One Incredible Day!

This day was almost spent entirely out of the backyard. (I'm planning on being back out there tomorrow!)

Church was good this morning. The fellowship of believers is wonderful and there is nothing like it on earth.

Afterwards Lucy and I went to our granddaughter, Lilianna's first birthday party. It was a great time. I can't believe one year has gone by! Tina was a great hostess!

Later I was in Pakistan. Well actually down the street from my house. I have become friends with Waseem, a gentleman who works at the Shell Station near me. Over the past few year we have talked about a bunch of things. He invited me to a BBQ at his home. I met Ali, Mohammad, Salam, and other men who are friends with Waseem. At the end of the time they all asked me to pray for them. While there I also ran into another lady and daughter, Diane and Daniella, graduate of our Nursery School. It has been quite a day and I am still trying to take it all in.

The LORD and Gardens

Their soul shall be as a watered garden. (Jeremiah 31:12)

It is interesting to me how the LORD uses gardens in His Word. The human race began in a garden. Jesus went often to the Garden of Gethsemane. He told us that He is the Vine, we are the branches and His Father is the Gardener. Hymns have been written about gardens and the LORD. In this verse in the Weeping Prophet's writings the LORD tells us that the redeemed will be like a well watered garden. Anyone who gardens knows the what water does. It is the life source of the plants and animal life there. Our inner beings will be full of life and fruit and we will be examples of the LORD's handiwork.

I love Spurgeon's simple prayer for today:

O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen.

At The Beach This Evening

A stop at the beach on the way home from Flushing...

Gardening Season

I was speaking to one of my daughters about plants in her backyard this morning. We talked about the fall frost, the time to plant annuals, etc.

My gardening season begins January 15th. That is when I plant my first seeds. The tomatoes we are now enjoying were planted inside in February. Outside work continues (leaf mulching) until Thanksgiving. I basically take 6 weeks off from the yard. Even then I am planning for the spring and going outside to feed the birds and looking at things.

My house plants are on a summer vacation right now. In the picture is a Claradendrum. She blooms outside in July and August. She has beautiful leaves inside all winter. This year we also added a Plumeria Tree from Hawaii. My niece Helen gave it to me. It is growing well and will be moved in next month. It blooms white blossoms that are used in Hawaii to make the leis. We have poinsettias that have lived outside from last Christmas that will return inside with blooms for this year. But I am talking like this year is over- far from it! I have still have several things outback that we are waiting for.

The Jerusalem Artichoke and other new additions are still to flower. Ilona brought over a beautiful pot of marigolds yesterday. Joe, her husband, picks the buds back (like I had told about on a previous post) and then they form huge plants to brighten up things as the summer flowers finish. Edie brought me a beautiful plaque which really points to one of the reasons I enjoy the yard and sharing it with others:

God be with you until we meet again!

And More Rain!

Another wonderful gift from heaven last night- lots of rain!

Thanks LORD!

More Rain Today

No complaints here! We could use all we can get!

Let It Rain! Let It Rain! Let It Rain!

Think About This

"What a splendid day!" said Anne, drawing a long breath. "Isn't it good just to be alive on a day like this? I pity the people who haven't been born yet for missing it. They may have good days, of course, but they can never have this one."
(Anne from Anne of Green Gables)

Thanks LORD for the Rain This Morning!

When Israel was getting ready to move into the Promised Land, God gave them these words through Moses:

Deuteronomy 11.10 The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. 11 But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. 12 It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.

On my first trek to Israel I remember one thing as I entered its border from a day long ride across the Sinai, look at how rich and green it is!

I'm singing in the rain again today!

God is taking care of us!

Deuteronomy 32

1 Listen, O heavens, and I will speak;
hear, O earth, the words of My mouth.

2 Let My teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect,
and all His ways are just.
A faithful God Who does no wrong,
upright and just is He.

The Beginning

Early August Morning Walk

Happy Fish

The fish in my pond his morning. They love the summer.