NEED CHRISTMAS GIFTS?

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Life Is a Garden Party, Vol I

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol II

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol IV

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

There is also a Life Is a Garden Party facebook page.

 

Gala

Everyone’s dressed in their finest

in burgundy, golds, and rusts

as a celebrated guest

each year come Oktoberfest.

You’ll see some, though,

wear emerald

and come as they are

to the gala.

The gala is held on a sunny day

and is free to all, there’s no need to pay.

This gala might last for a few days.

Some travelers come from far away.

What is it these travelers come to see?

What is it that brings a sense of glee?

These travelers are sightseers, you see,

come to see the colors of the autumn trees.

For in autumn the trees are ready to party

dressing in pleasing colors, never gaudy.

There’s goldenrod yellow to maize-tinted gold,

bittersweet orange to mulberry red, so bold.

Mixed among these autumn colors

are emeralds in multi-colors

of pine or forest green evergreens

towering throughout this stunning scene.

Soon the trees colors will change and drop

when brown siennas, and umbers, and chestnut

leaves fall

each fall.

Make a date today

to view the vast array

of autumn leaves this year.

Your spirit will be cheered.

* * * * *

And when you do go to this gala

take along some Gala apples

for an autumn picnic

or maybe you’ll go pick.

Do something special to celebrate autumn.

You’ll find there’s so much to do for fun -

apple picking, leaf viewing,

pumpkin craving, Thanksgiving.

What do you look forward to each autumn?

Selecting a Halloween jack-o-lantern?

Or baking pies – apple? Pumpkin?

Can’t wait for glorious autumn.

A thankful heart

is just the start

of a celebration that lasts

long after autumn is past.

Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his loves endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,

for the Lord is good;

his loves endures forever.

Jeremiah 33:11

Be sure to notice the sky's bluest blue come October.

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COLORS

 

COLORS

I've noticed the burning bush and dogwood are turning red

in celebration of the changing season just ahead,

as if putting on their party dress.

They certainly do get noticed.

The hostas and peonies are turning yellow.

Tomorrow more will turn yellow in my hollow

as if the sun is shining

although it's been raining.

The maple tree is turning gold

then will shine in the sunlight bold

for a few days before its golden leaves

quietly float down – causing some to sneeze.

What once was green, now is orange.

As summer came and went, it turned

into a plump round pumpkin which now waits

to turn into a jack-o-lantern for someone to make.

Round green concord grapes turning purple

will later make a tongue purple

when someone makes purple grape juice,

but there's none if the goose is loose.

Cloudy gray skies

gives way to blue skies

as the celebration draws near

when autumn comes year after year.

Other leaves turn colors

like a bouquet of flowers

of red, orange, yellow, gold -

autumn's here, we're told.

Everyone gets dressed

in their festive best

to celebrate autumn.

Isn't it just awesome!

* * * * *

There's something to celebrate everyday.

Sometimes it's when your child receives an A.

Or maybe when the last of the hay

is baled then put in the haymow today.

Celebrate when the doctor's report comes back okay.

Always when friends come to visit from far away.

Of course, when there's a raise in your pay.

Especially when good news is conveyed.

Celebrate when someone chooses the right way.

Definitely after forgiveness is displayed.

Celebrate when less you weigh,

perhaps by shopping today.

Celebrate with a bouquet.

You'll make someone's day!

Celebrate – go out and play

maybe with a sled or sleigh.

Much celebrating is done at a cafe

or even around an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Yearly celebrate special days:

birthdays, anniversaries – always.

Celebrate when a long-awaited answer comes after you've prayed

or when troublesome anxieties are finally allayed.

Celebrate the blessings from the Lord each day

when you praise and thank Him each and every day.

Celebrate God's goodness without delay

under the sun's rays or clouds of gray.

Celebrate with someone special today.

There's much to celebrate each day. Yeah!

This is a day you are to commemorate;

for the generations to come

you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord -

a lasting ordinance.

Exodus 12:14

Then all the people went away to eat and drink...

and to celebrate with great joy...

Nehemiah 8:12

We had to celebrate and be glad,

because this brother of yours

was dead is alive again;

he was lost and is found.

Luke 15:32

I will exalt you, my God and King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever

Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:1-7

Life Is a Garden Party

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LEFTOVERS

The 5th too-hot-to-be-outside day, so editing again this afternoon.

After errands this morning came back home to get camera as Canandian geese were in nearby field feasting on weed seeds. 

