Rambling Thursdays

I’ve been busy as a bee the past month in the garden. Spreading mulch, planting flowers, transplanting, weeding, spraying. Finally I’ve been able to take a breath and start to enjoy my flowers. One of my favorites are Lilies. 

In my flower gardens I have plenty of them. I consider them a staple, a must have in any garden. They are easy to grow, no fuss, no maintenance.  The perfect perennial. 

There are three different kinds of lilies and in today’s Rambling Thursdays let’s take a look at them.  

Daylily. I have many daylilies and to be honest they can be addictive. They are so easy to grow and in a few years they expand and will need to be thinned out. There is a plethora of colors and patterns to choose from. 

The reason it’s called a daylily is because every morning there will be a new flower. But don’t worry, there will be so many blooms that you’ll enjoy them for weeks. 

They prefer full sun, but they do well in partial sun as well. There are many different varieties that will bloom early summer through mid-late summer. I have one that will even rebloom in the fall. Most of my flowers are daylilies. Simply put...you can’t go wrong.

Asiatic Lily. Asiatic lilies are grown from a bulb that you plant in the fall or spring.  Again, just like a daylily, they are a low maintenance flower. There are many different colors and patterns as well. They are so beautiful and add such appeal to my garden. They just “pop”. 

The flowers last a long time and a single stalk can be full of blooms. Plant them in full or partial sun and you’ll have a beautiful show the first half of the summer. 

Since it is a bulb, it won’t take up much room. Also in a few years you may need to dig them up and spilt them, which will give you more. 

Oriental Lily. Oriental lilies are the Cadillac of lilies. Tall, stately, trumpet shaped, and a heavenly fragrance.  I got hooked on these a few years ago and have collected them since. 

Again, they are easy to grow. You’ll find many different colors. Grow in full or partial sun. Be aware that they do get tall. They will stand above the other flowers. But they do add a “Pop” to your garden. They bloom for a long time and when they are done, you can cut them down. 

Lilies are a fail safe flower. I love the various colors and patterns. They are enduring and will increase. They transplant very well. A good investment in your garden. 

Most garden centers sell them. I’ve bought bulbs online for the rare kinds. There are even some daylily farms around where they let you come and dig them up. I suggest googling “daylily farms” and see what’s in your area. 

If you’re lucky like me, you’ll have a friend or neighbor who will share a start. Eighty percent of my daylilies I’ve acquired that way. 

In closing...If you want butterflies, you must plant flowers.

"What are you doing here?"

The great contest on Mount Carmel has ended. The fire fell, Almighty God was proven true. The people shouted, “The Lord, He is God!” Now the drought was broken, and the dry parched ground soaked up the rushing rain. 

Surely after this great display of God’s power, the wicked King Ahab and his consort Jezebel would turn away from this idol baal who was proven to be nothing more than a stone carved by men. Now there would be a nationwide revival and all would repent.

Elijah’s huge exceptions have seemingly fallen flat. None of it happened. No one changed. He had failed. Now Jezebel wants his head. She killed other prophets, now she’s after him. 

Elijah ran for his life. He fled into Judah, a safe refuge from Jezebel’s reach. But it wasn’t far enough. He left his servant, and fled even further into the wilderness. He finally stopped at a tree, sat under it and fully engaged himself in a pity party. 

“I’m done, Lord I’ve had enough. I’ve failed completely. Please let me die.” 

Ever have huge expectations just fizzle out? Have people disappointed you? Does it seem as though God isn’t doing anything concerning your prayers? 

Do you feel as though you are living in obscurity? Unseen, unknown and ineffective? Do you feel your influence unnoticed? Has it reached the point where you don’t want to try anymore? Why even try when disappointment  will hit again? 

I’ve felt that way sometimes in the past couple of years. I’ve stood at the kitchen sink and wondered if my life has made an impact at all? I feel like Moses in the wilderness tending sheep. My best years are behind me and this is all I have to look forward to. 

Depressing I know. But I’m just being real here. I don’t want to act fakey with you. I want you to know today that there is more going on than your physical eyes can see right now. Elijah felt so disheartened and ready to chuck it. Yet God stepped in and reaffirmed him. 

