March 10, 2018
Yesterday was the first time this season I’ve been able to sink my fingers into the earth. An abundance of rain recently has left the soil pliable. Clearing weeds doesn’t take monumental strength but great patience. It’s tedious as the unwanted sprouts outnumber the growth of new life. The landscape, when cleared, looked refreshed and ready for spring. This isn’t a “once and done” task but the reward of beautiful flowers and plants is always worth it.
We, too, can be renewed and ready for this season. Let His living water sink into your soul. The weeds of temptation, sinful nature, and unrevealed sin will be easier to pull away from your heart and mind. The garden of our lives will always need tending but the task is made easier with the Master Gardener at our side. Be blessed y’all!
January 21, 2018
The City of Mesquite is replacing all water lines in our neighborhood. I had not given the process much thought as we’ve dodged construction cones for several weeks. It has become a matter of routine, that is until Thursday afternoon. The work crews, large backhoe, and one menacing trencher with a very large saw blade appeared at the end of the block. The end of the block that is only one house over. The end of the block that includes my address and I call home. My end of the block.
That monstrous machine is having a stair-down with my sidewalk. The same sidewalk I’ve lined with landscaping stones. The same sidewalk I’ve neatly lined with plants, flowers, and my Vitex tree! My sidewalk.
I’ve witnessed what that hunk of metal has done to the sidewalks and common grassy areas (technically city owned) in my neighborhood and it is not pretty. Slabs of concrete reduced to rubble and manicured areas diminished to bare soil. I must protect my little oasis!
It took strength to move and lay the stones, perseverance to prepare the soil for planting, gentleness in sowing the seeds, diligence ensuring their water and nutrient needs were met, and finally prayer and faith that the works of my hands and heart in preparing a fertile foundation would prove fruitful.
It was with all this in mind that I walked over to the end of the block and spoke to the crew members. I relayed my concerns. I told them if I needed to move the stones and relocate my plants I was more than happy to do so, I just needed time. I was reassured that was not necessary. I walked away not quite convinced they understood my concern. A couple of hours later I noticed a different group of men conversing with the first. They appeared more “official” so I take a second stroll to the end of the block. A second conversation, much like the first, and again I return home not convinced at all they grasp my obsession, I mean concern for my oasis.
Mid afternoon, a third conversation takes place in the same fashion as before with yet another member of this crew. I’m certain they are now drawing a conclusion that the proverbial “crazy plant lady” truly does exist. Late in the evening as Zazu and I are trying for the umpteenth time to teach Moxie how to play fetch, a business truck with a logo I recognize from the work crew at the end of the block stops in front of our house. A gentleman exits the vehicle, shaking his head slightly, and wearing a smile that almost says, “okay, let’s hope this goes well”. I wanted to laugh but figured I should at least wait to hear what he had to say. He advised his employees have told him I’m concerned about my landscaping. He assures me that I don’t need to move anything as they will replace anything they break or destroy. Yeah, how about, NO. I told him I appreciated his intent but I would be sure to have the sidewalk and common area clear by Monday morning when they were scheduled to make their march toward our home.
I took the shovel in hand and began to dig around the base of the Vitex tree. I found myself talking to it in my head. I felt bad I was disturbing the surrounding soil, cutting its well established root system, and moving it from the spot where it had flourished.
I told it I wasn’t moving it because it had done something wrong or because I didn’t like it. I was saving it from the pain a tool much larger than the shovel would supply. It obviously could not see or understand the damage that big yellow machine could impart but I could.
I painstakingly prepared the new area just as before and said a silent prayer that the little tree’s remaining root system would be strong enough to endure this move. Time will tell. Today’s rain is a wonderful blessing and a hopeful start. Light bulb moment. Perhaps that job transfer, delayed goal, change of plans, or other difficulty we are facing is protecting us from a greater obstacle? Maybe the lesson is in the waiting itself; building our resolve and patience. What if our trials reveal the strength of our foundation or that which we laid for our children? Time will tell. Be blessed y’all!
January 7, 2017
Houston, we may have a problem later. I left the water dripping in anticipation of the dip the thermometer would be taking the last several days. My preparations may not have been sufficient but I can’t dismiss the beauty in the midst of impending troubles. Just as I know this chaotic rise and fall in temperatures is going to result in a loss of some of my plants. I look forward to spring and the revelation of which ones were able to withstand these fluctuations. I will lament the ones lost, nurture the new growth, and be thankful for the beauty in both. Seek the beauty in your struggle. Someone may be drawing strength from your courage and persistence. Give thanks for your hardships. You have gained a greater sense of empathy because of them. Praise Him so others see His goodness in you. Be blessed y’all!
