KEEPING YOUNG

 

KEEPING YOUNG

Not only is gardening fun

when outside under the warm sun,

gardening will help keep one young

for every year one looks forward to

springtime and its colorful view.

I do. Do you too find that's true?

The gardener might plant bulbs in the fall

then looks forward to spring for spring is when all

the colors of the rainbow blossom, for all

the snowdrops, crocus', daffodils, tulips,

alliums, jonquils, narcissus,

bluebells, grape and fragrant hyacinths,

await to spring forth when finally the spring

rains begin to ping and birds are heard singing

to awaken the flower bulbs and bring

much joyous mirth

to all the earth

with each new birth.

Who isn't happy to see the rainbow

of spring bulbs and flowers – one's face glows

and there's a happy song, you know,

in gardener's hearts when they see

spring return in all its glory.

Gardeners have a youthful glee.

Yes, looking forward to springtime keeps one young.

Days spent out under the sun having fun

for the gardener's work is never done.

Fun returns everyday with songs to be sung.

Songs of joyful thanksgiving under the sun.

Those with joy in their hearts are forever young.

* * * * *

How to keep young?

One way is fun.

Another is joy,

smile, laugh, enjoy.

Plan something fun for yourself,

even if all by yourself.

Enjoy your time alone,

rather away or at home.

Smile for no reason.

You'll feel young and it's fun.

Don't you feel better?

And even healthier?

Have you had your Vitamin L today?

Vitamin L chases the blues away.

Vitamin L is laughter.

It's free to all, remember.

Find someone to laugh with for laughter

eases the pain when you suffer.

Anxiety and pain will abate

when there's daily laughter on your face.

Being worry-free will keep one young

for worry keeps one from having fun.

Fun is depleted and robbed

when worry becomes our job.

Find something you enjoy

then live a life of joy

for joy will abound

when happiness resounds.

* * * * *

There's a deeper joy than doing.

It's a joy found in knowing

the One who created us.

Knowing God is a must.

Quite often life beats us down.

We end up wearing a frown.

Outward joy is gone.

Absent every dawn.

But when you know God,

life isn't as hard

when you believe His promises.

Here's a few of God's promises:

1. We shouldn't ever fear

for God is always near.

He will never leave you

and will guard you through

whatever your situation

when you give Him permission.

Just ask in prayer.

God will be there.

2. We shouldn't be overwhelmed

with whatever comes around

for God is in control

when life seems out of control.

God is still on the throne

in heaven, His home.

He desires to be Lord of your life

to give you peace when life brings about strife.

3. God will give you daily strength

to last each day at length.

We can be strong in the strength of the Lord

when life gives more than we can endure

for God's grace is sufficient,

make perfect in weakness.

Just ask for God's power

right now, this hour.

4. Envision God's arms around you

embracing you, sustaining you,

helping you, upholding you

whatever you're going through.

Doing what is fair, just, and right

for in you God does delight.

Never forget, you are loved

with an everlasting love.

Everlasting joy is found in knowing

the Lord God who gives blessings unending.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

...they will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 35:10

My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.

II Corinthians 12:9

After crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, others...the alliums bloom.

To me, an exclamation point in the garden, making a statement.

Allow to go to seed which will disperse and create dozens more.

Consider spray painting after turns brown for a longer season.

I was asked twice what the spray painted alliums were:

one answer - fantasy flowers, another answer - a fairy's wand. 

Will be making a bouquet of alliums with Solomon Seal today.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

CARPENTERS

 

Carpenters

Busy this morning, a carpenter

builds, but not with nails or a hammer.

Not one to sit still, this carpenter flies

on days when there's no rain in the sky.

Back and forth collecting building materials

interspersed with a joyous call,

this carpenter is not deterred

as the material is transferred.

He must build a home for his family

where in two weeks, or so, hungry and greedy

his family will demand to be fed

from their little round bed.

In the meantime this carpenter collects,

arranges to his satisfaction, then inspects,

the building of their first home

although he does not work alone.

For his wife works along beside

on days when the sun abides.

