The Beauty of Summer

Using cliches in writing is frowned upon.

So instead of "Stop and smell the roses," 

how about, stop and appreciate the beauty.

Even in the extreme heat that's hit Ohio, 

I can enjoy the beauty of the last flowers of summer.

How about you? What loveliness is around you?

 

Queen Anne's Lovely Lace

When I was a child, I was fascinated with the 

Queen Anne's lace that grew in our ditch.

Also known as wild carrot, 

the intricate blooms formed gorgeous patterns.

An old legend says the wildflower herb is named after 

Queen Anne of England who hand made beautiful lace. 

If you look closely, you can see the dark spot in the center of the flower.

Supposedly, she pricked her finger and a drop of blood fell on her lace.

Whether it's true or not, it's an entertaining story.

I still get excited when I see this lovely bloom of summer.

What do you like to see in bloom? 

Do you have any favorites from childhood?

 

The Flowers of Summer

Every year, I'm amazed at the flowers that sprout and bloom from seed.

My granddaughter, Dylan, sprinkled the seeds of these lovely flowers,

and they've brought me great joy, both because 

they are my favorite color and because Dylan planted them. 

I hope the flowers of summer are filling you with wonder and hope.

 

Candytuft Surprise

We've been experiencing temperatures in the nineties in southern Ohio.

I'm not a fan, but I know it's part of the cycle of the seasons.

One thing I do love are the flowers blooming this time of year.

These purple candytufts were a delightful discovery.

My granddaughter, Dylan, planted the seeds from a wildflower packet,

and I've had some lovely surprises.

Enjoy the season wherever you are. 

What flowers are you enjoying?

 

Constant Consistency

 Every year without fail, the double lilies, my mom gave me, burst into bloom.

I can count on them to show their pretty heads at the end of June.

Every summer as I watch the flowers bloom, 

I'm reminded of the constant consistency of Jesus. 

Regardless of the circumstances or seasons

Jesus remains the same.

He shows up for us every day, loves us every day, and longs for us 

to part of His kingdom every day.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. -Hebrews 13:8

If you're looking for someone to trust, who won't let you down, seek Jesus.

He Made Summer and Winter

I want to challenge you in this new year of 2023 

to slow down and observe God's creation.

He's given us a beautiful natural world as a resource, 

but also as a reminder of His magnificence and power.

Whatever the season, appreciate His creation.

 

Look for the Beauty

With summer whirling to a close and fall nipping at its heals, 

there's a beauty which takes place in the transition. 

As the black-eyed Susans and zinnias begin to fade, 

the leaves plan their fashion show for fall.

Don't miss it-don't miss the loveliness of every day.

Take a glimpse of the goodness of God's creation.

Soak in the color and embrace the change.

Too busy? Stop--and look, smell, taste, touch, see the 

incredible nature that surrounds us.

 

So Does Hope

Black-eyed Susan 

nods her head and waves hello— 

as summer days slide by

Take Heart!

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Summer peace...

I tucked myself into the old swing where maple trees shaded and cooled. In my hands I held my favorite book, probably a story featuring a horse or dog. Or maybe my favorite novel, Christy. I read Catherine Marshall's classic several times as a teenager.

Cincinnati at the Banks

Where I grew up, an awesome porch sat on the corner of the house. When the heat of the season pressed in on me (no air conditioning) I'd take my iced tea and book of the day and cozy into the porch swing. The back and forth sway cooled my skin as I lost myself in the story.

That was the peace of long ago summers.

I still enjoy porch sitting. Now we have a glider instead of a swing. And I still like to read on the porch to escape the chaos of life. When I sit in the quiet absorbed in a story, peace fills my soul.

