But I just pulled those weeds!

A refreshing morning, routine in every way, I walked to water the flowers by the mailbox. As I walked back up the sidewalk something caught my eye. There in the flower bed amid the flowering bushes and ornamental grass were...weeds! What? How can that be?! I just pulled those weeds last week. I am certain that I got them from the roots too. In frustration I knelt down and began to pull those same weeds, making sure to get them from the roots again. My morning just went  from refreshing to one of dismay. With sweat beginning to bead up on my brow I grumbled to myself that it just wasn't fair. I did this work last week.

Later as my routine day continued, I went about my work. It only took one thought. Suddenly, feelings of being overwhelmed swept over me. "I should be doing this. I should be doing that. BUT I am only one person!" Wait. Didn't I deal with this last week? Didn't my best friend tell me that I was the only one putting these expectations on myself? Did I not lay this at the feet of my Savior? Did I not confess this pride of feeling like I need to do it all?  Yes. I knew in my heart that I had gotten to the root of these feelings - my pride. I confessed it, had been forgiven, and felt the peace of Jesus completely.

God is teaching me. I am a slow learner. Weeds, like sin, must be dealt with daily. Once a week will not get it.  Of this I am certain, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

If and When were planted and Nothing grew

That is an old proverb that rings true with my desire to have a garden.  For several years now I have desired to plant a garden if only I had more time, when things slow down. Realizing that neither of those were bound to happen here in Mercyville, I planted a garden this spring! 

Meager beginnings, it is a 4 x 4 garden with watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, & green beans! 

I followed the instructions: planting the seeds in good soil, making sure my garden was placed perfectly to get plenty of sunshine, and then I watered. With the satisfaction of dirt under my fingernails, I stood back and gazed.  This time something was going to grow! Oh, I did get one plant each (except for the beans) so that I could see green right away.  

However, in no time at all little sprouts were shooting through the soil!

Then with sunshine, rain, and just a little weed maintenance my little garden grew and grew.
Who knew? Clearly, not me.
Perhaps I planted a little too much in my small garden space!

 Last night we enjoyed the fruit (well, vegetable) of our labor! I picked beans from the garden.

Ah...from seed, to sprout, to big healthy plant to our dinner table!

If you are like me, having spent too long planting if and when having nothing grow...then this little post is for you. Go plant your garden!

Disclaimer: the corn was not from my garden, but from the grocery store - maybe next year!