Hanging Basket Closeup
Here’s a close up shot Sharon took several weeks ago of the hanging basket on the back porch. That was before the weather got really hot, and it’s struggling these days. I don’t seem to be able to give it all the water it needs.
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Isaiah 41:17 ESV
Bean Pole
Here is my first ever bean pole structure. I never got around to it until this year. I saw several fancy ones in catalogs but finally settled on getting some 1 x 2’s and attaching them to a top piece. I used bird netting around the bottom third to give the vines a place to start.
The structure worked out great, and the plants did well. I did learn that I let the beans go longer than I should have. They ended up being pulpy and a little stringy – I’ll pick them sooner next year.
Next, I’ll be looking for something to plant on it for the fall (any ideas?).
“(They) brought beds, basins and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”” 2 Samuel 17:28-29
This passage occurs when King David and his followers are running from his son, Absalom, who started a rebellion against him. Those who saw their need, brought food and utensils to help them in their trial. Perhaps we can find someone who has a need in their wilderness, and help them (even something as simple as beans may be just the thing in some cases).
Giant Dahlia
It’s hard to tell from the picture just how big the dahlia flower is, but it’s almost a foot across. This is the first year we’ve tried dahlias and they have been a great success. Sharon made it official today and told me to put them on the list to plant next year.
I took the picture last week. Since then, the flower has faded and been clipped off. But it was a beautiful blessing while it lasted! Several places in Scripture describe our lives like flowers or grass that come and fade away. But, during that time we are given countless blessings by our Heavenly Father. And, we should have an eternal view – thinking of being with our merciful and gracious God forever.
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!” Psalms 103:10-20 ESV
If you would like more blessings, read all of Psalm 103, and consider all that God has done for us.
The beginnings of the garden
Each spring, when I finally get around to it, I do get a garden started. Sometimes it may be a few tomato plants and some peppers. This year I decided to fill up all the raised beds I have.
Garden shot in June
And the Lord has blessed us with an abundance of rain – and zucchini & yellow squash, peppers, beans and blueberries. The tomatoes and cucumbers are coming along too.
“And I (the LORD) will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase…” Ezekiel 34:26-27
I Was Thinking the Other Day About... 