TEA PARTY

 

Tea Party

An afternoon tea is being prepared.

What will this afternoon’s welcome guests wear?

What color will be their dress?

Which tea will they like best?

On the wings of the wind floats

someone dressed in an orange cloak

stopping at the purple butterfly bush

where yellow striped guests also sip their lunch.

She’s dressed to impress

with a polka dot and striped dress.

She's not late for her afternoon cup of tea

which she's happy to share with hes and shes.

There's purple cone flower tea

and lavender blazing star tea.

She sips to her heart's content

then up, up, up she went...

to try another flavor -

zinnia tea she favors.

It's hard to decide

as she quietly glides...

to sample pink hollyhock tea

where she finds more hungry bees

sipping this nectar

for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

This tea party guest

wore an orange dress.

Did you guess a monarch butterfly?

There she goes, on the wind she glides.

Other teas await.

Guests are not late.

Yellow lily tea is sipped in my town

by someone dressed in a yellow and black gown.

Looking like she lunched on "Cheetos,"

she then stops at the cosmos.

Her wings are covered with golden pollen

as she sips from each, going round and round.

She, too, likes zinnia tea

as do the yellow striped bees.

Afternoon tea delights

these winged creatures in flight.

She samples each flavorful tea

sharing next to her friends, it's free.

Fragrant, colorful ambrosia *

uplifting, and refreshing, to all.

This garden guest

wears a yellow dress.

It was a swallowtail

who visited my dale.

Another guest prefers red tea

as they share alongside the bees.

A green vest is worn over a white tee.

They prefer a straw to sip their tea.

Around 4:00 they zoom in on sunny afternoons.

See. There. Look quick as its long sipper zooms

into red geraniums for more tea

before sampling red trumpet vine tea.

They especially love red bee balm tea, they do,

pleasantly scented with citrus flavored dew.

To cleanse their palate, a sip

of blue borage tea is sipped.

This afternoon’s guest

was a hummingbird.

Did you know? Did you guess?

Their favorite color is red.

Who likes sunflower tea the best?

It's the bees wearing yellow striped vests.

They also like squash blossom tea

while humming a morning song of glee.

This song of contentment is heard

at this tea party outdoors.

The crickets even join in

strumming a continual din.

Afternoon tea was a great success.

Whose outfit did you like the best?

Tomorrow more tea will be brewed

as more acquaintances will be renewed.

Do you have a tea party planned?

Please do take the time to plan

time to sit and sip

as your cup is tipped...

with a cup of lemon balm tea

full of Vitamin C.

Cheers! Cheers

to you, my dears.

*Ambrosia came to mind when writing this story. To me, ambrosia sounds like a dessert, as in fruit with whipped cream. (One definition of ambrosia is “food of the gods; another definition is bee bread.)

When I used the computer thesaurus to look up another word for ambrosia, the first definition was beebread! How fitting for this story.

I then looked up beebread, which is a mixture of pollen and honey stored by bees and fed to their young. Isn’t God the Creator Awesome! Every detail was thought of. Because God cares for the smallest of creatures in this way, you can know for certain that God cares for each detail of your life.

* * * * *

I hope these tea party guests brought a smile to your face.

When they visit me, they bring a smile to my face

as one afternoon in August I sat

with pen and paper in lap

recording what I saw happening

as overhead fluffy clouds were drifting.

My heart was cheerful

as my yard was full

of winged guests -

can you guess

from the clues above:

butterflies, which I love,

bees and hummingbirds

quite often heard.

Various birds from dawn to dusk.

Even hummingbird moths.

Earthworms which aerate and fertilize

plus unwelcome insects, I realize,

but today my focus was on peace and happiness.

Tomorrow is soon enough to contemplate the rest.

Rather sitting or working in my yard,

it's an occasion to give glory to God:

“O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder

consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

thy power throughout the universe displayed,

then sings my soul

my Savior, God to Thee,

how great Thou art,

how great Thou art!”

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.

Proverbs 15:13

The cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Life Is a Garden Party

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Ode to Rose

How lovely a blooming rose.

Its 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 known 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 turn 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)

*In the Bible, "hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12) means that delaying or postponing a deeply longed-for promise or fulfillment leads to emotional pain, discouragement, and spiritual weariness, like a lingering illness. However, the verse's second half, "but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life," offers the antidote: the ultimate satisfaction and renewal that comes from God finally granting the desire, which brings vigorous life, flourishing, and deep joy, reminding believers to trust God's timing and find their ultimate hope in Him, not just the outcome. (Copied)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

STORMS

 

Storms

Clouds gathering in the sky,

the sun now hidden by and by,

distant thunder draws nigh,

lightning flashes by and by.

The wind comes from who knows where.

There's the smell of rain in the air.

Raindrops

start to plop.

Raindrops turn into sprinkles, than

sprinkles turn into showers, than

showers turn to pouring rain.

