Garden Harvest

Earlier this evening I shared this photo on Facebook of my tomatoes and peppers; they are small still but plentiful. I wrote that I was expecting a bounty of fruit from them. After thinking about it, prompted in part from a statement by a friend, all I have now are good prospects for a bountiful harvest. They are many things that could go wrong between now and the time the fruits ripen enough to pick: disease, pests, and weather misfortunes are some of the possible setbacks. I expect a good crop but could be very disappointed between then and now.

In our lives we anticipate, even expect, good things. Very rarely when the storms or pestilence comes in our lives are we expecting them or really ready for them. As much as we try we cannot always be in a position to control very much of what happens in the garden of our lives. But we can count on the Master Gardener to see us through all things. Patiently a gardener will wait on his crop, tending it all the while. How much more will our Lord tend to and nurture us through what ever we face?

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Thunder and Lightening

As I write this it is storming outside. The night sky is ablaze with streaks of lightening and the whole earth, from my perspective, rumbles from claps of thunder. Large raindrops fall from the sky, water all of the thirsty creation around me. It is actually pretty amazing and awe inspiring to watch, feel, and listen to the storm passing through.

There are those that would claim this amazing spectacle to be just part of nature; some even proclaim it to mother nature or, sillier yet in my opinion, mother earth, just doing her “thing”. These same people would say that the amazingly complex, artistically designed planet we live on, that provides sustenance to all living things is an unexplainable accident. Denying a Creator, they reason that nothing made everything. With all the evidence of creation being perfectly composed by The Creator, I could never have enough faith to believe in such a ridiculous theory.

Romans 1:18-20

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Flowers in the Sidewalk

The following was written by a list member. It was sent to me yesterday and with their permission I share it with you today.

“I was thinking of something from my childhood, about a time when me and my father had these cuttings from some petunias. We wanted to root them and make new plants. Well we went out and spent money on items that would make these cuttings grow into full strong flowers. We tried every thing we could think of but at the end of the week they withered and died so we gave up.

Later that week we were going to the library. As we walked along I looked on the ground and saw that cuttings from a hanging plant had fallen and with no special treatment had grown in a small crack in the sidewalk.

Well to me the flower is our faith and it does not matter what fancy things you buy or special care you give it, if you don’t have God behind and in all the things you do it will eventually wither and die. But with God your faith will grow and flourish even in the most difficult places.”

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I’m Reading Amos

I took this photo of one of my dogs, Gypsy. It was completely spontaneous (not set up) and is one of my absolute favorites of her.

I’m Reading Amos

Shared via AddThis

What Do I See?

Image by jcolman via Flickr

It is rainy and overcast today. This kind of weather makes my bones ache and my mobility even more limited than normal. It would be easy to see today as gray, gross and a waste to me. And in the past that has often been exactly my perception of these types of days. Today I see it differently though.

The Creator of all things is giving His creation the water it needs for life and to thrive. The rainfall will bring greener trees and grass, healthier plants, fruits and vegetables, and provide for animals and men water to drink.

The sight of the rain coming down is pure beauty. Watching the flow of water on the street and from the rooftops is beautiful to behold. To say nothing of seeing it fall from the sky itself.

The sound of the rain falling is music to my ears. The tapping sound the drops make as it hits on the roof and pours down the gutter is like a symphony.  The rhythm soothing and calming to my very soul.

What I see today is a loving God making provision for His creation.  I see the ultimate Artist showing His amazing work.  And I hear the Master Composer playing another of His wonderful masterpieces.

Just Look Around

Each morning when I wake, weather permitting, I head out onto the deck to enjoy my morning coffee. I also use this time to write in my prayer journal. Most mornings I’m very aware of my surroundings, the activities of the wildlife in and around my yard, the feel of the cool morning air on my skin, etc.

The past few days I’ve been far less aware of these things. Perhaps from stress that creeps in on me or for the lack of quality sleep, the reasons why aren’t the key, the missing out on these things is my point.

This morning was cool for this time of year. The sky was gray and cloud filled. And there was a distinct dampness to the air. It would not be what I’d generally call the start to a perfect day. However, I was keenly aware of everything this morning.

The color of the sky seemed so vivid, especially given it was gray not blue. The trees and grass were well defined, oddly so since there was nary a ray of sunshine penetrating the thick cloud deck. And the few animals that were out and about, mostly small birds and a lone squirrel, caught my eye with every move they made.

I didn’t feel or sleep particularly well so I wouldn’t think that I’d be so caught up in this less than extraordinary morning. But I soon realized that I was missing the point; everyday that God gives us is an extraordinary day!

We need but to look around us and listen to the melody of nature to know the wonderous works of His mighty hand. The Lord was reminding me that everyday is extraordinary and that I should treasure the gift no matter the weather, day of week, month of the year or the way my body feels. It is a blessing to just be able to take in the wonders He has made and graciously given me another opportunity to enjoy.