Remembering Dawie

Gardens are a form of autobiography. 

~Sydney Eddison

 An early morning stroll around the yard seemed to shout LIFE at me. And I thought of her. I saw her in my mind. Clippers in hand and a glass of sweet tea not too far from her reach. The flowering forsythia, crabapple trees, pear trees, peach trees, and tulip trees in full bloom and looking forward to the bridal wreath blooms probably by Easter Sunday. All of these were planted by my precious mother-in-law who died 2 years ago today. She had a great love for nature, flowers, and of course her family. She landscaped and designed the yard, as well as the house we now live in. Her talented touch is everywhere. She is gone now, but her life is written in each bloom on every branch of every tree in our yard. 

Remembering her today and this beautiful season that ushers in Easter.  Hope. Life eternal.

 

Malli visiting Dawie's grave today.

This day that they waved

 the palm branches,

 I'm thinking about 

living palms up.

 Position of body 

dictates position of heart. 

- Bob Goff

Giving

This photograph of a vase filled with branches from a peach tree in full bloom has nothing to do with this post, really. Just real pretty, in my opinion.


Now to get on with what is on my mind. I had a few minutes this afternoon to browse the web and discovered some wonderful projects. Lately, I haven't been real excited about a lot, but these two organizations made me perk up. (see the bottom of this post)


I have also included some favorite verses on "giving" that I revisited today, Profound words. 


Anyway, read over the verses, check out the links and let me know what you think. I don't know how involved I can be right now, but I can promise I will definitely offer my support to these in the near future.




For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

—Deuteronomy 15:11  

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

—Proverbs 22:9

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 

then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine. 

—Proverbs 3:9-10  

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 

—Proverbs 11:25  

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

—Proverbs 19:17  

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

—Proverbs 21:13   

TOMS and International Princess

Psalm 56:8

my private pain i dare not share

who would listen, who would care

vulnerable, doubting this pain will ease

wondering if anyone really sees

an ache like this deep inside

where to pour out, confide

tears fall upon my pillowcase

swollen eyes, reddened face

hurt so deep like none I've known

pains in muscle, heart and bone

i birthed, i nurtured then let go

tell me heart that it's so

then in my pain, a voice speaks soft, yet loud

lifting this fog, this heavy cloud

my child, believe me,  I see all

i stand firm and won't let you fall

rise up be strong i 'll carry you through

just as I promised I would do.

Gina Morgan 2010

You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. Psalm 56:8 

That's where I want to be with you

I went down to the seashore just for a little while

The sand between my tiny toes made me giggle and smile.

The sparkling waves rolled, spilling shells upon the shore

So many little jewels like I'd never seen before.

The seagulls called to greet me flying overhead

I couldn't think of another place I'd rather be instead.

The ocean really is a wonderland to me

A world of beauty for my little eyes to see.

And so I have decided this very day

No changing my mind no matter what you say

Where the sugar white sand meets the ocean blue 

That's where I want to be with you.

-Gina Morgan 2010

                                      

Do Your Best And Leave The Rest

misfits

rejects

hopeless ones

 bearing pain, bruises deep

wounds of the past

feeling inadequate 

on common ground

we meet

I have been teaching high-school dropouts for about six weeks. Issues abound among these I spend one-sixth of each day with. Baggage plenty they bring in the door. Attitudes and mistrust, too. Self-esteem nonexistent. How is it to be done?

guide

encourage

 teach compassionately

  discipline respectfully 

inspire

 motivate

 demonstrate lovingly

and leave it