sunflower

Our bags are packed (almost), our kayaks are on the car

and we're heading north this afternoon for vacation!

Grace and Peace,

Jane

tomatoes

Last night Mike and I went to our plot and weeded up a storm. Our tomatoes are looking promising... I think I better find out how to can in a hurry!

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

John 15:1

Grace and Peace,

Jane

daylilly

My sister is in town for a couple days.

Today is beach day!

May the Lord bless us and keep us

and cause His face to shine upon us

from this day forth and forever more. Amen

Grace and Peace,

Jane

dill

It's been hot the last couple days. We finally turned on our air. I love windows open and fans blowing, but I guess I have my limits.

This dill is in Jamie's garden. The bottom picture is the center stem. I think it's really interesting how all the stems come off the big stem. There must be more technical words than stem, but that's all I have.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

zinnia

This is one of the zinnias that greet us

at the front of our garden plot.

Below is one of Jamie's broccoli. Somehow the garden is greener

on the other side of the sweet peas.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Ps. 91:4

Grace and Peace,

Jane

coreopsis tickseed

I went to a funeral this morning. When I got home, my garden looked thirsty and tired like me. I read a prayer the other day and it seems appropriate right now. - "Lord, send my roots rain."

Grace and Peace,

Jane

helianthus

" Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the two most

beautiful words in the English language."

Henry James (1843-1916)

Grace and Peace,

Jane

daisy 'becky'

Today is my Mom's 71st birthday. I love her very much. Over the past year and a half I have grown exponentially in my respect and appreciation for her. She has not run or hidden from grief and loss, but has walked and continues to walk with Jesus through it. This is helping me grow in my own trust and faith.

I also have great admiration for her acceptance, patience and non judgement of people. She believes that God has a place for His children and she welcomes them as they are.

People have told my Mom that she has become a role model for them. I think it's because her journey is helping us see that God really does take care of His people and this makes us less afraid.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Grace and Peace,

Jane

heliopsis, false sunflower

It's starting to feel like summer. We've settled into a slower pace and there's a quietness in the morning. I heard my first "hot bug" the other day. Our garden is changing to more yellows and oranges. I want to soak it in and enjoy every moment.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you." Ps. 143:8

Grace and Peace,

Jane

gaura, onagraceae lindheimeri - twirling butterflies

Happy 4th of July!

***

Grace and Peace,

Jane

pole beans

When I planted the seeds 2 inches into the soil, I had serious doubts they would grow. I'm not a farmer and I don't know what I'm doing. I just did what the package said and now the pole beans are climbing the pole. Go figure.

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." I Corinthians 3:6-7

Grace and Peace,

Jane

snap peas

Last night we harvested snap peas, 2 yellow squash, basil, lettuce, and a few radishes. I am enjoying our garden plot and the diverse group of gardeners watering, weeding, and chatting. It's a pleasant place of growth and community in the middle of the city. I have a lot to learn.

"(God) has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." Acts 14:17

Grace and Peace,

Jane