Daytura - opens at dusk

 Like watching a miracle open:

He perfroms wonders that cannot be fathomed,

miracles that cannot be counted.

Job 5:9

DISCONTENT

 

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

Photo:  sign that summer is ending as oakleaf hydrangea is changing her dress.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Me, Me, Me

 

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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Being a dry summer, despite watering with dehumidifer water, there wasn't enough black caps to make one batch of jam, so added blueberries to make up the deficit.

(recycled jars)

Currently snacking on pink raspberries. Best warmed by the sun.

GUESTS

 

GUESTS

The sun shines through the maple tree's leaves.

The afternoon wind creates a little breeze

and dappled light.

A pretty sight.

A monarch butterfly floats in to visit a zinnia.

Doesn't seem to have a favorite one in particular.

Does each color taste different?

He doesn't take time to sit.

Off to taste the yellow one

then on to sip from the pink one.

When he's full he flutters high.

I'm sad to see him wave bye bye.

Two striped chipmunks play

in the shade today.

One leaps over the other

than the two tussle together...

but a chuckle from me

causes them to scurry

up the drainpipe

out of sight.

A squirrel scampers up the maple tree.

His visit at the hickory nut tree

produces dinner

for this winter.

There he goes to bury it.

I hope he remembers it

otherwise it will grow

into a sapling, you know.

In the distance the caw of a blue jay

suggests to other birds to make way

for blue jays are somewhat greedy

and will scare away little tweeties.

There are tweets and chirps

heard interspersed

in the sunflowers this afternoon.

These birds sing a happy, grateful tune...

for they know that God will provide

despite what the weather betides.

Do they know the seeds that are dropped

in the springtime will grow another plant?

Love how God has a plan

that provides for all humans

and for each and every feathered and furry creature.

Be on the lookout for ways God is our teacher.

A hummingbird checks out the bee balm,

then the red rosebud geranium.

Around the corner trumpet vine,

seemingly divine. He stops to dine.

His little wings a-flutter

he stops to eat his supper.

Then up, up, and away.

He'll be back another day.

In a few weeks

these creatures sweet

will either migrate

or hibernate...

though today they are enjoyed

by big and little girls and boys.

Be sure to take a minute in your busy day

to enjoy your garden guests before they fly away.

* * * * *

Everyone is so very busy.

It's no wonder we're often dizzy.

It seems each day, hour, and minute

is filled with something to do in it.

Is our day filled with self-centered endeavors?

Or is our day filled with serving one another?

Do we take a little time to grow in the Lord

each morning before we hurry out the door?

Maybe a little prayer upon rising

to thank the Lord for a new morning.

Perhaps tuning into a local Christian radio station;

maybe a one-page devotional providing inspiration.

Maybe a cd of hymns playing

or a cd of scripture reading

as you drive in the car

going near and far.

Be sure to fit the Lord in

whatever you are planning.

His presence will bring peace of heart and mind

for you'll find life isn't always kind.

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Monarch dining at Butterfly Bush.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

BREAKFAST

 

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

One of this morning's garden guests - a giant swallowtail.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

TASTY

 Last night saw bee investigating plantain.  Was wondering if I updated blog last Friday.  I did not. Here's a story written years ago:

TASTY

A honey bee investigates

plantain then off again irate

for plantain didn't agree with his palate.

As he navigates

he seems to hesitate

where clover accumulates.

Clover he appreciates.

He anticipates

nectar imminent.

As he negotiates

not a one does he eliminate.

Each blossom he evaluates.

Do they taste like chocolate?

What would be your guesstimate?

Too bad the bee can't communicate.

But he would communicate

if one did somehow aggravate

with a string appropriate.

Let's not this lesson formulate

or you'll become quite animate

as you jump around to illustrate.

There is another debate

we should illustrate

designed to fascinate.

As this bee ate

he also pollinates

food for our plate.

He collaborates

and cooperates

with His Creator, Who's great!

Bees are necessary to facilitate

the lifespan of you and me and primates,

so to bees we should be compassionate.

Please tolerate

bees who stimulate

blossoms delicate.

Do please allocate

time to affiliate

with bees who pollinate.

Just take time to watch bees delegate.

Taking time will invigorate.

Being too busy will frustrate.

Bees are one of God's helpmates

teaching us to appreciate

all the Creator did create.

Not only do bees pollinate

while everyday cultivate,

they greatly fascinate.

For honey bees miraculously incorporate

nectar and pollen into making honey sweet.

What a tasty way to celebrate.

Clover honey is tasty to your palate

though sticky on your fingers and plate.

Be thankful for God's busiest helpmates.

