My tiny bi-color geranium.

My friend, Brenda, gave me a start of geranium with bicolor leaves. Last time I tried to grow a start, it fizzled out and died. This time, I rooted it in water and then transferred it into a tiny clay pot. The wee plant has sprouted a new leaf. I’m tickled.

My long awaited Balloon plant.

At the local home supply store, I discovered the balloon plant I’d looked for since the beginning of spring. On the “get rid of” shelves sat a rudbeckia plant in reasonable condition. As I finished meandering I found a tropical hibiscus priced for clearance. Tropical meant delightful shades of orange, cream, yellow and red. Yippee – an early birthday present. The unexpected discounts of the purchase blessed my heart. I thanked God.

Treasures of yellow marigolds among the Bachelor Buttons.

Yes, most of my blessings are plants. One day I discovered two small yellow marigolds among the blue bachelor buttons. I did not plant them, God did. My heart connects to Him through nature. I thrilled at the sight of the baby oak tree that came up from the acorn I planted in the fall. The acorn that I gave up on grew five beautiful leaves.

To be close with God does not mean a continuous litany of requests. The Psalmist reminds us to “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 AMP). Sometimes my thoughts are a breath of thanks; a few lines of a hymn; a verse or two of scripture. Happiness is sharing my heart with God.

A partial hibiscus hints of tropical colors to come.

I’m blessed when God’s “little things” include family. One day my four-year-old grandson, Jordan, gave me a sticker. The small item read, “You rock.” Jordan knew what he gave me as he already could read. The unexpected praise remains on the refrigerator to this day. His action dropped sunshine on my life.

What makes you happy?

Link to Little Things

Jonathon

Jon was excited to visit his newborn in the NICU. He talked to the baby and did anything he could, even changing diapers. It didn’t matter whether the diaper was wet or dirty. He felt privileged and would warm the wipes between his hands to lessen the shock to the infant.

“Have you considered my servant, Job?” Job was a father of ten children. His sons used to go and feast in the house of each on his birthday, and invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them. Following the days of feasting, Job sent for his children to purify and hallow them. He rose early in the morning and offered burnt offerings for them. “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed or disowned God in their hearts.” (Job 1:5) Thus, Job did at all such times.

Young Jordan at Christmas.

It has been said that anyone can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad. Job went the extra step just in case his children might have sinned. Do we take time to do something special with our children or for them? Things experienced are long remembered. They can become a tradition with their children. A birthday can become special by taking the child or grandchild out for a donut, or other treat.

In Job 42:9, Job is shown as an intercessor/priest for not just his family but for his friends. God accepted his prayer and blessed Job with twice as much as he had before. How often do we pray for our children? For salvation, immediate needs, future mates, their spiritual walk? Are we faithful in praying for them every day? God blessed Job with seven new sons and three new daughters. He lived a further 140 years and saw grandchildren to four generations.

Have you considered Job? Step up to the challenge and be a great Dad!

Link to Fathers Day

A red-green leaf tip pushes through the cold earth. My fingers eagerly pull away the dead leaves of the reblooming daylily. A sudden cool breeze chills the air. But I will not be deterred. Each plant gets a full inspection. Did it survive the winter?

My summer Birdhouse Project.

Brown rose stems reach into green near the base. Leaf buds fight to emerge. Regardless of the puddles surrounding them, they have conquered another winter.

As I come full circle around the house, a sprig of green stands in defiance. The season’s first weed claims dominance. It cannot remain. I am a died-in-the-wool weeder which gives me great satisfaction. Weeding allows my creative soul freedom to roam and explore.

God sees the garden present and the garden future. He sees, knows, and plans for our good.

Yes, God even cares for the weeds. They bloom with abandon and cover indiscriminately. Among snow weeds are green. He provides a type of antifreeze to enable life. Until with a yank and a tug I pull them free of earth.

Praise God for weeds.

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/06/18/first-day-in-the-yard/

Spencer and Wyatt watching TV.

What is it about a dog and a boy? Companionship for sure; someone to play with. Spencer, our cockapoo, would readily agree with that. Petting the dog or idly rubbing fingers through his fur lends comfort.

