Last Saturday

Sometimes, something expected turns into a surprising blessing.

Saturday we’d already planned on going to a nursery and buying an apple tree to replace one of the cedars, per our agreement with our landlord.

I’d done my research online.

Found a nursery which carried apple trees and had them in stock.

As the nursery has a restriction on numbers, no more than two people to a group, it was just my husband and I who went.

The nursery was beautiful.

Its green houses, shop, and grounds were a pleasure to explore.

While inside one of the greenhouses, my husband saw the primroses.

He’d already told me to plan on buying some.

They are pretty, not expensive, and the ones I planted last year have hardly stopped blooming all year long.

It was fun picking out plants.

We eventually found the trees and picked out a Gala.

As these were bare-root, my hubby went in search of someone to help us with the tree, he gave me permission to wander.

I enjoyed it.

But I didn’t know I was about to be blessed.

To fully explain it I have to tell a bit of personal history.

Both while we were living in the UK and whenever we visited, our whole family found such joy in a particular bush, sometimes they were so large I wondered if they were a dwarf tree.

These bushes bore the prettiest white flowers that gave off a gentle but lovely scent.

I could never find anyone who knew the name of them.

It seemed so strange to me, because they were common.

When we purchased the house in the Valley, the previous owners were walking me around the yard and almost as if it were an after thought randomly pointed to a large bundle of upright twigs.

“If you can keep the deer off that it’s beautiful.”

Bell’s dog made sure the deer didn’t come near it and to our surprise and delight it bloomed.

It was exactly the same bush we all enjoyed in the UK.

The bush is called a Mock Orange.

As I turned a corner behind the green houses there was a pot which caught my eye.

It was labeled Mock Orange.

So, our trip to the nursery turned out even better than we expected.

Primroses, a Gala apple tree, and a Mock Orange all now live in the back yard.

It’s not a big thing, but it means a lot to me.

I know God cares about the big things and the tiny little ones.

Matthew 10:30 KJV — But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for all Your wonderous works. I’m often astonished at the way You do things. Lord, thank You for the daily miracles which I often take for granted. Thank You for the creation all around me that constantly points me back to You. Lord Jesus, how blessed we are. Jesus, there is nothing which compares to the joy of knowing You and following after You. Thank You! I love You, Lord. Amen.

Daisies

To begin, I’m sharing something quite personal and I pray it blesses you.

Many years ago I was struggling and frustrated with circumstances.

I kept praying about it and the Lord surprised me with a perspective turn.

He reminded me this place is not my home, and heaven will be more glorious than imaginable.

Thus, I began to learn to look on heaven as a real place and my forever home.

It has actually helped me enjoy the things here more.

One of the things I expect to find in heaven is a garden.

Since, it was the first place God put people it makes sense to me.

Not to mention, I deeply love flowers, all kinds of beautiful flowers.

I’ve found so much comfort in knowing heaven is my home.

Especially, during the seasons when I’m struggling a lot physically.

Last March I got very sick.

Several days worth of illness worse than I’d had since my health crumbled a few years ago.

During those days of struggle I prayed a lot.

I lifted up others and talked with the Lord about heart things.

I prayed a good deal about the future of our family.

One of the times I was struggling the Lord brought to mind a bunch of daisies.

Flowers are created by God, the beauty and joy I find in a daisy reminds me of the greatness of God.

“I love daisies, Lord. Thank You for creating them.”

And it might sound strange, but I thought about daisies often when feeling the worst.

Because the Creator, who can handle the delicate intricacies of a single pedal, can handle my life.

And my soul is safe in His hands.

When Jase and I were down south for his doctor’s appointment we stopped at the Salvation Army and got a few things including three bags of yarn.

I was prayerfully considering what God would have me make when I felt led to try a new pattern I’m learning.

As I began, I was praying for guidance and made a row out of some pretty variegated yarn, but felt I should do something different for the next row.

There was a lot more white yard than yellow.

It made sense to use the yellow on the inside of the circle and switch to white for the larger outside.

After making the first one for row two I clearly saw the pattern was making daisies.

Since last March, daisies are very special to me.

And I realized God has given me the opportunity to make a daisy blanket which will serve as a wonderful reminder of God’s incredible abilities and care.

I feel so blessed.

Truly, He is the most loving, understanding, incredible,…

Words escape my joy in the Lord and my awe at His ways.

I wonder what daisies will look like in heaven?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for all these little things which mean so much to me. Lord, please continue to help me to see this life as temporary and to surrender myself completely to You. Lord, I know You are in control of each thing and Your ways are best. Lord in the times when I’m struggling with pain or feeling downhearted please remind me of all Your faithfulness. Lord, You know all my details of today and I trust You and praise You. Lord, thank You for both the seasons of pain and those of joy. For I can praise You in it all. I love You. Amen.

Good morning

With the heat, I’ve been watering as early as possible.

So far the garden is rewarding my efforts.

I’m writing from the patio this morning.

