Hot & Dry

August has started off being hot and dry.

Even the Zinnias are not doing well with the high temperatures and lack of rain.

The summer started off with being extremely wet but has now moved in the opposite direction.

That old saying  "It is either a feast or famine" appears to be true with these past two months.

The cone flowers may not be at their best but they  refuse not to bloom.

In fact, they've  been inspiring some of my small painting challenge.  Been rather busy with life and have fallen behind on the goal of 100 tiny paintings by the end of March.  Hope to catch up in the next few weeks. 

  
 With the heat here and the garden slowing down am finding some time to read.  Lauren K Denton is a new author to me.  Am really enjoying this novel.  Takes place in Alabama.  Who doesn't enjoy a good southern novel full of a bit of romance and mystery?  Will certainly be checking out a few of her other books.

Best go for now.  May all of you have a good week - what ever the weather brings.

Hugs

Debbie

"In the heavens he has pitched a ten for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.  It rises at one end of the heavens and makes it circuit to the other, nothing is hidden from its heat."  Psalm 19:4b-6 (NIV)

Returned

Hi friends, I've returned.  It is good to be back.

Had a good break.  Looking forward to catching up with all of you.  Will be around to visit soon.

July here at Harmony Hills was extremely hot and dry.  Fortunately the white phlox survived the heat and has blessed us with some lovely blooms.

The pink lilies have such a sweet scent. Always enjoy their fragrance when gathering veggies.

Speaking of veggies...the squash and zucchini are producing lots of fruit.  I think zucchini bread is on the menu soon.

The little hummers are busy buzzing everywhere.

They seem to be enjoying the beginning of August.

They really adore this Rose of Sharon bush.  I think the color attracts them.  They are always stopping there to rest and gather some nectar.

Gunnar turned a year old in July.  He weighs 80 pounds.  He is one busy boy but very sweet. 

Well I will go for now...looking forward to seeing what has been happening with each of you.

Have a great week.  

Hugs

Debbie

"He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."  Psalm 126:6

Summer break

 Going to take a wee summer break.  Will be back in August - God Willing.  In the meantime please enjoy the rest of July.

God Bless

Debbie

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matt:11:28 (NIV)

Encouragement

Something I enjoy giving and receiving is encouragement.

It generally costs the giver nothing and can bring joy to the receiver.

Through the briars and brambles of life it can make a difference in people's lives.

There is hidden treasure to be found when we come along side of someone and say something encouraging.

Sometimes it allows others to know they are not alone and it also can make you forget your own struggles for a bit.

There were various meanings of encouragement when I researched the word...  One was giving someone support, confidence, or hope...another, it can act as a boost or stimulus to motivate.

My favorite was offering positive words of support and approval.

So, I am sending you some and hoping that you will pass it on to someone else.

Have a lovely week! 

Hugs

Debbie

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart, and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ." Col. 2:2-3 (NIV)

Texas

Please take a few moments to "Look Up" for those in Texas.  Prayers are needed for all those who are suffering.  May God comfort them all.  Thank you and God Bless!

" Praise be to the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  2 Cor. 1:3-4

"So long"

 It is time to say "so long" to June.  Where did the month go and why did it go so fast?  

As July comes this week and the 4th is only a few days away - am reminded that life is short and we need to live in the moment. 

Life here on planet earth is far from perfect but each day holds opportunities that should not be missed.

As always it is easy to forget the present focusing on what is to come or even looking back at the past.  

 Yet it is in the "here and now" that we experience gratitude for the sunshine, the rain, the breeze and all manner of blessings.  When we fix our gaze on what is lovely and admirable one find's "the peace of God that passes all understanding".

My prayer for all of you dear friends, is that you will find genuine joy in today leaving the regrets of the past behind and avoiding being anxious about tomorrow.  

Have a wonderful beginning of July.

Hugs!

Debbie

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  Phil:4:6 & 7 (NIV) 

Joys of June

 The joys of June are rich with the sights, smells and sounds of this lovely time of the year. 

  Naturally flowers provide a wonderful display of color.  Larkspur fills the garden with continual bouquets. 

(Notice my shadow)

 The sweet smell of hay evokes memories of all my summers growing up on the farm.

The sound of rain and the rumble of thunder in the distance - 

 often leaves us with the beauty of God's promise...His rainbow.  

Thank you for visiting and allowing us to share some of June's joys.  Have a wonderful day.

Hugs from Harmony Hills

Debbie

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."  John16:24 (NIV