Back and forth they fly

to their house build up high.

Built up high, safe from foes

and from the wind that blows,

in the crotch of a tree limb

their house is somewhat hidden.

Although you won't hear a rat-a-tat-tat

you'll find they have an instinctive knack

of where to place each and every twig

as they busily construct their new digs.

Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter

are blue jays, round house builders,

for nests are round

the world around.

* * * * *

Read the Bible verse below about nests

then consider this question, but do not guess:

Is there room in your heart for Jesus,

or is His name a name you say in jest?

One day before God's throne

will God say you made no room

as Jesus was absent from your life,

you did as you pleased throughout your life.

Before God's throne it will be too late

as you already decided your fate.

Don't wait. Make a decision right now, today,

for there's no guarantee of another day.

Because of His sacrifice on the cross

He once-for-all paid the incredible cost

to pay the penalty for our sins

granting us assurance within.

A confidence that our sins are forgiven.

A certainty of a home in heaven.

Simply confess.

Jesus did the rest...

taking our place instead

then He arose from the dead

offering us God's mercy through forgiveness of sins.

Believe this truth today. Invite Jesus in.

This is why Christians the world around

celebrate each Easter in their towns.

Jesus Christ arose.

Now you know. Don't suppose.

Invite Jesus into your heart's room.

Simply confess your sins. Don't live doomed.

Jesus paid the price once-for-all.

Accept the greatest gift of all.

Jesus replied,

"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Matthew 8:20

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

The centurion and those with him

who were guarding Jesus

saw the earthquake and all that had happened,

...exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:54

Mark 15:38

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Lord, open the eyes of hearts to need and receive your gift of salvation. Amen.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

LEFTOVERS

 Was reminded of this story this morning.  It's in Vol V of Life Is a Garden Party, available via Amazon.

LEFTOVERS

Today I saw a flock of Canadian geese feasting

in the nearby shorn cornfield months after harvesting.

It's January 5^th

and there are snowdrifts.

It appeared it was the harvester's intent

to allow these geese to feed to their heart's content

for these geese were busy feeding their face

as a smile appeared on my countenance.

These stately geese

did not lease.

Their food was free

to gather, you see.

They were quite content

with food heaven-sent

for it was a gift from God this day -

a brisk January day.

The leftover field corn that had fallen

was as if a blessing from God had befallen

for God does provide for all His creatures.

Sometimes His provision is leftovers.

I was reminded of the story where the harvesters

in the Old Testament were instructed to leave leftovers

for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless to glean.

This was a commandment the harvesters esteemed.

Many were blessed by this practice for life is sometimes cruel.

There will always be the poor, the widows, the fatherless who

need encouragement from those who

gladly share what they have, it's true.

(There’s a flock of Canadian geese which winter over locally. Just last week waited for a gaggle of goslings to waddle across the road following mama goose. Often wish I had my camera with me. Sadly, cornfields in my neighborhood are disappearing.)

* * * * *

Nothing in life is certain

except for one's salvation.

Consider this this new year: you never know when you might lose your health.

If you lose your health, it undoubtedly will affect your wealth.

Where once before you considered yourself independent,

now you might rely on another as a dependent.

It might be the government's assistance

set up purposely for when you need deliverance.

It might be second-hand items given

by those who share with heartfelt donation

coming at the 11^th hour – just when you need.

You have no doubt God saw then provided with their good deed.

Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries

or cleaned their closet then blessed you abundantly.

These "leftovers" were meant to bless you

and show you God provides for you.

Traditionally you think of leftovers after a meal.

These leftovers stretch your pennies into dollars – a deal.

However your leftovers come,

at some point you'll find they are welcome.

...pick up the leftover grain...

(Ruth) went out and began to glean in the fields

behind the harvesters.

Ruth 2:2-3a

They all ate and were satisfied,

and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 14:20

They all ate and were satisfied.

Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 15:37

In the gospels, these leftovers were referred to as “broken pieces.” It was Jesus who broke the bread into broken pieces. It was God who allowed Satan to buffet Job unmercifully. Another example, God permitted Joseph (in Genesis) to be imprisoned. Life lessons were gleaned from brokenness.