When we first brought Spencer into our home, Wyatt and his sister, Johanna, stayed overnight. Spencer instantly bonded with the grandkids. After all, puppies are cuddly. Well, maybe not at first with Spencer as he shied away from adults.

Jordan and Spencer chilling out.

Jordan, our other young grandson, at his first encounter shied away from Spencer. By that time the dog jumped up on anyone who walked in the door. Standing on his back legs, Spencer rose almost to Jordan’s chin. Very scary to a young boy to have doggie paws on his chest. Once greeting time ended, Spencer settled down. A little later, Spencer brought his ball to Jordan and the game was on.

So what is it about dogs? They don’t judge for one thing. Their very presence relaxes frayed nerves. And Spencer is definitely a people-person, er… dog. He loves kids and will defend them with a growl and a quick nip. If Spencer was a parent, his kids would always be right.

Faithful and loyal Spencer.

To see a boy with his dog creates a warm spot in my heart. The love relationship goes both ways between dog and boy. God certainly knew what He was doing when he created the canine.

“Every boy should have two things: a dog, and a mother willing to let him have one.” – Anonymous

“A boy and his dog make a glorious pair: No better friendship is found anywhere.” – Edgar Guest

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/03/20/his-best-pal/

My thoughts turned to when our children were young and I would take them for groceries. Jonathon, our oldest, had food allergies that caused him to react like he was ADHD on steroids. I read some of Dr. Feingold’s books on the subject from our local library. I figured that taking things out of his diet, like colorings and preservatives, preferable to putting him on medications.

Taking Jonathon to the store made me think twice on the subject. Aisle by aisle, he grumbled and groaned because his choices contained the reactive substances. By the end of the visit he would complain, “Why can’t this store carry stuff I can eat?” Indeed the store carried “allowable” foods but Jonathon wanted the tempting, bright packaged, kid attracting foods that within hours would turn him into Mr. Hyde.

Jenni making cranberry lemonade.

Then there was Jenni. Taking her on the jaunt to get groceries was an exercise in frustration. Almost every time I reached for an item on the shelf she would say, “Mom, you don’t need that,” or “It’s not on the list.” Over the years she saved me a lot of money. No impulse buying with her on the trip.

Our youngest daughter, Kathi, broke all the rules. Yes, she would ask for a few things but more often than not, tossed a number of things into the cart that I didn’t notice until checkout. Without a doubt, she broke the budget on a number of occasions.

Today, Jonathon and his family prefer organic foods and making recipes from scratch, not out of a box. Jenni became a frugal shopper providing for her family of four. And Kathi? A single mom of two precious children can stick to a budget but loves pleasing her children’s tastes.

Kathi on Christmas Eve.

Our children learn from us even when we don’t actively teach them. Proverbs 22:6 says these lessons remain into adulthood. Whether we teach about Lent or choose calorie-laden foods at the grocery store, we add building blocks to the foundations of their lives.

Children Learn What They Live (Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D., 1972). What will your children learn from you?

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/02/17/the-great-groc…ping-adventure/

Take one package of Graham Cracker Ready Crust Minis, one (1 oz.) box of instant Vanilla Pudding, and a can of Cherry Pie Filling. Open and set out the six tart shells. Set the can of pie filling in the freezer to chill while making the pudding. Following the directions on the pudding box, add 1-3/4 cups of milk and mix.

When pudding is soft set, ladle equally into the shells. Using a fork, divide the cherries among the tarts. Refrigerate tarts for at least one hour. When serving they may be left plain or add a bit of whipped cream or topping.

Try making the tarts with other fruit filling such as blueberry. Or substitute chocolate instant pudding with the cherries. Regardless of which ingredients chosen, this recipe is an almost foolproof delight.

Words from our presidents:
“Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” –Abraham Lincoln

“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” –George Washington

“It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence.” –Franklin Pierce

“We can afford to differ on the currency, the tariff, and foreign policy; but we cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure.” –Theodore Roosevelt

“Compassion is the work of a nation, not just a government.” –George W. Bush

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/02/12/presidents-day-cherry-tarts/

Following the winter storm birds flock to the feeder.

Now that Frank has retired, we turn our attention to Medicare and what it entails. While he worked, Frank enjoyed health insurance with dental and eye care. Most of our drugs came by mail. Like starting a new job, we must consider both cost and benefits of the different insurance packages available.

