fmf | with

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Emmanuel - God with us!

I may have shared this thought here before but it bears repeating... 

"When you're not with someone - you're at them."

Jesus alludes to this in Scripture... (I'll have to go look it up again) but, how true!  Right?  Christmas is here -- and while a wonderful time of year, it also can be quite stressful.  I know, our home - has felt that. Let me be a bit vulnerable here and share... the stress of schedules, studying for tests, work related issues, meal prep and all the other household things that need tending to can really play a toll.  One of our biggest stressers gets revealed when early mornings come and we're getting the kids up and at em - for school.  There are distractions by books and papers, toys and even each other.  If we get up "too late"... then that puts on the crunch for everything.  And, you've got one - who doesn't know what to wear, the other who is "so cozy"...and, "can't get up!!"...  "can't find my shoes"... and because of feeling the pressure... the clock ticking FAST... panic sets in.   And, Mamma... well, Mamma's voice isn't so quiet anymore.

Right??  All the things.   

So, recently... I was thinking about this.  Why do we have this kind of tipping-point stress in our lives? I do believe it comes down to the whole thing of not being WITH people (our hearts are not united) and so we're AT each other.  When and where we're at each other "throats"... loud.  Hurtful.  Always "picking a fight", trying to better ourselves - one-upping another instead of building each other up...

This is why Jesus came.  To unite our hearts.  To beat as one.  TO CONNECT.  Built together to keep each other strong.   These fence posts do no good all piled up on one another.  But... unless they're positioned in, with and for each other... does it make an impact.

We've been working on.  Whispers.  Warm hugs.  Well-wishes.  Being amazed... and encouraging each other instead of critiquing, complaining and conjuring up "trouble".

I have to tell you.  This morning!  I was joking with my kiddos... that it MUST be that Christmas is coming, or something!!!!   I mean, it felt like such a gift.   EVERYONE... was up... on their own.  Got dressed...on their own. Hair done and combed...on their own.  EARLY - before time.  ALL was quiet and calm - working together - as if they were excited about their half-day, last day before Christmas vacation begins.

Jesus was WITH us!  

He still is, and always will be!!

**
Joining with Five Minute Friday... a community of writers, taking a word prompt and sharing their thoughts.  Today's prompt was: With

On Bended Knee

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As, I was flitting around the kitchen this morning - tending to everything - trying to get the kiddos off to school, I heard this beautiful reflection on the radio.  Let me share it with you.  First, it comes from a Lutheran Church, here in our local town.   And, if you know me and my fascination with birds... I think you'll like this, too.  In fact.  My children are also, now, always on the lookout and watch for murmurations and/or, in particular, flockings of birds huddled together on wires...  it's rather intriguing.  And, now this reading echoes why I feel the way I do.

**Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Have you ever watched a bird sit on a power-line or a branch in the middle of a wind
storm? Have you wondered how that little creature can stay balanced in the face of such
opposition?
Rollin S. Burhans writes- Birds go to sleep on their perches, but they never fall off. This
is because of the tendons in the bird's legs. They are so constructed that when the leg is bent at the knee, the claws contract and grip like a steel trap. The claws refuse to let go until the knees are unbent again. The bended knee gives the bird the ability to hold on to his perch so tightly.
Isn't this also the secret of the holding power of a Christian? The biblical prophet Daniel
sure found this to be true. Surrounded by a godless environment, tempted constantly to
compromise with evil, was forcefully urged to weaken his grip on God; but he refused to let go. Instead, he held firm when others faltered because he was a man of prayer. He knew God’s power was available through his bended knees.
How do you hold onto those things which are most precious to you: honesty, purity,
honor, character? Those sleeping birds know the secret. It is a bended knee! As our knees
are bent in prayer, God gives us the power to get a firmer grip on those values which make
life worth living. As we face the challenges of a new year, remember to hold firmly to God
in prayer. You can rest assured he will hold tightly to you.
Philip. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the true source of peace.

This is a super fun, photo.  I don't know if they thought the clothespins were birds already on the line or what... but, I could not believe my eyes.  I had to find my camera... and this was (unfortunately) the best photo, I could get of them.

***
But, did you catch them message in that reading...?  Its while on bended knee... that we can hold fast.  Hold fast to those things that are most precious.  Most rewarding.  That have value.  And, God will hold us fast, as well.