The victory on Mount Carmel seemed so far away. But God was so close to Elijah. He sent an angel to touch and strengthen him. The same God who fed him by ravens and a poor widow woman now once again fed him a sustaining meal. He dealt so gently with Elijah. And I’m so glad He does the same with me. How many times have I felt that gentle touch? Enough to sustain and keep me going. 

Finally he stopped at Mt Sinai, the mountain of God. And there he saw a great wind, a earthquake, and a fire. Powerful events that shook the mountain and surely him. Yet after all of the clamor ended a still, small voice spoke to the depths of his spirit. 

What are you doing here Elijah? 

Wow. I can picture God asking me this question when I have put myself in a pit. When I’m at my lowest and at the end of myself. What are you doing here girl? 

Elijah answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”  1 Kings 19:14

You know, I can see myself in his response. Can you? I’ve been here and all I have to say is that I’m so thankful to have a Great High Priest, Jesus, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses...let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

Elijah found on Mount Sinai that God was not done with him yet. No, by no means. God reaffirmed him, picked him up, dusted him off and told him to return. He gave him new missions and even sent him to Elisha who was to be his assistant. 

Can I tell you today that God is not done with you? By no means! 

Oftentimes we think God only works in the earth shattering events, i.e. wind, earthquake and fire. But He doesn’t only work in the big ways. It’s usually in ways we don’t see. His greatest work is often a “quiet” work. Deep within, a silent process. 

It’s crazy, but even though I’ve struggled with feeling obscure and ineffective the past couple of years, I’ve have seen God do awesome things. Unexpected things. I’ve felt weak, vulnerable, and have witnessed God working. I’ve stood in wonder. 

But perhaps that’s the point entirely. It’s less about me, and more about His glory being seen. More about the deep work done within me, so that it can flow from me effectively. 

I’ve been feeling restless the past few days. I just haven’t been able to write. So last night I put my ear buds in and worshipped God. Just closed myself in with Him. I felt His reassurance, His gentle touch. So I sit here this chilly Saturday evening and this flows out to you. 

Wherever you are in your journey today. Please know that you don’t live in obscurity. You are not unknown. Don’t be discouraged. God is indeed working. Your life is not in vain. Get alone with Him and feel that still, small voice. Know He is your God and He knows you. I love you friend. 


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Rambling Thursdays

This year is the One Hundredth year for our National Parks. It all began in August 25, 1916. There are 59 national parks that belong to you. That’s right...they belong to us. 

I have visited many of them. Some of my fondest memories includes beautiful landscapes and surreal moments. Times when the words, “wow, how beautiful, amazing” just don’t do it justice.

Standing on the pillar at Perry’s Victory National Monument with my Son and looking over Lake Erie.

Gazing in awe at the Milky Way spread out over the night sky at Agate National Monument in the Nebraska prairie. And an added bonus, the Northern Lights made an appearance.

Seeing the wagon ruts at Scotts Bluff National Monument. 

Awestruck at the immense Yellowstone valley and its beautiful waterfall. 

Seeing a Buffalo for the first time in the Badlands National Park and realizing it’s not fenced in. 

The reflection of the Tetons in Lake Jenny. 

Standing on a mountaintop in Rocky Mountain NP. Breathless and amazed at the widespread 360 views. 

Watching the sun creep into the vast Grand Canyon and enlightening the various rock walls. The sun glistening in the river gorge. It truly was surreal.

Walking amongst the red glowing rocks at Arches NP. I never knew the desert was so beautiful. The snow covered mountain in the distance added drama to the landscape. 

Looking over a otherworldly landscape at Canyonlands NP. It looked like something from Mars.

I dream of these moments many times and wish I could be there again. 

My son has been a Park Ranger the past few years and he loves showing off the Parks where he’s served. He has introduced me to the National Park Passport book. 

Every park sells them, but also you can get them on Amazon. There’s a section for each park, and it comes with a map showing the parks. 

It’s really fun to collect stamps when you visit each park. Each visitor’s center has a station where you can stamp your book. I also collect pins and display them in my office. Each park has their own unique pin. 

Our National Parks are a great destination or just a stop-over on your vacations. I’m sure there are some within driving distance of your home. Or go on that epic road trip. Get out there and make some memories. The memories I have collected are priceless. 

