AT LAST

 At Last

After weeks of below freezing temperatures

with no sun to illuminate the picture,

after donning boots and gloves and scarfs

as cold snow blankets the frozen earth,

after huddling around the wood stove

as the winter winds continue to blow,

after cold noses and cold feet

when perhaps a cold settles deep,

after winter does its heavenly snowflake dance –

at last, it’s time for a happy celebratory romance!

Why? Because the sun again shines

after the long, cold winter confines

when it nipped our noses

and froze our toes.

The sun warms the earth

bringing with it mirth

for the long days of winter

are finally over

when at last the early morning sunrise awakens

and at eventide the sunset hovers over the horizon.

At last, the winter snow has gone

and with it you’ll hear a new song

for at last, robins return again

with a happy musical refrain.

At last, snowdrops are in bloom

and you’ll see crocus’ soon.

At last, you’ll see daffodils

over the landscape spill.

At last, the grass turns green

painting a pretty scene.

Although it seems winter lasts too long

winter is needed, it is not wrong,

for bulbs and perennials,

each year at last to return will,

need this time of frozen hibernation

required for their yearly rejuvenation

before they at last burst on the scene

with spears of leaves so delightful green

soon followed by a multi-colored rainbow

of colorful blooms at last, just for show.

At last, spring has come

under the ground from

buried bulbs and plant’s roots

when at last hope again shoots

and at last flowers again appear

then at last you’ll see returning bees steer.

At last, the long winter is over

as each new day the sun lingers longer.

At last.

At last.

* * * * *

As bulbs yearly need a time of hibernation

to store up energy for restoration,

we, too, need a time to rejuvenate

as we read scripture when we awake

for each day will bring a burden, a care,

that God did not intend for us to bear.

God did, however, intend

that we search scriptures often

for answers to help us fend

when daily troubles offend.

We’ll find that scriptures often

comforts and relieves burdens.

Scripture also instructs and corrects,

our daily decisions direct.

It gives hope

to help us cope.

It tells us of God’s love

sent from heaven above.

Discovering you are loved

is like receiving a hug.

Love will warm your stone-cold heart

when it finds its target -

the life-long wrong impressions

that keep you in a prison.

Begin today to discover

what’s under the Bible’s covers.

You’ll be delightfully surprised

as each day you can’t wait to rise

to read about God’s love for you.

You’ll find God’s love will see you through.

I will instruct you and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.

I Peter 5:7 (KJV)

You are forgiving and good, O Lord,

abounding in love to all who call to you.

Psalm 86:5

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5

You are precious and honored in my sight...

and I love you...

Isaiah 43:4

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord,

who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

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Literal vs Figurative

 (Does (Does anyone know the proper time to use Jesus vs Christ vs Lord? Sometimes interchangeable?)anyone know the proper tLiteral vs Figurative

Although silent, the garden ofttimes speaks

with displays of wonder and also deep

hidden thoughts

meant to provoke

inspiration

through observation.

Let's begin with the herb garden.

We know that sage denotes wisdom

but the herb sage has other benefits

designed to keep one healthy and fit.

That's one reason gardener's garden:

to be healthy and fit - purporting wisdom!

Another herb is thyme.

It reminds us that time

is fleeting, never repeated,

quickly moving forward.

The passage of time becomes precious

making memories that endear us!

Other herbs distinct pungent smells and tastes

remind us that life has much to embrace -

all around there's sights and sounds, touch and taste -

pleasing, though often overlooked in haste;

although without, life would be rather bland.

Do take a moment to enjoy God's plan.

Not only do herbs provide needed nutrients

they supply good-for-you antioxidants.

Blood sugar, cholesterol, cancers are a few diseases

that a variety of herbs could benefit, in time appeases.

Herbal medicines are something to consider

when you have an ailment to doctor. No need to suffer.

The drone of buzzing bees

is something that pleases me.

Not just in knowing that bees produce sweet honey,

but their role in pollination on days that are sunny.

On your garden tour around your yard this week

take time to watch the bees at work. It’ll be a sweet treat!

Another show of glorious wonder

is the daily rainbow of colors,

constantly changing as flowers bloom,

many scenting the air with perfume.

Do thank God for His gift of amazing colors.

Each one is truly an awe-inspiring wonder!

A natural show of wonder is the many heart-shaped leaves.

Their perfectly formed heart shape is meant to daily please.

A valentine sent from heaven above.

A reminder that you are deeply loved.

"For God so loved the world that He sent His Son,"

there is no greater love ever displayed, none!

Another reminder of God's Son

is the rising of the morning sun.

Each new day is a gift

so praise to the Lord lift

with prayers of thanks and gratitude

and prayers for other's needs include.

