FLOURISHING AND FADING

Flowers have many meanings in scripture. They show us God's care and comfort.

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”  Luke 12:27-28)

Phlox blooms are worth waiting for in the heat of summer.

God's creatures (zebra swallowtail) are nourished by the floral gooseneck.

Evening primrose blossoms as we watch. Ah the joy of that moment each night. Then it fades away & we see it anew the next night.

Phantom hydrangeas in white purity.

Lamb's Ear in side bed reminds us to, "Behold the Lamb of God." (John !:36)

Solomon's Seal and Lenten Roses faded after the spring season. Tthe praying hands hostas died during the Feb. ice storm, the Curly Fries are awaiting transplanting as the summer heat" is roasting them....but the Cross still stands! 

"It (Rose of Sharon) shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon."(Song of Songs 2:1)

We grow inside and out and bloom with God's care. "God is like dew to His people helping them blossom like flowers, keeping them firmly rooted and fragrant..." (Hosea 14:5-6)

Flowers are given as gifts of love---from the Father above and earthly friends.

Flowers  emphasize the fragility of life.

The grass withers, the flowers fades but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

Enjoy every God given moment filled with His creations. (Jeremiah 15:16)

CHOOSE: TO PRAISE & SING

As I shared with little Lucy, there is much to thank God for each day. 

We called them our "thank you, God" prayers.

Sometimes one can even sing her thanks which becomes a song from the heart. AKA praise.

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come. (Song of Songs 2:11-12, NIV)

Some seasons make choosing to praise and sing easy---for me, springtime is that season.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: GARDEN TOUR

5/13/12 Garden Tour: A Garden of surprises and majesty. 7374 Abercrombie Lane. A “Master Gardener” lives here---that was not a surprise. Squirrel baffles that actually work. Tidy bird feeders. Stone walkways without mud traces. Different color blooms on the same plant. Roses with a glorious scent. 

DISCLAIMER : This is NOT my garden.:

At my house, “Squirrel Baffles” do not work; Oak Leaf hydrangeas do not survive; voles eat the roots of the hostas; chipmunks dig in the impatiens; Racoons haul off the bird feeders; and birds poop all over the patio furniture. Yet, even in my yard, “Creation's revealing Your majesty.” (“Indescribable,” Laura Story) Come on over anytime.

 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land; (Song of Songs 2:11-12)

A "cuppa" for the birds

 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:21)

Oak Leaf Hydrangeas --on my "Garden Bucket List"

A quiet nook---perfect for a cuppa and a good book

"Dolly Parton"---hybrid tea rose---so sweet

"Lady in Red"---a laced cap hydrangea

 Indeed, He hath made everything beautiful in his time:…..(Ecclesiastes 3:11) and we are all welcome to enjoy it! No surprise there!