Just in case you wondered what I do every day...

Forecasting Grief

I have been struggling quite a bit lately with looking into the future and fearing it.  This is a struggle I used to have in my teens and early twenties that God delivered me of.  But for some reason, it has reared it's ugly head again.  I think it comes partly from having a deep fear realized in the death of my brother, Rocky, and also in the unanswered cry of my heart to have children.  Ultimately, I've had a hard time trusting God and relinquishing all of it back to Him.  So, right now I'm still in the process...

Today I am finding quotes for the paper due shortly in one of my college courses.  In the book by Elisabeth Elliot, "Keep a Quiet Heart," she shares these two separate poems that I thought I would pass along.  Both of them warn against borrowing tomorrow's troubles and forecasting grief in your life.

Anonymous

I've many a cross to take up now,

And many left behind;

But present troubles move me not,

Nor shake my quiet mind.

And what may be to-morrow's cross

I never seek to find;

My Father says, "Leave that to me,

And keep a quiet mind."

The Discharge by George Herbert

God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain

And wake thy sorrow?

Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,

And then again

Grieve over freshly all thy pain?

Either grief will not come, or if it must,

Do not forecast;

And while it cometh, it  is almost past.

Away, distrust;

My God hath promis'd; He is just.

Baby Melon

I saw this little baby melon this afternoon when I got home from work and was inspecting my plants.  I was surprised I even spotted it as it is less than an inch long.  Here's hoping this cute little baby melon will grow up to be a large, juicy, delicious melon!  I planted one regular watermelon plant and also one yellow melon.  We shall see!

Carolina Sunset

Fruits of the Labor

Here are a few pics of the first fruits from my garden - or veggies in the case of the cucumbers!

North Carolina looks just like Minnesota!

That's what my friend, Katie, said when she came to visit a couple weeks ago.  She brought along her friend Lizzy and they both felt when they were driving around like they hadn't even left Minnesota.  I think that's why I don't get homesick very often down here because it really doesn't look all that different.  Surrounded by trees but with a farm out front - it's like a cross between Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Maybe the best of both worlds plus the added bonus of mild winters!  Thanks for stopping by, Katie and Lizzy!

Katie and Me

Major was in heaven with the attention of two beautiful girls.
He could hardly contain himself which you can see on his face!
It was hilarious!!!

Relaxing on the porch after our guests had left

Just a little cute?

Oh How My Garden Grows

Here are some pictures of my garden taken a couple of weeks ago already.  Hard to believe how fast things grow, especially my tomato plants.  Major is my little gardening buddy!

Cucumber

Main garden bed

Basil

Cilantro, Parsley and Sage

3 Pepper plants in front of 3 Tomato plants

Watermelon

Blueberry Bush

Asparagus

My Hydrangea Bush

I think this is the prettiest that my hydrangea bush has been.  Usually I don't even notice it because it is on the opposite side of the house from where I drive in but this year it just sticks out.  Obviously I have acidic soil since it is completely blue.  It is certainly gorgeous and I know will make Missy jealous!!!  I'd send you a transplant if I could, Melissa!

Lisa Strong

My friend, Lisa, got married on June 1st.  She is a former coworker who lost her first husband after a 9 month battle with cancer.  It was a blessing to see her marry another "strong" man of God - John Strong.  Lisa is pictured here with me and two other coworkers, Rebecca and Jessica.