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
Breakfast
In the newness of the early morning as the sun peeks through
something yummy for breakfast is waiting for the garden crew.
Just who is the garden crew?
Let's take a minute to view.
A morning dew
covers like glue
inviting winged creatures to sip
this early morning refreshment.
Yes, their breakfast awaits,
although not served on a plate,
being sought after
by garden creatures.
Happy bees hum
in golden blossoms
in everyone's vegetable garden.
Gardeners gratefully welcome.
Do take a minute to listen
to their harmonious drone
as they sip from a cup of yellow pollen,
a breakfast filled with good-for-you nutrition.
A just-hatched butterfly seeks morning nourishment
from purple cone flowers, absent of scent,
then off to the garden phlox, which he seems to like best,
before visiting the butterfly bush for breakfast.
Watch him float and glide
as on the breeze he rides
satisfying his hunger
on his morning garden tour.
A hummingbird dines
on red trumpet vine
where ants share a feast
every day of the week.
If you're wearing a red or pink shirt
beware, those hummingbirds might flirt
thinking you're the prettiest flower
of all that grows in your bower.
Mama and papa wren
busily attend
their brood of hungry beaks
as white grubs they seek.
Hear these babies "me, me, me"
sounding quite hungry
as mama and papa take turns
feeding their offspring this morn.
While robins seek earthworms
to feed starving newborns
a protein breakfast
so they will grow fast.
Do watch from a distance
for robins have an instinct
to protect their young
from potential harm.
Other birds dine
on seeds they find,
heard singing a happy song of praise
to the Creator of all their days.
These and many more
seek breakfast outdoors
tasting better alfresco.
Does your cup hold espresso?
Do take time to watch this muse
as a motion picture is produced
every morning as breakfast is found
around the world, in every town.
* * * * *
In this world of uncertainty,
God shows us examples of His faithfulness
so that we will have a guarantee,
an assurance, to not worry – but to trust.
As you know, birds do not worry.
Perhaps that's why they're always cheery.
Know that God already has a plan to solve your concern.
He's waiting to hear from you in prayer. Don't carry your load alone.
Get in the habit of thanking God before receiving.
That's living a life of active "faith believing!"
In the meantime, God is maturing your faith
as you trust Him to supply His abundant grace.
Do not worry about tomorrow.
Matthew 6:34
Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Matthew 7:26
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
Discontent
Most people can't wait for the hot days of summer.
Somehow people associate hot as funner.
But when they come, they want the hot days over.
A season of discontent seems to take over.
It's too hot to be outside.
Everyone's stuck inside.
Fans are employed
or AC's enjoyed.
But we'd rather be outside
perhaps by the poolside,
but it's too hot.
Happy we're not.
So rain cools the earth,
but mugginess springs forth.
Everyone's sick of being sticky
from the humidity. We feel icky.
It feels tropical,
which is typical,
when the humidity soars
which supersedes the temperatures.
On those humid days of summer
perspiration drips faster.
Heatwave and dewpoint is to blame.
Humidity is another name.
We're not happy when it's too hot.
When it's too humid, happy we're not.
If it were to rain, would we be happy?
Are we ever content? Not likely!
So it rains as we desired.
Then how we perspire.
Our energy is drained
and so is our brain.
Discontent we are.
Unhappy by far.
Definitely restless.
In fact, quite useless.
All because of the "dog days" that arrive each summer
named after the dog star “Sirius”; which has stars for fur.
Those hot days between early July and September,
which many look forward to each year, known as summer.
(Do take a moment to look up the constellation of Canis Major. It really does look like a canine in the night sky. The brightest star in that constellation is named Sirius,
which according to mythology is the bringer of the summer heatwave.)
* * * * *
I'm wondering if those discontented in I Samuel 22:2
were so because they were up to their eyeballs in distress because of debt too.
I would be, wouldn’t you?
Would you feel blue?
Here are other "d's" that discourage
in this generation, at any age:
death, depravity, despair, destitute, detestable, disability, disappointment,
discrimination, disease, disgrace, distress, downcast, drought, disillusionment...
(the list is endless).
Other "d's" are "do not's"; i.e. commandments.
For our well-being and long life they are meant.
Do not: deceive, defraud, defile, be dishonest, be devious,
dishonor, disobey, disown... - this is a short list, it's obvious.
And many other negative words
often discourage then bring discord.
How can one overcome
the damage that's been done?
There is a solution, it's: DELIGHT yourself in the Lord.
In doing so you'll find God's blessings will continually pour,
but not what the world thinks as affluent.
God's blessings are peace and contentment.