When the ship Paul was on ran aground causing the stern to be broken into pieces, those broken pieces were then used as “surf boards” to get the crew and prisoners safely to land. (Acts 27:41,44) Those broken pieces became lifesavers. Have you ever wondered if your broken pieces were actually God’s protection?

Please realize the broken pieces of your life will eventually have value. It may not feel valuable for some time, but keep in mind God has a plan for the future. Life lessons in the form of broken pieces may be used to encourage another.

Lord, heal our brokenness –

and may we be willing and able to offer healing to another.

Side note: Paul had many near-death adventures according to II Corinthians 11:23b-33. It’s not recorded how God delivered him until the last example in verse 33. A basket and a window became God’s method of deliverance. Be on the lookout for a “window of opportunity” to fill a “basket” of encouragement for someone.

RAIN

 

RAIN

Rain greens the grass like a can of paint,

like applied fertilizer can't.

There's a luminous brightness

greening the grass with a freshness.

Aglow

it grows

overnight,

leaf green bright.

Blooms reach heavenward to receive

the rain falling on blades and leaves.

Rain welcomed

in gardens

where there's a colorful rainbow on the ground -

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple found.

More will be found tomorrow, you'll find,

when their petals unfurl in the sunshine.

Birds singing in the rain shower.

Their tune as bright as the flowers.

Cheerfully they take a bath

before the rain shower does pass.

Others hover

under cover.

Some cover their little ones

when the rain comes down on them.

Rain cools the air

and scents the air

with a freshness

and cleanness

while clouds pass over

so that others

to the east will receive

as a breeze stirs the leaves.

When rain comes in the middle of the night,

rain becomes a lullaby tonight

for this shower

passing over

is like a blessing

everlasting

sent from God above

with abiding love.

Even though rain grows more weeds

it's still a blessing, indeed,

for a free exercise program awaits.

Everyday there's an expected date.

Weeds call my name

after the rain

softens the earth making easier weeding.

I find the end result is always pleasing.

This week rain is forecasted every day.

Between the showers you'll find me, today,

putting on my gardening boots

for it's a good time to uproot

those weed seeds that sprout overnight

pushing their way into sight.

The birds are singing.

It's time for weeding...

* * * * *

Sunshine, rain, and the brown earth

are needed to give birth

to seeds

and weeds.

God's Son made a way when He came to earth

to ensure those who believe a second birth

when we believe

then receive.

In this second birth we become children of God

who dwells within to guide us on the path we trod

for earth is our temporal home.

Heaven is our eternal home.

Our journey on earth will be full of difficulties,

disappointments, sorrows, troubles, and a lot of worries,

all of which are temporary,

seemingly making us contrary.

The Bible tells us to expect

life to be less than perfect.

But the Bible also gives us abiding hope

for Jesus has overcome, to help us cope.

So when a little rain rains on your parade

in the form of troubles, which sometimes cascade,

remember adversity builds faith

which in turn will grow us more Christ-like.

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God

unless he is born again.

John 3:3

We live by faith, not by sight.

II Corinthians 5:7

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory

that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

II Corinthians 4:17-18

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access by faith

into this grace in which we now stand.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:1-4

(Yes, there's a purpose in sufferings.

Character means Christlikeness.)

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,

for you saw my affliction

and knew the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 31:7

This morning's daily verse:

I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:3

Note to self:

If you feel that you're in a dark place

(unanswered prayers, terminal illness, tight finances, more),

bear in mind that God is there, alongside.

You are not alone. God knows your name.

He knows you personally. He knows what makes your heart heavy.

Those dark times are meant to build your faith and trust.

Faith and trust are the treasures, the riches,

drawing you closer to God, to know Him (heart and head knowledge).

Learn to view your difficulties from God's perspective.

Ask God to teach you what you need to learn.