Consider the miracle inside a tiny seed.

Life sustaining nutrition, containing all it needs,

to grow into something edible - meant to sustain our lives.

Reproducing in abundance, designed to miraculously survive.

Providing for this year and next -

when seeds are dried and kept.

For something so minute

to grow and produce

something that will enrich our lives,

there's a lesson to apply to our lives:

your individual life counts and you're important to someone,

in fact many, before each day is over and done.

Our daily life, our choices, sows life-giving seeds.

Sowing seeds of compassion should be our creed.

To pass on kindness or goodness

will encourage someone through their test

for we all have battles to fight,

many internal, hidden from sight.

We reap what we sow

evidenced by what grows

from literal planted seeds,

and figurative seeds, indeed,

for what you give will come back two-fold

as God's blessings are as good as gold.

Other seeds

are weed seeds

which remind us of the ever-presence of sin

which originated in the garden of Eden.

Weed seeds also produce a free exercise plan.

It's good to look for the positive, please understand.

Figurative weed seeds might be:

jealousy or envy,

gossip or slander,

rage or anger,

a judgmental attitude,

a bitter or sour mood.

Figurative weed seeds crop up unbidden, just like unwanted bugs.

Literal and figurative weed seeds are a constant battle to get rid of.

You can be sure your sin will find you out,

perhaps heard from a raging, angry shout.

Or maybe your sin is hidden, stealing your joy,

a secret addiction that constantly annoys.

We wish we could forget the bugs:

aphids, beetles, worms, slugs, grubs.

They, too, have a lesson to teach us

although we find often try our patience.

So many little things "bug" us

definitely trying our patience.

We forget others are watching how we react

when life's troubles pester us like a pesky gnat.

We must walk the walk

and talk the talk

so others will see that Christ makes a difference,

to be set apart, which makes all the difference.

So bloom where you are planted.

Joy and peace will be granted.

There's a little seed planted in you

that can't wait to brightly bloom anew.

It's time to show the world,

take a stand, be bold.

* * * * *

Perhaps the point of this story is, "bloom where you are planted."

Your life has much to offer, your unique talents are wanted.

We know God can produce much from just a little seed

and He certainly has much more in store for you, indeed.

Whatever it is that gives you inspiration,

turn that into your source of gratification.

For God has given you unique talents

shown by your many accomplishments.

Use those talents to glorify God, bless others, and be blessed.

God will multiply more than you can imagine or guess.

Right now, take a step of faith.

God will grant enabling grace.

Cursed is the ground because of you;

through painful toil you will eat of it

all the days of your life.

It will produce thorns and thistles for you,

and you will eat the plants of the field.

Genesis 3:17-18

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need,

you will abound in very good work.

II Corinthians 9:6-8

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food

will also supply and increase your store of seed

and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

You will be made rich in every way

so that you can be generous on every occasion,

and through us your generosity will result

in thanksgiving to God.

II Corinthians 9:10-11

For we are God's workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

The Lord will reward everyone

for whatever good he does.

Ephesians 6:8

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,

brawling and slander,

along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

You may be sure that your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23

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

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

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ime to use Jesus vs Christ vs Lord? Sometimes interchangeable?)

ALAS!

 

Alas!

At last, at last,

winter is past.

When winter is past

it's springtime – at last!

There's a red or blue flash

from songbirds doing the dash

who joyfully sing with each task,

a Capella, not heard in vocal class.

Colorful spring bulbs pop up in mass

causing happy smiles to be cast.

Bees return at last.

Don't touch or you'll sass!

There's much to do when winter is past.

Each year we long for spring to come fast.

Soon we'll be busy with spring tasks

as warmer days come to pass.

Time to open the window sash

then spring clean the window's glass.

Then shine the front door's brass

door knocker when going past.

Earlier each morning the glow of the new day's sunrise is cast

as gardeners stretch then determine to complete each day's tasks.

Later each evening disappearing sunsets paint a rosy forecast

while lullabies are sung by songbirds as dusky twilight is cast.

Yes, spring is here at last

as temperatures warm up fast.

Some can't wait to go fishing for large-mouth bass

then prepare a fish fry with potato hash.

Happily, we see the greening of grass.

Soon we'll need to buy lawnmower gas.

We forget about dandelions amassed

until more return each year despite last year's task.

Everyone's glad to see winter has passed.

Especially we who garden in mass.

Rather a garden lad or lass,

we're happy winter has passed.

Spring is here . . . at last -

until a surprise blast

of arctic air is cast

upon this country vast...

and lasts and lasts and lasts.

Will this winter ever pass?

We're aghast!

Alas! Alas!

