August 22, 2014

These little guys have brought such joy this week. They have zoomed in and out at such precise moments they have become, to me, an affirmation of His presence. Don’t miss a blessing, an opportunity to serve, or affirmation of His presence by overlooking the tiny things/events around you. Be blessed y’all

August 22, 2014

New creations, new blooms, and a humble awareness of and appreciation for these gifts I may not have discovered had I not become dad’s full time caregiver. The journey has had its difficulties but there have been blessings in the ashes also.

Painted Brick Book

Rose of Sharon

Wine Bottle Bird Feeder

Tangerine Canna

July 15, 2014

Some of us are “buds” ready to burst open and experience our new careers, addition to our family, college life, or marriage. Others are “flowers” expressing their beauty with love, a gentle word, a spoken prayer, or a patient ear. There are the “bees” who feel the weight of the world and their own burdens but continue fluttering their wings knowing their worth isn’t simply in the work but it’s importance to others. Still others, the “fertilizer”. Life stinks right now dealing with the loss of a loved one, caring for litte ones or elders, or illness. Yet others draw strength from our perseverance, strength and faith. Each of us, in whatever season we are in, is vital to the other. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

August 17, 2017

As I prayerfully prepared my spirit and mind for whatever the Lord has for my heart to receive this morning at mass I noticed something. I still have traces of dirt under my fingernails from yesterday’s weed pulling tasks! Why do we take note of these things at the most inconvenient of times and places? Geez, I’m in church, I should be clean, tidy, and without blemish.
Alas, that’s why I’m here. I’m not without blemish. Sometimes, the things I say, do, and think reveal the uncleanliness in my life. I’m here, with so many others around me and all over the world seeking the same thing. To be honest with myself and admit my faults, to seek forgiveness, receive grace, give thanks and most importantly, sing praise to Him who is the living water I need.
We all have a little “dirt under our fingernails”. Let’s go out humbly seeking Him to get ourselves clean and with kindness assist someone in tidying up. Be blessed y’all!

August 12, 2017

Upon our arrival home Thursday morning the first thing I took note of was our yard and landscaping. It was instantly evident heat, sparse moisture and lack of human nurturing had left it’s mark on my little oasis.
My Lantana, Turks cap, Sage, Rockrose, Vitex, Canna, and Moss Rose seemed unfazed. The sunflowers, Lamb’s ear, fruit trees, and Four o’clocks showed weariness but not defeat. However, my Peace Lillys seemed sad and exhausted. These two are the heart of my garden. I received one in 2007 when the Lord called my mom home and the other in 2015 when Christ whispered my dad’s name. Ironically, last month when we returned from an extended road trip we found our lawn in similar conditions. Except for the two Peace Lilly’s which were blooming.
Between unpacking and washing loads of laundry I grabbed my watering can and got to work. Two of the three rain barrels were full to my relief. I began the individual inspection and watering of each area. While it was sad to see some of my plants like this, it also gave me perspective. I knew from previous experience that a little loving and rain water would produce renewed life. I also am discovering which plants are capable of surviving tough conditions when we’re away by using its reserves wisely. Lastly, I have to admit to myself that while some plants I’ve chosen are beautiful, they are not suitable for this climate area.
Our lives are quite similar to a garden. Are we sowing suitable seeds? Are we supplying our minds, eyes, ears, and speech with nurturing water? Are we removing and avoiding the things not suitable for our growth? Put on your work gloves and let’s get to work. Be blessed y’all!

July 2, 2016

It’s been hot lately and here in Mesquite we haven’t had much rain in the last couple of weeks. My intent when I decided to create my water wise, native, perennial gardens was to rely on rain water collected in my three rain barrels. I still have a barrel and half full, but I have to be wise in its use. The heat stress is showing on some of my plants and I’ve had to do some pruning but thankfully, none have perished completely. One in particular, my plumeria is thriving, as evidenced in the photo. It holds a special place in my heart as it was given to me after my dad’s funeral. God fills our rain barrels with answered prayers, memory making moments, daily provision, simple joy, and quiet time spent with Him. We will encounter dry days of hurtful words spoken by someone, deep sadness as we mourn loved ones or prodigals, letting go of our babies as they begin their new season of life, poor health, no jobs, or bad relationships. These are moments we must prune the desire to get even, give in to despair, lack faith, or stop pouring our hearts to Christ. Go back to your rain barrel, dip your cup into those reserves and be refreshed. Be blessed y’all!

