Blessings from God – Memories and Hope

Garden Shot

It wasn’t that many months ago – and, it doesn’t look like this now. But, it was a wonderful blessing while it lasted and now I can look forward to next year. That’s the way our God is – we can look forward to blessings because He has provided in the past – and will continue.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalms 90:1-2

Blessings from God – Moon Flowers

Moon Flower with Bugs

I found this one hiding in the bushes out behind the garden. I didn’t think we would have any this year but there it was! (and actually another one is now blooming on the fence.)

I don’t know what kind of bugs are on the flower, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s still spectacular. And wonderful is appropriate too. It’s one of the wonderful things our Lord has done.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalms 9:1 ESV

Blessings from God – More Butterflies

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

The nights are cooling off a little, but it is still warm during the day. So the butterflies aren’t completely gone yet.

Moth on Duranta

Neither are the moths (I don’t know what kind this one is, but it is neat looking). And the closeup of the Duranta does show the blue color well.

Monarch Butterfly

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 ESV

And then, everything else beautiful.

Blessings From God – Strangers in a Strange Land

Tibouchina bush

Tibouchina bush

Here’s one that’s not usually from around here – but it’s adapted wonderfully. As I understand it, it’s more of a tropical or semi-tropical plant. So, the winters are cold enough in south Georgia that it dies back to the ground each year.

But, it comes back in the spring and forms a perfectly shaped bush with beautiful flowers. It continues to bloom for several months. In the picture below you can see the blooms, and the many buds that will follow behind.

Tibouchina flowers

Tibouchina flowers

Yet another example of being strangers in a strange land and blooming where you’re planted!

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13 ESV

And, we who are blessed with faith, by grace, have received the things promised. Yet, even though, like the saints of old written about in Hebrews 11,  we are still strangers and exiles on the earth, we are called to spread the blessings where we are.