In today’s economy, the benefits package carries almost as much weight as the wage itself. Whether we look for employment or try a new endeavor, we take care to provide the best for our families. Did you know that God also has a benefit “package?”

David wrote in Psalm 68:19 NKJV, “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah.” David continues in Psalm 103:2 telling us not to forget “all His benefits.” So what is God giving to us?

1. He forgives all our iniquities. Forgiveness starts with salvation and becomes an essential in our daily walk with Christ.
2. He heals our diseases. Even though He may allow us to struggle with illness for His glory, healing comes from Him. (vs.3)
3. He redeems our life from destruction. We have hope of eternity and victory over sin.
4. He crowns us with loving-kindness, compassion, beauty, and dignity. Sounds like a Child of the King, an ambassador of Christ. (vs. 4)
5. He “satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isaiah 40:31]” (vs. 5 AMP)

Birds arrive for the evening meal.

King David asked in Psalm 116:12, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” With all those blessings on board for 2015, I feel enabled to face the new year. In humble gratitude, “I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (vs.17)

Are you ready for the New Year?

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/02/04/the-new-year-o…enefit-package/

Florida Ibis

Many New Year’s resolutions begin with the hope of success. Some are physical – lose weight; some mental – think positive; some financial – spend less; some spiritual – pray more.

Resolve
In this new year of 2015, my resolution or endeavor is to be ever mindful of Christ. What does He want me to do or how would He have me handle a situation? The closer we are to Him, the more peace we have. In this turbulent culture, peace is a desirable commodity. It is so easy to forget Him and rely on our own strength or wisdom.

Reflect
Have you ever used a hymnbook for your quiet time? In resolving to become more like Christ, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” speaks of a daily walk. “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” reminds us of the need for His beauty, the word of God, His peace, and His love. Thomas Chisholm penned the words of “O to Be Like Thee” that express the attributes of Jesus: “loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find!” Paul speaks of these in Colossians 3:12-16.

Florida Sand Hill Crane

The hymnal leads us in worship. Many times a hymn will stick in my mind and it will weave its way through my day. Whether joyful or in tribulation hymns feed our souls and strengthen our hearts.

Respond
Paul concludes in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” NASB
 

How will your daily walk affect the New Year?

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/01/15/the-new-year-a-daily-walk/ ‎

Struggling magnolia in an Arctic cold of 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another year has passed and we turn our thoughts, hopes, and prayers toward the New Year. Our memories of months ago feel like yesterday. Where did the time go? Did we accomplish anything significant? If you are like me, you’ve already forgotten a good portion of it.

Save For The Future
In January I go through papers and receipts of the past year: what to keep for taxes; which receipts to save for warranties; how much I spent on the family pet. I keep a small notebook in with the medical receipts and at year’s end, I record certain tests, surgeries, or any other unique medical happenings. When needed, the information is at my fingertips.

Yucca plant must have antifreeze in its veins to survive this cold.

Save The Memories
Some people keep a journal to record activities and family functions. My mother liked to have a calendar with large day squares. At day’s end, she would jot a note or two. Sometimes the note read who came to dinner or it may note a trip. She was not one for much writing so the calendar suited her well.

Look Ahead
As we look into this New Year the best advice of all may be to keep it simple. This “Old English Prayer” offers some instructions:

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.

Consider Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” What will your new year be like?

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2015/01/08/the-new-year-take-time/

In the Christmas story of Luke, we see shepherds in the field when suddenly an army of angels appeared beside the first angel, praising God for the birth of our Savior. The shepherds left to find the baby messiah. They told the new parents of their angelic experience and the words of the angel. All who heard the story wondered and were astounded. The shepherds returned, “glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20).

Is there a better way to show our love to God than praising Him? Holman’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines praise to God “is to proclaim His merit or worth.” We have so much to thank and praise Him for: home, family, health, employment, friends, not to mention salvation, forgiveness, grace, hope and peace that surpasses human understanding.

God loves and delights in us. As we think of the Greatest Gift of God’s Son, may praise burst from our hearts.

May you have a blessed and merry Christmas!

https://yourfaithquotes.com/2014/12/24/season-of-hope…-of-all-praise/