Welcome to my garden

There are so many jewels in my garden... rich soil, flowers, veggies and herbs, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, ladybugs, seeds sprouting, the sound of the water fountain, but the best jewels are family and friends when they join me in the garden and share in the peace and beauty of what our Heavenly Father has provided me with. So many jewels, so many blessings. Julie +: )

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Garden Tour

Last May, Michelle and I visited some beautiful gardens near her home. I am hoping we do it again this year, we had so much fun roaming around from garden to garden, ooohing and aaahing...
I thought I would look through the pictures since I'm working on getting my garden pretty again after the freeze we had. Mine will not even come close to the lushness found in the southern California gardens.
but I can certainly try
~sigh~
I had to take a closer look at the vine below
it was a geranium vine... are you kidding me???
a geranium can do that?
I had have garden envy
then we stumbled into this sweet cottage
so charming
I wanted to sit and have tea
we found some wonderful ideas to take back to our own gardens like this heart among the pavers♥
and the handprint pavers♥
found a lazy lounging frog
and fairy gardens♥ which got me to start my own.
we had tons of fun on this tour and left with lots of garden envy.
But then we went home and I think Michelle's little garden is just as pretty.
 but that's California gardening for you
 and having this gardener makes it even better♥♥

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday


An Ash Wednesday prayer
Henri J. M. Nouwen
How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death?

Yes, Lord, I have to die--with you, through you, and in you--and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen. (A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee, Orbis)

Nouwen (1932--96) was a Dutch priest, writer, lecturer, spiritual guide, and leader at the L'Arche Daybreak Community for people with mental and physical disabilities.

Friday, February 8, 2013

May I have a drum roll please

The scan results have been revealed.
But I think Michelle should be the one to blog about it first.
Some of you already know.
But I still can't blog it before she does.
I cried.
(: happy tears along with a happy dance :)
thank you Jesus

ps...Happy Birthday Dan

update: she posted here

Friday, February 1, 2013

Praying for a clear scan

Michelle has been on chemo for two years now. The first year for breast cancer and the second year in her lungs. Her last scan showed the cancer decreasing in size. This morning she is having a pet scan and we pray for amazing results. Please lift her in prayer. I thank you for all the prayers and support. God bless +: )
From Psalm 91
"You have the Lord for your refuge;
you have made the Most High your stronghold.
No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent.
For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
With their hands they shall support you,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon. Whoever clings to Me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name I will set on high.
All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with them in distress;
I will deliver them and give them honor.
With long life I will satisfy them and show them
My saving power."