Barefoot in the Garden

There is just something about my backyard that compels me to take off my shoes and walk around barefoot.  I haven't figured it out yet.  Maybe it's the feel of the cool grass between my toes.  Or walking in the soft dirt.  Or the breeze.  Or even the sun hitting the bottoms of my feet when I am kneeling down working in my flowers.  Whatever the case, this is something VERY new for me.  I HATE going barefoot!  In fact, I like to wear socks.  Even in the summer.  In the south.  In Alabama.  During June.  In the 100° weather.  Something's wrong with me...  well maybe not, because socks to me represent comfort.  Being wrapped up and safe. 

Now that I am in my 40s, I am starting to realize that I don't NEED that comfort anymore.  What have I been missing by wearing socks and shoes all the time?  Sheer and total freedom of movement!  At least in the garden.  I have to take a minute to stop and laugh at myself.  Because when I am finished in my garden, especially if I have been planting or "remodeling" my flower beds, I am DIRTY from head to toe.  And I mean REALLY dirty!  The kind where I have to take the water hose and wash off, then wait to dry, before I can even go in the house to take a shower. 

When's the last time you have walked in the garden barefoot?

 Reese

Book Review: A Reluctant Queen

A Reluctant Queen
By:  Joan Wolf
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers
Copyright 2011

When I read historical fiction, and especially fiction based on a Biblical character, I am always looking for the facts to line up just right. If they don't, it takes away from the fun and excitement of the story, and I begin reading critically.  That's what happened when I read A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf, based on the life of Esther.

 A Reluctant Queen begins with Esther as a young teenage girl who is the beloved niece in the house of Mordecai.  Eventually we find that Esther is half Jew through her mother and half Achaemenid Persian through her father.  Esther is told by her uncle and her rabbi that she must be their "ear" to the king, and therefore she eventually submits herself as an unwilling candidate to be the new queen.  To her surprise, she is chosen, and even more of a shock she likes this king.  Esther finds herself in a position to influence the king, although she chooses not to do so.  She deals with her own personal jealousy (of the harem and the king's two favorite concubines), which leads to her graciously finding husbands for the younger women in the harem and jobs for the older women, as well as making the eunuchs her own personal regiment of body guards.  She watches the jealousy of Haman with her uncle, Mordecai. She struggles with her faith.  She finally realizes that she really was put in her position by God, to save her people.  Through it all she keeps the love of everyone around her, including the love of the king.

It is my personal belief that Biblical novels need to be as close to the Bible as possible.  Otherwise, the truth of the Bible is lost and you just have a novel.  Although I enjoyed reading the story, I had a hard time getting past the fact that the majority of Ms. Wolf's facts did not line up with the Bible.  I cannot recommend this book as historical, Biblical fiction, and because the book is supposed to be based on the life of the Biblical Esther, I have a hard time recommending this book as just a fun read for non-Christians.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze.

Friendship



Flowers bordering ferry slip on Fort Morgan, Alabama.  April 24, 2011



I am so very blessed to have wonderful Christian friends!  For some reason, we seem to be growing closer together now.  We want to do more things together.  I am realizing that my girlfriends are so  much fun to be around!  We laughed so hard this past Saturday night that my ribs ache!  We have some REALLY sarcastic women in our group, myself being one of them.  But each of us are also willing to listen when the others have problems they want to share, things that need prayer.  There's a verse in  Proverbs (27:17) that says "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."  When we stick together as Christians, we are there for each other.  We can help lighten each other's loads.  We can gently point out areas that need to be strengthened, and have our own flaws mentioned, too.  We can even help our faith grow stronger, together.

There is another verse, Proverbs 18:24, that says "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."  This is a verse that I have to remind myself about constantly. I can't expect people to just come up and be my friends.  I have to step outside my comfort zone (which is to run and hide, wondering why no one likes me), work at the relationship, cultivate the friendship.  And when I do, I am rewarded by friends who will stand by me.  Through the bad times and the good.  I also wonder if this verse hints at the closeness of a person with his Savior?

Isn't it wonderful to have friends?  The good, Christian friends who share your values?  Don't they make life easier and more fun?  Who are your friends?  Hey, do you know the greatest Friend of all?

