Saturday, April 18, 2009

Life's Little Garden Of Grace

BEFORE PICTURE
Today is the first day that I have been able to work outside since spring has arrived. I saw this mess of a garden and decided that is where I needed to start first. The last few years my Mom has blessed me by giving me lots of different flowers. I started planting them all in this little raised bed garden. This used to be my little vegetable garden. I have a big one now. As I looked at this garden I wondered if I could even find all my plants that I had planted. I thought to myself...."Is this even worth it?" Then I remembered that my Mom is the one that gave me all of these precious plants and I said to myself...."Yes, it is worth it." Anyway, I mulched this with straw last year around my day lilies, hostas & irises. This year the weeds took over before I could get to it, but today I tilled & pulled & howed & raked & weeded this mess. As I was working so hard I thought of my blog (imagine that?). I thought of the prayer I have on the heading of my blog and thought to myself that this is "Lifes Little Garden." This is an example of our life and how if neglected the weeds grow up around us and before we know it we cannot see the good in our lives. It is really amazing when you look at the before and after pictures of my garden (of our life.) Now that the weeds are gone my plants should begin to flourish and bloom but if I don't keep a watch on it the weeds will take over again. They sneak up on you. As I began to see the plants I was getting so excited knowing that my Mom's plants were still here hiding under all these weeds. Then I began to notice some had multiplied. I even have an iris that has a bloom. I could not see the beauty because of the weeds. In my own way I began to thank HIM for HIS grace and how it is so sufficient for me. I thought to myself this is "Lifes Little Garden of Grace." I named my garden this. Grace is my Mothers middle name. Lifes Little Garden Of Grace......Wow!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (KJV) II Corinthians 12:9


Entrance to "Life's Little Garden Of Grace"

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21 KJV

Do you like my chickens? They sit in the corner of my little garden in an ivy patch.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Matthew 23:37 KJV

AFTER PICTURE

"LIFE'S LITTLE GARDEN OF GRACE"

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see."

It always amazes me how HE speaks in a still small voice.

Thank You Lord!

Prayer Requests:

My Mom who has not felt good.

My BFF Vicki who has been very sick.

Krista & Charlie & their family in the death of Charlies Parents.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Valerie, Your little garden is beautiful. I can just imagine how good it felt to get out and work among your Mom's gift of flowers. I always feel close to God in the garden...time to reflect. Thank you for sharing the verses and the uplifting music also. Wishing you a blessed Sunday.

Alice Grace said...

I am writing this as the tears flow. How beautiful you have made your garden of Grace! The scriptures and music is so meaningful! Thank you for this post, it made my day!
Love
MOM

Jocelyn said...

Valerie,
Thank you for sharing about your little garden. Our lives are a lot like a garden. Please pray for one of my children who is allowing some weeds to grow.

Anonymous said...

This is such an inspirational post, Val, and your hard work reaped beautiful results.

Brenda said...

Beautiful and gracefully written. I would have helped you hoe and rake if only I could be there...

I love you.

My Colonial Home said...

Good morning Valerie,
What a beautiful post. Your garden is lovely and such memories that will be there for time.
Hugs, Karen
http://mycolonialhome.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

What a difference a day makes!! Looks great and yes I love the chickens....Wonderful garden name!!

Lisa @ Life with 4! said...

beautiful post! thanks for the reminder that we need to constantly weed out the bad to allow the beauty to flourish, in the garden and our lives!
And I love your chickens!

Anonymous said...

I have just lately found your blogand enjoy it so much. Love your garden of Grace. Reminds me of how close I am to my mother. The scriptures are wonderful. I am a pastors wife and I so appreciate inspirational blogs. Thank you

Anonymous said...

Ohhh how lovely your garden is!! What a blessing this post was!
Have a blessed day

Blessings,
Julie

Catherine Holman said...

What a sweet post. I so glad to have found your lovely blog!
Blessings,
Catherine