I'm just so encouraged, this morning!!!

fmf :: Still

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"Where meek souls will receive him still - the dear Christ enters in."

"How silently, how silently..."

These words calm me... as I sing.  Yet, outside of it all the noise and the hustle and bustle are strong.  Loud.  And, overtaking.  My heart pounds.

However, the cry and wanting prayer of my heart is louder in that I would find, in the silence, a desire and a will to prepare HIM room.

Emptying me of me.   My agenda.  My plan.  My aspirations.

That humility would wash over me, Lord I pray!

Help me receive...  

"the wondrous gift is given".

 Come, Christ-child!  Enter in.  There is STILL room!

***

Joining up with this community from Five Minute Friday.  Our thoughts in five minutes.  Today's prompt was: Still

going somewhere

 Found these footsie photos on my camera/phone.   I cannot deny - these feet are my daughter's.  :)

 She got me to thinking... about me, as a youngster, growing up.  And, to this day... I love my bare feet... to be read... I don't like wearing shoes.  But...as a young gal, my issue was occasionally stubbing a toe - as I would be running or walking down the road.  I specifically remember, one time, stubbing my toe extremely hard on the macadam.  OUCHie!!  And, oh the blood... it is a wonder I have that fifth toe still on my foot.  

Probably more than that were the times I would sprain or overturn my ankles, as I'd run across the yard.  Oh, I would have such a horrible time with that.  One time, so that I had no excuse and still had to go to school.. my dad made a "homemade" single crutch, for me, to use - which I was "so embarrassed" by.  I hated that thing!!  I remember taking it to school but refusing to use it... so I hid it in the corner of our classroom.  I'm not sure why I'm telling you all that, other then... I ask.  Why do we "refuse" help?  Especially, when it is being offered.  People looking on - know it is of our best interest that we take the help they offer. 

Oh, and then there was the time  - I KNOW I broke my toe - possibly even two of them, on the same foot.  There is nothing to be done, really, about broken toes... but... to realize... time will heal.  And... we keep moving on, right?

**

Many of you remember, that my word for this year - is Grow or Growth!!

Well... let me tell you.  That has been happening.  I'm so grateful, for it, too!!   One of the books I've been reading is by a man I heard speak for the first time, back in the summer - though, he's been around for like "forever"... is John C. Maxwell.   I fell in love with his teaching style... and wow!!  Because, of that... I'm soaking up his books.  As many as I can.    The one I'm currently reading is: 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.

Amazing!!  I'm currently in a book study with several others and we're going through this book.  You should see my copy... totally underlined and highlighted.  It's dog-eared and notes written in on the side lines.  It's been a perfect book for me to read.  I needed it.

One illustration, John, shared in this book - encourages me soooo much!!  

Found on page 131... He writes.... Inventor Charles F. Kettering, who was the head of research at General Motors, said, "You will never stub your toe standing still.  The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere."

John continues...In other words, where there is no struggle, there is no progress or gain.. facing difficulties is inevitable - but learning from them is optional.

~~

In owning my own business... I have had some serious bumps in the road, in the past.   I have stubbed my "toe(s)" from time to time.  Which, in reality, is very encouraging.  And, I will have more "stubbed toes" in the future.   A stubbed toe - brings out all the feelings, doesn't it?  There is this temptation to give up - and hobble off the course.  However, when kept in perspective... the reality is - we've been going somewhere.  Presumably, forward!!!  And, THAT is what is truly important.  TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

You don't get anywhere sitting on the sidelines - cheering everyone else along, now do you?

In my job, I am referred to as an Ambassador.  (The same applies, in that I'm a Christian - an Ambassador for Christ!)  What does an Ambassador do?

Well... they tell.  They bring good news!  They share - all the amazing things they know and have come to learn and understand.  They represent...

I like how this verse in Romans 10:15b says... 

 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

You may get tired so rest, if you must, but never, ever quit.

**

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD and KEEP GOING!!!  However....

I am going to share one word of caution.  You can't walk the road alone.  For he that travels by himself - is going too fast!!   We need each other!!  Be sure - your "buddy" is with you - as you go!!!

I hope I've been a blessing here to someone today!!!

adding value

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How you do anything is how you do everything.