These blessings are yours to enjoy
when DELIGHT in the Lord you employ.
On the Lord rely.
Give it a try.
All those who were in distress, or in debt, or discontented.
I Samuel 22:2
Have no other gods before me...
You shall not make for yourself an idol...
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God...
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy...
Honor your father and your mother...
You shall not murder....
You shall not commit adultery...
You shall not steal...
You shall not give false testimony...
You shall not covet...
Deuteronomy 5:6-21
Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
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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
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July
Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (by Nat King Cole)
when our gardens display a rainbow of colors
when we celebrate July 4th
our freedom and our nation's birth
when each morning we can't wait to see
what has bloomed, we're filled with glee
when birds serenade with song*
early morning then all day long
when bees hum merrily
among the gaiety
when butterflies flutter here and there
sampling the tastiest fare
when cumulus clouds float dreamily overhead
or maybe there's an afternoon shower instead
when the rainbow of flowers
welcomes afternoon showers
when berries ripen under the sun
and taste sweet on one’s tongue
when blossoms of yellow and gold
fill the garden with wealth like gold
when vegetables grow by inches each day
and you harvest almost every day
when a breeze feels refreshing
after non-stop sweating
when grass grows despite the heat
as children run with bare feet
when sprinklers produce laughs
and children forfeit baths
when there's a perfumed scent
that seems to be heaven sent
when fireflies flash s-o-s,
then it's bed time, at last
oh, the joys of summer
when life seems funner.
* * * * *
If your house
is like my house
there's much work to be done
under the summer sun.
But a lesson I'm learning
is to take time for enjoying.
I sit outside to compose.
About what? Who knows?
Today I saw an ant transporting a dead moth.
Although I didn't look closely, I assume via his mouth.
I thought how strong the ant must be
for the moth was much larger than he.
"Mighty men of valor" came to mind.
Let's see what God places on my mind
for I don't know what I'm going to write
when I start a rhyme on paper white.
Valor means courageous, brave, gallant, a hero.
Cancer victims or those terminally ill come to mind or
those with limitations, rather mental or physical,
are courageous as each and every day is a struggle.
Those who care for these loved ones are courageous, too,
for every day brings more challenges anew.
They all bravely face unlimited burdens with grace
and are often seen with a smile on their face.
Of course, those mighty people of valor in the military.
Each and every one, rather home or abroad, allow us to be free.
And those who protect us in our towns
for we know there's much evil to be found.
These and other courageous, brave, gallant protectors
who quite often are forgotten, unsung heroes
survive each day through God's mercy and grace
throughout the universe, in every race.
Do you know someone you consider a "mighty person of valor?"
Be sure to tell them they are appreciated for they are a hero.
A compliment will long be remembered,
as well as a good habit to be practiced.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon),
and said unto him,
The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.
Judges 6:12 (KJV)
And the man, Jeroboam, was a mighty man of valor;
and Solomon,
seeing the young man, that he was industrious,
made him ruler over all.
I Kings 11:28 (KJV)
And they helped David against the band of the rovers;
for they were all mighty men of valor,
and were captains in the host.
I Chronicles 12:21 (KJV)
*(Regarding birds singing in the morning, it is called “dawn chorus.” I’ve noticed birds actually call forth sunrise. I’ve read that male voices are the loudest. [I’ll admit I sometimes close the window as 4:30 is too soon to get up.] I hope you have opportunity to witness this songfest! Surely it will put a song in your heart. What better way to start the day.)
Fireworks
Yodels
echo
between the hills
when loud booms fill
the darkened midnight sky
on summer nights by and by
when the noisy rumble
of raging thunder
awakens sleepers.
A rude greeter.
(Jeepers creepers.)
Suddenly the sky is lit
for less than an instant.
Lightning* flashes
with zig zag slashes
then thunder follows
louder than a holler
booming,
moving
onward,
eastward.
This show continues for a time -
lightning with thunder behind.
A bright flash, a loud boom,
another flash, another boom.
Choreographed by the Creator
with a display spectacular.
Sounds like heavenly bowling
when the thunder is rolling,
although many dogs howl
not liking it at all.
This display of fireworks
with lights, than a boom that shook,
is reminiscent of the 4th of July
when patriotic revelers look toward the sky
where an explosion of fireworks
cause ooohs and aaahs with every look,
but nature’s display is not man made.
Thunder and lightning is God-made.
It's designed to cool the earth God made
and to water creation's blades and glades.
Rain may come in sheets
and sometimes there's sleet
or is it hail
that might hale?
Wind may ruffle the leaves on trees.
