evergreen

A couple years ago I told a friend I wanted to live more honestly. Speak more honestly. Be more real with people. I had this strong desire after going through my Dad's cancer and death. What I think I wanted was to not lose touch with what really matters in life and living. What is at the core most important and true. I am still on that journey.

Today is the day many people make resolutions. My resolution is to continue on this journey of transformation in Jesus Christ. Seeking, resting, trusting, and following His light.

"grace and truth came through Jesus Christ"

1 John 1:17b

Happy New Year!

Grace and Peace,

Jane

fern

Since there has been so much snow and wind, I took some pictures in my "sun" room. This is one of my favorites. I suppose I can call it my indoor garden spot.

"God is light;

in Him there is no darkness at all."

1 John 1:5b

Grace and peace,

Jane

holly

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the

shadow of death

a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

Grace and Peace,

Jane

iris

I found my CD of The Messiah and I'm rejoicing. Today is my Dad's birthday and he would have been 75. He could sing a hysterical version of "and I will shaaaaaaaaake" from the Messiah.

I wrote on my last post about listening to the Messiah while getting a root canal. I wonder if my Dad would have rather had a root canal than have to sit through the Messiah. He probably couldn't imagine the torture of the two at the same time. So, Happy Birthday Dad. I know you are enjoying good music this Christmas.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

kerria japonica

I can't find my cd of the Messiah. I am always amazed and encouraged by it and today would be a good day for that. A couple years ago I listened to it while I was getting a root canal. It helped. Today is a snow day and unlike a root canal I am looking forward to being "stuck" at home.

"Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

the rough ways smooth.

And all mankind will see God's salvation."

Luke 3:5-6

Grace and Peace,
Jane

autumn joy sedum

Come to earth to taste our sadness,

He whose glories knew no end;

by His life he brings us gladness,

Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.

-from the hymn Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

red berries

Oh, leave your sheep,

you shepherds on the hills,

leave fields and rocks, and all the care of flocks.

Your sorrow deep now change to joy that thrills;

come hither and adore your God,

your God,

your God who heals your grief so sore.

-a French Carol.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

greens

This prayer by Christina G. Rossetti is a good advent prayer:

Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord,
and fill us full of light;
Open wide the door of our hearts,
that we may receive and entertain thee
with all our powers of adoration
and love.
Amen.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

hydrangea

Over the past couple years I have become a fan of Luci Shaw's poetry. Here's one of her poems:

Salutation

Framed in light,
Mary sings through the doorway.
Elizabeth's six-month joy
jumps, a palpable greeting,
a hidden first encounter
between son and Son.

And my heart turns over
when I meet Jesus
in you.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

azalea

And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low.

who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,

look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:

O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.

It Came upon the Midnight Clear vs 3

Grace and Peace,
Jane

brrrdhouse

I trudged out to my backyard today in search of something "garden" to photograph. In a short time my fingers were frozen and I was inside stomping the snow off my boots and pants. ergh.

So, how does a garden variety gal get through the winter and how does she see and appreciate this important time of rest and winter to the life of a garden?

Here's a poem by Madeline L'Engle to ponder:

Without any rhyme
without any reason
my heart lifts to light
in this bleak season

Believer and wanderer
caught by salvation
stumbler and blunderer
into Creation

In this cold blight
where marrow is frozen
it is God's time
my heart has chosen

In paradox and story
parable and laughter
find I the glory
here in hereafter

Grace and Peace,
Jane

icy rose bush

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. One of our family traditions is lighting advent candles. Yesterday we lit the first purple candle and read scripture about casting off darkness and putting on light. The weather today has provided a gloomy illustration for me of darkness and my desire for light. During Advent we remember this light that came into the world to take away our darkness. Let us live in the day because our salvation is near.

Comfort, comfort ye my people,

speak ye peace, thus saith our God;

Comfort those who sit in darkness,

mourning 'neath their sorrow's load.

Speak ye to Jerusalem

of the peace that waits for them;

tell her that her sins I cover,

and her warfare now is over.

-Joahnnes Olearius 1671

Grace and Peace,

Jane