My tea beside me and a few whisps of wind ruffling my hair.

The sun hasn’t gotten beyond the apple trees and the robins are hopping about the lawn.

One in particular seems to have figured out that when I water the worms are easier to find.

It often trails behind me as I move the sprinkler.

I don’t always see it, so pretty often I scare it, causing it to fly away, because I was focused on my own thoughts.

God’s creation causes me such times of reflection and wonder.

To see His handiwork in something so temporary as flowers.

Yet, He chooses to.

Matthew 6:30 KJV — Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Jesus’s words come alive in the garden.

Where is my faith if I allow myself to worry over needs?

Where is my heart if I allow myself to worry over anything which isn’t a need?

Where are my thoughts if I’m feeling worried?

My life is far more precious to Him than these flowers are to me.

And I find so much joy in caring for them.

How much joy does the Lord find in caring for me?

Psalm 139:17 KJV — How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

What joy!

To know the Lord is providing for my every detail.

To rest securely in His sovereign hand.

To walk with joy at just being loved by my Heavenly Father.

These are the things I’m learning in the garden this morning.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for these lessons. At times I forget how to lean on You and why I don’t need to worry. I look at other things rather than focusing upon You. Please continue to patiently teach my wayward heart to have faith and trust. Please continue to speak to me through Your Word. Lord thank You for Your provision in all things. Please help me to hold life lightly, not setting my heart upon anything but You. Guard my desires and let them reflect Yours. Jesus, You are amazing. Thank You! Amen.

Rooting out

This beauty wouldn’t be able to survive if it wasn’t cared for.

It needs the proper amount of sun, water, and soil.

If I had planted it too deep it would die.

If it was planted too shallow it would die.

Nor would it thrive if we had left the weeds in the same plot of ground.

Of course, we didn’t.

We carefully turned over the soil to expose the roots of the unwanted plants and removed them before planting the rose.

Lately, I’ve been removing a lot of weed roots from under the apple trees.

It’s crazy how these weeds are deceptive.

When I dig down the root is three or four times the leaf size.

What looks like something I could easily pull out with my fingers ends up being a job for the shovel.

The Lord has been using this gardening lesson in my own life.

He reminds me that the cares of this world have long roots and take hold very quickly.

It can seem like such a small harmless plant, not really causing any problems, but the truth is unseen.

What I allow to grow in my life and in my heart will put down roots.

Digging them back out can be a much more difficult chore.

Some plants only need a tiny section of root to begin growing again.

The same goes for sin.

If I choose to pass over something the Lord wants to deal with, I may very well be allowing a noxious “weed” to choke out the beloved “rose”.

And just like the seeds of some weeds explode into clean fresh ground, so can the sins in my own heart spread to my children or my friends.

Praise God, there is so much more to the garden of my heart than just trying to keep it weed free.

Jesus helps me.

Often times, it is His Word which shines the light upon the weed in my heart.

But He doesn’t stop there.

He carefully laid down how to deal with sin.

He also, plants beautiful seeds in my gardened heart.

His Word brings forth buds of praise, peace, hope, and many more.

An entire kaleidoscope of beauty planted by my loving Lord Jesus.

And just like my rose bush, He knows exactly how deep to plant.

His Word waters it daily.

And of course,

He is the Son.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your work in my heart. Please continue to help me recognize those things which are weed seeds and to remove anything which would come between us. Lord Jesus, thank You for planting so many beautiful things in Your Word. Please continue to grow my heart closer to You, that it might bring joy. Just as a beautiful garden speaks of the ability and care of the gardener, Lord, please let my life bring glory and honor to Your name.

Iris

The last time I was at our property I was too sick to really do much.

I can’t even remember much about it.

However, the last time my husband was there he noticed something.

He told me when he saw it he knew it would bless me.

And he was right.

This beautiful Iris is one of several in a rectanglar shaped container.

Years ago, he made it and suggested I use it for flowers.

It’s held Iris bulbs ever since.

Some how in our move it had gotten over looked.

I was very glad when he and our son-in-law brought it here.

This morning, I was extra blessed to see the blossom.

Especially since our property sold, last Friday.

We’d been waiting for some information about the progress of the sale.

We’ve learned not to expect to sign papers until we hear from the title company, but everything had been silent.

Until Friday.

The call came in, we needed to sign papers.

It felt odd, sitting with masks across from the notary, who was wearing gloves and a mask as well.

To put ink on paper which meant a chapter of our lives, seven years, was closed.

It’s opening into something new, and we are glad for the couple who are so excited about living there.

We are very thankful to be able to move forward into the next chapter God has for us.

Although we shall always carry the love and memories of that dear valley with us.

I can truly look upon that purple Iris and praise God for His hand of direction in our lives.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to bring those flowers and the memories with us.

As these days, in a new chapter unfold, I’m thankful.

His plans and path for us is so much better than anything I could possibly have imagined.

Truly, His ways are perfect!

