Clerodendrum
Enjoy the Clerodendrum from last Spring. The butterfly is folded up and hard to see, but enjoy that too.
As I understand it, the bush is native to China and India. It does well under the shade of the holly tree in the back yard. It spreads like crazy by sending out runners under ground – and it smells like peanut butter when you break the leaves.
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.” Psalms 50:2 ESV
Caladiums Lighting the Darkness
Here are last Spring’s caladiums under the Dogwood tree. As you see, I plant the white ones with a few green veins. I like this variety because we can see them “glowing” in the shade, and they seem to light up the darkness.
Of course they don’t create light on their own. They only gather and reflect the light around them. It makes for a pleasant scene in the middle of the day when the sun is bright – But it’s also pleasant in the darkness when they pick up whatever light there is around, and do seem to glow in the dark.
We also need to be reflecting God’s light to those around us in the darkness. Our attitude, our caring for and loving others may be the only light they see.
“For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.” Psalms 18:28 ESV
Cucumber Failure
God really blessed my vegetable garden this summer. If you’ve followed my blog you’ve seen some of the pictures of zucchini, peppers, beans, etc. etc. I truly enjoyed the growing and eating!
But, the cucumbers had a problem. They were slow to sprout (some had to be replanted) and never made it as you can see from this picture. That was a surprise because last summer I couldn’t keep up with them. If I skipped even a few days of picking, they outgrew their good and became too large and tough with giant seeds.
Last year we had more than needed, so I was able to pass the extras around (and that’s one of the best blessings of a bountiful garden). But not this year. The vines looked like they had a disease or other malady but I don’t know what it was. I may try to do a little investigation before next year.
However, I am optimistic about next year. Even as the vines were sitting there fading away this year, I bought a neat frame with netting that the cucumbers can climb up and around. I won’t hesitate to try again with the hopes of numerous burpless cucumbers for eating and giving away.
Being a gardener (or a farmer, or many other undertakings) requires hope. We look forward to next week or next season, or next year with hope. That also follows our walk with Christ. But the “hopes” have different meanings.
I will hope for a good cucumber crop next year – and it may or may not happen.
I will put my hope in Christ in all things – and that hope is assured because of Who He is and what He has done for me. “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!” That’s a hope that will not fail.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 ESV
Kittens Say It’s Supper Time
These kittens know what’s inside the door and that it’s time for it to be brought out to their food bowl. They jump on the door and scratch in anticipation. Squeaks, purrs, and meows fill the air. They strain to see any indication they will be fed. They’re not really starving, but apparently they feel like they are.
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.” Psalms 42:1 NKJV
The kittens’ antics reminded me of the verse above. As I understand it, from the Hebrew, the deer is panting because of thirst from being pursued. That’s a true need of water. More severe than the kittens’ hunger, but the kittens don’t know that. To them, their need is for food and that’s what they pursue.
We can learn from the deer and the kittens. Our soul’s need is God. He is Who we need to pursue.
Lord, help our souls pant for you – to pursue being close to you – For you are the Bread of Life and the Living Water.
I Was Thinking the Other Day About... 