Sunday, June 29, 2014

"In the Garden"

When early morning beckons me outdoors I am often reminded of the old hymn "In the Garden".

As a child my grandmother would sing this song until sleep would come.

Sadly it is not a hymn that is done much anymore.  Growing up in a little country church it was often played for prayer time.  More modern choruses have crowded it from the worship services today.  I certainly miss it.

The words and music were written by C. Austin Miles.  It's first copyright was 1912.

"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
 And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own;









  And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known."


Thank you for letting me share this sweet hymn with you.   Have a blessed week!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Forbearance

Practice on using the glazing technique
It takes a great deal of forbearance when one glazes with watercolor.   Since patience is not a great virtue of mine this is a good lesson.

Using thin layers of transparent color and building up values slowly brings a wonderful glow that doesn't seem to be achieved with other methods.

This process slows me down and gives me time to think what needs to be done next.

There is a certain pleasure to be found in not rushing to get to the end.  The final result will come eventually.  What is important is enjoying the journey.  

Isn't life a bit like this as well?   It seems folks are often in such a hurry to get to a destination that they miss all the joy that comes while they are traveling.

  Speaking of enjoyment - here is what I have been reading this week.    These two books are filled to the brim with lovely art.  Sure to inspire one.


Well hope that all of you find a little forbearance and joy today.   Thank you for stopping by to visit - God Bless!    

Sunday, June 22, 2014

A Day's Blessings



Here are some blessings I found today.


A single flower...












a peaceful spot...












a blue sky













a garden patch...







and some creative endeavors!











Hope you found some blessings today as well.   Have a great week.    God Bless!


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

"I do"

Thirty-seven years ago we said "I do".

Much like tonight it was warm and humid with storms rumbling in the distance.

 A little country church where family and friends gathered heard the promises made.

Vows of  "for better or worse...in sickness or in health." were said.   Did two young people 19 and 20 know what might come to challenge those words?   I am sure not.   The fact remains though - through sunshine and rain love has stood the test.  
If tomorrow I was given the opportunity to go back and rewrite the past...this is one chapter that would remain the same.   Forever and always!


 Hope everyone has a wonderful end to their week.   God Bless!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Honoring My Father

Spent the day honoring my father.  












"Honor your father and mother" - which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."   Ephesians 6:2-3 (NIV).

Wishing all of you a blessed Sunday.  Hope everyone had a lovely Father's Day!    

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Beauty

   Where does one find beauty?

Perhaps a simple countryside view...











an old church steeple that touches the sky...













a single flower...










   two loving companions











or an end to a perfect day.


This is where I found mine.   Hope you will share where you find yours.    Have a blessed night!









Sunday, June 8, 2014

June's Garden

The garden in June is always a treat.














Peonies unfold and dance in the breeze...












Irises too!












Orange Poppies and purple salvia clamor to be seen.









The Weigela Shrub spreads its branches and sends its blossoms cascading here and there.










 Spiderwort refuses to stay in one place.  It pops up everywhere.











The garden is always lovely.   June's is especially so.

"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places..."Psalm 16:6 (NIV).   I hope yours have too!
  God Bless and thank you for letting me share my garden in June.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Lesson about Possibilities

During vacation I learned a valuable lesson about being open to possibilities.

This computer armoire  was purchased many years ago.   At that particular time we had a desk top Dell with a printer, etc.  

Unfortunately computers do not last forever and in time we found ourselves replacing the larger model with a lap top.   No longer was the armoire needed to house a tiny portable Notebook.  Thus in my estimation it had become a white elephant.  

Hubby had the idea to re-purpose it for our television.   To put it mildly I was very dubious.   In the first place it is not a piece of furniture easily moved.   Secondly I liked the television where it was in the room.   Thirdly in order for the telly to fit there would have to be modifications made to the tv's base.   All of which made me a bit apprehensive.  With much persuasion my beloved was able to get me to at least give him a hand to see if it would work.  Bless his heart for not giving up when his partner was anything but encouraging.

After several hours the project was finished.
 
To say the least I was "eating crow".   Not only did it work but it gave this particular spot in our home a welcome change and made television viewing much more cozy.

There are moments in life when being closed to options can keep one from experiencing something better.  This small example made me realize that taking risks or even seeing things in a different light can lead to greater opportunities.


One of those opportunities might be to make my sweetie a coconut cream pie.   He certainly deserves it for teaching me a valuable lesson.

WIP

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...