Creating a “Wake”

September 23

Matthew 5:1

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

▶︎ LISTEN TO THE DEVOTIONAL

On a flight along the Gulf Coast, I looked out the window and saw something amazing. Even if I couldn’t see the boats on the gulf, I could tell their size by the wake I saw behind them. Small boat, small wake. Big tanker, wide and long wake. Did you know that in 2019, according to the Pew Research Center, more than 2.5 billion people in the world professed to be Christians. It is staggering to think about the wake of Christianity. Since the birth of Christ, the influence, the power, the impact He has made upon the lives of countless men and women, boys and girls. Christianity is defined by what God did in history – Who Jesus is, and what Jesus did. And the whole Bible is the story of God at work in the lives of men and women, equipping them so they will leave a “wake” that testifies to their commitment to Him. Prayer Dear Father God…may we all create a “”wake” and make a difference. Certainly with you in our lives we have a chance. With you alone in our hearts and our spirits we can make a difference. I pray that the little things I may do as a witness to others would be blessed by your heavenly lord light in me.  My dearest Lord, I ask that you help me to let my light so truly shine.  Amen.

Tomorrow feeling like fall …. High 68 degrees

It will feel like fall tomorrow. But a glorious sunny day with a high of 68. We know many of you will be out and taking great walks. It’s just going to be a cool….but perfect day. 

We wish  everyone…. a wonderful “first of fall day.”

My Saturday Morning Prayer (REVISED) Wed – 9/21 – 8:22 am

Yesterday I spied one little Caladium leaf in the dirt nuzzled up almost inside a Hosta. All by its lonesome. I gently pulled after making a small dig in the dirt. It gave way….root in tact. I took it home and believe me…. you will see I will make a plant out of it. 

REVISED – Wed – 9/21 – 8:22

Ah…ha’  I knew it  My one little Caladium leaf was doing  its own “thing,” growing under the dirt  Here it comes. Once I get two or three leaf sprouts I’ll move it to a planter. It never ceases to amaze me, at what one leaf can do. It’s so thrilling  I’m saving another plant.  COOL

••••••••••••••

I did this recently with a fern that was down to one (1) frond. It’s now in a planter with six (16) fronds and two new on the way. In October I will plant it in the ground outdoors. It has enough stability now that I think it will make it through the winter and come back in the spring. A small miracle.

I’ve told my gardening clients…. I’ve never killed a plant  The good news is…. nature will inspire you if you will let it rebound and thrive.  Care for it and give it a little bit of time.

So why would I bother with one alive leaf.  It’s my God given talent. HE breathed life into me and gave me this talent. We all have them. So think about your talents and take action that your Lord and Savior God will surely bless you with His Grace.

You and I have gifts to give to Him and to others. Share to make our world better. These are the little things that matter. And most importantly…pause right now, bow your head and give thanks to Him. Jesus….is waiting to hear your thanksgiving.

I wish you all a beautiful Saturday morning

Prayer

…. my dear Jesus  I call you now. Thank you for my talents. I wish to use my talents in the best way. You alone will guide me and give me new inspiration. May I honor you today as I now serve my patrons in their gardens.  Gardens where more than plants are growing.  I’m planting seeds you have given me.   Your seeds of hope and everlasting joy.  Thank you Father…..AMEN

“Contessa” says….it’s all good.

A little birdie told me…..

…… that my gardening projects are where my life is at its best. How can I thank my Lord and Savior enough. My “little birdie” tells me things through silent encouragement, along with my God’s everlasting help. I am honored to serve. 

I am the recipient of untold natural blessings in my gardens. My plants, my creatures, the butterflies,  the birds, the dogs who walk by, and the folks I work for.  Each person I care for, are also people who I pray for. I need them and we need each other. What a blessing. We are fulfilling Gods intention for your world. All of us here on earth are about sharing life and earthly tasks.

My Prayer

Dearest Lord…..,I do hope We honor you in all that we do together, because frankly, nothing else really matters.

Thank you Lord for my fruitful life in my gardens. I only wish to honor and serve you always. Amen 🙏 

PS…. and thank you so much to “my little birdie,” for being my “forever” inspiration and gentle encouragement.