In the book of John, Jesus speaks to his disciples, those he considered his friends, about his end days. He assures them they will have peace even though he is going to die. I'm not sure how I would have felt if I'd been with him. I'm guessing each of the disciples needed time to process and comprehend. They may have had a place to sit and think (their own form of a swing.) They may have contemplated the parables Jesus told. As we know, some of them didn't understand until Jesus had risen from the dead. Even then, a few had to be convinced. But Jesus promised they'd find peace if they trusted him.

As I seek calm in this chaotic world, I hang on to the promise Jesus shared with the disciples, "...take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Seek his peace.

His Unfailing Love

Flower Friday: Chicory

The delicate light-blue blossoms of chicory wave hello to summer. 

Did you know, the roots of chicory are sometimes used to make coffee? I had the opportunity to taste this interesting drink at the Cafe Du Monde, in New Orleans. It was quite tasty along side a delicious beignet.

Pitiful and Prayerful

Colossians 3:15-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Monday morning, back to work...

I took a couple of vacation days last week to hang out with my daughters, Hannah, Maggie, and Sara and their families. We played in the pool, watched grandsons play baseball, and enjoyed pedicures (thanks to Hannah.) Tim and I enjoyed a quiet Sunday. Then the dreaded Monday rolled around. Back to work and the daily grind. Ugh! After I dragged through my morning routine, I climbed in the Jeep, then headed to work. As I zipped along the familiar road, the pity party that danced in my head came to a screeching halt.

What was I thinking? Not what I should have been. My friend, Lori, faced an extensive surgery Monday morning. She found out she had cancer after a routine gall bladder surgery. And she could still find joy. Here I was acting pathetic because I had to go back to work. Shame on me. At that moment I realized my selfishness, and I prayed. First for forgiveness for being pitiful, then for Lori. I prayed hard because I want Lori to heal and be fully recovered from the cancer. She's a warrior for God who ministers in countless ways. Even through this tough time, she gives thanks to God.

Can you relate? Have you found yourself in the midst of a pity party, then realized how pathetic that is? We have so much to thank God for. My health isn't perfect, but I can get up and go to work. I get to spend time with my family and friends. I have people who love me. And so much more...

Today, I choose to thank God first thing in the morning.

There is a song on the radio right now that reminds me to be joy filled and grateful. 

Old Church Choir . Give it a listen!  

Hello, Black-eyed Susan!

Every year I look for the first black-eyed Susans of the the summer. I love to see them dance in the fields and along the roads. My favorite flower arrives just in time for my birthday. I believe they are God's way of reminding me he created me and he loves me. Today I discovered the first Susan bloom in my own flower bed. She smiled and said, "Hello! I'm here." 

When Summer and Autumn Meet

They are Sunshine

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Daisies

Poetry Review: When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano; illustrated by Julie Morstad

Book Description:

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

My Review:
I ordered When Green Becomes Tomatoes from the library because the title intrigued me. Curious about what the poet had to say about the seasons, I opened the book and fell into a lovely treasure of words. Julie Fogliano's poems may be written for children, but they spoke to my soul. As a lover of nature, I delighted in each encounter. The verses are titled by date and divided into seasons. I especially liked "july 12", the date of my birthday. The children go to the beach and eat plums and peanut butter sandwiches. How fun! I'm also partial to the winter poems. Not only are the poems well done, the illustrations are perfect. They set the stage for each season. Julie Morstad's gouache and pencil crayon art are soft and appealing. I highly recommend reading this book to your children; after you read it yourself.

the sunflower

sunflower

waves on tall thin stem 
good-bye summer, welcome fall--
view from the porch

One Benefit of Summer

Sing!

Song of Solomon 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.

In the summer, I enjoy the tiger lilies that spring up in the ditches. Often accompanied by Queen Anne's Lace, and chicory, they dance in the breeze and nod as I drive by. The vibrant orange trumpets shoot from the slender green stems as if they want to sing. And why not sing?

God created such an amazing world filled with incredible colors, shapes, and textures. Sing for the joy of summer. Sing for the beauty of the earth. Sing for Jesus love. Sing to praise the Lord!