Spring Clean-Up

I have the landscaping crew coming today to do a spring clean-up on my yard.  Then it is my duty to keep up on it :-)

I think my daughter and I will be looking at doing some raised beds.  I would also love to put up a clothesline ~ maybe one of the umbrella type

My small group is starting a new book of the Bible this Saturday: Jonah.  I am looking forward to actually getting into the Word versus a book by some celebrated author.

Praises to God for His grace.  Yesterday was my daughter's 1st day of full-time employment.  Congrats to her and thanks to the Lord!

Bounty

I just received some yummy veggies from Jeanine’s garden.  They are beautiful.  It amazes me the bounty received from the small plants I saw over Memorial Day weekend.  I am excited to try the lemon cucumbers as I have heard they are delicious!  I am still hoping to have my own garden next year.  There are always variables when trying to plan – all will come together as it is meant to.

The temperature has finally come down into the mid-80s ~ much better for sleeping.  I started to whine about the temperature the other day; then realized how thankful I am to live in an area that has four distinct seasons.  True blessings!

A weed-free flower bed

I am making process on my yard work.  One flower bed at a time :~)

I had a great Memorial Day weekend.  I helped re-create a raised garden bed and plant the garden.  I am excited to see how things are popping up in a month!

The Lord is faithful.  I see this as I go through each day and reflect on situations.  I am in awe of His great love for His children.  We can be wayward, ignorant, selfish, worldly, etc., yet He is always available for us and is waiting for us to knock at His door!

Gardening/Yard Work -- Lack of Action

I have been having difficulty motivating myself to do ANY yard work.  I have the following from Heartlight printed and posted in my cubicle at work.  I am going to print in for home as well.

To my shame, I need to acknowledge the attitude of laziness with regard to my yard.  I had e-mailed the following request to my small group and would request prayers from you as well.

This will sound like a silly request; however, will you pray for me in my perseverance in yard work and that God gives me delight in it.  Currently, it is the VERY last thing I want to do EVER and I need the Lord’s strength and life-changing touch for this attitude adjustment.

I appreciate your prayers very, very much!

Today's Verse for 10/18/2012

If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. — Ecclesiastes 10:18

Thought

Laziness is not just an attitude, it is a lack of action. It is a choice to let important matters suffer neglect. While the results of this choice may not always be evident, over the passage of time, the basic results of idleness are borne out by the accumulating signs of decay and destruction.

Prayer

Stir in me, dear Heavenly Father, a passion to do what is true and good and righteous. Convict my heart when I neglect what is important. Please help me discern the difference between laziness and a genuine need for rest and to balance my life between my many responsibilities. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayers for Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. You can email questions or comments to phil@heartlight.org.

Today's Verse Illustrated

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Happy May Day

My devotional this morning spoke of the renewing birth of nature each spring.  The Lord is speaking to me about my yard through these morning devotions – the past couple of weeks have focused on nature and gardens!

When I was young, my yard work experience was not of the nurturing kind and I tend to dread and resist it on a regular basis.  However, through these devotions I am seeing a different aspect of nature ~ with my yard specifically.  Although my goal is to have minimal grass, I am having native plants and wildflowers along with raised garden beds.  There will be rock with native grasses interspersed for color.  I have come to realize {on an intimate level} that each bit of green or color is from God; whether it is a weed or flower.

Thank you Lord for the beauty of your creation!

Spring?



March is here and spring is just around the corner! I am ready for sunshine even though I can say that our winter here in the Pacific Northwest was mild in comparison to past winters. I wonder what that will mean for the rest of our seasons this year…
My spring list includes planting my ground-cover in the front yard and building raised garden beds (with some help) and planting a garden this year. I am hoping to can some of my garden harvest to use through the winter (a first endeavor for me).
My small group Bible study has just started a new study on The Armor of God and Ephesians. It is an 8 week study and we just did week 1. This is a study that will help us be prepared on a daily basis to be out in the world and stay steadfast in our faith. I am so blessed to have a group of Christian women to meet with weekly. They help me stay accountable and encourage me on this journey of life.
“When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
If we are following the Lord, our actions are loving which are pleasing to Him. As disciples, we are called to love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35