NEW

 

I read a devotional yesterday referencing NEW.

Reminded me of:

See, I am doing a NEW thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way.

Isaiah 43:19

In which SPRING also caught my attention.

Spring as in the season, which is forecasted on the calendar this very week.

"Springs up" as in action - ready and willing to be active: a new beginning, rebounding, growing, developing, revealing, discovering...

Yesterday's sunny day caused the crocus' to bloom. This morning they were covered in a snow white blanket of insulation. Snow is not only insulation, but also provides nitrogen, a fertilizer producing growth. We, being weary of winter, are eagerly anticipating spring’s return. A resurrection. Yet, March snow does have its benefits.

Crocus' are a welcome, anticipated spring flower. Honeybees seek out crocus’ saffron (pollen) on sunny days. (Plant crocus bulbs in the fall to witness this springtime miracle of blooms and honeybees return. I know you’ll be smiling.)                                                                                                                              

Crocus' and other bulbs are buried underground for 10 months of the year. Buried as in a pit of mud and sludge part of the year or barren dried dirt during the dog days of summer, unbeknownst to others except to whomever planted. 

We all go through periods in life that feel like we’re buried. Perhaps no one knows of our experience in the pit. We cling to hope, all the while fighting hopelessness.

Until...unexpectedly - one day a green sprout springs up. An indication of hope – tiny, but seen and felt physically perhaps through someone’s encouragement or felt in our soul. Green represents reNEWal in the Bible, i.e. as spring is a season of renewal.

Look for the hidden benefits of that long season of burial or being in a pit. Quite often God uses it as a turning point in our lives to teach us His faithfulness. It’s helpful to daily focus on the blessing in each day vs the trial at hand. Bear in mind, God is working out the details in His time.

Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis. He was “buried” in a pit in the ground by his jealous brothers then later in the pit of prison for years. But (turning point) in the end, God had a plan for good. It took years to unfold. It benefited generations and is still a reminder to encourage us when we feel like we are in a pit.

May hope “spring up” in you in this NEW spring season.  May this NEW season be one of NEW  beginnings, growing, developing, revealing, discovering.  Be on the lookout for the tiny green sprout of hope in your soul. As a poet wrote long again:  Hope springs eternal.

P.S. Regarding "spring up" being an action word, today's Scripture which goes along with the date is I John 3:18:  "Let us not love only with words or tongue but with action and in truth." Love is an action word.

COUNTDOWN

 Appropriate for this week:

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

One March morning...

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 

Chorus

What’s this I hear?

Pleasant to my ears.

One instrument starts,

though it’s not a harp,

than another joins in -

soon it sounds like singing.

Another member joins

this joyful chorus line.

A new composition

is being written.

It’s an original opus

which seems to greatly please us.

One member of the choir, late

joins this original debate

richly enhancing the song

with his A Capella long.

Confident, he’s not at all shy

as his voice floats through the sky.

Another member who felt sick

now feels better for the music

lifted its woebegone spirit,

now he feels better for it.

He now joins in with song

while tapping his toes along.

This chorus sings without instruments

for their voices express their sentiments.

Finely tuned they sing,

morning and evening,

songs of thanksgiving -

a heartfelt offering.

You’re met these chorus members before.

They were welcomed outside your door

when the first robin of spring

with other joyfully singing

songbirds

are heard.

Take a minute to lend an ear.

Which bird sound did you hear?

Or maybe it was a cricket you heard,

even though they never say a word.

Nature creates a beautiful synchronized harmony

as all God’s creation comes together in unity.

* * * * *

Music can lift our spirit

whenever we hear it.

Not just from constructed musical instruments,

but also from nature and all it represents.

The buzz of bees is sweet to hear

when to flower blossoms they veer.

The singing of birds

is joyous music heard.

The lapping of the ocean’s foam,

the rushing of the river’s drone,

the wind that blows,

the cattle’s low.

The bleating of sheep,

a chick’s peep-peep-peep,

the rooster’s er-er-er-er-errr,

the drip of a passing rain shower.