January 4, 2016
It’s the first workday back after the holidays and a new year. How many woke up grumbling when the alarm went off? How many are dreading the classroom full of children, mounds of paperwork on the desk, unruly customers, difficult clients? Let’s approach it another way. You were able to hear the alarm; you are in the unique position to lead minds in the classroom, you have the intelligence to solve problems and create ideas presented in that paperwork, you can show compassion (or build patience)towards your customers, and show kindness to the difficult. Toiling in the soil is hard, dirty work that leaves us with sore, aching muscles. But the beautiful blooms are worth it. Be blessed y’all.
December 7, 2016
A well worn path through budding growth and a hole halfway dug to the center of the earth are remnant reminders of 16 joyous, playful paws. Their visit was brief but wonderful. Droplets of time turned into lifetime memories. While my flower beds and yard are full of love labor and I take great pride in them they are not to be my greatest importance. The hole can be filled and the trodden growth will re-emerge. The laughter, antics, and love of my family will remain. Mark your moments intently, whether with laughter or tears. These moments turned memories are lifetime treasures. Be blessed y’all!
October 23, 2015
Planting seeds, nurturing seedlings, and tending to weeds most often results in beautiful blooms. Drought, hard freezes, and pest infestations produce the opposite. Both seasons in time cause opposing emotions but one is always richer for the experience. Our children have lost two great men in their lives in just three months time. Their Popo Benitez and Grandpa Olivarez planted seeds of love, honesty, and family loyalty. They were nurtured with large family bbq’s, fishing trips and life lessons. Occasionally, weeds had to be tended with a scolding. Age and illnesses indicated the season coming; heartache and tears mark its closing.
However, their lives will always be richer for having them in their lives and creating the memories they will carry in their hearts for a lifetime.
August 31, 2015
Recently, I noticed my peace lillys were looking very sad. The once proud white blooms now appeared aged, bent and worn. The leaves, while still full of color, wearily drooped one atop the other. I examined the roots and discovered a tight web of old and new growth that wasn’t going anywhere except in circles as the confines of the pot allowed. I gathered some empty pots a couple of inches wider than the ones in which the lily’s are planted. I added fertilized soil, rain water, and moved them into their new home. This morning they appear renewed and refreshed.
Much like ourselves, we grow weary or complacent in sharing our talents, faith, and service. We nurture our faith collectively on Sunday and perhaps daily individually for growth but are we practicing it in tightly bound circles in the confines of our homes and comfort zones? When at work, school activities, shopping,or speaking with neighbors do we reflect our hearts? When we are placed in a bigger pot it is an opportunity to be renewed and refreshed by giving of ourselves. Be a reflection of the One who grows you. Be blessed y’all
July 8, 2016
These blooms appear abundant and beautiful and they are; however, there is something you don’t know. You don’t know that eight blooms on this same cluster were pelted by rain, tossed around by the wind, and ripped away by a late night storm. It’s deep roots firmly growing in fertile soil helped it endure and it will continue to thrive and bloom – all is not lost.
Last night a group of people gathered to express their right to be heard, another group gathered to protect those rights and people, yet another group gathered to document the event, and one more group, or perhaps singularly,(not clear at this time) sought to create a storm and proved successful.
Blind hate has the ability to pelt our hearts, toss our thoughts, and rip away common sense and decency. Let’s not be uprooted from our foundations. Don’t let this be what comes from you and don’t tolerate it from those in your circle of influence. Our outward appearance will reflect our inner character. Be blessed y’all!
I’ve never had this many blooms on one stalk before. I counted twelve this morning of varying size and stages of blooming. The Son shines on all of us; big or tall, mature in faith or new believer, those closest to the top and even those down in the dirt. We’re all precious in His eyes. Be blessed y’all!
Coming home to Mathis is always special for us. Even our children, who were not raised here, call Mathis home. This is where holidays have been and continue to be celebrated, summer vacations highlighted with fishing trips to Port Aransas, our annual trek to the Rio Grande Valley and of course, crossing the border to Progresso. Visiting family in the area, catching up with old friends, cruising through town recounting the same stories Elias and Andrea have heard a hundred times but it’s still fun for Vidal and I. Many lessons learned, treasured memories made, and family bonds strengthened through adversity.