Strength will come, blessings will flow, prayers will be answered, joy will return -

all in God's time.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

I'M BACK

 

I'M BACK

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day...

everyone’s waking up singing –

the robins, sparrows, and blue jays,

the mourning doves, red-winged blackbirds,

cardinals, chickadees, cowbirds -

all tweet to their heart’s content,

their chorus heavenward sent.

Swallows, finches, and wrens

also have a song to send.

Warblers and nut hatchers,

thrushes and thrashers

vocalize proudly.

Crows chime in loudly.

Rather red, blue, black or brown

everyone joins ‘round.

There are chirps and tweets,

not always sounding sweet,

for newborns seem to learn

very early in the morn.

There are coo coos and caw caws

mixed with a wren’s a cappella.

A barnyard’s clucks and quacks and gobbles and honks chatter

after Brewster the Rooster’s er-er-er-er-errrr!

Canadian geese overhead

honking, northward bound, early heard

add to the morning chorus

sounding like a loud ruckus -

for when you try to catch a few more winks

the glee club is heard exercising hi-jinks

announcing “I’m back”…

the long winter is past.

* * * * *

Aren’t we glad the winter is past,

to hear the birds singing - at last!

Birds announce spring is here

for each low coo coo you hear

or every loud caw caw caw

is a reminder to all

that spring has finally sprung.

With it new hope also comes.

Hope is a confidence,

a promised assurance,

that God does have a solution

to all of our earthly problems.

So when life seems upside down,

instead of wearing a frown,

be assured that the One you hope in

has all the answers to strife within.

Sometimes hope seems lost

when life seems like dross

but the hardships of life,

sometimes bringing much strife,

teach valuable lessons to us –

growing our faith and teaching us to trust.

Spring brings hope of a brighter tomorrow

and through all of life’s stresses and plateaus.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts

by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:5

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 Came across this story the other day.  Impressed upon me to share it again.

Ode to Rose

How lovely a blooming rose.

It’s beauty comes from within, it glows

as its petals open then pose.

Spiraling around it shows

one petal at a time, then grows

full bloom into a lovely rose.

How fragrant this blooming rose

delighting everyone’s nose

as most everyone knows.

How beautiful it grows.

Covered with dewdrops, it glows.

Yes, how lovely a rose.

It’s the object of many poet’s prose

who often pen heartfelt tributes to a rose

one day quoted as romantic words sowed.

You’ll find this perfect rose from thorns arose –

as joy from sorrow one day will be bestowed.

Yes, hope deferred is born – as time will show.

It’s the thorns in life that eventually sow

internal beauty grown from heartaches and woes,

the end result being lovelier than a rose.

Long-time gardeners know a rose

will endure a lifetime of woes

for roses attract many foes.

Not only are poets romanced by a rose,

so are aphids and green worms, and black spot grows.

These insects might be knocked off with the water hose.

Even deer are know to nip off rosebuds by their nose

often tattle-taled by the tell-tale print of their toes.

Yes, roses are know to attract many unwanted foes.

Despite the woes

that roses pose,

lovely is a rose.

This ode to a rose

written in prose

now comes to a close.

* * * * *

This ode refers to “hope deferred”

as in when our dreams are on hold

or when prayers are seemingly ignored.

As we all know, waiting is hard to do,

even though patience is bestowed, it’s true,

as diamonds in the rough turns into jewels.

Yes, waiting has much to teach everyone of us.

It ultimately grows our faith as we learn to trust.

It’s meant to be a time of rest instead of stress.

As we grow in faith and faithfully trust

we realize God has a good plan for us,

our prayers are heard and therein we place our trust.

So we wait for our prayers to one day be answered

then often realize God had a better answer

for it’s in God’s time wherein lies the key to the answer.

Often when God doesn’t answer your prayers when you’d like him to,

it’s because He has something much better in His plan for you.

In the meantime, continue to give God glory because He loves you.

In God’s time, in God’s time...

God makes all things possible in His time.

May the prayers I offer Him

bring glory to my King

as God makes all things possible in His time.

(Deviation of “In His Time”.)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Thy will be done.

Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.