February, 2008
June, 2008I remember the earlier picture as I took just before I left on retreat to St. Meinrad Archabbey. It was cold and icy. Miserable. Just the other day we worked to make the yard presentable for the summer. I thought to myself, we did a fine job.
I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the early rain and the late rain, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in, and I will bring forth grass in your fields for your animals.Thus you will eat your fill.Deuteronomy 11: 14-15
Then the rains did come and the tornadoes lashed out at the land and it's people. Not the gentle rain, but the harsh thunderous rain. We have friends who were evacuated from their homes because of high water. There are farmers here finally got their crops in only to find them under water. I was thinking about all those in the part of the country that have been suffering from too much water, just as those in California are suffering from the lack there of. All this concern about my flowers seems so frivolous. Grooming a garden seems so trivial, when others are suffering because they have no "garden."
In admiration, I look to the farmers and their families who yearly trust that their crops will be fruitful. When they are not they don't give up. These are hard working, faith filled people who have the courage to go on in the face of crop failure for whatever reason. These are good and honorable people. I pray that they will continue to be courageous and know that we are grateful for their sacrifice so that we might be "full."
And so I pray:
Good and gracious God, I pray for those who till the earth and raise animals to feed our bodies. Continue to watch over them as they labor in the fields. Send your Spirit to bolster their courage and determination. Provide them with the will to do your bidding. Grant that they will be provided for and be under your protection in times of trial and success. I ask all this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For everyone and all God's graces I say,
"Thanks be to God."
and
enjoy the weekend!
God's provision. I love that scripture. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI happen to be one of those odd people who love the snow and the cold!
ReplyDeleteI saw a tiny bit of the snowey photo on my rss feed page preview and thought "Wow! I have to see this snow scene".
This week here in Massachusetts we had 97 degree heat and my bro who lives another 40 miles away had 101 degrees! He comes alive the hotter and the more humid it gets! He actually gets more energy from all that heat.
I LOVE the snow and I think I was born for the South Pole!
I can't wait now until October when my weather will begin to return.
God sends something for all of us.
teresa-anawim (who thinks there is nothing more beautiful than a bare birch tree or an evergreen covered with freshly fallen snow
God bless our farmers and their dedication and perseverence. It seems like there is always too much or too little of sun/rain, or just before harvest there's a hailstorm or something and the beautiful crops are lost. I so admire their being able to live with this constant uncertainty in order to provide all of us with what we need to live.
ReplyDeleteA fine job you did, indeed! Cathy, it looks fabulous. And how clever of you to take pictures of this place to show change of seasons.
ReplyDeleteI love that passage. It speaks of God's love and generosity toward his children. I know you like Psalm 11. Have you read Psalm 1? That is one of my favorites, and it is in line with the passage you posted.
I will include the farmers today in my intentions.
Have a joyful weekend!
Oh, my goodness! You have all been so kind!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mike. It is a comforting scripture. I'm not sure if those whose houses and business are under water see it that way right now. But God is GOOD!
Terese, I agree! Spring and fall are wonderful! Humindsummer here in IN is miseralbe...I'm a CO girl where heat and humidity do not exist necessarily in the same space.
I truly hope the famers can recuperate from all this water, Gabrielle...God be good to them.
Psalm 1...You know I knew that! Silly me. Thank you for the reminder!
You ALL are Terrif'!!!!!
The contrast of the seasons is very clear from the photos, Cathy. Your garden look a haven -- a contemplative one! God bless you for thinking of those who labour so we can have our fill.
ReplyDeleteAnd encouraging us to pray for those who face crop failure or drought or flooding with courage and trust in God.
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteThe two photos are both wonderful. What a difference in light, texture, colors...
It is a challenging year for storms around the world. It really hits home though in Cedar Rapids to see so many people displaced ( up to 25000 already)due to flooding etc.
I get the feeling that this is just the beginning of more severe weather.
God Bless,
Kathy
Sorry I haven't visited in a while . . . summer has been busy.
ReplyDeleteI love the contrasting photos . . . what a great idea to take photos of the same scene in different seasons! It really makes one realize how time passes.
God bless, and have a great weekend.
Wow, you have a beautiful garden, Mrs. Cathy, in summer and winter both!
ReplyDelete:-D
Beautiful contrasts! You have a lovely garden. I bet you're enjoying it now the weather is getting warmer:)
ReplyDeleteGod Bless.
Have been gone the weekend for Lindsey's 4th birthday and had a grand time. Thank you all for stopping by for a visit. You've been so welcome.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed! God bless our farmers!
ReplyDeleteCathy ~ your yard is beautiful and lush ~ what a wonderful juxtaposition. &:o) I remember that snow picture! How quickly time passes!
Many thanks, Lisa. Saw the fields under water as we drove to INDY. Then, too, the fields where the corn was coming up. Such a contrast!
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