LEFTOVERS

 Was reminded of this story this morning.  It's in Vol V of Life Is a Garden Party, available via Amazon.

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.

(There’s a flock of Canadian geese which winter over locally. Just last week waited for a gaggle of goslings to waddle across the road following mama goose. Often wish I had my camera with me. Sadly, cornfields in my neighborhood are disappearing.)

* * * * *

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 assistance

set up purposely for when you need deliverance.

It might be second-hand items given

by those who share with heartfelt donation

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

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

Perhaps someone provided a bag of groceries

or cleaned their closet then 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,

and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls

of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 14:20

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, these leftovers were referred to as “broken pieces.” It was Jesus who broke the bread into broken pieces. It was God who allowed Satan to buffet Job unmercifully. Another example, God permitted Joseph (in Genesis) to be imprisoned. Life lessons were gleaned from brokenness.

When the ship Paul was on ran aground causing the stern to be broken into pieces, those broken pieces were then used as “surf boards” to get the crew and prisoners safely to land. (Acts 27:41,44) Those broken pieces became lifesavers. Have you ever wondered if your broken pieces were actually God’s protection?

Please realize the broken pieces of your life will eventually have value. It may not feel valuable for some time, but keep in mind God has a plan for the future. Life lessons in the form of broken pieces may be used to encourage another.

Lord, heal our brokenness –

and may we be willing and able to offer healing to another.

Side note: Paul had many near-death adventures according to II Corinthians 11:23b-33. It’s not recorded how God delivered him until the last example in verse 33. A basket and a window became God’s method of deliverance. Be on the lookout for a “window of opportunity” to fill a “basket” of encouragement for someone.

RAIN

 

RAIN

Rain greens the grass like a can of paint,

like applied fertilizer can't.

There's a luminous brightness

greening the grass with a freshness.

Aglow

it grows

overnight,

leaf green bright.

Blooms reach heavenward to receive

the rain falling on blades and leaves.

Rain welcomed

in gardens

where there's a colorful rainbow on the ground -

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple found.

More will be found tomorrow, you'll find,

when their petals unfurl in the sunshine.

Birds singing in the rain shower.

Their tune as bright as the flowers.

Cheerfully they take a bath

before the rain shower does pass.

Others hover

under cover.

Some cover their little ones

when the rain comes down on them.

Rain cools the air

and scents the air

with a freshness

and cleanness

while clouds pass over

so that others

to the east will receive

as a breeze stirs the leaves.

When rain comes in the middle of the night,

rain becomes a lullaby tonight

for this shower

passing over

is like a blessing

everlasting

sent from God above

with abiding love.

Even though rain grows more weeds

it's still a blessing, indeed,

for a free exercise program awaits.

Everyday there's an expected date.

Weeds call my name

after the rain

softens the earth making easier weeding.

I find the end result is always pleasing.

This week rain is forecasted every day.

Between the showers you'll find me, today,

putting on my gardening boots

for it's a good time to uproot

those weed seeds that sprout overnight

pushing their way into sight.

The birds are singing.

It's time for weeding...

* * * * *

Sunshine, rain, and the brown earth

are needed to give birth

to seeds

and weeds.

God's Son made a way when He came to earth

to ensure those who believe a second birth

when we believe

then receive.

In this second birth we become children of God

who dwells within to guide us on the path we trod

for earth is our temporal home.

Heaven is our eternal home.

Our journey on earth will be full of difficulties,

disappointments, sorrows, troubles, and a lot of worries,

all of which are temporary,

seemingly making us contrary.

The Bible tells us to expect

life to be less than perfect.

But the Bible also gives us abiding hope

for Jesus has overcome, to help us cope.

So when a little rain rains on your parade

in the form of troubles, which sometimes cascade,

remember adversity builds faith

which in turn will grow us more Christ-like.

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God

unless he is born again.

John 3:3

We live by faith, not by sight.

II Corinthians 5:7

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

For our light and momentary troubles

are achieving for us an eternal glory

that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.

II Corinthians 4:17-18

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have gained access by faith

into this grace in which we now stand.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:1-4

(Yes, there's a purpose in sufferings.

Character means Christlikeness.)