Reese
 

The Creator



Sunset view from patio of Tacky Jacks II in Gulf Shores, Alabama



"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork."  Psalm 19:1



Gulf Shores, Alabama



"And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.  "  Genesis 1:9-10



Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama



"And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.  And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth."  Genesis 1:21-22



Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama



"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.   And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."  Genesis 1:11-12



Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama





"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground." Genesis 2:4-6



Rose Garden, Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama



"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."  Genesis 2:15





Roses, Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama



"O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth..."  Isaiah 25:1







Window in chapel at Bellingrath Gardens, Alabama





Book Review: Knitting Knee-Highs

Knitting Knee-Highs
By:  Barb Brown
Published by Krause Publications
Copyright 2011

In her new book Knitting Knee-Highs, Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary, Ms. Barb Brown gives patterns for twenty different knee-high socks to knit, including versions of each knee-high in either socks, legwarmers and/or anklets.  She also gives tips and tricks, the "knee-high formula" and conversion ideas (from knee-highs to socks, etc. and vice versa). Each knee-high pattern is unique and beautiful, and the designs are timeless. 

Although I am a fairly new knitter, I am itching to finish my current sock project and start on some of the patterns provided by Ms. Brown!  In fact, I am going out to purchase some yarn this afternoon.  I plan to start with one of the recommended first projects, either a pattern called Counterpane Knee-Highs or the Stalking Stockings.  I think I will save the knee-highs that include multiple colors of yarn for when I am more experienced.  Maybe there will be some new socks in some one's Christmas stocking this year!

Everyone needs a way to relax and unwind, and knitting has become my new passion.  So, for me, this is a book I am going to keep on hand, one that is going to be well worn not only by time, but much use.  Happy knitting!

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze.

Book Review: Max on Life

Max on Life
By:  Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers
Copyright 2010

I have always enjoyed reading Mr. Lucado's books. He sees things from a different perspective, and is able to convey that "Oh, now I understand!" or "Why didn't I think of that?" thought to his readers.  When I read a book by Mr. Lucado, I feel as if I am sitting across the kitchen table from him, having a nice chat.  It's the same way in Max on Life.  "Hey, Mr. Lucado, I have a question!"

In this new book, Mr. Lucado answers questions on life, why we exist, relationships (home, work, etc.), what we have or don't have, and even about what comes after death.  All questions are answered openly and honestly, and all are biblical answers for modern situations. 

As a bonus, the end of the book includes thoughts from Mr. Lucado for writers.  How to write, what to write, when to write, how to LIVE before you right.

This is a very good book, one I will recommend to friends and family.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze.

Unexpected Beauty

Normally I try to include a photo with my essay, but I think when you hear about this one, you'll agree that it was best I not take that photo! 

A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to work.  As I was driving along our four lane road (with a left turn lane, which I was in) I looked to the left and saw growing out of the concrete median, right up at the drain culvert, a very small patch of clover (I told you I couldn't take that picture!!).  I happen to like clover.  Especially the kind that grows in my area here in the south.  The flower on this clover is a wonderful shade of reddish pink, and is oblong in shape, not the small round kind that grows where I used to live up north.  I thought, "thank you Lord, for this bit of color!"  Out of the ugly pavement was a beautiful blessing.  The ugliness of the pavement made the simple beauty of the clover more appealing to me.

Have you thought about the beauty that's to be seen when we go through rough, ugly, seemingly barren times in our lives?  What about the act of kindness someone offers, the unexpected smile?  I know I  always appreciate those things, but even more so when I am going through a rough time in my life.

Take it one step further:  What about God?  In the darkest of times, in the darkness of our sins, God gave His most beautiful, most precious gift to us.  Out of the ugliness of my sin, I can appreciate the gift of His Son.  Out of the ugliness of my sin, I realize that I NEED the gift of His Son!  The ugliness makes the beauty much more appealing.  For me, at least.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by GRACE are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.  It is a GIFT of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Also, John 3:16 says "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son  that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  Jesus, the only Son He has, the most precious person or thing in the universe, was freely given to ME, so that I could have life with Him.  All I have to do is ACCEPT HIM (I've accepted Him, how about you?).  Out of the ugliness of the sin of this world, the darkness of our guilt, comes the beautiful love of God!