~

This statement sucker punches me.  Oh, it don't take much.  All I have to do is to look around, my home, my "office", my gardening... and such...and see what all it is I don't do ... and for whatever reason - that is all that I hear.   The negative side of those words.  The connotation that I don't do anything well.

Letting these words sink in a bit...

I'm coming to terms that if I'm not impressed with my "anything"... its time to make me some changes.

However... the greater word, I need to hear and or preach to myself... is GRACE!!!

Grace doesn't mean that you give up caring...

Grace doesn't meant that you give up, as in- "oh well".

Grace means... to see the changes that you are doing; that they are better than before.  By degrees, we see that there are changes happening and we celebrate.

I will allow the phrase ,"how I do anything is how I do everything", to challenge me and convict me to change...allowing growth.

Why did I title this post - adding value?

Adding value in this case simply encourages my heart.  It is something I've been pondering, here of late.   Its an area where I want to grow.  To add value to others. Adding value whenever we meet, whenever we chat... whenever we're together.  And... I believe...it starts with me; with myself. If I want to be a better friend and to in turn feel valued by others... than I need to start by doing.  I go about with that thought in mind... How can I add value to this person that I'm about to encounter?  

I start by a simple smile and an encouraging word - maybe even throw in a hug or two.  I don't know that it will always be received and that is on that person... but somehow I believe I can make a difference.  

How I do anything... a simple smile and encouraging word, even to myself... is how I do everything... a contagious expression of a heart at peace and full of joy - will then extend and be a blessing to others.

May you have a blessed day!!

** updated to add that I recently included this post to the Five Minute Friday linkup:  The prompt word was Value.

fmf | potential

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I'm sitting here today with a steamy cup of hot coffee or is it tea?  I've had both by now.  Calendars lie open in front  of me.  My plans for the day have all turned upside down.  The rest of the weekend is looking to do the same.  And, on into next week.

What do you do when plans fail to succeed?   Are plans always set in stone?  We set this date and that.  We cross our fingers and hope for the best.  We pray for "traveling mercies" and then it all falls through.  Thank God, for white-out!  Right?

Truth is.  We never know.  We can hope and assume the best.  But potential is where its at.

Scripture talks of this.

The heart of man plans his way,

    but the Lord establishes his steps.  ~ Proverbs 16:9 ESV

////

Oh, by the way.   Since I'm a fan of both White Chocolate and Coconut... these cookies are supposedly to be the best!!!  We'll see, as I'm about to taste.  

 I planned on making them today...based off of what they looked like, on a photo.  LOL.  :)  Okay.  Verdict!!  Totally, flat as a pancake... not near the same caliber.   Nonetheless.  Potential is where it stands.  {bites..}  Yup!!!
They've got it.   Gheez... they're good!!!

***

Joining today with Five Minute Friday Community.  Today's one word prompt is: potential

fmf | crowd always follows

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It doesn't matter where we go - a crowd always follows.  

Personally, this "happenstance" has never crossed my mind enough to notice - until my hubby (repeatedly) makes mention and now even the kids will say something.   So, for instance... pulling into an empty parking lot...by the time we leave...its full!!  Pull up to any drive-through window... the cars follow.   The restaurant is quiet...and before you know it... its loud and bustling.  Albeit all to say... I know many times, more than we realize, we too are part of any given crowd that follows. It is NOT because we are special, or, of great importance that we notice these crowds, however, it's just become a funny!!  Birds of a feather flock together.  Did you know, though... you can be in the largest crowd and feel the most alone you have ever felt?  I have.

I had to think of crowds and how, in general, I take to them.   I think it depends on what it is...and where.  But... there are days... when a crowded grocery store is NOT where I want to be.  However, a good crowd gathered to fellowship, celebrate or cheer someone on... is so exciting!  Do - I like to be in the center of that crowd or on the fringe?  Oh, I like to say - the more the merrier...but do I really like it?  I'll leave you to wonder that one. 

 One thing I know to be true.  When God's Word says, Where two or three are gathered in my name - there I am, in the midst of them. ~ Matthew 18:20... well, now I'm all over that.

Maybe it is community I'd rather be part of instead of a crowd.  

Do you recognize the difference?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

***

Joining with Five Minute Friday Community and today's prompt word is: crowd

fmf | feel the rain

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Some people feel the rain - others just get wet!