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,

for you saw my affliction

and knew the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 31:7

This morning's daily verse:

I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45:3

Note to self:

If you feel that you're in a dark place

(unanswered prayers, terminal illness, tight finances, more),

bear in mind that God is there, alongside.

You are not alone. God knows your name.

He knows you personally. He knows what makes your heart heavy.

Those dark times are meant to build your faith and trust.

Faith and trust are the treasures, the riches,

drawing you closer to God, to know Him (heart and head knowledge).

Learn to view your difficulties from God's perspective.

Ask God to teach you what you need to learn.

Strength will come, blessings will flow, prayers will be answered, joy will return -

all in God's time.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

I'M BACK

 

I'M BACK

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day...

everyone’s waking up singing –

the robins, sparrows, and blue jays,

the mourning doves, red-winged blackbirds,

cardinals, chickadees, cowbirds -

all tweet to their heart’s content,

their chorus heavenward sent.

Swallows, finches, and wrens

also have a song to send.

Warblers and nut hatchers,

thrushes and thrashers

vocalize proudly.

Crows chime in loudly.

Rather red, blue, black or brown

everyone joins ‘round.

There are chirps and tweets,

not always sounding sweet,

for newborns seem to learn

very early in the morn.

There are coo coos and caw caws

mixed with a wren’s a cappella.

A barnyard’s clucks and quacks and gobbles and honks chatter

after Brewster the Rooster’s er-er-er-er-errrr!

Canadian geese overhead

honking, northward bound, early heard

add to the morning chorus

sounding like a loud ruckus -

for when you try to catch a few more winks

the glee club is heard exercising hi-jinks

announcing “I’m back”…

the long winter is past.

* * * * *

Aren’t we glad the winter is past,

to hear the birds singing - at last!

Birds announce spring is here

for each low coo coo you hear

or every loud caw caw caw

is a reminder to all

that spring has finally sprung.

With it new hope also comes.

Hope is a confidence,

a promised assurance,

that God does have a solution

to all of our earthly problems.

So when life seems upside down,

instead of wearing a frown,

be assured that the One you hope in

has all the answers to strife within.

Sometimes hope seems lost

when life seems like dross

but the hardships of life,

sometimes bringing much strife,

teach valuable lessons to us –

growing our faith and teaching us to trust.

Spring brings hope of a brighter tomorrow

and through all of life’s stresses and plateaus.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts

by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:5

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 Came across this story the other day.  Impressed upon me to share it again.

Ode to Rose

How lovely a blooming rose.

It’s beauty comes from within, it glows

as its petals open then pose.

Spiraling around it shows

one petal at a time, then grows

full bloom into a lovely rose.

How fragrant this blooming rose

delighting everyone’s nose

as most everyone knows.

How beautiful it grows.

Covered with dewdrops, it glows.

Yes, how lovely a rose.

It’s the object of many poet’s prose

who often pen heartfelt tributes to a rose

one day quoted as romantic words sowed.

You’ll find this perfect rose from thorns arose –

as joy from sorrow one day will be bestowed.

Yes, hope deferred is born – as time will show.

It’s the thorns in life that eventually sow

internal beauty grown from heartaches and woes,

the end result being lovelier than a rose.

Long-time gardeners know a rose

will endure a lifetime of woes

for roses attract many foes.

Not only are poets romanced by a rose,

so are aphids and green worms, and black spot grows.

These insects might be knocked off with the water hose.

Even deer are know to nip off rosebuds by their nose

often tattle-taled by the tell-tale print of their toes.

Yes, roses are know to attract many unwanted foes.

Despite the woes

that roses pose,

lovely is a rose.

This ode to a rose

written in prose

now comes to a close.

* * * * *

This ode refers to “hope deferred”

as in when our dreams are on hold

or when prayers are seemingly ignored.

As we all know, waiting is hard to do,

even though patience is bestowed, it’s true,

as diamonds in the rough turns into jewels.

Yes, waiting has much to teach everyone of us.

It ultimately grows our faith as we learn to trust.

It’s meant to be a time of rest instead of stress.

As we grow in faith and faithfully trust

we realize God has a good plan for us,

our prayers are heard and therein we place our trust.

