Dandelions

Yesterday yellow sunshines decorated the grass,

though most all of my neighbors think they are truly crass

for they try killing them with everything available, as if they could,

causing allergy problems and air pollution in my neighborhood.

Today the grass is full of parachuted blow balls,*

yellow sunshines gone to seed which the wind sprawled,

making a zillion times a zillion more seeds

which in turn populate my yard each year with weeds.

Not only in the yard, but also in flower gardens.

These blow balls are not discriminating, beg pardon.

No matter which direction you look,

next year dandelion blossoms will poke.

The ones in the vegetable garden are the largest.**

I dug out today before my brother, who’s eldest,

comes to plow the garden this year.

He likes to have the plot cleared.

I am reminded of my grandmother

who liked dandelion greens for dinner.

It may have been her secret to long years

as she almost made it to 101 years.

You can order dandelions for dinner

if you happen to visit Lancaster.

You could also order seeds to plant,

but I won’t be doing that?

Today I broke the dandelion digger

as I weeded out dandelions, go figure,

for underneath the sod

are stones which make work hard.

Doesn’t it seem quite ironic, though,

that seeing the first dandelion blo

is a most welcome sign each spring.

Do you find yourself thinking the same thing?

*A blow ball is the downy, fluffy seed head that forms after a dandelion blooms. The scientific term for the structure of the blow ball is "pappus." (Copied) It does bring a smile to my face to watch children blow dandelion blow balls. Do they realize they are planting seeds?

** The vegetable garden’s soil is the richest, most fortified with organic materials. I use dried leaves which provide the same nutrients as 10-10-10, plus other essential minerals. Egg shells (calcium) and Epsom salts (magnesium) fill the tomato patch row.

* * * * *

For every negative

there’s a positive.

Though some consider dandelions unsightly,

dandelions are also very healthy.

They’re full of vitamins and minerals

to keep one quite healthy and feeling well.

Dandelions also aerate the soil

which supplies calcium to enrich the soil.

Honeybees seek out dandelions for nectar.

Please don’t poison their food ambrosia.*

Regarding honeybee food, plant crocus’

to entice these welcome visitors to forage.

* Another word for ambrosia is “bee bread”

explained as honey or pollen used as food by bees.

Hope you learned something new too!

For every upside

there’s a downside.

Upsides are right choices.

Downsides are poor choices.

The right decision leads to joy and peace.

The opposite to discord or unease.

Choose blessings

vs. cursing.

Choose what’s beneficial

vs. what’s superficial.

Choose life

vs. death.

Death will eat away like a canker

as poor choices often hamper.

One’s happiness is tempered,

sometimes shown with a temper.

Heartache overcomes joy

as wrong decisions destroy.

Choosing life will satisfy

as God will daily supply

with blessings from on high

for God loves to multiply.

Seek what God desires.

Blessings will transpire.

I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse –

the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God

that I am giving you today;

the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God

and turn from the way that I command you today.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.

Now choose life, so that you...may live

and that you may love the Lord your God,

listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.

For the Lord is your life...

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I will bless them.

I will send down showers in season;

there will be showers of blessing.

The trees of the field will yield their fruit

and the ground will yield its crops;

the people will be secure in their land.

They will know that I am the Lord...

Ezekiel 34:26

For more on bees, copied from Google: The Bible mentions bees as symbols of God's provision (honey in the "land flowing with milk and honey").

Honey was a staple when I was a child as my parents had hives, or supers, for honey bees. Mom made homemade yeast bread weekly turning one loaf into “monkey bread” sticky with honey. Honey was used to sooth a cough. Most of the (hive) frames were spun in jars, other frames were boxed into honeycomb. I remember Dad ate honeycomb. Just looked up benefits of honeycomb:

Honeycomb is a source of essential vitamins, including vitamin B, crucial for gut health. Raw honey in honeycomb acts as a powerful pre-biotic, feeding the gut microbiome and improving nutrient absorption. Additionally, the fiber content in honeycomb aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. (Copied) My great Uncle David ate honeycomb before bed.

Be on the lookout for local honey: Buying local honey supports your community's economy and beekeepers, offers a fresher, more flavorful product unique to your region's flora, and may help with seasonal allergies by exposing you to local pollen, all while having a lower environmental impact than mass-produced, imported honey. It's often raw and unfiltered, retaining more natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals lost in commercial processing. (Copied)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 

January Saturday

Haven’t seen the sun in a while.

Seeing it today brings a smile

which causes yesterday’s snowfall to glisten

this morning as daybreak has risen

over the hill

where sunlight spills.

The snow sparkles

like a twinkle

as the sun shines upon

this fluffy white down,

though too cold to be out and about.

The sun, though, erases any pout.

The sky is blue today,

instead of laden gray,

as the bright sun shines

upon the evergreen pines

where cold snow drapes

and decorates.

Today a bird chirps a melody.

It’s a cardinal in the magnolia tree.

Like the sun, it too was missed

this month after Christmas.