* * * * *

When I write I write from what I've seen or gleaned

from working in the yard, sometimes on my knees.

I really did see a bee on a plantain

then he flew to the clover blossoms on hand.

Then the words navigate and pollinate came to me

as he flew to the clover blossoms at my knee.

I played around with other rhyming words in my head

then finally wrote them down before I went to bed.

I will confess I used an on-line rhyming dictionary

to find words rhyming with investigate, there are many,

when I wrote the above rhyme.

I hope you didn't mind.

I really don't know what I'm going to say.

My fingers type faster than my mind some days.

The words or phrases quickly spill out.

The meter matches without forethought.

To me, writing is truly a gift from God, after years of futility,

a sign God was healing my mind from chemical sensitivities.

I pray that my simple words will encourage you, too,

in whatever it is in life you are going through.

Because of encouragement from others,

I’ll keep writing about being a gardener

then add a little helpful inspiration

with scripture to support the application.

My heart does overflow

with words which flow

from my fingers which type

words that my mind writes.

I question if these words will make sense to anyone but me.

Someday they might make a memorial as in memory.

Maybe someday someone will recite

one of these poems to someone's delight.

My heart overflows with a beautiful thought!

...like the pen of a skillful poet.

Psalm 45:1 (NLT)

May my lips overflow with praise.

Psalm 119:171a

Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world,

what she has done will also be told

in memory of her.

Matthew 26:13, Mark 14:9

I once sent a Christmas poem to a friend. She saved it to share with her granddaughter when she was 10. Her granddaughter made a stage production of the story about the magi, though not videoed. Wish I could have heard/seen Ava.

By the way, I have written a book encompassing Christmas entitled: God’s Gift to Us – Christmas, which was sent to the publisher, August 2022. God’s Gift to Us – Christmas is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and various bookstores.

Didn't take time to search for a plantain or a honey bee photo

but did take the above photo this morning - bee collecting pollen from datura.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SUM & SUBSTANCE

 

SUM & SUBSTANCE

The largest of my hostas is aptly labeled Sum & Substance

which describes my life’s gardening experiences, in essence.

Using my parent’s experience (sum & substance) by asking,

and now wishing when a kid I had paid more attention,

equals about the whole (sum & substance) total of what I know,

then fitting what I know (sum & substance) into a book somehow.

The sum of my experience might be referred to as having some sum & substance.

Observing the elements (sum & substance) – weather,

about gardening is rather

a unique experience (sum & substance) having lasting value.

Something passed on through generations – now there’s (sum) value.

The sum of all my observing might be referred to as having some sum & substance.

Learning from many (sum) gardening magazines and books (substance),

I seem to have a large quantity (sum), if you look,

adds yearly information (substance) to what I know –

amounting to brain matter (sum & substance)…I have been told.

The sum of my learning at times might be referred to as having some sum & substance.

Collecting found materials (sum & substance) in my yard

become objects of worth (sum & substance). I’m not too proud,

to recycle other people’s discards (sum & substance), for instance,

into something of value having sum and substance.

The sum of my diverse collecting might be referred to as having some sum & substance.

* * * * *

One’s experiences make us who we now are.

Optimism or pessimism we bear.

If you tend to be pessimistic,

you can learn to be optimistic.

One simple way is to

count your blessings anew.

Observing one’s own surroundings

is one way to count your blessings

for when God created the world

He had us in His mind, we're told.

God created our world with beauty

so our hearts would be filled of beauty.

All of life we’re learning something new.

Everyday we learn or see something new.

Every time we read our Bible there’s something new

for us to ponder and wonder about anew.

Commit yourself to reading the Bible

for God’s promises will always enable.

Be careful what you end up collecting in this life.

If you collect the world’s garbage you’ll be full of strife.

One bit of the world’s garbage is “oh my god”

which is so defaming to the one true God.

Eradicate that phrase completely from your house

and start a campaign in your family to douse.

Blessings crown the head of the righteous.

Proverbs 10:6

A faithful man will be richly blessed.

Proverbs 28:20

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it.

Psalm 24:1

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

My comfort in my suffering is this:

your promise preserves my life.

Psalm 119:50

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord you God,

for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless

who misuses his name.

Exodus 20:7

Our Father which art in heaven,

hallowed is Thy name.

Matthew 6:9 (KJV)

Took a photo of my Sum & Substance hosta tonight.

The deer haven't found this one yet.

I remember its name as I purchased many years ago,

whereas the majority here were hand-me-downs.

Years later the above story was formed

becoming both literal and figurative.

How did you come across your gardening knowledge?

Didn't Solomon study horiculture, then concluded:

"find satisfaction in your toilsome labor under the sun."

May that be your experience also.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.