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.

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

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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.