Will the sun ever shine again?

The temperature cools

as the storm moves through.

Vegetation

takes a beating.

Limbs sway

every which way

as trees take a shower

from nature's awesome power.

Torrents of rain

and thunder reigns

as this afternoon's storm

leaves leaves and limbs torn.

Puddles form

before too long

then flooding from the downpour

as thunder continues to roar.

The sky is laden slate gray.

Nervous dogs are heard bay.

Although rain was needed, "enough already."

The storm turns into a shower steady.

Sooner or later the storm blows through

then gray clouds make way for skies of blue

for behind the clouds, the sun

was waiting to shine all along.

When the sun does finally shine through

a rainbow's spectrum will surprise you

with a promise,

nature's kiss...

lovingly bestowed

on everything below

assuring that God is in control

even when storm clouds continue to blow.

* * * * *

Yes, behind the storm clouds the sun

was hidden, but still there all along.

Yet our focus was on the storm,

of new fears being born.

Behind our personal storms the Son

is forgotten, but still there all along.

His focus is always on us

even when we forget to trust.

Sometimes it takes a storm

for us to finally learn

that the Son knows what is best.

It's when we learn His faithfulness.

Next time there's a rainstorm

think about this lesson learned,

that the hidden sun will again shine

and the Son is there for you - all the time.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,

and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.

Psalm 107:29

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging water;

the storm subsided, and all was calm

Luke 8:24

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son

and believes in him shall have eternal life.

John 6:40

The life I live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,

and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

This is how we know that we love the children of God:

by loving God and carrying out his commands.

This is love for God: to obey his commands.

And his commands are not burdensome,

for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

This is the victory that has overcomes the world, even our faith.

Who is it that overcomes the world?

Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God

I John 5:1-5

Life Is a Garden Party

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GOOD FOR YOU

 

Good for You

Remember when mom said,

“Eat your vegetables, they're good for you.”

Chances are she repeated

what she heard when she was a child too.

There's actually more wisdom in that statement than you might know.

God designed good-for-you foods to keep us healthy and to grow.

Be sure to pass on what you learn today

so others will be healthy everyday.

Consider the carrot.

Mom said they're good for eyesight,

for seeing in the night.

If you slice a carrot, what do you see? An eye?

There's a pupil and iris – just like the human eye!

Walnuts are special!

If you crack a walnut without breaking the meat

you'll find your brain in miniature, which is quite neat.

Brians have two hemispheres: the cerebrum and cerebellum.

And guess what? Walnuts help the human brain to function.

What about the tomato?

A tomato is red and has four chambers

just like the human heart has four chambers.

The red color of the tomato is called lycopene

which you'll want to be part of your heart-healthy team.

Have you thought about celery?

Celery is reminiscent of your bones.

Did you know there's sodium in your bones?

There's the exact same percentage of sodium,

it's true, in celery as there is in human bones.

How about onions and garlic?

Onions and garlic are kitchen staples

often paired with other vegetables.

Onions and garlic detox your system.

Do you need to buy more onions?

Examine kidney beans.

Notice the kidney bean's shape?

It's the same as your kidney's shape.

And kidney beans help maintain your kidneys.

Will tonight's dinner be homemade chili?

Dinner tonight:

Tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, celery, kidney beans

will make a pot of tasty chili and healthy genes.

(Don’t forget the fragrant and flavorful herbs.)

It's time to set the table and call your crew.

Mom was right! Vegetables are good for you!

* * * * *

Give us this day our daily bread...

with meat and vegetables and drink, we're fed

and oftentimes with dessert to top it off.

God graciously and daily provides a lot.

As a child we're taught to say “thanks,”

but do we remember to tell God thanks.

More than likely we say, “give”

which is a selfish way to live.

Start today by telling God “thank you.”

You'll find you'll be more appreciative, too,

for your heart will be grateful

for each and every mouthful.

I give every green plant for food.

Genesis 1:30

Better a meal of vegetables where there is love...

Proverbs 15:17

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

If we have food and clothing,

we will be content with that.

I Timothy 6:8

Were you taught to be a member of the “clean plate club”? Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. Learn to recognize your full signals. Refrigerate for later, even if it’s the mid-day snack. Leftovers are like a free meal. Win-win financially and physically.

Photo: Scarlet Runner Beans

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

FINE DINING

 

Fine Dining

Lunch is served outside today

warmed by the sun's bright rays

while songbirds serenade.

Would you like some lemonade?

This one is made from fresh Lemon Balm.

I'll share a plant with you when you go home.

To me it smells like lemon drops,

the candy, colored with turmeric.

There are many choices on the menu.

I think you'll agree. Let me list a few.

Each one will delight your senses.

Not only by taste, but their fragrances.

Before we start sampling, be sure to watch out for bees.

Beware, some of these fragrances may cause you to sneeze.

I’m sure the scent of celery will please

found in Angelica and Lovage leaves.