"In this world....

In this world you will have trouble....

It had been a wonderful time on the mountain. A most intimate moment with Jesus. They had been ministered to; they rejoiced and saw heavenly things that filled them with wonder. 

How badly they wanted to remain longer here. Soak up the sweet presence of God and ponder upon this experience. 

Never-the-less it was time to leave. They descended glowing still, their hearts full. It was back to reality. And what an ugly thing reality can be. 

They came upon an unpleasant scene. The disciples who remained behind were involved in a fracas. They appeared to be distressed and confused. People were yelling, pointing fingers, jostling bodies pushed in anger. A group of religious teachers were right in the middle of the melee sneering with accusations. 

Standing off to one side was a father and a young boy who watched sadly. Shoved aside and forgotten in this drama. 

Now I can’t speak for you, but I would probably be tempted to turn around and climb up that mountain to hold onto what warm feelings I have left. Life can be rather difficult at times and it seems much better to escape the ugliness than to bear down and face it. 

Jesus did more than just face it. He rose above the negative atmosphere calmed the situation and touched that father and his son. He was proactive rather than checking out. 

Jesus warned us we would have days like these. “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This life and all that goes with it can be quite overwhelming at times. I get tired of the struggles and conflicts. After a while my soul gets weary, I want to escape. Why can’t the mountaintop experiences remain a little longer? How can I keep my mind on higher things when I’m facing ugly realities that pull me down? 

I think our mindset is the key in how we handle the rough spots. If we are already defeated in our minds, then it stands to reason we will be defeated. What if a football team comes out of the locker room with their heads down bogged down in the disappointment of their last loss?  What if they had listened to the press coverage about their opponents, “This team can’t be beat, and they won’t gain a yard against their defense...”  What if they listened to coverage about themselves? “They played horrible in their last two games. There are just too many key injuries that will hinder them. They can’t win this game...”  

I highly doubt they will play well in this game. They are already defeated before they hit the field. How can you face life’s challenges with a mindset like this?  

What are you confessing to yourself? Does everything look so bleak? Are you proclaiming defeat? A negative mindset can surely bog you down. 

Perhaps we need to change our mindset. Does this mean we are blind to reality? No, it means we choose to see the truth. Truth says: I can overcome the world because He overcame it. I can do all things in Christ, because He gives me strength. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. His divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness. These powerful sentences are in the Word. 

Can’t God work even in the midst of the rough spots? Can we bask in His presence in the middle of chaos? Is it impossible for God? I believe He can, and I believe that I can overcome. And it all starts in my mind. If it’s all gloom and doom there, then I guarantee that negativity will reign in my world. 

We can be proactive rather than just reacting. We can be a powerful witness. It’s your choice. If you want to remain in the pit of negativity, then you will. You don’t have to remain there. Choose to see truth and confess it. 


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Rambling Thursdays

There are certain pieces of clothing I pull out of my closet time and time again. Not because I lack clothing, by no means! By virtue of loving them so much. 

I’m speaking of Christopher and Banks Essential Tees. Essential is the perfect word to describe these, because that is what they are...Essential. 

I have never had such comfortable Tee shirts. So easy to wear with jeans, shorts, or khakis. Pair them with a jacket, blazer or by themselves. Dress up with a scarf or long necklace. 

There are a wide variety of colors and styles. I prefer the 3/4 sleeves. It’s wonderful to hide those flabby arms. Yes, I have those too. 

They wash very well. I’ve bought cheap Walmart Tees that have lost their shape after one washing. These will not do that. I have some that are a few years old and they still look good. They seem true to size as well. I’ve ordered online and haven’t had any problems in the fit. 

If you are looking for some Tees for the summer, check these out. I highly recommend them. Sometimes they will have a two for $30. So they are very affordable. 

Another new item I found for this summer is a pair of Lee Capris. I loved these immediately, which is saying a lot. It’s difficult and tricky to shop for pants. They have a stretchy waist band which is so comfortable. 

I would say they are true to size. At least my size. Which again is saying a lot! 

As you can see, there is a wide variety of colors. I did not buy mine at Kohl’s. My local farm store, (Big R) sells Lees and I bought them there for less than $20. 