Dead limbs may fall out of trees,
sometimes falling on power lines
then electricity is off for a time.
Creeks rise and sometimes overflow
when rain comes down too fast, we know.
In the morning the earth gleams green.
Seedlings have grown by inches, it seems.
Other plants are found lying on the ground
for the wind and rain have knocked them down.
Because of last night's rain,
the grass needs to be cut again.**
After the thunderstorm
a new day is born;
after the din
song birds sing.
* Lightning always comes before thunder. Although they are generated simultaneously by the same electrical discharge, you see the lightning instantly while the sound of thunder takes longer to reach you. Light travels at 300,000 km/s, whereas sound travels much slower, at approximately 340 m/s. (Copied)
**Lightning and thunder contains another power besides flashes and booms. Grass appears greener after a thunderstorm because lightning during the storm breaks down nitrogen gas in the atmosphere, converting it into a form that plants can readily absorb as nitrate, essentially acting as a natural fertilizer for the grass when it rains down with the storm water; this process is called nitrogen fixation. (Copied)
* * * * *
Before our personal storms come to pass,
God has left us with a viable promise.
It's: “Immanuel - God with us,”
so we'll remain strong despite weaknesses.
So when those troublesome thunderclouds roar,
or unwelcome lightning storms knock at our door,
or figurative fireworks leave us sore,
know that God is with us and for us, for sure.
Yes, something good will come from it
when we believe down in our spirit
that God keeps His promises.
This is our hope to possess.
...for the Lord has promised good things...
Numbers 10:29
God is not a man, that he should lie,
nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19
The Lord your God will bless you as he has promised.
Deuteronomy 15:6
You know with all your heart and soul
that not one of all the good promises
the Lord your God gave you has failed.
Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.
Joshua 23:14
And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise you have made...
Do as you have promised, so that you name will be great forever.
O Sovereign Lord, you are God!
Your words are trustworthy,
and you have promised these good things to your servant.
II Samuel 7:25-26, 28
The Lord has kept the promise he made.
You have kept your promise...
with your mouth you have promised
and with your hand you have fulfilled it.
I Kings 8:20,24
You have kept your promise because you are righteous.
Nehemiah 9:8
My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50
The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.
Psalm 145:13
...being fully persuaded that God had power to do
what he had promised...
Romans 4:21
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
In keeping with his promise
we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,
the home of righteousness.
II Peter 3:13
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Me, Me, Me
Summer days brings hours of berry picking.
Sweetened by the sun, just right for picking.
Best eaten alfresco
in the great outdoors,
although the intent is to fill the freezer
to enjoy the fruits of summer this winter.
Quiet, except for the hum of the bees.
Warm, although there's a breeze through the leaves of the trees.
Succulent, these pretty round jewels in red, black, or blue.
Antioxidants designed to give good health to you.
Tasty, one for now and two for later.
Enjoying the luscious fruits of summer.
The quiet is rudely dispelled
when someone repeatedly yells
"me, me, me."
Someone I can't see.
This "me, me, me"
is from someone greedy.
When this someone was a baby
their plea was "me, me, me."
Now someone is grown and their "me, me, me"
is loud, rude, increasingly greedy.
This someone had previously found the ripened berries
and doesn't want to share with anyone, not hardly.
"Me, me, me" as in mine.
"Me, me, me" is whined.
Although not human, this someone
acts just like us humans often.
For more often than not our words, thoughts, and deeds
center around me, me, me; yes, indeed.
There, up in the tree top is this noisemaker.
Although, here, in our heart we're often self-centered.
Seed-eating birds don’t want to share the berries.
Unfortunately, greed in our heart often tarries.
Birds have much to teach us.
To share, without making a fuss.
* * * * *
Greed, at its basic definition is idolatry, it's putting self first.
We learn greed is never satisfied, it leaves you with an unfulfilled thirst.
There's much that lures.
We want more, more, more.
The opposite of selfish greed
is to plant unselfish seeds
that will greatly encourage someone in need -
rather physical or emotional needs.
A helping hand, a listening ear,
transportation somewhere - each is dear.
You need not expend a lot of money,
time spent turns someone's spirit of gloom sunny.
Being consumed with "me, me, me" becomes quite unfulfilling.
Being concerned about another’s comfort is always fulfilling.
Don't be like the bird who doesn't want to share.
Exchange greed for an outlook that shows you care.
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
Luke 12:15
But among you there must not be even a hint...of greed,
because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
...greed, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5
For of this you can be sure:
An immoral, impure or greedy person - is an idolater.
Ephesians 5:5
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