A couple of years ago - I can recall...outdoors planting some "gifted" plants and wanted to get them in the ground before it rained.  You know how things "grow"...?  Better to set in wet soil than in dry....however, a good soaking rain (after planting) is especially good!!!
My girlies were out there with me - and before I knew it, here it came.  A gentle but steady - WET - rain.  Getting rather intense, actually.  My first thought was to race indoors and call the girls behind me.  Nope!!

They were having fun!!  Twirling and laughing.  Soaking it all up.  The blessing of feeling the rain - and not just getting wet.   I, on the other hand,   had to really think about that.  As much as I love me a rainy day (and I talk about that often) my first and immediate inclination is to run in and get out of the rain.   I don't know that I've slowed ever down long enough to really feel it.   Maybe I have.  I'm getting better.  At least, I hope so.

You know.  Troubles - they fall like rain...we say.   Why are we in such a hurry to get out of the rain?  Why are we in such a hurry to get out of the troubles - that come?  Blessings also fall like rain - we like to say!
Yet, we're willing to bask in those?   I don't know. 
I'm pondering all of this today... how about you?  Are you a person who just gets wet or do you like feeling the rain?


***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday community where today's word prompt is:

fmf | rush

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Fools rush in...

This was my very first thought to the prompt word for today.  Not sure why.  I'm not really familiar with a song, though I'm sure there is.  Or, perhaps a movie title, though I'm sure there is that, too!!   I'll tell you where my thoughts went...

First.  I asked my kids around the breakfast table - as we sat for devotions - what they thought of when they heard the word rush.   They had some great ideas.  One suggested eating too fast or a rushing stream of water.   Another thought of football or an army surge.  One said... "instead of going towards other things we need to go to Jesus, instead".  (I like how my 7yr old thinks) :)  I thought about it this way.   Having lack of control. 

 How about in the way we tend to speak before thinking and we rush in and through the conversation to give an answer... foolishly.  Oh, I'm so guilty.

I opened up to Proverbs 15... because verse one had come to mind... and instead we read the whole chapter.  Actually, we all took turns reading, my three kids and I...several verses at a time.     And while the word never was mentioned... the gist of it was there.  

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stirs up anger.  ~ Proverbs 15:1

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but from the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 

~ Proverbs 15:2

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4

A mocker resents correction, he will not consult the wise.  ~ Proverbs 15:12

Plans fail for lack of counsel,

but with many advisers they succeed.  ~ Proverbs 15:22

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word! ~ Proverbs 15:23

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. ~Proverbs 15:28

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.  He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.  He who ignores discipline despises himself. but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. ~ Proverbs 15:30-32

***

Do you see how I felt "reminded" by the Lord... this morning?  It starts at home.  Here in our home, our thoughts become our words.  Our words will often rush out of our mouths.... with little to no thought.  Then our words unknowingly become our actions.  

I'm grateful for the opportunity to slow down, with my children, and give heed... to God's Word for my soul; our souls.   Running or RUSHing to Jesus instead of other things... being able to think through what I'm about to speak or say... instead of just going off.

Instead of rushing to make hopeful plans - to seek counsel first.

Listening and adhering to correction will allow me to feel at home.

No more rushing  around and out the door.  

***

Joining the Five Minute Friday community... today to share my thoughts on the prompt word.  

Today's Prompt is: rush

fmf | anniversary

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An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

When I pondered what and where I might start with this prompt word... anniversary... I went to a moment that happened just yesterday afternoon.  

I found myself in a really deep funk.  It's been a crazy, busy week (by our own doing)... lots of activities for the kids.  Things like camp, school functions (yes! you read that right!  - My 11yr old, son, is heading into middle school and so there is a lot of "training" and getting comfortable with a BIG school... as a newbie - young man!) and an evening VBS that our kids were excited to attend - again.   They remembered how much they enjoyed it last year...and wanted to go again.  But.

We're heading out to a family vacation - leaving early, early tomorrow morning.  I'm excited and ready... but, again... I've been in this deep funk and "dreading" the process of making this all happen.  Anybody, know or relate to what I'm saying?

So... yesterday afternoon.  I took a half an hour and sat out on the back porch, rocking away - totally taken away by the beauty of the skies with the colors and the clouds...

With thoughts swirling of, "I can't believe we've lived here already for over a year"; "we've talked about doing such and such - wonder when that project will ever get done?"... all while the to-do list that I should have been doing was getting done (in my head!) but not actually.   I needed to pause...

