Floral Glimpses From My Perch

Who could have guessed the Rudbeckia we planted earlier this spring would make such a showing in its first season out. We had hopes it would help fill a 'hole' in the garden once the spring and summer perennial parade had waltzed past.

Well you can imagine, then, how DELIGHTED we were at the utter exuberance of this particular plant, towering well above the window sill at around seven feet. It obviously feels planted in the right spot (hot and protected in the southerly exposure).

I've never looked that closely at this flower before -- isn't she a beauty?
What a hat ... fit for a Russian Princess, wouldn't you say!

A sprightly dance they made
as petals fluttered in the breeze.

Hope you've got something that's delighting you as much today,

Hugs,
Brenda
xox

 

Here is Your Life

Words from Frederick Buechner that speak to me today

Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.

Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.

There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.

Wishing you  glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

Brenda

xox

Photo source:  The Graphics Fairy

Simply Sunday: Slowing Down

I like to keep Sunday as a quieter and simpler day. It doesn't always work out that way, but an ideal week for me includes a time where I can shrug off the cares of the world to take time to pause and reflect, to look inward and upward.

Peter Marshall (1902 - 1949) a Scottish-born minister who became Chaplain of the US Senate, gave us a similar thought shaped in a prayer:

"In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. With all of eternity before us, make us take time to live---time to get acquainted with You, time to enjoy Your blessings, and time to know each other."

I used to think the harried hurriedness of our society was just a malady of the 20th and 21st centuries, but after reading numerous books and accounts of people who lived in past decades and centuries, it seems each generation has had to face its own version of temptation to 'live too fast'.

I've been learning that it takes deliberate planning to make space in my week to rest. But I'm also learning the value of taking that time -- as Peter Marshall says to become better acquainted with God, to relish the myriad blessings that have come my way, and to savour the friendships I share with family and friends.

On that note, I wish you a gentle rhythm of peace and rest, the time to pause and enjoy, to be refreshed and ready for a new week!

Peacefully,
Brenda
xox

Photo source:  Vintage Feed Sacks

Who Cares About Wrinkles!

"Do not regret growing older --

it's a privilege denied to many."

~ Unknown

Who cares such a small thing as wrinkles when you put it that way!  So... I want to treasure my day today.  To be aware of the throb of life all around me.  To treasure the very air I breathe. To be extravagant with my love, pour it out on everything and everyone.  And, to chuckle with glee the next time I find myself peering too closely in said mirror.

There... that's a good way to start a Monday morning. And yippee-cadoodles!  Hubby and I did our stint of cleaning at the performing arts center last evening because there were no events scheduled, so WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GET UP AT 3:00 AM! Will you do a twirl in your computer chair with me?

The weather is going to be a sizzler today (nothing like a 100 degrees or anything that wild) but hot enough to make us long to sip something sloshing in ice and find the breeze behind a whirling fan!  We're glad summer isn't over just yet.  It's been such a lovely one this year.  Warm evenings and lots of hot days, with rain to cool us and water our parched plants.

Here's wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.

Hugs,

Photo source:  Lavender and Lilac

Simply Sunday -- In Everything

To My Beautiful Friends,

"The Lord is near; have no anxiety, but in everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.  Then the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.

And now, my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable -- fill all your thoughts with these things." ~ Paul the Apostle, Philippians 4 NEB

Ahhhhh... a perfect reminder of how to live a beautiful life.

With loving thoughts and wishes for a rest-filled day,

 

Photo source:  Vintage Feed Sacks