Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Reduced...... to Hope and Future!

Greetings and Holykisses,

There they sat, in a huddled heap... away from all thee other plants.
The way they were arranged, and wore those big, red stickers; well,... they looked like death row.
These petunias had been carelessly handled; disheveled... -- and then ...labeled: less than.
Reduced. Marked down.
S
ome would pass them by. But I couldn't just leave them there. :)
In this photo, they're looking much better than the day I brought them home. Their roots were pulled... leaving them unsturdy and toppling, so I added a little fertile soil. A little tlc, a cup of water, and left to rest on a sunny shelf they're now making a come back.
Today, they'll get PLANTED.

Just thee other day, I read a funny question on one of the garden sites I frequent. They asked people if they ever feel guilty for buying too many plants? I laughed out loud as I read comments. Gardening can be an addiction for some. One lady said she always pays with cash and never leaves a paper trail. lol Some hide their flowers until they can plant them in secret. Thankfully, I don't think I have a "problem." lol Do any of you?

Today, I may start painting the new "flower bed." It'll get a fresh white wash, so it matches the Peony bed. I have no idea where to put it yet, or what to plant in it for certain. It's just setting over the cucumbers right now;.... waiting for me to get some gumption.

When I went out this morning, this lil flower had bloomed. I don't know the correct name, but they remind me of surprise lilies; but are much smaller. They pop up out of nowhere so fast!

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27
These are the little calla lilies I'd recently discovered hidden in the peony bed. Having their roots compromised, and lacking sunshine from their giants: the towering peonies-.... they were nearly goners. Transplanting them has given them new life.

I've thought of these plants alot this week. It's amazing what you learn from God through gardening. Being strongly rooted and getting planted is important. Like seeds; in Christ, we're planted- never buried.
This picture was taken this morning of our little pea patch. The metal fence post on the left is as tall as me- about 5'4"- if I really stretch. These peas are almost as tall! Just goes to show; with strong support... there's no tellin how high we can grow. "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds feet, and setteth me upon my high places. " Psalm 18: 32-33
As I did morning chores, I watched this broody lil hen. She's been setting on her eggs so faithfully. I don't know how old she is, but... she's gettin on up there, and has served us so well.
You can tell, she's weathered a few storms in her life, and yet she just keeps on keepin on. She still bearing fruit in her old age; refusing to quit. I don't know how many chicks she'll hatch... but the point seems rather that she continues to do her best.

As I entered my quiet time this morning with God, I was ... --struggling to find the right word.
Not discontented... or exactly discouraged.... -- still can't find the word. Let's just go with:
Reduced!

I was "feeling" a little less than. Maybe marked down.
My roots were tapped. I was disheveled. Pulled down...--
Knowing that we're to live not by our feelings however, but by what Christ says re- ROOTS me.
With 24 hours in every day, life is a continual journey. Circumstances can and will happen, and satan will use them to reduce or uproot us all together. If we're not rooted deeply,... we wither.

Of all the things to encourage me today, was this colorful squash blossom.
As I walked past the row of crookneck and zucchini plants, I couldn't help but notice this brilliant yellow flower. Looking closer, I realized how complex it really is. Today, we may see just a squash blossom. But thee unseen.... holds such hope. Looking at this squash blossom today, you don't see the loaf of chocolate chip zucchini bread that it was planted in the hopes to become. In much the same way, our lives hold hidden and unseen purposes that God created us for.
Who would ever imagine this flower to become sweet bread? Being well rooted, and planted, it will continue to bloom and bear much fruit. Possible- to be fashioned from a seed, to a flower, to a huge fruit, and into a loaf of sweet dessert. Day after day, it will change to grow into something wonderful to wonderful.
Definitely not reduced.

I encourage you today, to stay planted and strongly rooted.
On our own we are nothing.
But in Him, anything is possible.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Have a wonderful day!
<*)))><
holykisses xoxo
Lea

17 comments:

Denise said...

