Links to order Life Is a Garden Party:

 My nephew created the following to share with you all.

Gardening season is right around the corner. I know you are getting antsy to begin. (A GREAT GIFT IDEA TOO)

I’ve authored 6 (Yes, SIX!!) books – see what’s available in my online store: https://www.amazon.com/.../Judy-Janowski/author/B00L0RIDD8

Yes, Life Is a Garden Party is an entire collection of books – and are you aware that I publish blog articles weekly? See them right here: https://lifeisagardenparty.blogspot.com/

Yes, there are 5 volumes of my book “Life Is a Garden Party” (below) and I also wrote “God’s Gift to Us - Christmas” (https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Gift-Christmas.../dp/B0BJCCMS1G)

Volume 1 of Life Is a Garden Party is no longer available due to demise of publisher.

Volume 2 is available in several formats right here: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Garden-Party.../dp/B0793SLQ82

Volume 3 in paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Garden-Party.../dp/1641110198

Volume 4 in paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Garden-Party.../dp/1649907907

Volume 5 in paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Garden-Party.../dp/B0DGZM4V1L

Go to my page and invite your friends to follow. Always look forward to your comments and shared insights!

TY Adam Janowski. And my nephew is also a writer. Check out His personal page for Authentic Behavior Contrast. I answered the questions and his analysis was right on!

FIREWORKS

 Rainy season here in the northeast.  Vegetable garden not yet planted. Rain is beneficial producing nitrogen making the weeds grow healthy to feed the compost pile, already shoulder high. Nothing is wasted in God's econony - black gold in 2-3 years. 

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 a minute.

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 4^th 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 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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Compost pile already shoulder high:

After the rains (5/28/25): At Rainbow's End

About 40-year-old wheelbarrow retired last year.

Planted this year with wave petunias and zinnias.

Bucket from Gram also retired due to drainage.

Hosta and fern berm in the background surrounded by chicken wire

because the deer think Life Is a Garden Party. 

Weeping ornamental cherry overhead.

Gift of Itoh peony bottom left.

Center of arbor garden contains wisteria leafing out.

Hostas in front from mom's collection.

Poppies in back in ornamental grasses bed

with locust tree in center.

Hens and chicks bed overseen by mother hen,

surrounded by stone walls from stones dug out from the creek bed under the sod. 

Snow-on-the-mountain flowering. Gift from Great Aunt Sophie.

Giant hosta with orange ditch lilies in background.

A patio umbrella shades the hosta from sunburn as tree had to be removed.

Compost pile made from pallets growing by 2 or so loads on non-rainy days.

Rainy days multiplying everything rapidly.

(Compost system contains 3 bins.)

Regarding compost:  nothing is wasted in God's economy.

As in regard to spiritual growth, what you may view as "dung," 

ends up being enrichment as this is when your faith and trust is meant to grow and mature.

Remember, compost, or black gold, isn't created overnight. Neither is faith and trust.

The Bible refers to the refining process re gold/silver. More valuable after.

Growth is a process. For your good. 

Poppies in ornamental grasses garden.

Shasta Daisy

Siberian Iris

Itoh Peony

Chives and blossoms will be used to make Cottage Cheese Dill bread with herbed butter soon.

Brought in first harvest of rhubarb yesterday. Made pineapple rhubarb jam.  Recipe below photo.

Dice 6 cups rhubarb. Add one 15-oz can undrained crushed pineapple, 4 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil then simmer until sauce consistency.  Sterilize jars. Add 1 3oz package jello to hot sauce.  Stir until dissolved.  Ladle into hot jars.  Makes ~7 cups.

For the earth

which drinketh in the rain

that falleth often upon it

and bringeth forth 

herbs fit for him

by whom it is tilled

receiveth blessings from God.

Hebrews 6:7

P.S. Starting to downsize as aging comes too quickly.

P.S. Starting to downsize as aging comes too quickly.

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

all it touches

although never captured.

It's illusive, except for a moment,

when your eyes behold this heavenly event -

somewhat 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.

KEEPING YOUNG

 

KEEPING YOUNG

Not only is gardening fun

when outside under the warm sun,

gardening will help keep one young

for every year one looks forward to

springtime and its colorful view.

I do. Do you too find that's true?

The gardener might plant bulbs in the fall

then looks forward to spring for spring is when all

the colors of the rainbow blossom, for all

the snowdrops, crocus', daffodils, tulips,

alliums, jonquils, narcissus,

bluebells, grape and fragrant hyacinths,

await to spring forth when finally the spring

rains begin to ping and birds are heard singing

to awaken the flower bulbs and bring

much joyous mirth

to all the earth

with each new birth.

Who isn't happy to see the rainbow

of spring bulbs and flowers – one's face glows

and there's a happy song, you know,

in gardener's hearts when they see

spring return in all its glory.

Gardeners have a youthful glee.

