Life in the Garden
This weekend I plan to continue planting flower seeds. This weekend I will be doing the work with my 4 year old granddaughter. She loves to help and I love to nurture her enjoyment of flowers and the earth.
• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. This year we decided to buy some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past. Some seed company packaged them and by summer's end they will be 3 feet tall. I’m just certain they are anxiously awaiting their arrival in to the earth where they can grow and bloom, providing us with fresh cut flowers throughout the summer.
• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.
• Today is Friday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. And have a great weekend.
A prayer: Gift me with a vision clear enough to see and receive the new things that today will bring. In your name, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.18.11
Showing posts with label Flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flowers. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 17
Life in the Garden
It is almost spring and I have once again started to plant flower seeds. Many are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago while visiting her mom, my wife met one of the master gardeners at the home. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she had macular degeneration, her gardening efforts were done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Thursday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.17.11
It is almost spring and I have once again started to plant flower seeds. Many are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago while visiting her mom, my wife met one of the master gardeners at the home. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she had macular degeneration, her gardening efforts were done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Thursday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.17.11
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 15
Back to the Garden
A few days ago, I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives. Many of you have commented on my “seed stories” over the years; for newer readers, I feel you deserve to hear one of these stories as well:
• There’s the morning glory seed. Our original morning glory seeds came from the wife of a cancer patient some years ago. She brought the seeds to me and told me, how during the last months of her husband’s life, they would get up and walk in their back yard sipping on their morning coffee. She told me about his favorite line as they walked by their morning glory beds. “Good morning glory, it is going to be a glorious day.” She gave me the seeds and told me that she was giving them to people who would keep her husband living in this world.
• We have a number of trellises that will be filled with morning glories again this year. I will remember a dear man of God, still living, even though cancer called him from this life prematurely. I have some extra seeds if you’d like to enjoy your summer LIVING with a person you’ve never met.
• Today is Tuesday. Good morning glory! It is going to be a glorious day.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, connect me, O God, with you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.15.11
A few days ago, I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives. Many of you have commented on my “seed stories” over the years; for newer readers, I feel you deserve to hear one of these stories as well:
• There’s the morning glory seed. Our original morning glory seeds came from the wife of a cancer patient some years ago. She brought the seeds to me and told me, how during the last months of her husband’s life, they would get up and walk in their back yard sipping on their morning coffee. She told me about his favorite line as they walked by their morning glory beds. “Good morning glory, it is going to be a glorious day.” She gave me the seeds and told me that she was giving them to people who would keep her husband living in this world.
• We have a number of trellises that will be filled with morning glories again this year. I will remember a dear man of God, still living, even though cancer called him from this life prematurely. I have some extra seeds if you’d like to enjoy your summer LIVING with a person you’ve never met.
• Today is Tuesday. Good morning glory! It is going to be a glorious day.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, connect me, O God, with you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.15.11
Friday, April 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 2
To Spend Time with Seeds
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
Thank you for letting me share some of my “seed planting” stories with you this week. I close this week's devotions with a hymn by contemporary hymn writer, Natalie Sleeth. She is a gifted composer. This hymn expresses why I believe it is important for every person to spend time with seeds and the soil; to spend time with the rebirth of nature; to spend time in silence with the rhythms of life, death and LIFE.
“In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
“There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
“In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity,
In our doubt there is believing, in our life eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”
• Today is Friday. The rhythm of life goes on. Absorb all the things that God is offering to you this spring. Have a blessed weekend.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.10
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
Thank you for letting me share some of my “seed planting” stories with you this week. I close this week's devotions with a hymn by contemporary hymn writer, Natalie Sleeth. She is a gifted composer. This hymn expresses why I believe it is important for every person to spend time with seeds and the soil; to spend time with the rebirth of nature; to spend time in silence with the rhythms of life, death and LIFE.
“In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
“There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
“In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity,
In our doubt there is believing, in our life eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”
• Today is Friday. The rhythm of life goes on. Absorb all the things that God is offering to you this spring. Have a blessed weekend.
--Ben Keckler
04.02.10
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 1
Zinnias
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago, I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. We decided to buy some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past except that Grandma loved zinnias which is enough of a reason to plant them. I didn't have good luck with the first planting so I’m hopeful the second round provides some hearty plants for outdoor work in a few weeks.
• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily, but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.
• Today is Thursday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. Know that a Holy God accompanies you and join me in calling on the name of the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
04.01.10
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago, I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. We decided to buy some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past except that Grandma loved zinnias which is enough of a reason to plant them. I didn't have good luck with the first planting so I’m hopeful the second round provides some hearty plants for outdoor work in a few weeks.
• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily, but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.
• Today is Thursday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. Know that a Holy God accompanies you and join me in calling on the name of the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
04.01.10
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 31
Pink Poppies
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago my wife was visiting her mom and met one of the master gardeners at Brethren Village. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she has macular degeneration, her gardening efforts are done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes this year. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Wednesday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.31.10
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago my wife was visiting her mom and met one of the master gardeners at Brethren Village. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she has macular degeneration, her gardening efforts are done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes this year. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Wednesday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.31.10
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 30
Moonflowers
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago, I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Moonflower seeds. A few years ago I was Senior Pastor of a church in Tell City, IN. Our next door neighbors were Jeff and Carla. I was privileged to officiate at their wedding which was celebrated by a lake in the Hoosier National Forest on a beautiful Tuesday morning in October. They were gifted gardeners. Often their backyard was featured as part of the Perry County garden tour. We enjoyed numerous poolside visits adoring their flowers. Jeff introduced us to the Moonflower, a vine whose white flowers open at dusk and look like a full moon.
• A portion of the fence in our back yard will again have Moonflower as a celebration of our friendship with Jeff and Carla. We miss them and we miss our pool side visits. We still remember them and the ways that they graced our lives.
• Today is Tuesday. Take some time today and call a friend or two.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, remind me of friends that you’ve given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.10
“O magnify the Lord with me,
let us exalt God’s name together.”
--A request to sing of God’s goodness
A couple weeks ago, I started planting flower seeds. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Moonflower seeds. A few years ago I was Senior Pastor of a church in Tell City, IN. Our next door neighbors were Jeff and Carla. I was privileged to officiate at their wedding which was celebrated by a lake in the Hoosier National Forest on a beautiful Tuesday morning in October. They were gifted gardeners. Often their backyard was featured as part of the Perry County garden tour. We enjoyed numerous poolside visits adoring their flowers. Jeff introduced us to the Moonflower, a vine whose white flowers open at dusk and look like a full moon.
• A portion of the fence in our back yard will again have Moonflower as a celebration of our friendship with Jeff and Carla. We miss them and we miss our pool side visits. We still remember them and the ways that they graced our lives.
• Today is Tuesday. Take some time today and call a friend or two.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, remind me of friends that you’ve given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.10
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