Rambling Roses

While I get my thoughts in order to post about other more outstanding things in my life, I'd like to just show you this Rambling Rose which suddenly decided to bloom this month, even though it obviously isn't healthy...judging by the diseased-looking leaves!

This was my first glimpse of the beginning-to-open buds early one morning several days ago...
 

A close-up, I love close-ups which show details one doesn't normally notice...drops of water, folds of the petals, colors deep inside the bloom.

 I left the house and when I returned a few hours later the roses were fully open! I'd love to grow that fast in some areas of my life, wouldn't you?

Another close-up...

 

 Someone else is looking over the possibilities of this lovely rose. Perhaps a new home, hmm?

 

I love the view of the golden early morning sun behind them.

So it's only two roses. But there are several more buds beside these two and on the other rambling branches. I have something to look forward to for the next few weeks!

 

O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem
By that sweet ornament which truth doth give!
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odour which doth in it live.

-W.Shapespeare (from Sonnet 54)

A Clean Heart And A Right Spirit

A verse to begin my week. And yours. May He have full power over us today, this week...and for the rest of our lives.

Still, My Soul Be Still

I heard this song recently and it was a great blessing to me, I pray it blesses you, too.



STILL, MY SOUL BE STILL
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow,
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow.

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken,
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone.

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows,
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows.

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning,
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming.

Keith and Kristyn Getty
Copyright (c) 2008 Thankyou Music

A Joy Dare (July)

1. Gifts Loved
    -Husband
    -New veggie plants
    -Beautiful music
2. Gifts Read
    -Fear thou not for I am with thee...
    -Words of hymn
    -email from son
3. Gifts in Faith, Family, Freedom
    -answered prayer
    -strong Christian heritage
    -living in a free country
4. Gifts In Red, White and Blue
    -Blooming Red Rose
    -Clean white sweater
    -Blue sky (finally!)
5. Gifts Of Persistance
    -Prayer
    -Our dog wanting affection *smile*
    -Going after a dream...another *smile*
6. Gifts Of Enthusiasm
    -Songleader
    -Bird singing (!)
    -New daddy
7. Gifts of Challenge, Conflict, Change
    -Helping a wounded church
    -Scheduling with one car
    -Growing older
8. Gifts Water
    -Rain
    -No lack
    -Hot showers
9. Gifts Of Rhythm, Rhyme, Reason
    -A beautiful song
    -The lyrics of that song...
    -The fact that I don't have to know the reason that God does things
10. Gifts In Weakness
    -More trust in Him
    -Having to rely on those I love
    -Being cared for by those who love me
11. Gifts in Jars
    -Purple cabbage slaw
    -Pineapple-lemon jam
    -Grated cheese
12. Gifts of Life, Growth, Decline
    -