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.

EMPTY NEST

 

Empty Nest

Someone's growing up too fast.

Ready to leave home at last.

Their heads peek out the door.

They can't wait to explore.

Their parents are busy this morn

feeding their big babies worms.

And how they talk up a storm!

Their babies have lots to learn.

Are these parents saying "stay"

or encouraging "go play"?

Will today

be the day?

One leans too far out.

Suddenly he's out.

Or was he pushed

for two more heads push...

out the door

to explore

the great outdoors

where fun allures.

The first one

air born

spreads his wings

in the wind.

He's free! He's free!

There's much to see.

He calls "follow me"

to his siblings with glee.

There they go

down low

then up high as the breeze

blows in the trees leaves.

Spreading their wings

they glide on the wind.

Free!

Free!

Are their parents happy or sad?

Are the fledglings glad?

Their parents did their best.

All too soon there's an empty nest.

* * * * *

Do you feel empty, void, useless?

Do you feel you've lost your purpose?

A job ended unexpectedly.

Maybe illness came suddenly.

Perhaps the loss of your beloved spouse

leading to foreclosure on your house.

Life the way you know it has changed.

Your time is now rearranged.

Sometimes this rearranging

is God's way of arranging -

opening the door for a new opportunity,

turning a dream into a possibility.

Instead of dwelling on the past

get busy and have a blast.

Turn your negatives

into positives.

An adventure awaits.

You won't want to be late.

From the day of your birth

God assigned a purpose on earth

for you

to do

that will assist in God’s plan

designed from creation.

All the ups and down of life

shape your character in spite

of your good attempts

as life contains bumps.

Those bumps may lead you to your optimum occupation.

You may learn empathy is part of your disposition.

So many avenues to discover

as you mature and recover.

Throughout life there will be many opportunities posed.

Some you may have never imagined or supposed.

Consider, life is an adventure

just waiting to be discovered.

Many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you,

were I to speak and tell of them,

they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:5

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalm 139:17-18

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

THEY'RE HERE!

 

They're Here!

"They're here!"

we cheer.

Each year

we peer

for these dears

far and near.

Their chirps cheer

as spring draws near.

Loud and clear

across frontiers

these pioneers

reappear.

To our ears

their song cheers

year after year

so sincere.

We're always cheered

by these dears.

Who are these dears

that persevere

year after year?

Who sings songs that cheer?

Who is now here?

It's the robins - they're here!

* * * * *

Although robins are not known to sing at night,

the Bible talks about songs in the night.

Praise songs give comfort in distress.

For certain, praise songs will bless.

Heartfelt songs of prayer and praise

to the Creator of all our days.

Have you experienced “songs in the night,”

seeking God through difficult times, needing light?

Consider finding comfort by singing psalms

as psalms means praise; praise might be via a hymn.

Or do your “songs in the night” express your daily confidence in the Lord.

Confidence grows through abiding trust. Trust becomes your eternal reward.

By day (and night) the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me -

a prayer (and praise) to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:8

(Italics from an NIV note.)

I remembered my songs in the night...

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds.

Psalm 77:6, 11-12

(If distress interrupts your sleep, recall God’s past faithfulness -

remember, meditate, consider.)

I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

Psalm 3:5

I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

He grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:2

Where is God my Maker,

who gives songs in the night,

who teaches more to us than to the beasts of the earth

and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?

Job 35:10-11

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Flower Garden Reminders:

 

This accidental photo caught my attention when I posted it on the Life Is a Garden Party facebook page earlier.

I took the photo as Ladies Mantel collects raindrops. Reminded me of the Scripture that God collects our tears in a bottle.

When I posted the photo I noticed the tiny forget-me-nots. How apropo - as we are not forgotten by God. 

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

EMPTY NEST

 

Empty Nest

Someone's growing up too fast.

Ready to leave home at last.

Their heads peek out the door.

They can't wait to explore.

Their parents are busy this morn

feeding their big babies worms.

And how they talk up a storm!

Their babies have lots to learn.

Are these parents saying "stay"

or encouraging "go play"?

Will today

be the day?

One leans too far out.

Suddenly he's out.

Or was he pushed

for two more heads push...

out the door

to explore

the great outdoors

where fun allures.

The first one

air born

spreads his wings

in the wind.

He's free! He's free!

There's much to see.

He calls "follow me"

to his siblings with glee.

There they go

down low

then up high as the breeze

blows in the trees leaves.

