.

Do something that will bring a smile.

Being kind to someone brings a smile.

Keep an attitude of wonder

despite troubles you ponder.

Be sure to smile often.

It will release tension.

See humor wherever you go.

Maybe in pretend milkweed snow.

Don’t squelch child-like enthusiasm.

Keep an attitude of optimism.

A change of attitude

will always change your mood

so look on the sunny side -

and in faith daily abide.

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy...

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:2-3

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job 8:21

Where morning dawns and evening fades

you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 65:8

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Regarding fun activities: If only my parents had thought to label potato digging as an Easter Egg Hunt, it would have been more appealing to me. I refer to my 20’ row as an annual Easter Egg Hunt. Playing this game turns it into an adventure. Something I look forward to.

BARE

 

Bare

The deciduous trees are bare,

striped down to their underwear.

Skeletons they now wear

seen under the moonlight's glare.

Two days ago the trees did wear

a covering of leaves shared.

Then during the night a heavy frost, like white hair,

settled on those autumn leaves unaware.

Yesterday these golden leaves floated down midair;

steadily they gathered on the grass there.

Whereas two days ago they floated solitaire,

one by one their cycle of life declared.

To watch these leaves trickle down in the open air

its peaceful, while inside sitting in an easy chair.

Soon, though, work awaits there

as gardeners are not spared.

A leaf rake and a set of elbows prepare

to relocate those leaves scattered in a pile there.

Leaves for composting as gardeners show they care

for the environment by recycling leaves snared.

Come autumn gardeners find there's more leaves to ensnare

as annually these trees produce more leaves to share.

Each year raking is an autumnal affair.

Year after year gardeners learn there's more wear and tear.

For elbows kink, I declare,

I huff and puff hot air,

My nose drips off and on in the fresh air,

and there's more raking tomorrow – so beware.

All winter long these leafless tree skeletons bare

will stare through the window showcasing their underwear

while the gardener enjoys warm gingerbread baked with pears

in front of the fireplace toasting their tootsies bare.

* * * * *

It's said if the trees are especially heavy-laden with leaves

then the winter will be exceptionally cold – like below-zero degrees.

It's said if oak trees are heavy with acorns

then the coming winter will be colder than norm.

This is one of God's ways He provides for His creatures.

These creatures that scamper all season with tails of fur

collecting nuts to bury for the coming winter.

These creatures which wisely prepare all summer.

Take time to watch the squirrels today

for God's creatures teach us each day

to save or prepare for the future.

Saving pays dividends, for sure.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

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Gala

Everyone’s dressed in their finest

in burgundy, golds, and rusts

as a celebrated guest

each year come Oktoberfest.

You’ll see some, though,

wear emerald

and come as they are

to the gala.

The gala is held on a sunny day

and is free to all, there’s no need to pay.

This gala might last for a few days.

Some travelers come from far away.

What is it these travelers come to see?

What is it that brings a sense of glee?

These travelers are sightseers, you see,

come to see the colors of the autumn trees.

For in autumn the trees are ready to party

dressing in pleasing colors, never gaudy.

There’s goldenrod yellow to maize-tinted gold,

bittersweet orange to mulberry red, so bold.

Mixed among these autumn colors

are emeralds in multi-colors

of pine or forest green evergreens

towering throughout this stunning scene.

Soon the trees colors will change and drop

when brown siennas, and umbers, and chestnut

leaves fall

each fall.

Make a date today

to view the vast array

of autumn leaves this year.

Your spirit will be cheered.

* * * * *

And when you do go to this gala

take along some Gala apples

for an autumn picnic

or maybe you’ll go pick.

Do something special to celebrate autumn.

You’ll find there’s so much to do for fun -

apple picking, leaf viewing,

pumpkin craving, Thanksgiving.

What do you look forward to each autumn?

Selecting a Halloween jack-o-lantern?

Or baking pies – apple? Pumpkin?

Can’t wait for glorious autumn.

A thankful heart

is just the start

of a celebration that lasts

long after autumn is past.

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his loves endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,

for the Lord is good;

his loves endures forever.

Jeremiah 33:11

The hill out my backdoor.

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GARDEN CLEANUP

Yesterday's project.  Podded pole beans and scarlet runner beans last night.  Vegetable soup on the menu. Story from Life Is a Garden Party Vol V.

CLEANUP

Today’s sun shines bright,

though frost forecasted tonight.

Time to cleanup the garden

in preparation for autumn.

More fun to don on a sunny day

while serenaded by the blue jays.

A big basket of fresh green beans

is harvested under the sunbeams.

Tomorrow a stir-fry will be made

with a yummy ginger marinade.

Others will be blanched 3 minutes then frozen.

Will taste mighty fine when the snow is blowing.

There are shell beans to be podded one night

to add to homemade soup one cold night.

There's onions, carrots, and green beans to add

with tomatoes and zucchini, I'm glad,

for minestrone or chowder

making a tasty simple supper.

Peppers are taken in

to be chopped and frozen

for meat sauce this winter.

Better than a diners.

These pepper plants will be covered tonight

so baby peppers can mature in the sunlight.

Fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme

are cut to make bouquets today; it's time.

They'll be used to make herbed turkey stock

from turkey bones simmering in a pot

with onions, celery, and carrots

as a base for turkey soups. Can't wait.

The wheelbarrow and I

strain with winter squash piled high.

Can't wait to eat.

They'll be a treat.

I'll wait a week for the squash to cure

then will bake in the oven for supper.

Carrots, cabbage, and beets

are said to be more sweet

when left out in the cold,

or so the “sage” ones told.

Besides, I've run out of room

to store my gardening boom.

* * * * *

Do you thank God for your daily bread

as well as other foods which you are fed?

Our food is a gift from God, you know,

designed to make us strong and help us grow.

Have you thought to thank God for the variety

of foods available every day when you pray?

Not just the colors but the textures and flavors -

creamy, crunchy, sweet, tart – made for us to savor.

Vitamins, minerals, fiber inclusive,

designed for us to be healthy and live.

A study of vitamins and minerals contained

in fruits and vegetables will amaze how God ordained.

Nutrition incorporated to sustain health.

Over time you’ll learn a healthy diet is wealth.

God knows just what we need each day.

Thank Him now as you bow your head and pray.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

Give us day by day our daily bread.

Luke 11:3 (KJV)

Scarlet Runner Beans

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CRISP

 

CRISP

Wood smoke a wisp

on a cool day crisp.

Off to the orchard to pick

apples night-visiting deer missed.

Walked by the pond where fish

are deep in the mud in bliss.

Leaves underfoot crisp.

Black walnut kicked.

High in the trees apples list.

An apple picker picks.

Into a bucket when picked.

Apples tasted juicy crisp.

Here's one under the tall grass missed.

Bucket soon full with apples picked.

Some nipped by greedy, squawking birds but still crisp.

This orchard long ago planted by loved ones now missed.

What will taste delish?

Applesauce, apple butter, yes?

Apple pie or apple crisp?

All good to the last lick.

Light a candlewick

then for a midnight snack, fill a dish.

Don't make yourself sick.

Blow out the candle, as you make a wish.

* * * * *

If every man, woman, child

could pick apples on a day mild

enjoying the wonderful outdoors

given to us by God the Creator

their stress levels would then be lessened;

if everyone could learn that lesson.

When you look into someone's face

you'll see worry that can't be erased.

It's etched into their brow,

brought on by stress – and how!

Worry causes stress, you'll find

and prohibits peace of mind.

If there are more worry lines than laugh lines

brought on over the years through one's lifetime,

then you need to be reminded

what God the Father says, so kind.

It's: “Do not worry about tomorrow,”

for you'll find worry leads to sorrow.

When you worry, joy is unattainable,

for worry renders you quite unable

to see the good things that abound

then you’ll wear a great big frown.

So forget about your worries and put on a smile.

Your smile will become a habit after awhile.

I will forget my complaint;

I will change my expression and smile.

Job 9:27

Godliness with contentment is great gain.

I Timothy 6:6

The story was inspired during the last week of my grandmother's life when I walked past the pond and the black walnut tree, to the orchard beside the barn to pick apples to take in to show her. She did hold one and smell it.

Gram was known for making the best apple pies. I don’t know which apples she preferred to use to make pies, but I do know my grandparents had a Northern Spy tree. They produce large apples. (Those apples were my dad’s favorite.)

P.S. I’ve learned to use two types of apples for the best tasting apple pies. Here’s my recipe for flaky and nutty-tasting pie crust:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup shortening

1 tablespoon olive oil

enough milk to form dough

Bake at 425.

Blend ingredients using bread dough attachment until dough forms a ball.

Roll out on lightly floured surface.

White flour may be substituted but not as tasty. Try with ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

As an aside, try switching from all-purpose flour to unbleached flour for baking.

Not only less chemicals, but the end product is more moist and golden in color.

Neighbor's apple tree abundant this year.

Story from Vol V

Life Is a Garden Party.

Available via Amazon.