It reminded me of a story I had written previously one January.

LEFTOVERS

Today I saw a flock of Canadian geese feasting

in the nearby shorn cornfield months after harvesting.

It's January 5^th

and there are snowdrifts.

It appeared it was the harvester's intent

to allow these geese to feed to their heart's content

for these geese were busy feeding their face

as a smile appeared on my countenance.

These stately geese

did not lease.

Their food was free

to gather, you see.

They were quite content

with food heaven-sent

for it was a gift from God this day -

a brisk January day.

The leftover field corn that had fallen

was as if a blessing from God had befallen

for God does provide for all His creatures.

Sometimes His provision is leftovers.

I was reminded of the story where the harvesters

in the Old Testament were instructed to leave leftovers

for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless to glean.

This was a commandment the harvesters esteemed.

Many were blessed by this practice for life is sometimes cruel.

There will always be the poor, the widows, the fatherless who

need encouragement from those who

gladly share what they have, it's true.

* * * * *

Nothing in life is certain

except for one's salvation.

Consider this this new year: you never know when you might lose your health.

If you lose your health, it undoubtedly will affect your wealth.

Where once before you considered yourself independent,

now you might rely on another as a dependent.

It might be the government's help

set up purposely for when you need help.

It might be second-hand items given

by those who share with a heartfelt donation

coming at the 11^th hour – just when you need.

You have no doubt God saw and provided with their good deed.

Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries

or cleaned their closet and blessed you abundantly.

These "leftovers" were meant to bless you

and show you God provides for you.

Traditionally you think of leftovers after a meal.

These leftovers stretch your pennies into dollars – a deal.

However your leftovers come,

at some point you'll find they are welcome.

...pick up the leftover grain...

(Ruth) went out and began to glean in the fields

behind the harvesters.

Ruth 2:2-3a

They all ate and were satisfied.

Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 15:37

In the gospels, leftovers are referred to as “broken pieces.” Please realize the broken pieces of your life will eventually have value. It may not feel valuable for some time but perhaps in the future, life lessons in the form of broken pieces will be used to encourage another. Lord, heal our brokenness – and may we be able to offer healing to another.

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ME, ME, ME

 In editing this hot and extremely humid afternoon I came across this story regarding berry picking.  For the past few weeks I've been picking pink raspberries, sometimes twice daily, as they are ripening quickly.

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 anothers’ 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

This particular handful was shared with neighbors.

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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 will point

to keynote speakers on point.

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, thanking God for you,

God is good, praise the Lord, 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 known for?

Encouraging, 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

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SEPTEMBER DAWN

 

SEPTEMBER DAWN

Golden leaves seen raining down.

Soon there’s a blanket on the ground

to be raked one sunny autumn day

while serenaded by the blue jays

when blue jays find the stash

of ripe sunflowers seeds out back.

Here comes a squirrel with a hickory nut

now digging a hole in which to put.

Preparing for winter

with the fruits of summer.

His fluffy tail foretells

of winter snow squalls.

Sunlight is now seen shining through the foggy morning gloom

welcoming a September day where rudbeckias bloom.

There’s also yellow marigolds and golden mums seen

complimenting the green grass still springtime green

for it’s been a rainy summer,

albeit a seemingly short summer.

White cabbage butterflies flutter

where the morning sunlight enters.

Bees are beginning to stir

seeking out favorite flowers.

Last night’s rain shower drips from the eaves,

while a morning breeze teases the leaves.

Crickets chirp

giving birth

to a new day

where hard work pays.

Time to get started cleaning or deadheading or weeding

or canning or freezing or sewing or crafting or writing…

My day is never boring -

just too short and tiring.

Perhaps like me your work is never done.

Tomorrow there will still be a ton.

It’s my sanity

and my insanity.

* * * * *

Every dawn is a new page

to be filled with something sage,

something exciting to engage -

rather to begin a new phrase

or off each day to earn a wage -

every dawn begins as a blank page.

Your empty, blank page

may seem like a maze,

you hear yeahs and nays,

it leaves you in a daze

as commotion fills your days.

Please don’t end up in a rage.

Consider how you want your blank page

to engage or disengage.

Select what you want to engage.

Reject if you need to disengage.

Keep what is sage

for being sage pays.

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

Proverbs 3:13

(Wisdom) will set a garland of grace on your head

and present you with a crown of splendor.

Proverbs 4:9

Life Is a Garden Party

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