If you like a peppery flavor,

you'll like fresh Arugula or

in your salad these pretty Nasturtium flowers.

Yes, you can eat these red, orange, or yellow florals.

Here's some fresh-picked Chives to sprinkle on

if you like the taste of raw onions.

Chive blossoms are edible too.

They're best when still covered with dew.

Other flowers you can eat

as a colorful treat

are these Borage flowers

which taste like cucumbers.

Would you like to try some free Purslane?

It grows abundantly: a detox is its fame.

Tastes rather like spinach.

It's good for your stomach.

Many herbs smell and taste like licorice.

Some are Anise, Chervil, Fennel, Hyssop.

Most often used to make sausage taste spicy.

Used to flavor seafood and makes salads tangy.

To dress your salad, make oils and vinegars

flavored with Garlic cloves, Thyme, and Rosemary sprigs.

Harvest fresh herbs before they flower.

Use tender sprigs, not the woody twigs.

This tall wispy stalk is Dill.*

It grows wherever at will.

Before the seedheads form I freeze the minced fronds

to later add to a yummy variety of salads.

Do save room for a decadent dessert!

Today there's fresh citrus for dessert

tasted in Bee Balm

and also Lemon Balm.

These are the no calorie kind

for on today's garden tour we dined

on a fragrant bouquet

of edible herbs displayed.

Time to cleanse our palettes with a fresh sprig of Parsley,

then we'll sit for awhile with a fragrant cup of tea.

Would you like Chamomile, or Peppermint,

or Sage, or Bergamot, or Chocolate Mint?

While we sip our tea today

we'll enjoy the herb bouquet

of Feverfew's small daisy-like flowers

mixed in with these Echinacea cone flowers.

We'll listen to the drone of bees

who buzz about quite happily

as we try another flavor,

each one to be quietly savored.

When in flower, herbs will attract bees and/or repel insects.

To deter aphids in your roses, be sure to plant Garlic.

Since deer do not like scented flowers,

planting herbs will deter these creatures.

Many herbs are made into everlasting bouquets

then shared with someone to be enjoyed for many days.

Because herbs are scented they’re used in potpourris,

or enclosed in pretty sachets.

All these herbs contain medicinal qualities as well.

Dried purple cone flower which is Echinacea dispels

germs that invade the immune system

and will help fight off infection.

On another day we'll take time to learn more

about herbs medicinal qualities to cure.

That concludes today's tour, folks.

Let's hurry in or we'll get soaked.

*Dill is mentioned in the Bible as a, likely, aromatic garden herb tithed by the Pharisees in Jesus' time (Matthew 23:23) and as a crop in Isaiah 28:24-25, 27. (Copied) 

* * * * *

Which of these fragrant herbs will you serve for dinner tonight?

Garlic, Oregano, and Basil in tomato sauce will delight.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme in your poultry stuffing.

Minced Garlic with fresh Parsley and Chives in your salad dressing.

Before you consume be sure to thank the Lord for

these tasty good-for-you herbs and so much more

for we all have much to be thankful for.

May God's blessings abound to you and yours.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle,

and herb for the service of men,

that he may bring forth food out of the earth.

Psalm 104:14 (KJV)

One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs...

II King 4:39

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is...

Proverbs 15:17

...mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs...

Luke 11:42

For the earth, which drinketh in the rain

that cometh often upon it,

and bringeth forth herbs

fit for them by whom it is tilled,

receiveth blessing from God.

Hebrews 6:7 (KJV)

The mix of herbs I use to season meat sauce or chili

made with ground beef or turkey and hot sausage:

1 cup dried basil

½ cup dried oregano

¼ cup dried parsley

2 Tablespoons or more granulated garlic

Store in an air tight container.

(As I make a large pot of sauce,

I add ½ cup of mix plus more garlic and basil to my taste.)

When making chili, add paprika, chili powder and cumin.

Dill head.

Oregano in blossom.

Thyme in blossom.

Life Is a Garden Party

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Morning Glories

As to a light shining in  a dark place,

until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

II Peter 1:19 

Love the shining light within each morning glory each summer dawn...

and each morning's perfect star shape also draws my attention.

Pleasing to my heart.

Googles Biblical definition of II Peter 1:19 -

A Light in a Dark Place: The world is characterized by spiritual darkness, confusion, and moral decay. Just as travelers in the ancient world relied on a lamp in pitch-black conditions, Christians are meant to pay close attention to the Bible to avoid spiritual stumbling. 

Until the Day Dawns: This phrase points to the future return of Christ (the Second Coming), when history's darkness will be completely overcome. Believers are called to study and live by the Scriptures steadfastly until that day arrives. 

The Morning Star: The "morning star" is a title of Christ himself (as mentioned in Revelation 22:16), symbolizing his role as the bringer of a new, eternal day. This represents the ultimate hope and spiritual illumination that Christ brings to the hearts of believers.