And quacks and clucks and gobbles and honks

all add to the music that talks...

in fact, shouts for joy to the Lord

for nature is never bored.

It celebrates with music.

Don’t be shy, join in it.

Make any joyful noise.

Your spirit will be buoyed.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn –

shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands,

let the mountains sing together with joy;

let them sing before the Lord.

Psalm 98:4-9

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His;

we are His people,

the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

A neighbor raises hens. They too have organized their own opus. It seems one starts with a verse then the sisters join in with a refrain, like a chorus; which is actually celebration when an egg is laid, known as an egg song. The entire hen house of sisters celebrates with an opus. I look forward to their harmony. Being serenaded makes tedious chores enjoyable.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 Spring rains have begun, melting snow - at last. Thanks to spring rains, bulbs are beginning to sprout.

At Last

After weeks of below freezing temperatures

with no sun to illuminate the picture,

after donning boots and gloves and scarves

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 nose

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

then 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 spring-time scene

with spears of leaves so delightfully 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 regeneration,

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

Bulbs are beginning to sprout, thanks to spring rains.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

DAY IS DONE

 

Day is Done

As day fades into twilight

the afterglow of the sun's light

is sprinkled like gold reflecting dust

illuminating all it does touch

when day composes its last refrains

reflected in ripening grain,

mirrored in far away oceans and seas,

lakes and rivers as far as one can see.

This gilded afterglow

casts a radiant glow

on everything below

as it ebbs and flows

casting a golden hue

making creation look new

for a minute in time

then quickly lost in time.

This fading glow of gold

is a sight to behold

as the sky reflects

a masterpiece perfect

in waves of golden rosy pinks

although quickly gone in a blink

as day is done, gone

when twilight comes.

This golden shimmer

highlights and glimmers

always fascinates,

always captivates.

It's illusive, except for a moment,

when your eyes behold this heavenly event -

definitely sacred, always awesome -

with each replay always welcome.

Yet each replay is always different,

never copied, always unique, distinct

from the sunset the day before

as this golden glimmer pours

over the firmament

when the close of the day is met -

a benediction

in the making.

This gold,

not sold,

is often attempted

to be recreated

by artists

and poets

although a far cry from achieving perfect.

Nevertheless, sunsets are always perfect.

* * * * *

Do take time to watch the sunset cast its spell

in the sky above, then over hill and dell.

You'll be awed by the Creator's inspirational masterpiece

and will experience a reverent contentment, a perfect peace,

as day turns into night

with a sigh of delight.

Another gift from the Master's paintbrush

because He loves us so very much.

P.S. I see sunrises and sunsets as God’s glory touching earth.

God called the light “day,”

and the darkness he called “night.”

Genesis 1:5

The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

May God himself, the God of peace,

sanctify you through and through.

May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

I Thessalonians 5:23-24

May the God of peace...

equip you with everything good

for doing his will,

and may he work in us

what is pleasing to him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Hebrews 13:20

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Psalm 84:11-12

This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The righteous will shine like the sun

in the kingdom of their Father.

Matthew 13:43

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

CANVAS

 

Canvas

Gardeners canvas gardening catalogs,

each winter, while dreaming of landscaping their yard.

They search for tall and short

to plant each year in the dirt.

Or they might start with a blank slate, a canvas if you will,

when they map out a plot then ensure the sod is tilled

before they start to plant

what makes their heart pant.

This soil, filled with earthworms brown,

hopefully no white grubs found,

should be mixed with rich organic matter

as fertile soil grows everything better.

Experienced gardeners canvas for

decayed leaves and aged grass that is yearly stored

in a backyard compost pile

as this organic matter adds style.

After this compost is added in

the gardener is ready to begin.

What will fill this blank canvas?

The selections are vast.

Come winter, gardening catalogs arrive weekly.

A pile will amass as sometimes they arrive daily.

There's an abundance from which to choose

but a prudent gardener looks for clues.