 

a Love quote…..from my heart

“If I had a flower

for every time I thought of you,

 I could walk in my garden forever.” –

magic…….

….. ending day sky. I think about 20 minutes to darkness. So breathtaking. 7:25 pm.  It’s a frame capturing sun, cloudy air, high humidity and the bluish sky fading. Today had it all. Sun, rain, clouds and blue sky.  Once it decides…. it fades quickly. Thinking about my day. My “Reflection” in a photo. Amazing…..

 

Planning, one day…..at a time

If you have followed us for at least five years you may remember this graphic. It’s about planning. Its about God planning, and it’s about making good plans. Nothing wrong with planning at all. 

Planning is important when you have deadlines to meet. It’s important when you don’t want to let others down once you’ve offered to help out.  It’s important with our finances, and it’s important with our goals in life.

With planning comes discipline and a vision of what we are aiming for…. and what we want to achieve. Nothing wrong with that. 

But remember to consult with your creator about your plans. He has all your plans memorized and that’s because He planned and created them himself…. Just for us.

Trust Him and the joy will be in the journey. The destination may look different than you had planned, but trust, obey, have faith and be patient. God has your plan…… perfectly planned. Amen.  

A reflection today from…..

“Contessa”

 

Fall……new times in the Garden

Soft Morning breezes…..

a new dampness in the early morning air….

our Sun rising differently, and begging to stay

we….tending our gardens with new plans

Fall awakens to our senses and tells us

change is coming.

Enjoy your fall….. in your garden!

Thank You Father God for fall. We praise you. We bless you. We glorify you……our Father Son and Holy Spirit  

The flowers, the bees and the bugs all send you praise for your goodness to us

You are our Lord of Lords  

• AMEN•

 

Gardening/Weather and..::Our God

As an avid gardener and a gardener with my own gardening assignments, I cannot tell you how much I count on good weather. Each morning I wake…. I look out on the sky, the clouds and peeks of the sun shining through the clouds. I can kind of tell what kind of weather day is coming. And I think it stems from my childhood where our garden and our land depended completely on our weather. Apples and peaches and plums in the orchard needed certain growing conditions. Tomatoes, Potatoes, Onions and Strawberries needed certain overnight temps and perfectly sunny days to produce beautiful fruits. Our family was so dependent on good weather.

All I can say today, this morning, as I look out into the sky at 6 am I see a beautiful day coming. We have had two weeks of such favorable temps, beautiful sunshine and light breezes. Our lawns and plants are still doing well. You can tell though that the weather is changing ever so slightly. And our evenings are a tad darker a little earlier.

I am in awe of the wonders of God, nature, plant life and the things we take for granted every single day. I am lucky to be able to work outdoors. I encourage you to go outside today and savor our  gorgeous temps, plentiful sunshine and nature.

If you can stay out until you see a creature it can change the tempo of your day. Notice a bloom or a bird. Really take notice. It can stop you in your tracks. It will slow you down. It will make you pause, rest, and think. Our outdoor world  is a wondrous gift from our God.

I thank HIM for these many blessings.  I thank Him for all of you.

My God,  you are soooo….. great and so good to us.

My Great God….thank you for your love, and our amazing world.

AMEN

A Child of God

Aug 9

Deuteronomy 32:4

“His work is perfect; for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.” –

▶︎ LISTEN TO THE DEVOTIONAL

A little girl climbed into her daddy’s lap and asked him to build her a dollhouse. Much to her delight, he promised to do so. Distracted by his business, the father forgot about his promise. One evening he entered his daughter’s room and saw all her dolls and doll furniture packed in boxes. When he questioned her about it, she simply said she was packed for the upcoming move into her new dollhouse. Although he had not even begun to build it, she knew he would do it because he had promised. His word was good enough for her and her confidence in her father never wavered. Our confidence in God should be like that little girl’s. Our God is faithful and just, and He keeps His promises. So make time today to thank God for His perfect work, His just ways, and His faithfulness. Prayer My Lord and Savior…..my hope is in you. Your promises exceed my every hope. I thank you for everything you have given me and all that you provide. As your child I open my heart to accept your gifts and your fruitful blessings upon me. As my living and faithful Father you keep your promises and I am so grateful. Thank you for your constant faithfulness to me.  Amen