His hand provides...

These are worrisome times.  Words like 'sequestration' and 'furlough' and 'reduction in force' are used in daily conversation.  We agree that this will be hard on many in our area.  We say that we will pray for those in need of jobs and we do.

And then... it happened to us.  On Friday, my dear husband left his office with a RIF letter and the belongings from his desk.

But he is a man of great faith in our Lord.  He is a man of integrity and of positivity.  His worry is for others.  For we KNOW that our Lord provides richly.  We are ASSURED of it in His Word.

Tonight, we feasted on the green goodness from our garden and jewel-colored beans and homemade, sky-high biscuits.  We laughed.  We shared.  We looked toward the future with our eyes on the Lord.  And we smiled with anticipation at what He has in store...

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.  For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

collards

 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Lenten Rose

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 

kale

 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

^{Luke 12:22-32}

hope for tomorrow...

 

hobby greenhouses class at Norfolk Botanical Garden

This morning dawned cold, blustery, and dark.  No matter, the hubs and I had a date: we were headed to Norfolk Botanical Garden for a class on Hobby Greenhouses!  I'd love a greenhouse.  Ok, really I'd love a conservatory... a place to curl up in the chilly months with a good book and a cup of tea... a place where Scarlett and I could hide out and she could stalk squirrels... a place of quiet rest in the winter sun.  With a few growing things sheltered from the chill.  But first we had to learn more.

We got in the Jeep and headed to the garden just a few miles away.  Suddenly.  Snow.  Hhmmmm.  More snow.  Big flakes falling as we zipped along the highway.  And still very cold.  And windy.

Norfolk Botanical Garden is lovely, even in Winter.  We arrived and checked in, and were asked to wait as a group.  Hhmmmm.  We were going to ride the tram to the other side of the garden and enjoy our class in the propagation greenhouse.  Lovely!  (Did I mention that the tram is open.  To the cold.  And the wind.  With no heat.  Hhmmmm.)  We arrived at the greenhouse and hurried inside. 

And Spring opened her arms and enfolded us.  Aahhhhh.

We learned many things about soil content and greenhouse temperature control and suggested flooring material from a most knowledgeable facilitator. 

More than this, we had a delightful morning together in a warm greenhouse filled with green and growing things from the creative Hand of our God.