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.

VALENTINE'S BOUQUET

 

Valentine's Day Bouquet

I'm sending you a bouquet

filled with flowers today

that in their own shy way say

you're loved each and every day.

Your bouquet is filled with

these flowers I chose to give:

as orchids mean beautiful lady,

I chose these for you, beautiful lady.

Red roses that ensure you're loved

by me and by God in heaven above.

These zinnias mean thinking of you

which I find is always nice to do.

A hydrangea to say thanks for all you do.

You are a blessing to others and to me too.

Some daisies for I know you'll act innocent

when someone thanks you for the gift of your presence.

These hibiscus

mean filled with grace

which is seen on your beautiful face

and bestowed on all you embrace.

Tiny blue forget-me-nots do remind me of you

and your faithful friendship to me through the years, so true.

A sunflower will bring uplifting sunshine

even on days when the sun doesn't shine.

Blue and yellow

go so well together

whatever the outside weather

as we’ll be friends through whatever.

Sweet faced pansies for remembrance

of your gentle spirit emoting sweet fragrance.

Surrounded by lily-of-the-valley bringing happiness to you

as I know from time-to-time circumstances make you feel somewhat blue.

Accented with ferns that signify sincerity

with ivy that indicates friendship between you and me.

May this little nosegay

bring you much joy today.

Be sure to give your own bouquet

to those near and far away

for they all need a bright ray

to remind them they're loved, okay?

* * * * *

Flowers in my yard remind me of someone kind

for many were given to me once upon a time.

My friend, Connie, gave me lily-of-the-valley.

Thinking of my dear friend makes me happy.

Lesley gifted me with hostas, hibiscus, creeping sedum,

lung wort, foxglove, Japanese maple, begonias, rose campion

and so much more.

Friends who share we adore.

Pansies were my gram's favorite which I yearly purchase

even though I don't need pansies for remembrance.

A package of zinnias is planted to attract monarchs each year.

You'll find me chasing with camera in hand when they appear.

Next time you see these above-mentioned individual flowers,

may you be reminded of their sincere meanings thereafter.

Not only do flowers beautify planet earth yearly,

they provide nectar for bees producing honey.

Flowers please our senses - our sight, our smell, our touch;

they also speak, silently that is, with an unspoken blush.

Flowers speak to our hearts with a message of love

direct from God, the Creator, who loves you. Hugs.

We love because he first loved us.

I John 4:19

Let us love one another,

for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God

and knows God.

I John 4:7

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

Awake, north wind, and come, south wind!

Blow on my garden,

that its fragrance may spread abroad.

Song of Songs 4:16

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

HIBERNATION

 

Hibernation

Winter, seemingly a time of hibernation,

but actually it's a time for rejuvenation.

It's a time of incubation

for most of plant creation

when in collaboration

with the winter season

plant life begins quiet preparation

for a new season of anticipation

continuing generation after generation

as miraculously planned from the beginning of creation.

It's not necessarily a time of relaxation

but an edifying season of fortification

for bulbs and plants begin their restoration

in earth's protected womb where unification

of temperature fluctuation

and frozen precipitation

will end in excitement and joyous exclamation

after a long-awaited-for expectation.

There'll be a gleeful celebration,

a non-containable jubilation,

causing one's soul much elation

when with joyful admiration

and heart-felt adoration

this period of silent hibernation

finally gives birth, always bringing inspiration.

A miracle springs forth, an utter fascination.

After this time of hibernation

there'll be a two-fold flirtation

for flowering bulbs and plants attract humans

and bees happily begin pollination,

an affirmation

that this season

of hibernation

is now in cessation.

After the flowers put on their show, you'll note a multiplication

of springtime bulbs or flowering plants increasing their population.

In the plant world it's called naturalization,

a reproduction, a propagation.

Upon investigation

you'll find an accumulation

coming to the realization

that it's time for a division.

So after listening to the weather station,

to ensure a period of no precipitation,

you'll prepare another location

for the over-population

of bulbs or plants needing division -

or maybe you'll share with relation

and gardening friends whose inclination, or perhaps fixation,

is to make accommodation for your accumulation.

After digging in preparation

you'll be ready for hibernation -

a much needed vacation -

for the gardening vocation

causes unwanted activation

of aches and pains in concentration.

But oh, the joy, the elation, the appreciation

of colorful flowers after winter's hibernation.

Earth's rebirth - rejuvenation -

giving God glorification!

* * * * *

Everyone's so excited for spring

to finally, at last, begin.

There's an excitement in the air

as days turn sunny and fair,

then bees return

when flowers bloom.

Each year we see rebirth take place in the earthly realm,

there is also rebirth in the spiritual kingdom.

Rebirth or spiritual birth as in salvation,

Jesus forgiving our sins offering redemption.

A free gift when Jesus paid the way

upon Calvary's cross on Good Friday.

Jesus redeemed us – He paid the way.

Sin's penalty was satisfied that day.

Yes, it was for us Jesus died

on that cross with His arms open wide.

Arms outstretched in everlasting love

as if enveloping us with a hug.

And it was for us Jesus arose again

ensuring everlasting life would begin

the day we confess in our heart

then rebirth will give us a new start.

Each spring brings rebirth or earth's revitalization.

Spiritual rebirth is conversion bringing salvation.

I will send you rain in its season,

and the ground will yield its crops

and the trees of the field their fruit.

Leviticus 26:4

The Lord will open the heavens,

the storehouse of his bounty,

to send rain on your land in season

and to bless all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 28:12

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

it is the Lord who makes the storm clouds.

He gives showers of rain to men,

and plants of the field to everyone.

Zechariah 10:1

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,

miracles that cannot be counted.

He bestows rain on the earth;

he sends water upon the countryside.

Job 5:9-10

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:14

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,

but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing or rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

whom he poured out on us generously

through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace,

we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

Currently daffodil and other bulbs are hibernating under a protective blanket of snow.

Snow provides nitrogen to enrich the bulbs. There is no waste in God's economy.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.