So you could probably find a good deal other than Kohl’s. Anyway, I hope these two suggestions aid you in your search for summer clothing. 

On another note, it has finally warmed up here in Indiana and I have hit the ground running. In fact my legs made their first appearance this past weekend. They need help. 

Enjoy the weekend friends. 

You gotta have heart.

For NFL fans, this time between the Combine and the Draft is a season of speculation. Who will be drafted first? Will my team draft great players who will make an immediate impact? 

The Combine in February is a big deal. All the coaches and scouts converge in Indianapolis to watch potential players run drills, interview and even go through testing. They scrutinize these guys over this weekend, leaving no stone unturned. After all they are spending millions of dollars on these guys. Yet no matter how confident you are in a player, it’s a risk. 

Teams have been burned before. A guy may have a monster combine. Just flat out kill the drills and interview well. He may have been a great college player. But after they have been drafted and go through training camp into the season, they may end up being a bust. They may not have the drive; may not put their whole heart into becoming the best player and teammate. They may not give it their all to win. They don’t apply themselves very well. And so eventually they may be cut, or traded to another team. 

It’s the heart of a person that makes all the difference whether in football or in our spiritual walk. Samuel the prophet was fooled by the outward appearance. 

God sent him to Jesse’s family to anoint the next king of Israel. He stood before seven of his sons, looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before me.”  He looks the part. Checks off all the boxes. Meets all the measurables. But God sees deeper than the physical appearance.

“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

David was the one God chose. He was a small shepherd boy. He didn’t really look the part. Yet he had a heart for God. He was passionate for God. “He was a man after God’s heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14

This is the guy when King Saul told him, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are a youth and he has been a man of war from his youth,” remarked back, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

This is the kind of heart that David had. And it benefited him all his life. 

A NFL coach can’t measure a man’s heart. The coach might know all his physical measurables. He knows how fast he runs, how high he jumps, how he played in college. He even knows his family background. But he really has no clue until the player is out on the field as to how he plays. 

How about you? Do you meet all the measurables? Do you look the part? Do you check off all the relevant boxes? Do you meet the standard?

Don’t worry....I don’t either. 

Believe me, I’ve looked at myself; shortcomings, failings and wonder how I can make an impact. Can God do something great through me? Perhaps other people may look at me and think the same thing. Maybe I even believe it sometimes. 

But you know, this is a lie from the pit! The truth is that “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him.” 

God doesn’t have a clipboard with your measurables on it. He doesn’t look at you and check off the boxes. Okay, this girl has it! I can work with her! 

No, what matters is your heart. Do you rely on Him continually? Is He the strength of your heart? Do you love Him with a passion above all others? 

Did you answer yes? Well then girl, get back out there and do what He’s called you to do. Use those gifts He gave you. Don’t sideline yourself. His glory will be seen through your life. You will make a huge impact with those your life will touch. He’s just waiting for someone to stand up and believe it. 

I’m ending the blog with this lovely passage in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.


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Rambling Thursdays

The gardening season is amping up and my green thumb is tingling. Daffodils are blooming. Flowers are coming up. I love to watch everything come to life after the winter. 

I have a lot to do to prepare for the summer. A lot of things to keep track of. Now what did I plant here? What is this plant coming up? What should I buy and plant this year? 

It can be daunting and a journal helps mightily. I bought a Moleskine a few years ago and love it. It has helped so much to tie up the loose ends. 

This journal has five tabbed sections you can personalize anyway you like. The journal includes stickers and a hinged compartment at the back. 

I glued pictures of flowers I planted and keep tabs on how it grew for me and other key information about the flower. 

There’s a gridded design section I use for planning new gardens and keeping track on where I planted stuff. I even use one section for the weather. I can tell you when our first snow fell three years ago. Vital information! Okay, I’m a weather geek too. 

I love this journal. If you aren’t as passionate about gardening as I am, don’t worry, Moleskine carries a wide variety of journals for any passion you may have. I have a friend who loves antiques and bought a journal to keep track of what they bought and where they shopped. 

I hope you are enjoying this Spring. Stop and enjoy the flowers. Plant some and the butterflies will come.