Yes, looking forward to springtime keeps one young.

Days spent out under the sun having fun

for the gardener's work is never done.

Fun returns everyday with songs to be sung.

Songs of joyful thanksgiving under the sun.

Those with joy in their hearts are forever young.

* * * * *

How to keep young?

One way is fun.

Another is joy,

smile, laugh, enjoy.

Plan something fun for yourself,

even if all by yourself.

Enjoy your time alone,

rather away or at home.

Smile for no reason.

You'll feel young and it's fun.

Don't you feel better?

And even healthier?

Have you had your Vitamin L today?

Vitamin L chases the blues away.

Vitamin L is laughter.

It's free to all, remember.

Find someone to laugh with for laughter

eases the pain when you suffer.

Anxiety and pain will abate

when there's daily laughter on your face.

Being worry-free will keep one young

for worry keeps one from having fun.

Fun is depleted and robbed

when worry becomes our job.

Find something you enjoy

then live a life of joy

for joy will abound

when happiness resounds.

* * * * *

There's a deeper joy than doing.

It's a joy found in knowing

the One who created us.

Knowing God is a must.

Quite often life beats us down.

We end up wearing a frown.

Outward joy is gone.

Absent every dawn.

But when you know God,

life isn't as hard

when you believe His promises.

Here's a few of God's promises:

1. We shouldn't ever fear

for God is always near.

He will never leave you

and will guard you through

whatever your situation

when you give Him permission.

Just ask in prayer.

God will be there.

2. We shouldn't be overwhelmed

with whatever comes around

for God is in control

when life seems out of control.

God is still on the throne

in heaven, His home.

He desires to be Lord of your life

to give you peace when life brings about strife.

3. God will give you daily strength

to last each day at length.

We can be strong in the strength of the Lord

when life gives more than we can endure

for God's grace is sufficient,

make perfect in weakness.

Just ask for God's power

right now, this hour.

4. Envision God's arms around you

embracing you, sustaining you,

helping you, upholding you

whatever you're going through.

Doing what is fair, just, and right

for in you God does delight.

Never forget, you are loved

with an everlasting love.

Everlasting joy is found in knowing

the Lord God who gives blessings unending.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

...they will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 35:10

My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.

II Corinthians 12:9

After crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, others...the alliums bloom.

To me, an exclamation point in the garden, making a statement.

Allow to go to seed which will disperse and create dozens more.

Consider spray painting after turns brown for a longer season.

I was asked twice what the spray painted alliums were:

one answer - fantasy flowers, another answer - a fairy's wand. 

Will be making a bouquet of alliums with Solomon Seal today.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

CARPENTERS

 

Carpenters

Busy this morning, a carpenter

builds, but not with nails or a hammer.

Not one to sit still, this carpenter flies

on days when there's no rain in the sky.

Back and forth collecting building materials

interspersed with a joyous call,

this carpenter is not deterred

as the material is transferred.

He must build a home for his family

where in two weeks, or so, hungry and greedy

his family will demand to be fed

from their little round bed.

In the meantime this carpenter collects,

arranges to his satisfaction, then inspects,

the building of their first home

although he does not work alone.

For his wife works along beside

on days when the sun abides.

Back and forth they fly

to their house build up high.

Built up high, safe from foes

and from the wind that blows,

in the crotch of a tree limb

their house is somewhat hidden.

Although you won't hear a rat-a-tat-tat

you'll find they have an instinctive knack

of where to place each and every twig

as they busily construct their new digs.

Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter

are blue jays, round house builders,

for nests are round

the world around.

* * * * *

Read the Bible verse below about nests

then consider this question, but do not guess:

Is there room in your heart for Jesus,

or is His name a name you say in jest?

One day before God's throne

will God say you made no room

as Jesus was absent from your life,

you did as you pleased throughout your life.

Before God's throne it will be too late

as you already decided your fate.

Don't wait. Make a decision right now, today,

for there's no guarantee of another day.

Because of His sacrifice on the cross

He once-for-all paid the incredible cost

to pay the penalty for our sins

granting us assurance within.

A confidence that our sins are forgiven.

A certainty of a home in heaven.

Simply confess.

Jesus did the rest...

taking our place instead

then He arose from the dead

offering us God's mercy through forgiveness of sins.

Believe this truth today. Invite Jesus in.

This is why Christians the world around

celebrate each Easter in their towns.

Jesus Christ arose.

Now you know. Don't suppose.

Invite Jesus into your heart's room.

Simply confess your sins. Don't live doomed.

Jesus paid the price once-for-all.

Accept the greatest gift of all.

Jesus replied,

"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Matthew 8:20

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotten Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 (KJV)

The centurion and those with him

who were guarding Jesus

saw the earthquake and all that had happened,

...exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Matthew 27:54

Mark 15:38

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Lord, open the eyes of hearts to need and receive your gift of salvation. Amen.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.