So we wait for our prayers to one day be answered

then often realize God had a better answer

for it’s in God’s time wherein lies the key to the answer.

Often when God doesn’t answer your prayers when you’d like him to,

it’s because He has something much better in His plan for you.

In the meantime, continue to give God glory because He loves you.

In God’s time, in God’s time...

God makes all things possible in His time.

May the prayers I offer Him

bring glory to my King

as God makes all things possible in His time.

(Deviation of “In His Time”.)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Psalm 29:2

Thy will be done.

Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

HIBERATION

 Story application corresponds with Easter.

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

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

UNDERCOVER

 Undercover

Spring has sprung.

Yard work begun.

It’s time to discover

what’s undercover

for last fall various gardens were put to bed

covered with a blanket of brown leaves quite dead.

What was discovered today

underneath this crisp array?

From under this brown blanket burst

bright gold and purple crocus

now visited by honey bees,

which is quite pleasing to me.

Hidden undercover there’s daffodil leaves of green.

Here poking out of the earth, rosy tips of tulips seen.

Can’t wait for the tulips to bloom

as they were a gift last autumn.

Much of my garden makes a memory

of friends and family dear to me.

This afternoon under the sun’s beams

other surprises wait to be seen.

There are grape hyacinths lacking chlorophyll,

yellowish green are these spears, looking quite ill.

Other hyacinths seem to grow an inch a day.

When I saw them pop up last week, they made my day.

Iris’ are uncovered

as the warm sun hovers,

while songbirds serenade

as they build nests from blades

of dried grasses or twigs

when they create their new digs.

Rhubarb’s furled leaves are found undercover

a blanket of last fall’s raked leaves as cover

to protect from the harsh temperatures of winter.

Rhubarb stalks will be used to make jam early summer. (Recipe below.)

These leaves are raked to the side then left to fertilize as they decompose.

These matted leaves will also serve as mulch to abate weed seeds, I suppose.

Next, the strawberry beds are raked off

as dried leaves were used as a warming blanket.

I purposely cover the bed of hens and chickens

with a square of chicken wire each autumn

then blanket with a pile of dried leaves to protect from freezing temperatures.

This bed is surrounded with a rock wall as well to serve as heat conductors.

All the dried leaves raked off are added to the new compost pile

that will wile away making black gold after a while.

A fact, for sure, as said previously,

nothing is wasted in God’s economy.

Everything has worth and value.

Including, and especially, you!

Yes, each year spring brings with it a time of wonderment,

where miracles reappear to our amazement.

These warm days seem to bring an excited energy,

though I, for one, quickly run out of energy.

I’ll need to cut the ornamental grasses

and buy nematodes to kill grubs under the grass.

The compost pile waits to be dispersed.

There’s another pile piled high with brush.

Many holes found dug in the yard by squirrels

and trails left behind by undercover moles.

It seems each joy is tempered by a sorrow,

but I’ve found joy will triumph another ‘morrow.

Hooray for spring

for spring does bring

renewal each year

as green growth appears.

It’s as the earth is kissed

and now filled with promise.

* * * * *

There’s another promise,

much better than a wish,

found in God’s Word

direct from the Lord.

It’s: you are loved with an everlasting love.

Consider yourself enveloped in God’s hug.

When you read “outstretched arm”

in the Old Testament visualize God’s arms,

around you, being enclosed in a hug from God

as you journey on the unknown path you trod.

The image of Jesus on the cross portrays this love so well.

His outstretched arms long to encompass you, to indwell.

Not only is God’s love eternal,

it’s also unconditional.

You do not earn it.

It is a free gift

waiting to be discovered

under the Bible’s covers.

You saw with our own eyes the great trials,

the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty and outstretched arm,

with which the Lord your God brought you out.

Deuteronomy 7:19

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith –

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –

not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Pineapple Rhubarb Jam

Combine:

5-6 cups of sliced rhubarb

4 ½ cups sugar

1 15-oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained

¼ cup water

Bring to boil, simmer until rhubarb breaks down.

Stir in 1 3-oz pkg jello (strawberry, pineapple, etc.) until dissolved.

Ladle into sterilized jars. Makes ~7 ½ cups.

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.