SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: GOD, Creator & Gardener....

4/21/13....so evident thoroughout Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN this past week. From blooming dogwoods, abundant wildflowers and roaring creeks to wild turkeys, domesticated horses and truffle dogs, God's hand was clearly seen.

The heavens are declaring the glory of God, and their expanse shows the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

Truffle Dogs--15 Lagotto Romagnolo puppies awaiting their owners 

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. (Genesis 9:3a) 

A godly man...."is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, " (Psalm 1:3)

He makes grass grow for the cattle,
    and plants for people to cultivate—
    bringing forth food from the earth: (Psalm 104:14)

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
    it flows between the mountains. (Psalm 104:10)

And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. (Genesis 9:3)

How many are your works, Lord!
    In wisdom you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24)

I will sing to the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

May my meditation be pleasing to him,
    as I rejoice in the Lord. (Psalm 104:33-34)

Blackberry Bye-Bye

4/20/13 So grateful we stayed an extra day! I do so love a rainy day---when you don't have to travel.

Final breakfast treat---"pastry chef" Judy's cream crepes with strawberry, raspberry and "blackberry" sauce , of course. YUMMY!

Night light off

Bye-Bye Blackberry Farm---I'm sure gonna miss you!

ENDING MY DAY....

4/18/13 ....the BLACKBERRY way---with a Luke Bryan concert on the lawn just across the fence. Great temps. Great seats. Great music. Great fun. Great ending to the day.

Luke Bryan concert was good and I loved the drums the drummer used. (far right)

STARTING MY DAY.....

4/18/13......the BLACKBERRY way----with Chef Rick's homemade rhubarb and strawberry pie and a BIG dollop of REAL whipped cream. Add to that a cuppa, a screened porch and a cacophony of singing birds.

 

Easing into and Enjoying a Day..........

4/17/13  ....the "Blackberry" way.

Starting the day with yummy, healthy breakfast, good conversation and an abundance of laughter.

Celebrating Blackberry Farm's Master Gardner,  John Coykendall's, 70th birthday .

Ah-h-h-h those rocking chairs and that view!

BF luncheon appetizer with the BEST bleu cheese ever

Wine cellar tour at The Barn----and Doris got a box.

Farmer John and "his" visiting ladies

MOUNTAIN MAJESTY

4/16/13 A picture is worth a 1,000 words as the old adage goes.

This plaque says it all.........

....except I would swap the word lucky for blessed and add....especially if one is with 3 great friends at Blackberry Farm!

God Speaks--- "Hearing God's Voice in Creation"

4/14/13 Last week's word search on "simple" lead me to meditate on Psalm 19 which lead me to an Old Testament reminder of God speaking in a general way through creation. His fingerprints are carried throughout nature. That speaks volumes to me. God speaks through nature. Springtime has His voice singing to me. In living color! A colorful melody.....but His voice all the same. No wonder this song was written by David "for the director of music." 

The heavens declare the glory of God;
 the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)

Mayapples covering the Greenline Trail

God also speaks through His people. As we worked all day Saturday at the Kingdom Camp, I thought of what our actions were saying to those who would enjoy the fruits of our labor. When we are the hands and feet of Jesus, His love to others speaks through us. I hope the kids who walk those trails and pathways we created will hear His voice and heed.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: In the Pink of Memphis Springtime

4/14/15 Remember Robert Browning's "Pippa Passes"---at least the "innocent parts?" I do because my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Munday, whom we called "Miss Alice" used it to proclaim God given moral order. (Back in the day when you could do that sort of teaching in public school.)

The year’s at the spring, Day's at the morn..........
God’s in His heaven—
All’s right with the world!

I see God all over our Memphis springtime! 

At my feet on the Greenline walk

Pink cherry blossoms against a blue sky

Pink shades of the tulip 

The Terry's bright neighborly border

"My" Molly's azalea, planted in 1979---just beginning to bloom

Have mercy, O God!

4/13/13 The entry I had intended for today seemed too frivolous to post. Our neighborhood is grieving as "one of us" lost her son yesterday. The pain. The grief. The blow to the heart, the stomach, the psyche and every other part of her being is so evident. The tears of his sister. Her grief and deep love for her brother written in her eyes and seen all over her tear-stained face. The hugs, shared tears and other  attempts of comfort from neighbors and friends seems like so little. What can one do but cry out for God's mercy! But God, who is rich in mercy, (Ephesians 2:4) is plenteous in mercy to all them that call on Him. (Psalm 86:5b)

In Memory*

of

William Grove

1972-2013

loving son, devoted brother, caring father

He will be sorely missed, especially by sons Max (9) & Wyatt (4)

* A beautiful memorial service was held at his family's home in the outside "sanctuary"created by his mother, Lynda, a true master gardener. His life was celebrated on a glorious and sunny Saturday--even the neighborhood hawk came to pay a visit.

"POURED OUT"

4/12/13 I am no Paul, though I do have a Barnabas in my life---a friend of spiritual encouragement. Today she even came to my back door with just the book I needed in my consideration of "strategic service." 

I sat in my prayer chair with Bible and journal open, books scattered here and there and poured my self a "cuppa." And then I asked myself, "Am I willing to be "poured out" for others. 

The Lord is teaching me anew in an ongoing struggle. Life lessons that I need.

But God.....poured out His Spirit and spoke to me through His Word. Relevant scripture had me thinking of sharing these truths & life lessons

with others in an intentional way.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2: 1-4)

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. (Philippians 2:17)

Pour me out, Lord.