Reese

Quiet Places

Do you ever find yourself in need of a quiet place?  Where do you go?  What do you do when you get there?  How do you feel when you leave? 

This past Sunday afternoon I found a quiet place in my own backyard.  I came home from church, and then in the middle of the afternoon I decided I wanted to go sit on the swing in the backyard and do some knitting.  The swing is in the back corner, where I can see my patio and all the flower beds I had worked hard in the day before.  A rose bush was in bloom beside the swing.  Birds were singing in the popcorn and sycamore trees surrounding me.  The quiet sounds of a lazy Sunday afternoon in the neighborhood soothed me.  The breeze blowing felt wonderful on my face.  I gently pushed the swing back and forth, enjoying the rocking motion, as I worked on my knitting.  The sun warmed my skin, until I had to move because it was directly in my eyes.  The peace and quiet were so wonderful!  I was relaxed and content...

Do quiet places and quiet times come before storms?  Do you think they are God's gift of peace to us?  Maybe a preparation for things to come? 

My storm came later that evening.   I was so upset I had to call a friend, who prayed with me and encouraged me.  I called my parents, who sympathized and counseled me.  I sent out requests for prayer a couple of days later, and received back wonderful words of promise, including a reminder from a great friend of the words from Psalms 121:1-8 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

Last night after church I found the words of II Samuel 22:1-51 to be a great comfort.  Look at verses 47-51  "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.  It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me.  And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.  Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.  He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore."

More importantly than finding a quiet place in my own backyard, I can find a quiet place, a refuge, a tower of strength in my Lord and Savior, at all times!

Lazy Country Days

Bumblebee in mom's wisteria.

I woke up early Saturday morning (unusual for me!!) and enjoyed a long phone call with a friend.  When I was through, an old fashioned country breakfast was waiting -- steak, biscuits and gravy.  Yum!!   I had spent Friday night with my grandmother out at her place in the country (on my parents' place).  We hung pictures on her freshly painted walls -- some of us girls got together the Saturday before and painted the inside of her home for her.  Saturday morning was spent enjoying time with Nanny. 





Knockout rose in mom's garden.



When in the country invariably I end up working in the garden.  My mom had dug up and separated some of her zebra grass and left them for me to re-plant in my own yard.  She also told me I could have one of her crape myrtles if I could dig it up.  Believe me, I dug it up!  It took a lot of work, I got bitten by ants, and I ended up having to use a pruner to cut one of the tough roots, but I dug it up.  It barely fit in the trunk of my car.  She also gave me some of her wisteria.  I want to plant that on the swing arbor in my own back yard.  Can't wait to smell it!!





Jasmine dripping off pergola by pond.



I can never go down to the country  without taking my camera.  There is always something new to see, some new perspective on life.  Such as the photo at the top of the page with the bumblebee in the wisteria. The smells are incredible this time of year!  The jasmine is also blooming, and between the jasmine and the wisteria, bumblebees were everywhere!  Color is just dripping off my mom's garden.  Right now yellows, purples, reds, whites, are all mingling together. 

Doesn't it look like it smells good?

And speaking of dripping, I sort of took some unauthorized photos of my mom's laundry!  I couldn't resist. The look is so relaxing, and seeing it blowing in the breeze, feeling that same breeze brushing against my skin, was almost a vacation...(I think I need to take one of those soon!)  Just don't tell her I've put her laundry out for the world to see!  

Mom's laundry-- really hope she doesn't see this one!  hee, hee...

I left for home a little after lunch after spending more quality time with Nanny and my sister.  Once I got home, I had a lot of work to do.  My own yard needed to be taken care of. The yard needed to be cut, and I needed to plant what I had taken from my mom's. The zebra grass went down one property line, the crape myrtle went by the house at the end of that same property line.  Then I planted a couple of yellow, fragrant roses inside the zebra grass border.  I had to buy another rose to go with the other two. One should always have odd numbers planted or grouped together...

 

Knockout rose in mom's garden.