You, and your blog always make me happy. I love you.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I do so enjoy your post, I know I will come from there with wonderful words that will help me in my daily walk with the lord. My spirit is renewed and I am at peace looking at your lovely property with each area a feast for the eye and soul. Know that you help each one that comes to your blog in some way.

We lift you up in prayer so you may find peace through the trying times. Keep your eyes on the lord and he will lift your spirits and we are here to hold your hand.

Thank you for my daily walk.

Unknown said...

Oh, I"m green with envy, I've always wanted to make a real flower "bed" so be sure to share shots often so I can get my fill! I need to visit that garden site, sounds like my kind of place and no I never feel guilty about buying plants, I'm making our place pretty! I always save plants from death row too, that was a classic!

Debbie said...

You can't imagine how much I enjoyed reading your thoughts today :-) I love to garden too and so enjoy watching the changes in the plants and flowers through the seasons; but, you have a way of making it alive to me! Thank you friend for sharing your thoughts today...

Love you,
Debbie

From the Heart said...

You have such a wonderful talent of finding God in everything you do. That is truly a blessing.
AE

Heaven said...

I wish you could visit your blog from my perspective. It is so peaceful and always speaks to my heart...every...single...time:)

Hugs! Heaven

Sue said...

Awesome post! Awesome Word for today.loved your plants, and as always any kind or color chicken. lol
Blessings,
Sue

Vickie said...

Great Post -- I can't wait to see what you do with your bed! I found a iron baby bed recently for a steal at a garage sale and took it home. My husband just rolls his eyes.

I think I have that addiction of buying too many plants. I bought a climbing rose just today and I don't have a place to put it yet!

As for feeling "reduced" or not quite up to snuff, I understand. I have days like that, too. I just have to remember how much God and my family love me and that I'm not "junk". You are a precious jewel to the Lord and your family!

Besides, how can you not be refreshed by working and being in your gorgeous garden! Wish I could see it in person!

I'm trying to decide what to do with my bed. I love coming to visit your gardens!

Territory Mom said...

Thank you for this. I will have a wonderful day after reading your encouraging words. Thank you, friend.

Debra said...

I needed this post so much...thank you dear one.
Love, Debra

Unknown said...

Gardening and God go together, have since the beginning! Oh the lessons and strength I gain from gardening with the Lord.
I have two brass headboards which I attached on two garden beds.They didn't sell at the auction so the auctioneer asked if anyone needed them for their garden $5 for both and of course I took him up on it. Hoping to plant vines to decorate them. Have a great day.Blessings Meg

Tracy said...

Great post my friend! You always have the coolest illustrations from the Shed. There is certainly a lot of truth in your words that much encouragement can be found tending to plants and flowers. Wanting to say grounded myself and allow the Lord to tend to me and help me flourish and be content where he has me! Sending love & hugs your way sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

I loved every picture and word you wrote. Being rooted reminded me of my best friend, Sue. She has had many, many hard struggles in her life but she is "rooted deeply" and she knows that God has blessed her somehow in every struggle. She "blooms" with that faith and trust and "bears much fruit".

I need to work on staying planted. I am a work in progress.

Thank-you! Debbi

Yolanda said...

I truly, enjoy, squash blossoms.

love YOU!

Come back, and see what God blessed me with in my tree. ;-)

momoflots said...

Thank you for the encouragement!! I love that verse so very much!!!

CJ said...

Good Morning, Ms Lea!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful insights into Scripture gleaned from your garden!:)
I too am a flower lover (hum, plant lover) and have a hard time passing up the reduced, unwanted ones too♥. We recently moved so I am starting over with my gardening. I have enough space ~ just need it dug up...
Thanks for visiting my blog! and yes, all my jars sealed:) Such a nice way to start the canning season♥
Have a wonderful day!
Hugz,
Cathy♥♥

Ozjane said...

Only you my precious friend could have a bed in your garden....a real one........love it.