A storm had just rolled through, so the trees and plants and flowers were glistening with rain droplets that shimmered like glitter in the now filtered afternoon sunlight.  I was mesmerized.  Thoughts of everything just piling up... dreams of yesteryear... and hopes for tomorrow... all of this, collided as the screen door jolted me "awake".  I almost got rattled at the seemingly interruption.

It was my nine year old.  My beautiful girl.  The epitome of all my thoughts into one.  She was growing up way to fast.  We sat there together; on our porch rockers.  Me on one and she on the other.  The one that was all wet, but she didn't care... she would dry.  She said, with a smile! (Oh! to be so carefree... at nine years old with little to no worries or cares.)   Wasn't it just yesterday - I rocked her in my arms?  That little one, always alert and capturing everything...never missing a beat to anything.

As we talked of all the pretties, of the moment, within our view... I asked her to run in for my camera.

Together we captured, on lens, what we saw.  Of course, a teaching moment... in the how-to's... for her of using the lens (what little I know!)... and me "letting go" - of the way it should be done and letting her learn...

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

***

Happy Anniversary!

***

Here is to some creativity, with the camera, from both of us. 

Enjoy the photos of our lovely few minutes of yesterday afternoon.  

PS: Its hard to stop once the creative juices start flowing... 

If only we could have captured the clouds... the way they captured me, in the first place.

***

Linking up with Five Minute Friday Community.  Today's prompt was: Anniversary

{re post} The Day My Sister Pretty Much Saved My Life.

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Photo courtesy of my Sister Lorene!

On hot days like these last few have been - I think of water.  Naturally.  However, I must be true and say that I do not like to go swimming.  At least, this: Don't make me go under water if I don't have to.  I've had one too many close calls...

Today, I shall tell you about one of them. As, I have once promised, a long time ago...oops! 

A couple of years ago, now, we were at our usual Summer Vacay place - a cabin ~ Dutchman's Paradise ~ that we as a family have gone to pretty much since I was two years of age.  The one small river nearby, similar to this above photo, was pretty full that year.  It made great the idea for going tubing.  There was a small group of us.  Myself, my Uncle Roy (who has since passed on), my sister Lorene, and another cousin or two.  We started out from the one bridge, about 3 miles down the road from our cabin, and our plan was to go on downstream, over to the next road where we would get picked up via a vehicle to come on back to the cabin.  This was probably a two mile tubing trip - I would guess..

Keep in mind,  I was newly married at the time.  My husband had just left, that morning, to get back on the road.  (At the time, he was a Truck Driver). We had just said our Good-byes.  This "day of fun", here at the cabin was just getting started, for everyone...

Our little group.  We were off ... happily aboard our tubes; we set sail.  Lollygagging downstream...it was a beautiful morning, a lovely scenic float all along the way..trees on all sides.  Parts of the river were shaded, water sounds rippling over rocks and the birds singing made it even more peaceful.  I loved it!

This was the day my sister (Lorene) pretty much saved my life.  And, I'm forever grateful.

The group was ahead of me.  I saw the way the river was looking... coming up.  One side was pretty shallow, the other side nice, deep(er) and running pretty good.  It had rounded a bend and the other tubers were soon outta sight.  My turn.

As I was going toward this faster water coming up... I "planned" my maneuvers through there, so I thought.  It looked like a HUGE tree must have uprooted itself over onto the bank and all of it's root system was exposed..I figured I would maybe bump into that, twirl around and keep on floating downstream...naturally, going with the flow.

Except that I hit that root system pretty hard.  I flipped off my tube and could feel nothing below me, around me, above me. I was in a major whirlpool...twirling and swirling... my arm was stretched as far it could go above me.  I came up chocking and sputtering and (I still) absolutely cannot believe it to this day that my glasses stayed on my face. I reached out and found a root to hang onto... and hang on I did!!   While in that churning water - my life was going before me... my newly wedded husband off in a truck somewhere... I was praying... Lord, Jesus!  Help me!  I just knew I was...I WAS GOING TO DIE!!!  I remember telling myself over and over to "not panic" and to keep calm.  To deep breathe.. and to continue praying..