How do you relax?  Do you like to work in your yard?  Do you like to do needlework, play music, or read?  Hunt or fish?  In Genesis, the very first book of the Bible, God created the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested. He didn't need to rest, but He was setting a precendent for us.  Even Jesus, in the New Testament, found it important to set aside time to rest alone.  In the same way it's important for us to rest, to relax, to renew our hearts and minds.  Aside from spending time in God's word and in church, we need to find things that clear our minds, hearts and bodies of stress.  This time of year, Saturdays in the garden do it for me! 

BOOK REVIEW: Same Life, New Story

Same Life, New Story
By:  Jan Silvious
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers
Copyright 2010

In her new book Same Life, New Story author Jan Silvious takes the lives of ten women of the Bible and shares how their life stories changed their lives.  These ten women allowed God to use negative circumstances to change their lives for good.  Take for instance the judge Deborah of the Old Testament.  In Jewish culture women were to follow and not lead.  Deborah was a leader who respected and followed God, allowing Him to use her to advise and also save her people from oppression.  My personal favorite was the story of Hannah, whose battle with infertility and humiliation from her husbands' other wife caused her to fall on her face before God and beg Him for a son, promising to return the son to God's service.  From her we have Samuel, one of Israel's greatest judges and priests.

What can happen when Christian women turn over their troubles and life circumstances to God?  Anything!  This book is set up as a ten-week group Bible study for women.  However, it can be used for your own personal devotions.  Each chapter begins with a woman from the Bible, leads into modern day characters and situations, and finishes with the good that came from the life of the Bible character.  Following each chapter is a Personal Reflection section with a Journal Entry, along with a page of Group Discussion Questions.

This is a thought provoking study for any Christian woman.

In order to comply with new Federal Trade Commission regulations, please note that this book was provided compliments of Booksneeze.

It's all about the DRAMA

Do you know someone who thrives off of DRAMA?  Someone who thinks the world revolves around them and no one else?  Someone who when they enter a room causes instant expectation of stress to come, from those who know them?  I am reading a book by Jan Silvious called  Same Life New Story (that I will blog about as soon as I finish), and one of the chapters deals with DRAMA.  This is not unexpected things that happen in your life where you do have temporary drama, but constant, ongoing, daily thriving off of DRAMA.  I am around one of those types of people on an almost daily basis. If I know this person is not going to be around me for a while, I experience such relief.  When I know they will be around, I tense up.  In fact, I have found myself starting to respond in kind with this person.  At times I allow this person to cause me to lose my temper with them.  I have probably become an enabler to this person.  One of the things Mrs. Silvious stresses in her book is that you let this person go.  You let them know that you are not going to be stressed by them, or participate in their drama anymore.  Sometimes that's kind of hard to do!  Maybe I should check out and cut out the drama in my own life...

I apologize for no new posts.  Right now is a very busy time of the year for me, what with tax time and my older son's soccer season, plus doing physical therapy with my younger son.  Hopefully, I will get back shortly!

In the meantime, I hope your days are sweet!

When God Gives Directions, He Gives Provisions

Last night I was reading in Joshua 3 - 4 about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River just before the battle of Jericho.  The priests were told to lead with the ark of the covenant, and the people were to get no closer to it than 2,000 cubits, roughly 3,000 feet, which is a little over 1/2 a mile.  Specific directions.

God dried up  the Jordan River when the priests were obedient to put their feet in the water.  The Bible says that when their feet were "dipped in the brim of the water... that the waters ...rose up in a heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan."  Not only did the waters which were at flood stage recede, the ground that the Israelites walked on was dry. 

God not only cleared their way, He made it so they wouldn't have to slog through mud and get bogged down going through the Jordan.  But first, He told them they needed to spend time in preparation, sanctifying (set apart, free from sin/purify) themselves to the Lord.

Once the Israelites crossed the Jordan the Lord had them bring twelve stones out of the Jordan to set up as a memorial to what He, God, had done for the people.  Twelve stones were also set up in the middle of the Jordan as a reminder. 

God gave specific directions for a task that at best could have been very uncomfortable to the Israelites, but once they obeyed, God provided a perfect path for them to walk.  An example for me to remember and follow.

Check out this link with photos of Israel: http://www.experienceisrael.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=7&Itemid=117