Checking out the zone is one important clue.

Determining sun or shade is another clue.

If these particular clues are not adhered too

your investment will not enhance your avenue.

What will the gardener choose for this new canvas?

It is a most pleasant and rewarding task!

Perennials, annuals, shrubs, or trees.

Beware, some might cause you to sneeze.

Although the gardener may not use a brush dipped in paint

to create their live canvas, they often paint

with a rainbow of colors

seen in garden flowers.

When a gardener paints a canvas

he or she is having a blast

that for one's lifetime will last

bringing delighted smiles and laughs.

Are you ready to begin?

You don't have to wait for spring.

Start canvassing those gardening catalogs today.

A little planning will result in a sensational array.

(And you'll find, gardening catalogs chase winter blues away.)

* * * * *

One benefit of gardening

is you'll soon be befriending

for plants quickly multiply

attracting passersby

which fortunately means

you’ll be dividing multiples seen.

Gardening teaches multiplication and division

as well as addition and subtraction and even fractions.

No one tells you this when you begin

but gardening is certainly a win/win

as long-time gardeners share what multiplies.

In my case, an opportunity to organize.

There's no one friendlier

than a gardener

for gardeners always have lots to share

whether plants or vegetables that bare

and multiply each year.

Yes, friends of gardeners cheer.

Those who plan what is good

find love and faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:22

A friend loves at all times.

Proverbs 17:17

Do good, be rich in good deeds,

be generous and willing to share.

I Timothy 6:18

Do not forget to do good

and to share with others.

Hebrews 13:16

When the plowman plows and the thresher threshes,

they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.

I Corinthians 9:10

Much in my flower gardens were originally given to me. These plants have surnames like Lesley’s hostas or Connie’s lily of the valley. Overtime, multiplication made division necessary. When a gardener plans to visit I ask they bring a box. On the tour about I divide with spading fork in hand. Other times plants are put out by the road. As years went by, I find I’m starting to downsize which means more plants to share.

Other times plants are moved about due to too much shade or not enough space. The canvas here is constantly changing. Last fall I realized I had a lot of yellows and purples when viewed from the southside. That canvas combination was not planned. My neighbors have told me they enjoy the view. I think they have the best view overall.

Plan on searching through seed packets (eye candy) come March - dream a little dream...

What's on your wish list?

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SNEAK PEEK - Vol VI

 God’s Paintbrush

Does God dip His paintbrush

while earth is silent and hushed

before the day is filled with stress

then again when day begins to hush?

Does God dip His paintbrush

then flings from east coast to west

each fair, sunny morning

then again in the evening?

Does God dip His paintbrush

then with just a touch

changes the sky from day to night

than back again with delight?

Does God dip His paintbrush

in a pot of colored dust

for God created man from dust.

Is God’s paint made from colored stardust?

Does God dip His paintbrush

in pinks and yellows or rusts

then paints the western or eastern sky

lovingly saying goodnight or hi?

Does God dip His paintbrush

causing many to gasp

over sunrises and sunsets

as a love gift to us? You bet!

Does God dip His paintbrush

or perhaps He doesn’t need such

for God creates from nothing

with just a word spoken.

* * * * *

Does God dip His paintbrush

creating a reminder for us

that each day is gift wrapped

in sunrises and sunsets.

Yes, God does paint the eastern and western sky

with His majesty and power on high

to daily remind us

to always, always trust.

This “poet’s” opinion is, a sunrise or sunset is God’s glory touching earth.

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,

speaks and summons the earth

from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

Psalm 50:1

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

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.

Ecclesiastes 1:5

From the rising of the sun to the place of its setting

men may know there is none besides me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:6

From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord,

and from the rising of the sun, they will revere His glory.

Isaiah 59:19

My name will be great among the nations,

from the rising to the setting of the sun.

Malachi 1:11

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol VI

available for pre-order 3/3/26

from Palmetto Publishing, Amazon,

and major bookstores.