Last Rose of Summer

The color and fragrance of the roses in my garden seem to be accentuated as the summer has gently stepped into fall. Each one is appreciated like a treasure, a miracle because they are fewer, rarer these days. With the cooler weather, somehow, they seem more vibrant, tenacious, exquisite!
Its been a wonderful year for roses, but now, as I walk daily inbetween the plants with the tilted autumn sun on my back, I revel in finding them reaching for me, seemingly wanting me to embrace them as they seem to want to embrace me.
I wonder, does the breath of God smell like the fragrance of the rose?

Not Perfect - But, Beautiful!

No, the Gerber Daisy in my garden is not perfect -

It has been chewed on here and there

No, the photography is not perfect -

It is out of focus

BUT, ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL?

She still makes my heart leap!

She still enriches my life!

She still proclaims the glory of God!

That's exactly what He thinks and feels

When He looks at YOU!

My Red Maple Today - Sept. 27, 2006

Bright Autumn Sun illuminating
Brilliant Colors exciting
Crisp Cool air invigorating
Spicy Smells warming
Fresh Fruit abundant
Peaceful Hearts smiling

In the Garden this morning

DEW ON MY ROSES - SEPT.26, 2006

This morning I went outside in my yard and experienced the beauty of the presence of the Lord in my garden like the hymn writer wrote about.

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

Oh blessed Lord! What a wonder you are!

Times are Changing

Our family loves being with my sister and her family, but, as time goes on and all the 'kids' are growing into young adults, the dynamics change from what we once knew as 'big group family times' to wondering where is everybody going to be at any given time.

Sharon, her husband Phil and one of their daughters, Becky, came for Charisa and David's wedding - all the way from Kitchener, Ontario, Cananda! In times before, it was great fun for all the cousins to be playing instruments together - piano, guitar, violins, and mandolins - and of course, there would be singing!

This trip tho', Becky and I did a wee bit of music - I helped her with the piece she was going to accompany Charisa with as Charisa sang to David. Other than that, it was pretty quiet -- EXCEPT during the 'gap' between the wedding ceremony and the Reception Dinner. Andrew had his guitar (he had played his own rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for the wedding Processional) and he brought it into the dining hall. Well, as you can see, we all enjoyed his incredible gift! ! ! It was a special time of some very sweet, cherishable moments and he blessed us trememdously!

Thanks, Andrew! We all love you!

Friends

"A friend drops their plans when you're in trouble, shares joy in your accomplishments, feels sad when you're in pain. A friend encourages your dreams and offers advice ---but when you don't follow it, they still respect and love you." Doris Wild

"The key to success is letting the relationships in your life grow to the highest levels they possibly can...not putting yourself first in life and remembering that the more you give away, the more you have." Christopher Reeve

The Heins Family, seated at this table (Marilee is at the bride's left, Scott is on Marilee's left and the 4 young girls are theirs) have been friends of Jeff and I for 30 years! Actually, Jeff and Scott went to Sequim High School together.

They do not live here. They have had a home in Everett, Wa for about 20 years, but, our relationship has always been very special. There have been a number of times when they would have or did come to our aid when we were needing help. We have enjoyed hospitality in their home, even over a weekend, many, many times.

Having them attend Charisa and David's reception was such an honor. They have truly been a living example of the kinds of people today's quotes speak of.

Thank you, Heins Family - we love you!

Last Evening in Long Beach

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—
whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.
Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
Look at the birds.
They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns,
for your heavenly Father feeds them.
And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing?
Look at the lilies of the field 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 wildflowers
that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow,
he will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying,
‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’
These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,
but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,
and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:25-34 NLT

Then Jesus said,
“Come to me,
all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle at heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28,29 NLT

Take a Break From It - Make a Break For It!

Ahhh… sweet Long Beach…I’m back again!
A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling like I really needed a vacation. I’ve been deep into life - up to my chin for sometime and though the grace of God has been plentiful, I am feeling rather raggedy around the edges. So, I was dreaming of getting away physically, mentally and emotionally – just let my mind and heart cruise over terrain that is smooth and dreamy – and in the process, leave all the ‘norm’ that I’ve been wading through on a back burner for a while. The ‘norm’ will be there when I return – guaranteed!
Anyway, last week, Long Beach sent an email special – an incredible deal – and so, in between my intense summer and school books arriving next week for my daughter’s school year, I made a break for it! Six days to revel in joy, sunshine, ocean, and watercolor! Thank You, Lord, for Your many expressions of love and careful watch over me! I LOVE YOU!

Crunched For Time?

Are you feeling crunched for time?
Do you feel pressure to accomplish something that seems beyond your reach? Do you have needs that are outside the realm of your control to meet?

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Love is Kind

'Love is patient and kind...'
1 Corinthians 13:4

'But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness...'
Galatians 5:22

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