* * * * *

Shakespeare wrote, "Parting is such sweet sorrow,"

but not when winter continues to burrow.

We long for spring after months of snow.

Spring can't come too soon, we often crow.

It seems that the robins radar was off

for their return signaled spring's takeoff.

Perhaps their song woke up the crocus

inviting bees who gleefully buzz.

Then surprisingly more snow...

and it's too cold to melt the snow.

Will winter ever be past?

When will spring come – at last?

Yet spring’s arrival is an unknown

as our days on earth are unknown.

We don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully joy without suffering.

We seem to long for what we don't have,

always hoping for the best life has.

Our focus is on the temporal,

instead of on the eternal.

It's what's done for eternity that lasts.

So when you come to an impasse

this question you should ask:

will my faith live on and last?

Hebrews 11 talks about faith that lasts.

Faith that generations could not unmask.

Faith that continues to hold fast

regardless of what comes to pass.

Faith is a certainly that will surpass

daily doubts that often harass.

Faith will turn your weakness into strength that lasts

for faith is the key that always removes doubt's mask.

See! The winter is past.

Song of Songs 2:11

The length of our days is seventy years -

or eighty, if we have the strength;

yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,

for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Psalm 90:10

...for such a time as this...

Esther 4:14

Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Read Hebrews 11.

Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law

that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:

to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways,

to obey his commands, to hold fast to him

and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.

Joshua 22:5

But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God,

as you have until now.

Joshua 23:8

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God has a plan...

Read Galatians chapter 4 this week.  Learned something new about Hagar.  Hagar's story is found in Genesis 16.

Hagar - taken advantage of, used, mistreated, rejected, outcast, treated unfairly...

yet: meaning but; but: meaning a U-turn is taking place - But God...

God allowed and she was given an everlasting role in history.

Have you ever experienced what Hagar experienced (listed above)? 

Have you wondered where God was, why God allowed?

Hagar was Sarai's maidservant. (Genesis 16) Sarai had a plan, which her husband Abram agreed to as a human response, involving getting ahead of God's timetable.  When Hagar became pregnant Sarai changed her mind.  She mistreated Hagar to the point Hagar left... alone.  Apparantly on foot.  Alone.

Yet Hagar was not alone. An angel found her. The angel instructed Hagar to go back (U-turn) after assuring her with a promise of many descendants.

The angel told Hagar what to name her son:  Ishmael, which means God hears. (v11) Further, the angel said because "the Lord has heard of your misery,"  i.e. God knows all about you!

Hagar's response:  "You are the God who sees me." (v13)

God hears.  God sees.  God knows what you've been through, what you will go through.  God has a (unexplained) plan for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)  Someday when you look back you may be able to piece together all the dead ends that ended up being better than the path you were on. 

I realized this week when reading Galatians 4:22-26 that Hagar had an everlasting place in history. "Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem."  Mount Sinai where the 10 commandments were given to Moses = Law.

Galatians 4:21-26 references law vs grace.

MacDonald's commentary explains Hagar means "Rock" in Arabic.  The Arabs called Mt. Sinai "the Rock." Hagar represents Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish nation, the center for the unsaved Israelites who were seeking to obtain righteousness through keeping the law. 

On the opposite side are those justified by faith (grace) pertaining to the heavenly Jerusalem. 

Law vs Grace

Salvation is not earned via keeping the law.  Salvation is free via God's gift of grace. 

Hagar represents law, the Jerusalem on earth.

Grace is represented by the heavenly Jerusalem.

I cannot begin to explain all the nuances these two covenants represent - law vs grace, but I can comprehend we have all experienced Hagar at some point in our life. Never forget:  God hears, God sees, God knows.

Jerusalem has special significance in God's plan.  See you there someday in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Hagar's life, through all her injustices, still plays a part in history.  God had a plan.

And God has a plan for all the unfairness you have experienced. 

 

Referencing Mount Sinai above, Exodus 19:4 says

"I carried you on eagles wings

and brought you to myself."

Often the reason we suffer is to grow our faith and trust,

to draw us closer to Christ, our Redeemer, Savior, Comforter...

- - - - -

For another reminder of God sees, God hears, God knows,

read Exodus 3:7-8.

These Old Testament promises

also apply to us today.

COUNTDOWN

Haven't checked the 10-day forecast to see if snow in the future, 

but this story has held true in previous years.

Countdown

Countdown to spring!

It's March 15th.

Temps are warming up.

Spring bulbs popping up.

In five more days spring begins.

Can't wait to finally dig in!

Countdown to spring!

It's March 16th.

Resume yearly walk

around the country block.

In four more days spring begins.

Even my dog seems to grin.

Countdown to spring!

