A Child's Place
Dear Friends,
Growing children and gardening have some similarities. As children are all unique and their needs and interests, and talents, and capabilities differ from one another so do gardens and gardeners differ.
Some gardens need strong, powerful plows for the miles of rows of corn that need planting to feed the world, some only need a simple hoe to remove a weed from a bed of parsley.
Some gardeners need to wear protective overalls, boots and gloves for the endless hours tending the fields. Some gardeners wear linen and silk and like to feel the earth with their hands and feet as they pull a weed or pick a flower. They might spend relaxful days in the butterfly garden sipping lemonade and watching children explore the garden for secrets, finding warty toads, colorful caterpillars and butterflies, and experiencing the taste of fresh mint and strawberries, warm from the sun.
Gardens provide a place to grow not only plants, but imagination, creativity and wonder for God's creation.
Matthew 19: 3
"But Jesus said,"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
A Wellspring In A Desert
Dear Friends,
The abundant rainfall in my midwest town, contrasts greatly with the dry, barren landscape of the hills of Samaria. Everything around me is lush, green and flowering.
During the time of Jesus, carrying water from the central well for the needs of their families was a time consuming, difficult task. In the rocky, dusty land around Samaria doing this work to relieve thirst for themselves and their animals, was an important part of every day.
I think that Jesus knew that this was the perfect setting to tell the message of His living water. It was a place where water was a major focus, where the dependence on the well was of great importance. There were no nearby rivers or streams, no waterfalls or ponds or creeks for the people or animals to go for refreshment.
The source for the water in the well was hidden from view and the well was deep. He chose to come to the well when a woman was there alone. Possibly an outcast in that society.
He chose to ask for a drink, even though He didn't have a vessel, and then He proceeded to tell her about a different kind of water, the gift of His Living water. (John 4: 10)
She knew what it meant to thirst and she knew how important it was to have a vessel to hold the water. She knew about broken vessels. He spoke of a kind of water that can quench every thirst. It can mend every cracked and broken vessel. This living water will cleanse every dirty, contaminated jar that is dipped into the ever flowing freshness.
This woman understood and accepted the message, and leaving her jar, went into the city to proclaim the good news. (John 4:28) When we find a wellspring in a desert, He wants us to overflow, and bring others to the Source.
Revelation 21:6b
"I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
Revelation 22:17
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Water For A Garden
Dear Friends,
Often a garden will have a focal point that has some kind of water source. This can be anything from a small bubbling fountain to a thundering waterfall. People of all ages are captivated by ponds and streams, fountains waterfalls. Children enjoy seeing their reflections in the water and watching the goldfish and silvery minnows skimming through the cool water. Being near water has a calming affect on the mind. The sounds of gurgling streams and the sight of shimmering water can be restful and healing.
If, when you are on a hike and beginning to feel worn and thirsty, and your feet are tired or even blistered, you come upon a stream, a sudden excitement comes over you with a feeling of joy, knowing that refreshment and ease of pain and rest for the body and soul is near. With the coolness in our hands and refreshment with our mouths we are suddenly renewed, able to go on.
Like the roots of plants seek the source of life giving water, so we need to constantly seek the Source of all strength.
John 4:14
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
A Garden's Storms
Dear Friends,
This summer has been more rainy than usual, with a couple of storms every week. Lots of rain in my flower garden brings lots of growth, growth of flowers, and unwanted weeds. When it's stormy outside I don't get the hoe out, but spend the time inside, so that means things in my garden are stormy, like the weather. Since I didn't spend as much time tending the unwanted things that started taking over my garden, things have gotten somewhat out of control for now. More Morning Glories came up in a lot more places than I wanted. I really love them, but they are overtaking the herbs and the trellis that is meant for the Passion Vine has been enveloped in the heart shaped leaves and bright morning blooms.
The world around us is full of news that is full of chaos , turmoil and pain every day. The past few months have been so full of terror world wide that it could be a time for a lot of anxiety, sorrow, fears, and thoughts that draw people away from the Peace of Jesus.
From the Word we learn that Jesus knew grief and sorrow. He had tears. He was authentic, allowed his emotions to show. He was full of compassion for all the hurting people around Him, and He still is today. He can use us to be His Voice and His hands to reach out to those in need. When Jesus was on earth He touched, healed, comforted and fed the needy. He broke bread with them and for them, bringing miracles from broken bread.
After the sky was broken, bringing the flood during Noah's time, God put a raiinbow in the sky as a promise and sign of Hope. A miracle came after the brokeness of loss and destructuction.
During this intense time of brokeness all around us, we can be His voice, we can be His hands.
Psalms 3:3
"But Thou, O Lord art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
A Garden's Reflections
Dear Friends,
A golden globe placed among the garden blooms reflects the sun's brilliance and the rainbow of colors surrounding it. In the night-time garden, just a sparkle from the sliver of silver moon reflects and magnifies the glow in the golden globe.
A lioness's amber colored eyes capture a spark of light from a tiny glimmer of a star, allowing clear vision in an immense jungle, keeping her safe and leading her to the prey that will feed her young.
Reflections are like memories of special moments that can give peace during difficulty and hope for the future, for healing and mending in every area of our lives. Reflections are needed to give nourishment.
Our lives are reflections of Him, to those around us. We are His hands and feet, His voice of Hope in a dark world. We are made in His image to be a reflection of His character.
Philippians 4:8
"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Isaiah 6:3
"Holy, holy, holy is The Lord, God of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."
A Garden's Praise
Dear Friends,
This morning the sunflowers seem to be smiling and dancing as the warm, sunny breeze tosses the golden heads to and fro. The long, slender stems with heart shaped leaves, wave in praise to the Creator. The moon shaped faces, crowned with golden wreaths, turns toward the sun, graceful, bowing in worship.
Honeybees and butterflies join the dance, humming as the wind sings through the garden. The Goldfinches snack on the seeds willingly offered by the upturned faces. The seeds, give life and nourishment, some eaten, some blown and dropping.
The garden's cycle leaves life giving seed packages that will be buried under golden leaves and mountains of sparkling snow, resting until the warming sun brings melting, rotting and broken. Then the stems break out, bringing more dancers to the garden.
Isaiah 55:12
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands
