Not long ago I was walking in my neighborhood when I noticed a ground cover plant that has been a favorite of mine for using in container gardens. I love its variegated leaf and that it fills out nicely, as well as growing long cascading vines, over the summer. When I lived in Michigan I would over-winter it in my garden to have for my containers from year to year. One year it grew like crazy over the winter and I discovered that my container vine was also a fabulous ground cover. Lamiastrum g. 'Variegatum' This spring I had been looking for it in all the local greenhouses and garden shops. I … [Read more...]
Do you ever wonder what someone sees when they look at you? This verse from the Bible tells us what God sees. scripture art online But, I really wonder what people see? Today I was volunteering at my church and I was introduced to a man from Sierra Leone. His name was Harry. I chatted briefly with Harry, enjoying his accent and graceful manner. And then he said to me, "You have a godly smile." I hope I said, "Thank you." But, really, I have no idea what I replied. It was such an unusual compliment to receive. A few days ago, Ann Voskamp wrote about her experience … [Read more...]
Have you always wanted to create a pretty container garden? Why not create one this weekend? Below are 9 steps to help you get started, plus lots of inspiration too! But first.... more inspiration! Nine steps to get the process started. 1. Decide where you want your container garden(s). 2. Notice if that location is sunny, partly sunny, or mostly shadey? 3. Choose a container for your location. Don't skimp on the size...your plants need room to grow. 4. Select … [Read more...]
Love. I want it. You want it. More than anything in this world... We. Want. To. Be. Loved. Joy! We are loved. You are loved. I am loved. We are loved by the God of the universe. Each of us individually. We are his creation. We are his treasure. Oh... How He Loves Us. Art. Beautifully created by Chrissie Grace. It's my prayer today. {Chrissie Grace} Will you make it yours? Want to feel and know love? My heart was moved by this. Please listen..... Kim Walker - How He loves us - YouTube. What does it look like to be flooded with HIS … [Read more...]
When you have a busy day of projects around the house and you don't want to fuss in the kitchen...what do you cook? My favorite go-to meal is Ridiculously Easy Roasted Chicken! Served up with yams or sweet potatoes and a veggie....nothing could be simpler and more perfect for a hearty appetite. Longaberger Woven Traditions Pottery is the key ingredient for a sumptuous yet easy meal. Longaberger has been an important part of my life for a long time. I love the baskets and pottery so much that I became a Longaberger Consultant. But, don't worry...I'm not pushy, or selly, or annoying. At least … [Read more...]
Seeing God demonstrate his love for us in nature. If we just look, God has object lessons of his grace and love all around for us to see and experience. Almost exactly 3 years ago to the day, my husband and I were sitting in the office of our executive pastor. We were anticipating some new changes in the structure of the children's ministry. Tim was leading a thriving and growing ministry to children with excellence and grace, and we were anticipating a good meeting. Several minutes later we were told that we (I was Tim's ministry assistant) would no longer be leading the children's … [Read more...]
A few things made me pause this week..... Like this quote from Francis Chan. unknown source Do these words hit you between the eyes, too? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Do you ever wonder what kind of legacy you will leave? New father, Jeff Goins, and guest writer at Chatting at the Sky gives three powerful thoughts on how to begin the journey of leaving a legacy. I loved it when he said this, "...if you want to create more beautiful art, live a better life." I want to live a better life. How about you? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ … [Read more...]
Was this past weekend your big "get the yard in shape" working weekend? Traditionally Memorial Day {Weekend} is when mulch gets spread, shrubs, and lawns get trimmed, flowers get planted, the pool gets opened, and everyone gets ready for summer outdoor fun. Is that your tradition? We tend to spend plenty of time "playing" in the yard. But, gardening and yard work for our family starts as soon as the weather is spring like, and flower planting begins usually around Mother's Day. This year has been a bit challenging for me, with limited finances, living in a new town, … [Read more...]
via: Photography Blogger When I was a little girl my father used to call Memorial Day, Remembrance Day. As I reflect today on this national holiday, I think my dad was wise to call it Remembrance Day. There isn't much that I can do when it comes to memorializing, besides attending a parade and hearing a war hero or political figure speak about military service. What I can do is remember. Remember those who came before me. Remember those who are serving today. Remember their sacrifice. Remember the sacrifice of leaving behind family. Remember those whose loved ones leave, to not return... for months, … [Read more...]
Who knew a visit to a Country Market would be so much fun? Locals have been telling us all about their "wonderful" version of a farmers'/crafters' market. Shhhh... Don't tell anyone, but I was a bit skeptical. After all, I grew up in a town where we had one of the biggest farmers' markets in the country. I was spoiled. Every kind of fresh produce and plant was available every Wednesday and Saturday. This morning the Country Market opened at 8 AM. We arrived at 7:58. Lines of cars were turning in to the parking area. The crowd had already begun to assemble. Anticipation filled the … [Read more...]
It's Joy Day! Time to hit the 'reset' button for our week. Time for refreshment. Today, I was reminded that God does make everything beautiful in its time. I filled my window box today with little Impatiens from a flat of four packs from the garden center. They look small and overwhelmed by their large container. Yet...soon they will grow and they will overwhelm their container. A phone call reminded me of a friend who has been struggling to find purpose. Today she is beginning the first steps in a dance with her calling and passion. Soon, God will do a good … [Read more...]
One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk with camera in hand. On this particular day, we strolled down Main Street to the Diamond. It was late in the day. The light was lovely. The Dogwood trees were dressed in all their splendor. Glowing. White. Beautiful. The shutter on the camera clicked. And clicked. And clicked. And here...a celebration of light and tree and blossom. It seems fitting to include a poem, written in 1965 by the Poet Laureate of Maryland, Vincent Godfrey Burns DIALOGUE OF A MAN AND A TREE The Man: Why do you grow so tall, way up … [Read more...]
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4, from the NIV Bible Have you ever thought that your response to an unpleasant circumstance should be one of joy? This past week a "digging machine" along with a crew of men from a plumbing contracting firm in my little town arrived at our house. An extension was made … [Read more...]