It's March 17th.

After walking around the block,

anticipated spring yard work starts.

In three more days spring begins

fulfilling an inner yen.

Countdown to spring!

It's March 18th.

After cutting a forsythia bouquet to force,

planted a row of lettuce - and spinach, of course.

In two more days spring begins.

So glad to see winter end.

Countdown to spring!

It's March 19th.

Temperatures are chilly again.

Working inside not as much fun.

Tomorrow spring will begin.

There's much to do in the garden.

It's finally here! March 20th again.

According to the calendar - spring!

Wonder what this coming year will bring?

Can't wait to see flowers blooming.

Can't wait to see trees flowering.

Ah, wonderful, exciting spring!

According to the calendar - spring!

It's March 21st. Birds heard singing.

Though still cold, it’s sunny and bright.

Good to see the birds in flight.

Happy to see spring bulbs

point to the heavens above.

According to the calendar - spring!

It's March 22nd. Crocus' blooming.

Weather forecasters say snow.

They've been wrong before, you know,

‘cause it's spring

once again!

According to the calendar - spring!

It's March 23rd. When will spring begin?

Snow covers the trees.

I'm not at all pleased!

Where did spring go?

It's covered with snow!

When will spring begin?

When will winter end?

* * * * *

What are you counting down? A birth?

Maybe a reduction in girth?

We find there's always something to look forward to.

A celebration? Maybe the end of the flu?

The end of the workweek?

Weekends to catch up on sleep?

A concert? The end of car payments?

Annual vacations? Retirement?

Paul had another view of what to count.

Not at all measured in how we might count.

It's a continual practice.

An inner quality, not selfish.

It's your spirit growing,

a faith that's sowing

outward to others -

your friends and neighbors.

A kind word, a good deed.

A sharing instead of greed.

A willing, helping hand

offered to those not clan.

A being there

when life's not fair.

A love through example

where others had trampled.

A testimony of faith

so that another's faith

will grow stronger

and they'll hunger

and be satisfied

with all God does provide.

A love personified

where God does reside.

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Galatians 5:6

I will show you my faith by what I do.

James 2:18b

His faith and his actions were working together,

and his faith was made complete by what he did.

James 2:22

We continually remember before our God and Father

your work produced by faith,

our labor prompted by love,

and your endurance inspired by hope

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thessalonians 1:3

Last year's photo. Need to rake leaves off crocus' today.

Crocus' are bees first food.

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One-by-One

 

One-by-One

One-by-one

spring comes

a day at a time

over weeks in time.

The sun rises earlier each morn.

You'll notice temperatures slowly warm.

One-by-one piles of snow melt

before day is done in the snow belt.

One-by-one twittering birds appear.

To see them return is quite dear.

To hear them return brings cheer

as their tweets ring loud and clear.

This morning chirps and cockles are loudly heard one-by-one.

Tweets and twitters join in as all the birds under the sun

sing to their heart’s content.

I think thankfulness is meant.

Daylight lasts longer in minutes, one-by-one.

One somehow feels younger as each new spring comes.

An excitement returns

with each new, sun-filled morn.

Needed spring rains

green the grass again

and flower bulbs are no longer hibernating

seen one-by-one now daily awakening.

Purple crocus' bloom

one sun-filled afternoon,

one-by-one visited by bees

despite the cool springtime breeze.

One-by-one daffodils and tulips now race

quickly growing heavenward inch-by-inch.

They put a smile on my face,

though other things I see bring a wince.

It's time to start winter's clean up.

One-by-one sticks are picked up.

This afternoon pine cones are raked up

an hour before it's time for sup.

Each spring garden chore is accomplished one-by-one.

At the end of the day I no longer feel young.

And come tomorrow there's still much more work to be done

while being serenaded by the birds under the sun.

One-by-one

each spring comes.

I couldn't wait for it to finally come

forgetting there’s much work to now be done.

* * * * *

Solomon had a lot to say about work:

its satisfaction, its enjoyment, its worth -

for work is a gift from God,

yes, even digging in the sod.

Especially the miracles that spring forth

one-by-one as each tiny seed brings new birth.

There's a satisfaction, a happiness, a mirth -

waiting to be born under this turf called earth.

Can’t wait for the new day to be born

to view new birth for which I yearned.

Delights daily fill my senses – sight, touch, smell - but even more so

God-given joy fills my heart to watch vegetation bloom and grow.

Find satisfaction in his work.

Ecclesiastes 2:24

Find satisfaction in all his toil -

this is the gift of God

Ecclesiastes 3:13

There is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work.

Ecclesiastes 3:22

To be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Joy will accompany him in his work

all the days of the life

God has given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

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