The Garden of My Heart

I like planting and taking care of a vegetable garden. There’s just something soothing and therapeutic about getting my hands into the rich dirt and removing weeds or planting seeds. When I’ve watched a planted seed grow into a healthy plant and produce all things yummy and nutritious, I get a great deal of satisfaction.

I check on my little garden often, checking for small weeds that might crop up and compete for the nutrients from the ground, or for garden pests that might want to make a meal of my plants, or their fruits. Sometimes the pests (bugs) are very tiny and seem insignificant, yet when left unattended can truly destroy the plant in a few days.

I water my garden often, being careful that each plant gets what it needs. And a garden that is well-watered not only produces more fruit, but is easier to weed. When the ground is moist, I can grab a weed and pull it out by the root. If the ground is dry and hard, the weed often breaks off at the surface. The problem is that though I can no longer see it, the root of that weed is still there and will soon sprout new leaves.

How about the garden of my heart? Living in this world and current culture can certainly contribute weed seeds to the soil of my heart. Do I watch for them and remove them when they spring up? What about pests? Often there are things which would desire to make a meal of my spiritual life. Distractions, hectic schedules, interests and hobbies, various obligations, and foolish pursuits can inflict almost imperceptible damage until my spiritual life is weakened and unable to produce fruit. Do I water my heart often with prayer and the Word of God? If I don’t, it might be hard to uproot things such as pride and selfishness, and I may not produce the fruit that my Lord deserves and desires for me.

Proverbs 4:23

NIV: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
NKJV: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. TM: Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.

Lately the Lord has been showing me that though I’ve been tending my garden outside with diligence, I have been neglecting the garden of my heart. What a pity. God has blessed me so much, and yet when I take a truthful look at my heart, I see weeds and pest-damage where there should be fruit. Thank You, Lord, that You’ve shown me the overgrown places in my heart. I thank You for lovingly convicting me of pests that I’ve allowed into the garden of my heart through vain pursuits and neglect. I know I have a choice of whether to do something about the state of my heart or not…and I choose to get to work.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. ~ NIV

LIFE IS GOOD~

There Are Frogs....and Then There Are FROGS!

I know I have devoted several posts this year to frog eggs, tadpoles, frogs and toads. But I just HAD to show you this.

This bullfrog was our neighbor's entry at our local festival's bullfrog race. Ain't he a beaut?! Our neighbor and his dad captured this big boy from his grandmother's pond...which is just beyond the fence between our place and theirs. The frog made it to the finals, but didn't win first place. There's always next year!

How'd you like to find this frog on your front porch?? Would you think he was cool and pick him up? Or would you scream and run back inside?? LOL!

As you can tell...my kid thought he was pretty fabulous. :)

Less...Is More

Have you ever been in a shop or department store…and there is so much going on that it’s hard to focus on any one thing? You are looking for that ONE beautiful fabric with which to make something, and you step into a large fabric shop and suddenly you’re overwhelmed? You end up leaving because there are too many choices, and once you leave you can’t really recall the things you saw? Yep, that’s happened to me.

This past January, along with my 2009 focus word of Stewardship, I really wanted to continue simplifying my life. I wanted to pare down, want less, do less, and truly focus on being a good steward of the things in my care: my marriage, ministry, home, children, relationships, finances, any and all of my God-given blessings.

In my quest to simplify, I checked out innumerable books on simplicity from the library, and spent lots of time online seeking out sistas of simplicity from which to find new ideas and draw inspiration. As I often do, I would have a non-fiction book list a mile long, check out more with each trip to the library than I could possibly read in two weeks, and usually had 2 or 3 books going at the same time.

Out of those books I read, I think the most important things I read, that have made the biggest difference for me, and that I would love to pass on to others who are seeking to simplify and be better stewards of the things in their care it’s this: Focus on ONE thing at a time. BE in the moment of that thing. BE THERE, completely. Multi-tasking can make everything less meaningful and less memorable. No wonder we often forget things or details….it's not old age! We (I) try to do too much, too often. Our American culture of MORE is better encourages us to live by the motto, “Have a minute? Cram something in it!”

But I say it’s not about having everything, but enjoying what you have. It’s not about doing everything, but focusing on what you are doing. It’s not about reading everything, it’s about enjoying and truly drawing from the things you read. It’s about being completely in the moment.

I have been applying this to my life. . Instead of reading 4 books in a week, skimming parts here and there. I choose ONE book at a time and read it, ponder it, file away the good ideas, toss the things that don’t align with my values, and just absorb it before moving on to another. Instead of trying to memorize several scriptures at a time, I focus on ONE scripture, truly ponder it’s meaning, and let it become a heart-truth before moving on to the next. Instead of trying to pay bills, make dinner, and catch the evening news all at the same time, I focus on ONE thing, and let the others wait. When my son asks me to watch a movie with him, I spend that time truly watching the movie, and not trying to watch the movie while playing on my laptop and washing the dishes.

I think it is making a big difference for me! I may not be reading as much, accomplishing as much, doing as much….but what I AM reading, accomplishing and doing, I am fully enjoying and fully present for them, and not trying to multi-task my way through life. I am remembering more, enjoying more, and being completely in the moment. It's life-changing (well, at least it is life-enhancing! ) because LESS….really is MORE.

Nature Shots of Little Things...

...in the front hedges

...in the flower gardens

...on the golf course
...found on a nature walk and then released

...on the edge of the woods surrounding our property

The great thing about nature is that it is everywhere. You don't have to have to live in the country or in the woods to find the many wonders of God's creation. It's often just a step out your front door.

It's Friday night...