Just three weeks ago Christmas was

as time quickly ticks away, it does.

Soon the sun will be overhead.

It will be noontime instead

for the morning has quickly passed

for, you see, time doesn’t last

and neither will the sun.

Soon it will be gone.

Soon it will slip down over the western hill

where a sunset may beautifully thrill

in pink and rose and orange hues -

a breathtaking view.

Be sure to enjoy one late winter afternoon

for the earth will continue on its axis soon.

* * * * *

Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Yet each day also has many delights for us to own.

Take a minute right now to enjoy

whatever it is that brings you joy.

Don’t concentrate on what bothers,

but focus on then savor

something that brings delight:

like sunshine shining bright...

or the cold, sparkling snow,

or the grass beneath your toes,

the rainbow after the summer storm,

or talking to a loved one on the phone.

In truth, there are more delights to be had

than troubles that might make you feel bad.

Don’t be sad.

Be glad.

There’s much to be thankful for.

God has many good things in store.

Start today. Learn to look,

then write your blessings in a book.

A diary of God’s many blessings,

instead of daily worry and stressing,

will change your countenance and outlook.

You’ll be smiling. Now go look.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 12:25

God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:20

Rejoice in everything you have put your hand to,

because the Lord your God has blessed you.

Deuteronomy 12:7

Story from Life Is a Garden Party, Vol VI

available Spring 2026.

 

Bamboozled

Was it Bambi’s mother

or maybe its father

that came in the dark of night.

Its way lit by new snow bright.

It must have been both of them

for hollow tracks follow them

across the road and back again

as they were tricked once again.

Bamboozled

yes, snowed,

from something under the snow

that stopped these bucks and does.

They headed straight for the azalea bush

but their tracks stopped. The bush remained untouched.

Did their noses twitch?

Did something make it itch?

Was there an electric fence effect

that perhaps their noses did detect?

It did give me a laugh

to see tracks stopped in their tracks.

Bamboozled

yes, snowed,

from something under the snow

that stopped these bucks and does.

You see the azalea bush had been sprayed

last week with a deer deterrent spray.

I’m thankful it did dismay

these creatures that came my way.

Say, was Bambi’s name derived

from bamboozle, as a disguise,

for gardeners yearly devise

ways to bamboozle these guys.

* * * * *

Have you ever been bamboozled

and now you’re in a heap of trouble?

Were you deceived and betrayed?

Did someone lead you astray?

Maybe someone’s slander

caused hurt and anger.

Perhaps you believed a lie.

Now something in you died.

Maybe you’re now unemployed

and life seems bleak with no joy.

Perhaps you’re in debt

which causes regret.

Many have been dwelt

the loss of their health.

Perhaps you suffer from depression

that keeps you in a prison.

Could it be your child

leaves you quite bewildered.

Could be a relationship’s broken

that leaves you heartsick and weakened.

Perhaps your family was torn apart

when someone you loved did depart.

Disappointments, setbacks, loss of dreams,

many will give up from lack of esteem.

Whatever it was that has bamboozled you

know that God is waiting to be there for you.

He longs to heal and comfort you.

He’ll cover you with His compassion too.

The Lord comforts His people

and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13

I will heal him;

I will guide him and restore comfort to him.

Isaiah 57:18

As a mother comforts her child,

so will I comfort you.

Isaiah 66:13

I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us.

II Corinthians 7:1

Vol VI

to be published 2026.

NEW

 

NEW

A new year, a new page, a new resolve, a new plan -

a chance to begin again

we all tend

to yen.

One-by-one days add up to become a year

filled with memories – some sad and some dear.

The old year has passed, the New Year begun

at midnight when "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung.

Did you know "Auld Lang Syne" means the good old times?

The ones left behind - and the ones to be born in time.

Each day dawns like a new blank page,

surprises await at each new phase.

Some anticipated and some are not

for no one knows for certain their lot.

Each day new memories are being made

that you might record on a new blank page.

If you have made a resolution this New Year

you have made a resolve to change in the new year.

Every day we have a new choice -

to choose how we respond is our voice.

Choices bring about change if one is steadfast.

Determination keeps us doing the task.

A new plan to begin all over again

is written in God’s Word again and again.

Don't start the New Year without knowing

God the Creator – who's all knowing.

He knows what you struggle with each new day

and has a plan to come to your aid.

God is as close as a prayer away

so start your New Year in this new way.

Simply say, Dear Heavenly Father...

for with God it's never a bother,

to hear and answer our prayers in His time -

with pages of memories for "Auld Lang Syne."

Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:5

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Happy New Year

from Life Is a Garden Party.

SUMMARY OF GOD'S GIFT TO US

 

GIVING

Joseph gave his obedience.

His obedience was expedient.

Only once did he question God's request.

From then on, obeying God was his quest.

Mary gave God reverence.

Her prayers were godly and precious.

Generations have called her blessed.

Giving reverence was giving her best.

The innkeeper gave, he was courteous.

There was no time to be more gracious.