June 1, 2019

My Lamb’s Ear is in varying degrees of distress. Some type of bug has found nourishment in its leaves, leaving some with tiny holes while others are almost entirely consumed. Several are showing the telltale tan hue many of us seek under the rays of bright sunlight. While golden brown may be beautiful on our skin it isn’t as pleasing on a shade loving plant. As I began to gently remove the decayed leaves I discovered tender new growth near the bottom of the stem. It had budded with quiet strength. Even though it was covered with unsightly growth which prevented it from receiving even dappled light; it had not lost its roots which give it life!
We will endure bugs and harsh sunlight (troubles) in life that leave tiny holes or perhaps even gaping craters in our hearts but we will always have our roots. Our lives, rooted in Christ, will always bring new life. The pruning (removing unsightly leaves) perhaps is so that we may discover tender new growth within.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” Be blessed y’all!

May 23, 2017

I like figs; therefore, I eagerly planted a seedling last spring. It spent its first growing season in a pot and produced about two or three figs at most. In the fall, I transplanted it into the earth in hopes it would survive the winter and emerge in the spring. Currently, it is bearing fruit. This morning a portion of my devotion included the Lesson of the Fig Tree. In my attempt to understand the concept further, I googled “fig tree in the Bible”; I came across a site that lists an amazing fact then proceeds with further explanation on the particular topic. I learned something today. All figs must be pollinated by a fig wasp, after which the wasp dies and decomposes inside the fruit! Does this mean there is a wasp inside the fig you just bought or harvested? No, figs contain an enzyme called ficin, which breaks down and essentially digests the wasp, making it a part of the fruit. It made me wonder how something so unpleasant to our senses, such as decomposition is necessary for the fruit to become edible.

That thought brought to me the unpleasant trials we face in life. Chronic illness, grief, caretaking, lonliness, depression, broken dreams, shattered families, or any of a number of trials we may be experiencing. When we are in our season of trial it sure can smell, look, and feel like decomposition. Are these serving a greater purpose? Are we being broken down to see clearly we cannot bear fruit without the assistance of someone/something greater? The process in which the wasp assists the fig is pollination; a mutual relationship necessary to sustain life. I know I could not survive without Christ in my life. I’ve learned that, most acutely when I have experienced my own seasons of decomposition. My hope is that I’m following His will while exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit. Be blessed y’all!

May 13, 2018

Lessons Learned….this started as a “Digging in the Dirt” experience that evolved into a “When Freshwater Refreshens the Spirit” lesson. Vidal and I began the process of tearing down our old fence and constructing a new one a month ago. Our initial plan was to hire someone to take on the task as he is completing a custom automotive upholstery job and at least five other projects that have come in the meantime. Two of those jobs required that we work overnight in order to accommodate the business’ operating hours. These crazy hours prompted Elias to ask while he was helping us, “Dad, you do know you’re retired, right?”
If you want to test the strength of your marriage, build a fence with your husband. Oh, did I share that he’s a perfectionist, sprinkled with a dash of OCD, a smidgen of ADD and topped with a layer of thinly disguised sarcasm? 🤤
I have certainly had to put into practice 1 Corinthians 13:4.
My plants were getting stepped on…”Love is patient”; others uprooted…”Love is kind”; I learned how to use a post hole digger….”Love is patient”; removed old posts with cement attached using a shovel and brute strength……”Love is kind”; must use the level on every single slat before tacking it into place…”Love is patient”; we will predrill each and every hole before securing said slats with screws….”Love is kind”; I will ask your opinion but will ultimately do it my way….Love is patient AND kind”.
My emotions were all over the place with this project, the rollercoaster ride of grieving another Mother’s Day without my mom at the same time rejoicing in the gift of the two people who call me “mom” and the two bonus children who love them. A weary spirit isn’t always the most gracious one.
On that water today, I clearly understood verse 7…..”It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” My love and respect for Vidal has kept me from saying things I was thinking in my head. It wasn’t always easy but it certainly has prevented many arguments. I have to trust the decisions he’s making, although not always verbally articulated clearly are in our best interest. My hope is that in demonstrating this love even when it’s difficult will strengthen our bond. And finally, our love will persevere until this task is complete. 😀
To be fair, the fence looks amazing and it’s been a great learning experience. Next project….our roof needs to be redone. I don’t think I’m ready for that lesson.
Truly love one another even through the storms and be blessed y’all!

April 9, 2017

Spring, summer, fall and winter-each season has its purpose and time. Admittedly, in Texas the marking of one overlaps the other, is indistinguishable, and more often than not, all felt in a single day. Spring bursts with new life, renewed growth, and joyful color to wash away the cold greys of the previous three months. Summer emboldens the water wise and drought tolerant plantings to dance with beauty. Fall prepares for what’s to come; seeds drop, growth slows, preservation of oneself begins for the chill ahead. Winter tests patience, endurance and faith as chilling winds envelope everything around us. That’s when it is especially important to remember our worth and purpose. We don’t cease to be who we are when our seasons change; we grow, we learn, we persevere, and then bloom again in our spring. We thank you for helping us honor/celebrate the closing of one season in Vidal’s life and encouraging him onto the next.