...and that means it's time to race! I wish I could say that it doesn't bother me now to see my 15yo out there on Friday nights, but I'm not there yet! I'm trying though, and I know he loves it a lot. His car is running well once again, and he's gaining experience every week.

"Let's go racin', boys!"

Summer Sweet Things

Blueberries...

tame blackberries...

and scrumptious apples...

....ahhhh...these are some of the sweet things of summer.

Final Frog and Toad Update

This is the last hurrah of our bullfrog and toad tadpole observations this spring. The bullfrog tadpoles' legs are continuing to grow and they have recently been released back to pond and creek from which they were captured. We wish them a long and prosperous life. LOL! We are still completely overrun with miniscule toads and there are many, many more tadpoles that have yet to make the change from amphibian to land dweller. These are all located OUTSIDE now in different wet locations.

It's been fun, but my enthusiasm is starting to wain! I love how much my children have enjoyed watching them grow and change and have followed frogs and toads throughout their life cycles this spring....but we have frogs and toads coming out our ears, folks! The good thing is that most of them seem to be relocating themselves and the boys have not had to do too much...just capture the ones who jump inside when the door is open. So, I assume the remainder will get their legs soon and maybe they will ALL hop along their merry way to creeks, ponds, and other places that are not just outside the back door...

Two Peas in a Pod

I've been pretty absent from blogging lately, but hopefully that will change soon. Just had to post this of my son and his friend. These guys are all about dirt, turtles, and a good time. Gotta love little boys!

Celebration of a Beautiful Life

My dh's grandfather passed away this past weekend. He was almost 89 years old and had lived a full, wonderful life.

Reverend Floyd Renfro was a faithful man of God that served Jesus whole-heartedly throughout his life. He was an evangelist, pastored many Assembly of God churches, and led innumerable kids krusades and jail ministries over the course of his life. He loved Jesus, served Him faithfully, and left quite a spiritual legacy for generations of family.

It is always hard to say goodbye...but we can celebrate a life well-lived and not wasted. He loved his wife of over 67 years and set such a godly example for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

If you have a moment, would you prayerfully remember Mary, his darling wife? She has really only known life with Floyd, and I know her heart is overwhelmed right now with the loss of her best friend and love of her life. Thank you for your prayers concerning Grandma Mary!

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. ~Daniel 12:3

31 Ways to Pray for Our Children

This list was put together by Bob Hostetler and I found it very helpful. I hope you do too!

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children

1 Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).

2 Growth in Grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).

3 Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).

4 Honesty and Integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).

5 Self-Control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)

6 A Love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).

7 Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).

8 Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).

9 Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).

10 Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).

11 Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).

12 Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

13 Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).

14 Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

15 Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16 Peace, Peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).

17 Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

18 Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).

19 Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).

20 Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).

21 Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).

22 Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).

23 Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).

24 A Servant Heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).

25 Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

26 The Willingness and Ability to Work Hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).

27 A Passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).

28 Self-Discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).

29 Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).

30 Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).

31 A Heart for Missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).

Nature Shots (from around the farm)

This hawk swooped down from a tree and snatched up something. A small bird perhaps? I believe this is a Red-Shouldered Hawk.

Lance-leaf Coreopsis

Nature Boy's latest creatures for observation. There are THREE bullfrog tadpoles (can you see their legs??) and a little water turtle. I think we shall release the turtle back into the creek in a few days.

My Dianthus and Hybrid Roses.

This Blue Heron has visited our pond for two days in a row. I know it's the same one because he is BIG. I suppose the heavy rains have made our pond look less like a fast-food establishment and more like a four-star restaurant!

The climbing roses in view from my kitchen. They are a beautiful sight while washing my dishes!

This Blue Jay has also been a regular visitor this week. He's stolen Mighty Hunter's food, visited the bird feeders for some seeds, and generally thinks he owns the place. lol!

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful things You have created!

Just Two More Weeks!!

In two weeks, we will be finished with our homeschooling and public schooling for the '08-'09 school year and will be ready for a great summer break. YEA!! We are ALL looking forward to it.

If you were to ask Matt what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say sleeping in some days, racing, hanging out with his friends, not having ANY homework, and getting his driver's license.

If you were to ask K what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say not getting up early every day, playing flashlight tag, playing lots of golf, swimming, camping, and hanging out with his friends.

If you were to ask Nature Boy what he is looking forward to this summer, he would say swimming, fishing all the time, NOT going to the shop/warehouse, staying up late and reading, and catching fireflies and frogs....and more frogs....and yet more frogs.

Me? I'm looking forward to a lighter work-load and enjoying the summer with my guys. I hope to spend some alone time with Steve, attend several races and golf-tournaments and root for my boys, manage my small garden, be OUTSIDE as much as possible, spend some time with friends (both new and old), READ, READ, READ, takes lots of pictures, and....the list goes on and on!

What about you? What are you looking forward to this summer??

Cool Chemical Concoctions

C and I picked up a book at the library last week called ~ Cool Chemical Concoctions: 50 Formulas that Fizz, Foam, Splatter & Ooze, and he has been putting it to good use. It's very kid-friendly and informative. He has made a lava lamp (non-electrical, oil and water mix), dissolved an egg shell in vinegar (that one was really cool), made a "shrunken head" out of an apple, and blew up a balloon using baking soda and vinegar. He's needed very little help from me, and any book that motivates my children to learn/do something new without any coaxing from me gets a BIG thumbs up. :)

Here are a few shots of his activities:

A Mother's Love ~ Creature Shots

This mama killdeer was doing her best to get our attention.

Do you know why???

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Her eggs have hatched! Isn't this the cutest little thing?! And don't worry, we didn't overdo it...I just had to have one picture though. ;)


All three eggs hatched and it is so sweet to see these little babies running around the yard.

Happy Mother's Day!