Though seemingly his second best,

he gave shelter and rest to his guests.

The cattle also gave their assistance.

A feeding trough became a cradle in its substance.

Though humble, giving was expressed,

to this welcome surprise guest.

The angels gave praise surrounded by brightness

for they were adorned with God's holy radiance.

Praising God was expressed.

When we praise God, we are also blessed.

The shepherds gave testimonial with assurance

for they had seen God's heavenly hosts beingness.

Mary and Joseph were extravagantly blessed

when they heard of these events so boldly professed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone persistence.

Leading and guiding the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way through the long distance.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their pursuance,

then giving the Christ-child their best -

myrrh, frankincense, and gold in a chest.

* * * * *

Yes, Christmas is a joyous season of giving,

but our focus shouldn't be on gifts we're receiving.

Our focus should be on that first gift

given to the world in Bethlehem one night.

We celebrate the birth of God's Son, Jesus,

in December when we celebrate Christmas.

It's not about the tree, the toys, the parties, the presents.

The real, true Christmas is about God's gift.

God's gift to us: His Son.

What will you give Him, dear one?

He desires you give Him your heart.

He's only a prayer away, so start:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe in my heart that your Son, Jesus,

came to earth to die in my place, my sacrifice.

Jesus came to save me because I am a sinner

and I need a savior. I accept Jesus as my Savior.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:2

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

GIFTS OF FAITH

 

GIFTS OF FAITH

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot,

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this fallen world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

* * * * *

Three gifts to give to Christ each day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 1:6

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

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

WORSHIP

 

WORSHIP

Worshiping God is simply praising Him.

Praising God is often expressed in a hymn.

When the angels announced Christ's birth to the shepherds

that night long ago as they watched over their herds,

the angels sang in worship:

"Glory to God in the highest!"

Those words have been composed into a hymn.

Next time you sing this hymn, you are worshiping.

"Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply

echo back their joyous strains.

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!"

Which means "Glory to God in the highest!"

Praising God in song is one way to worship.

The shepherds worshiped through their witness, telling

everyone all they had heard and seen that evening.

Shepherds were considered unclean in that day's society

as they prepared sacrificial lambs as directed by legality.

Yet God used the lowly, the humble, the rejected,

to proclaim His gift of salvation to the world.

The shepherds worshiped Jesus Christ the Lord

by telling everyone all they had seen and heard.

Their testimony to what they had witnessed

is in keeping with God's wonderful promise,

as the prophet's prophesied long before

to kings in their kingdoms and to the poor.

Joseph worshiped through his continual obedience.

Joseph's obedience was evidence of his reverence

to the God he served

and wholly adored.

He was ready, willing, and available

to do whatever God directed, though incredible.

Mary's prayer in Luke 1 records her worship.

Her prayer expresses her soul's and spirit's

total devotion

and compassion.

Her prayer even includes us when she refers to generations.

Her prayer reminds us of God's mercy and faithfulness in action.

Mary's prayer shows us she was acquainted with scriptures

so we can deduce she worshiped God by studying Scripture.

She spent time with Elizabeth and Zechariah,

who could be referred to as her spiritual mentors,

as they were upright in God's sight,

doing what God said was right.

Simeon, being righteous and devout, through waiting,

worshiped by being in tune to God's leading.

Simeon was waiting for God's promise.

He prayed praising God for keeping His promise,

for bringing God's promised gift of salvation:

to the Gentiles, a light of revelation;

to God's people, Israel, His glory -

revealing the fulfillment of God's story.

The prophetess, Anna, worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying, giving thanks always.

She loved God with all her heart,

all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength.

Not only did she believe God's promise of salvation,

she witnessed God's gift personally when she saw God's Son.

We read that the wise men worshiped the Christ-child

after traveling months and months, mile after mile,

following a bright, shining star

which guided them from afar,

when they presented to Him their treasures.

Treasures meant for a king, they were.

* * * * *

Worshiping God is expressing our love.

Several ways to worship are mentioned above.

Some ways we worship God might be through:

singing,

witnessing,

obeying,

trusting,

praying,

giving,

praising,

listening,

waiting,

meditating,

fasting,

thanking,

serving,

loving,

believing.

We also worship God through:

obedience,

reverence,

devotion,

compassion,

studying scriptures,

being a spiritual mentor.

These are just a few ways to worship

all leading to personal relationship

with the Creator

who became our Savior,

who loves you more than anyone,

who desires you believe and come

to Him through a simple prayer

from your heart and soul where

in confession

and declaration

you believe God's promise of forgiveness,

then eternity is yours to receive. You’ll be blessed.

Believe

and receive.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest."

Luke 2:13-14

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:17-18

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east

and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2

After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them

until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9-11

A priest named Zachariah..., his wife Elizabeth...

Both of them were upright in the sight of God,

observing all the Lord's commandments

and regulations blamelessly.

Luke 1:5-6

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28-32

There was also a prophetess, Anna...

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them at that very moment,

she gave thanks to God

and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward

to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

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