Deuteronomy 32:4 KJV — He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Amen.

Because love is a verb

I sat in a chair.

Held a cup of hot tea in one hand.

And simply watched them work.

The day was beautiful.

And my family blessed me.

My hubby and our son carefully weeded the flower beds in the front yard.

But I am no longer able to do the yardwork I so enjoy.

And my husband understood how hard it has been for me to look out the window at weeds.

So, he put on his outdoor things and went to work.

Now, the front beds look so nice!

But that’s not why I feel so loved.

It’s because my family chose to spend time working on something for me that I can no longer do myself.

And that’s why love is a verb.

True love is an action which doesn’t expect or require a return.

It simply loves.

True love doesn’t try to manipulate or force anything.

It simply loves and continues to love.

After twenty-two years I can say that my husband and I have not always loved each other with that true love, but we are getting better at it.

And the reason is Jesus.

It’s through Christ’s true love that we learn how to love each other.

It’s through Him we are learning to love our children with that same true love.

Yes, we have an emotional bond with each other and our children.

But love is a choice.

It brings even deeper emotional bonds and it grows wonderful things like trust, joy, and comfort.

But true love is a choice.

During this season, true love is the answer.

Jesus is that true love.

And I praise God for it!

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV — The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What kind are you?

With all the beauties springing up everywhere,

I have been thinking about the variety of options which all fall into the category of beautiful.

The lawn daisy,
lilac blossoms,
the pink buds of the cherry trees,
primroses,
daffodils,
dandelions,
crocus,
bleeding hearts,
pansies,
and wild lady’s slippers,
are
each unique,
each beautiful,
each made to bloom in different climates.

The same is true of people.

Although we have the habit of judging each of our own beauty by those around us, God sees it differently.

He created each of us for specific events, special talents, differing abilities, unique gifts, orchestrated appointments,  and even in the challenges of life an opportunity to bloom.

Each and every individual was created by God.

Each with a purpose and opportunities to know Him and His plan for them.

A wonderful example of God’s amazing abilities is the story of Ruth.

Ruth was married to a Jewish man and they didn’t have even one child.

We don’t know how long they were married, nor any other details as to why they never had a child.

However, Ruth ‘ s challenges didn’t end there.

She then experienced the pain of deep loss.

Her husband died.

Her brother-in-law died and from what we can extract from the story her father-in-law had already died.

She was left alone with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Her mother-in-law was determined to move back to her home country and pleaded with both daughters to go back to their parents.

Ruth made the decision of a lifetime.

She said,  “Entreat me not to leave you,  or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; Wherever you lodge, I will lodge;  Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also,  If anything but death parts you and me.”

In our western mindset this is crazy. But in her time Ruth understood that her mother-in-law was unable to provide for herself or to earn an income. If Ruth left her there was a high chance Naomi would starve.

Ruth wasn’t willing to allow that, and she was willing to pay for it with her own future.

They return to Bethlehem.

Yet there is still a major problem. They have no way to earn an income.

So Ruth does what she is able to do.

I call it the task at hand.

She gleaned in the field.

Back breaking,  difficult,  tedious work.

Nothing fancy or even to be desired, yet she was willing to work and she was faithful day in and day out.

We don’t know much else about Ruth.

Was she beautiful?
Was she brilliant?
Was she tall or short?
Was she dark or fair?
Was she articulate or quiet?
What was her upbringing?
What kind of family did she come from? What treatment was she used to?

We know nothing except that she was faithful.

She followed God and was dependable to do whatever was needed to help Naomi.

She was definitely a woman of worth.

And the story ends with her being married to Boaz and having a son who is a direct ancestor to King David and the line of Jesus.

Ruth ‘ s life proves that the Lord is capable of making a life bloom when they have devoted themselves to Him.

Even if it costs them everything.

So as you look around at the flowers remember God created you just as special as each bud and He has a path laid out for you.

Each of us is a beautiful creation.
I think Ruth was a wild cherry blossom, blooming where she was planted no matter what storms tore at her heart.

What kind of flower are you?

A spot of joy

These are not only lovely,
smell divinely,
but are a little spot of joy in my day.

The gift of a friend,
I am convinced was also a blessing from the Lord.

Why?

Because it was a small gesture from a heart who simply was trying to bless,
and it worked.

Every teacher can relate some days are more difficult,
more stretching,
just more trying than others.

That would be a way to categorize today.

Yet as soon as I arrive home in pulls my friend with a breath of beauty.

Just a little time spent with a friend,
a little spot of beauty on our table,
a little breath to relax from the day,
and I can see all of God’s love in each of these things.

God created the flowers, and each of us.

God teaches us how to live in service to Him and each other.

God’s Word speaks of resting in Him no matter what is going on or how weary I am.

God alone is my strength, provider, and the essence of peace in the daily grind.

So I smell the roses,
close my eyes,
and praise the Lord.

No matter what, He is good and His mercy endures forever.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27