This little red wagon and its bounty of plants are gifts from several family members. Each one holding a treasured meaning. It will be getting cold soon and I will have to store my treasure in the greenhouse until spring. There they will be protected from cold wind and freezing temperatures. Spring will bring sunny skies and the anticipation of nurturing new growth and beauty into my garden. Be a greenhouse to someone seeking shelter from their season of winter. Protect, nurture, and tend to their needs. In the spring see how joyous hope has allowed growth and beauty in them and you. Be blessed y’all!
For the last several months I cringed as city workers demolished our sidewalk to replace water lines and I had to relocate several plants and remove stones that aligned the pathway. Then again, I lamented the loss of plants and grass when we began to build our fence. I had planted the grass as mom looked on and dad sat outside on many occasions as I weeded. I know it doesn’t make sense to some and sounds silly to others but it made my heart ache and made the absence of my parents sting once again. Here I am a third time, feeling a sense of loss as city workers are just around the corner digging and preparing to lay a new sidewalk. A span of wildflowers and sunflowers had blossomed and bloomed unexpectedly that now lay directly in the backhoe’s path. My pride and joy – my yard- keeps getting disturbed, uprooted, displaced, and rearranged. And yet, there are still signs of beauty and peace throughout our front and back yard. A gentle reminder that our landscape, just as our lives, change, evolve, and grow continuously through the process of pruning, fertilizing, and watering. There is beauty and peace in the midst of it all if we seek it with gentle trust.
“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.” John 16:33
Be blessed y’all!
Oh my goodness, yesterday’s white bloom is pink! I saw the cotton candy hue spattered on the outside of the petals yesterday and admired them as part of the whole. A gentle rain has been falling all morning. I was eager to see how my little piece of heaven was accepting this gift. Never did I expect to encounter a complete morph of one beauty to another. The bloom appeared to me, to be covering its face with angel like wings.
Rain does come into our lives, sometimes it roars with thunder and threatens with strong winds. Other days it is constant, heavy, and threatens flooding. Thankfully, it also falls gently to replenish, renew and restore. The same water, from the same source, very different results. Or are they? Trials test our faith and develop perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. We’re not through blooming yet! Be blessed y’all
A tiny Chocolate Cherry Sunflower seed. The packaging states it has the potential to grow four to five feet tall provided it is given full sun, rich soil, adequate draining, and watering during extended periods of no rainfall. Someone is about to embark on a crucial portion of their training while another seeks employment; someone is frightened about a diagnosis just received as another rejoices in remission; someone has a layoff looming over them, while another contemplates the end of a successful career; still another mourns the loss of a loved one as others anticipate new additions to their family. Alone, we are so tiny but we have great potential. The Son has commanded that we love one another. Enrich one another with kind words and gestures, be available when the need for draining of emotions is needed, but most of all be in prayer for those on your heart during seasons of drought. Together we can make each other bloom beautifully. Be blessed y’all!
I’ve been pulling weeds all morning/early afternoon. It seems like I battle the same weeds in the same locations all the time. I try to pull each of them to include the root but I know I’m not always successful. When a stubborn root gets left behind I find myself thinking, “Yup, you’ll be dealing with this one again in a few weeks.” This constant tug-of-war is necessary to keep the weeds in check and for the health of my plants and flowers. Very much like bad habits can mask our true potential, beauty, abilities, worth, and even our purpose. Are there weeds in your life garden? Pull them out, roots and all if you can. Each time you do you will discover something beautiful. Be blessed y’all!
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!
As is customary when we will be away from home for several days, I began to hand water all my potted plants. This practice allows me to examine each one carefully and address any issues that cannot wait until we return. In doing so, I noticed the recent hail storm left Mr. Frog broken, exposed, and vulnerable. As I watered the pot deeply, I silently hoped the vine, in which he nestles, would grow quickly offering Mr. Frog protection from further damage and cover it’s fragility.
It struck me; Christ is like that vine. He covered our sins by His death, protecting us from further damage. When our vulnerabilities are laid bare, taking cover under His safekeeping is the best place to be. Be blessed y’all!
Lessons Learned When... 