From my sister's point of view at this point   My tube came around the bend, but I wasn't on it.  She leaped into action.  I guess the others had kinda all gotten back over onto that shallow area and stopped to take a break.  Because they, too had just come through that "FAST and FURIOUS" area.. 

All I can remember is hearing my name being called, repeatedly and intensely; telling me to let go and grab the tube!!!   Little did I know that she was in the water herself, at this point - not being able to touch bottom.  Her "screaming" at me - snapped me enough to where I literally had to decide to let go of the root I was hanging onto (for dear life) and grab the tube she was holding out to me.  That right there was probably one of the most important decisions of my life where I HAD TO CHOOSE who or what to trust in, in that moment.

I let go.

I grabbed the tube and she miraculously pulled me out of that torrential whirlpool... My Uncle was now in the wings.  I think I sat there on that stony bank - opposite of the river - for a long while.   The problem was.  We were what? two hours into our float? We HAD TO FINISH.  People were waiting for us - or would be, at least.  And, THERE was NO WAY I could walk anywhere.  This was in the middle of absolute nowhere.  Literally.  I had to face it and keep going.

The rest of the 2 hours, floating downstream, was pretty non-eventful.  Thank God!  And beautiful...I truly was one Grateful Soul.. that my sister had presence of mind in knowing what to do in that moment.  The Lord was with us, for sure that morning.

My nose still burns of water, in the memory...

One of the funny things of that morning is that I can distinctly remember my Mom - jokingly, looking my way, while holding out a yellow rope, and saying something about, "Are you sure you don't want to have this along with you, while your tubing?".  I remember kinda blowing her off - as if to the fact that we would be fine..
Little did I know ... it would be me who needed it.

I guess that isn't very funny.  But we could have used the rope, too!  I suppose.

I just know this one thing, for sure.  You probably won't ever find me out there tubing again.  At least at this point - I don't think so. 

Unless...of two things.  One, my sister must be along and two, we take along a strong yellow rope!  haha..

This incident  and neardeath experience aside... I really did enjoy myself.



::  This photo is not of where this actually took place.

***
There are so many things I could pull from this.  So many analogies.. but I think if you read in between the lines, you know what they are.

What are your thoughts?? 

Garden Love

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Cabbage always has a heart;
Green beans string along.
You're such a cute tomato,
Will you peas to me belong?
You've been the apple of my eye,
You know how much I care;
So lettuce get together,
We'd make a perfect pear.
Now, something's sure to turnip
To prove you can't be beet;
So if you carrot at all for me,
Let's let our tulips meet.
Don't squash my hopes and dreams now.
Bee my honey dear.
Or tears will fill Potato's eyes
While sweet corn lends an ear.
I'll cauliflower shop
And say your dreams are parsley mine,
I'll work and share my celery,
So, be the apple of my eye!
~ Jeanne Losey

 I stumbled across this poem a while back and it still makes me smile.  Thought I'd share it with you this wonderful, rainy Sunday evening.   Gardens all around the area are in full bloom and the yield appears to be plentiful.  The other Saturday... I took my three kiddos out to Lancaster Co. for a drive and some shopping and yeah.. let's just say....our car was full of yummy goodness...till we got home.  There is nothing quite like fresh garden veggies in the prime of summer!
We love our zukes, cukes, mater's and corn!!! 
We've made two batches of our favorite relish recipe, so far.  Which is good!!  And, which was needed.

How does your garden grow?

I don't have much of anything planted, this year, which makes me feel kinda sad.  I had a few herbs in a pot out on our back deck - but they didn't last too long.  I'm not sure what got to them.  Like I said...kinda sad.  I do LOVE having parsley and basil at the ready... when needed.  :)  Oh, and a friend has brought by a bouquet or two of my favorite flowers.  I sure do love my zinnia's.  :)

 One of the projects around our place, the past couple of weeks, have been trimming back some majorly low (according to my hubby) tree limbs and uprooting some bushes, etc. that we longer want.  We have some big plans for our side flower bed.  So, maybe by next summer... we'll be set.  Right now... I'm enjoying everyone else's beauty. 

By the way. These pics are from several years ago... taken at a women's retreat center.  Their porches and seating areas were beautiful.   I just thought they would attach well to this poem that I just shared; something you'd find while thumbing through a magazine, as you're sitting there relaxing on a nice summer afternoon or evening with a tall glass of iced tea!!  You know??

I hope you are enjoying your summer...