Spreading their wings

they glide on the wind.

Free!

Free!

Are their parents happy or sad?

Are the fledglings glad?

Their parents did their best.

All too soon there's an empty nest.

* * * * *

Do you feel empty, void, useless?

Do you feel you've lost your purpose?

A job ended unexpectedly.

Maybe illness came suddenly.

Perhaps the loss of your beloved spouse

leading to foreclosure on your house.

Life the way you know it has changed.

Your time is now rearranged.

Sometimes this rearranging

is God's way of arranging -

opening the door for a new opportunity,

turning a dream into a possibility.

Instead of dwelling on the past

get busy and have a blast.

Turn your negatives

into positives.

An adventure awaits.

You won't want to be late.

From the day of your birth

God assigned a purpose on earth

for you

to do

that will assist in God’s plan

designed from creation.

All the ups and down of life

shape your character in spite

of your good attempts

as life contains bumps.

Those bumps may lead you to your optimum occupation.

You may learn empathy is part of your disposition.

So many avenues to discover

as you mature and recover.

Throughout life there will be many opportunities posed.

Some you may have never imagined or supposed.

Consider, life is an adventure

just waiting to be discovered.

Many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you,

were I to speak and tell of them,

they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:5

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalm 139:17-18

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Cottage Cheese Dill Bread with herbed butter

 

When chives are in bloom, dill weed is ready to harvest also.

Perhaps you’ll make Cottage Cheese Dill Bread

with herb butter for your celebration.

Cottage Cheese Dill Bread

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup cottage cheese

2 eggs

¼ cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk

2 Tablespoons sugar or honey

¼ cup melted butter

3 Tablespoons minced dill, or more

2 Tablespoons dried onions, or more

or ¼ cup fresh chive blossoms, separated, or more

½ teaspoon garlic powder, or more

Bake 50 minutes at 350 in buttered loaf pan.

Herb Butter

To room temperature butter, add any washed and dried fresh herbs

including blossoms such as chive blossoms.

Store in refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

Cottage Cheese Dill bread is also good toasted.

GARDEN BAND

 

Garden Band

On a sunny day

the band comes out to play.

Who joins the garden band?

Come. See. You'll be a fan.

This morning the band is heard warming up.

Look. It's the bees in the borage. Yep!

Come listen. It's free.

They never sound off key.

Then a loud hum joins in.

Look quick. It's hummingbird wings.

He's a welcome addition

as he stops to audition.

He's directed to the string section

where there's a lot of vibrating action.

Someone imitates a violin

and there's the twang of banjo strings.

Another new member sits in the woodwind section

where everyone harmonizes in collaboration.

There are piccolo chirps.

Others imitate a flute.

Tweets

so sweet

that humans take note

of the song being wrote.

Tunes from oboes, saxophones,

clarinets, and trombones

are heard in this symphony

sung by visiting birds and bees.

A mockingbird joins the garden band.

His song is heard throughout the land.

He imitates trumpets, tubas, french horns

for mockingbirds fool from the day they were born.

Soon the bandleader's baton will point

to keynote speakers which do not disappoint.

Who is it that joins the band?

It's the crickets. A lively clan.

They sit in the percussion section

strumming louder for attention.

Rhythmic they strum

having so much fun.

Now a soloist joins the orchestra.

Who is it that whistles loudly just for show?

It's the caw caw of a crow.

He has the loudest voice, you know.

The garden band has many members.

They practice from April through October

then many members go on tour

as in October southward they soar.

Take time to listen to the free concert today

for soon the band members will be on their way

to entertain the senior citizens

in their Floridian winter homes.

* * * * *

When God's Word states “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”

someone literally took God at His Word – it's the birds.

But God's Word was written for you and I.

Are the songs we sing joyful or filled with why?

Do we daily thank and praise God with joyful hearts

or do we doubt God's faithfulness as each day starts?

Our words are our recorded music.

Words can be therapeutic.

Words like: “you’re a blessing” or “thanking God for you,”

“God is good,” “praise the Lord” or “to God be the glory.”

Let these words praising God or edifying others replace words

that curse, fight, slander, ridicule. Words that cannot be unheard.

What do you want to be remembered for?

An encourager, through your words and more.

Or will the legacy you make

leave behind only heartache?

Make music in your heart. Shout for joy.

Everyone around you will enjoy.

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.

Psalm 98:4-6

What she has done (said)

will also be told in memory of her.

Matthew 26:13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.