Tag: Tulips

Blessings of J O Y!

Ventured out today to inspect the blueberry crop.  A few days ago, they were full of blooms.

Several nights of cold temps in 30’s and some frost – but always sun came up and warmed up early.  So surely, they made it????

Blueberries before frost

Sad to report just few blossoms survived.  If these make it through tonight’s 30’s, we will have a few blueberries to pick in June.

Blueberries after frost

This verse and song came to my mind:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  God keeps reminding me – JOY.

Bible study this am via Zoom with our BSB (Bible Study Buddies) gals, studying Philippians – theme JOY.  Many shared about how they have found joy in life during our current situation of sheltering in place.  Here are some –

  • Laughter
  • Appreciating nature
  • Praise music
  • Making a thankful list

So, I’m thankful:

  1. that my tulips are mostly standing and more to come hopefully. 
  2. Sunshine and trees budding
  3. Few blueberry blossoms survived
  4. Got to visit with BSB gals today
  5. Warm house in this cold weather
  6. Internet to keep in touch with family and friends
  7. Neighbors being considerate in shopping for us
  8. Amazon!!!
  9. House decluttering

That’s good for now – how about you make your thankful list and don’t forget to stay in touch with those who don’t have anyone in their shelter place.  One of our BSB’s shared today about a lady from church calling her to check on her and other friend delivering groceries.  What a blessing!

Along with Habakkuk scripture the song also comes to mind!  You knew I’d have a song!  So here is 70’s scripture song that comes to my mind. 

Then found this where Don Moen reads the scripture but different song – but so good.

I will sing by Don Moen

Dogwood Winter

Dogwood blooms

I failed to take the hint. Admiring the Dogwood blossoms on my way to church made me think they were a bit early. Don’t they usually bloom at Easter time? Easter is almost two weeks away. However, not having John’s folks to remind me I just admired the dogwoods and that was it.

It snowed on March 12 and then a week later it was summer time – well almost. Daffodils bloomed in late February and our Bradford Pear tree budded out as well. Tulips were beginning to pop up.

20170312_154106

This picture was taken prior to the March snow.

after.freeze

The day after the snow the blooms were burned from the cold.

Surveying the yard, I found a cluster of purple tulips. What a delight!
Thank you, God, for the promise of spring. How did these tulips burst in bloom when others have not even come out of ground? It is all in the timing, the angle of the sun, the protection of plants around them. You see these bulbs were surrounded by bushes that absorbed the frost. Also, they were exposed to the first rays of the sun to warm them as they struggled to shine. They were close to the house which provided shelter.

Lord help us to seek you as these tulips sought the sun. May we stay close to the protection and encouragement of others and stay under the shadow of the almighty.

Playing golf in 80-degree weather in March is unusual even in Georgia. Time to put away the winter clothes. After ten zillion trips down the basement stairs to the cedar closet and back up for another load I was exhausted. Contrary to my husband’s opinion, I do not have that many clothes or shoes. I just can’t carry much at a time. Sweaters, sweat pants and boots packed away. Must confess, I was so tired, didn’t finish putting up winter shoes and boots – they are still on table in closet waiting to be placed in boxes. But at least they are downstairs.

Yesterday, April 6,  the high temp was 45 degrees. It was then I realized – it is Dogwood Winter. My in laws were the prognosticators of seasons. They would have warned me not to put winter clothes away too soon. You need to wait until Dogwood Winter and of course Blackberry Winter. When the Dogwood trees bloom, it will turn cold and when the blackberries bloom even though many times in mid-May – we will get a cold spell. They did not need a weather app.

Just like us – we kind of stagnate in our mundane life, complaining about cold weather then we receive a few warm days, or even hot days, and we complain about the heat. So, it gets cold again. We just can’t be happy. What is going on? Does God really know?

Please don’t let my blueberries die when it possibly frosts tonight. They are loaded with blossoms.

John’s dad always said if the wind is blowing the frost won’t hurt the plants.  May it be so ! God sends the rain and snow to water the earth and cause it to bud and flourish. He knows what he is doing.

He also sends his word to us. It will not return to him void. Can he trust me to use his word to encourage, comfort and challenge those I encounter? Am I as concerned about sharing his love as I am about my flowers and garden?

Don’t forget Blackberry Winter is yet to come!

Isaiah 55:8-11 (New International Version)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.