Antique Rose

The antique rose looks good growing in masses as a hedge or alone as an accent to the garden. It is very fragrant.

Lately I have been reading my daughter's blog and blogs of her friends. I laugh at the antics of preschoolers and the uninhibited things they say and remember the stress of raising children. The constant awareness that as a mother you need to continually be teaching proper etiquette, appropriate behavior, skills of all kinds always looking for a teaching moment. I have found that instead of offering unsolicited advice or reminding them of the things they said and did, that I can be more encouraging to these young mothers by reminding them that the same promises God made to Mary at the birth of Jesus are true today.

God had a plan for His Son, Emmanual, Jesus to be the Savior of the World. This is the Gift that we celebrate at Christmas. He is our Savior. He is our Joy. He is our Peace. He is our Hope. He is truly the Gift of Life. All prophecies of the birth and death of Jesus were fulfilled. God is faithful. God also has a plan for each one of our children. They are a gift to us. To love. To enjoy. Just as Mary was in awe of how to raise this child and seeking God's direction to fulfill the plan He had for Jesus' life so we must also seek the Lord for direction on how to teach our children. He has a plan for each child that is born and He is faithful to fulfill his plan.

Being an "antique rose" I can now see how God's plan unfolded, I can see answered prayers and I can encourage these young mothers there is a plan for each of their children. His plan for your children will be accomplished.

Fragrant Delight

This rose is bushy, uneven and irregular. It blooms in profuse clusters and has a strong fragrance. Ironically, the parentage is Chanelle and Wiskey Mac.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for all my Fragrant Friends. They are a delight to me. I enjoy shopping, lunches, coffee, e-mailing, blogging, telephone calls, visiting, chatting, trips, notes, praying, Bible studies, etc.

You are cherished as a friend and I delight in the relationship I have with you. I thank God for all my Chanelle friends and all my Wiskey friends. The fragrance of your life encourages me.

I pray that I am a fragrant friend to you and that we delight the Lord with our testimonies of His Goodness.

"Knock Out" Rose

The "Knock Out" rose is a shrub with many generous clusters of pointed buds. The fragrance is mild but this bush has an abundance of flowers and brilliant blooms. I have added several "knock out" rose bushes to my yard. They bloom continually and it seems even as the seasons change there is always at least one bloom appearing. In the winter months the orange red rose hips keep alive the color. A border of shrubs is absolutely gorgeous but a single rose bush is just as beautiful. Much like our own lives.

Recently I was made aware of how easily I fall into sin. It seems I just get carried away with the moment, the crowds, the multitudes, the excitment of the season and everyone doing it and all of a sudden I am one with the world. Then I become aware that my heart doesn't feel right. I began to feel like I am not qualified to speak into women's lives. I feel like I am a "knock off". Not the real thing. Last week I had a dream that the waters were sucking me in and trying to drown me. (Revelation 17:15) The sin that entangles us. How easily we get side-tracked and do not keep our "eyes fixed on Jesus." (Hebrews 12:1) Because of Adam and Eve we live in a fallen world. (Genesis) When your heart hurts, you can ask the Lord how you can make your heart right. Ask Him to reveal the sin and then tell Him you are sorry. How easily we can let the enemy make us feel guilty. His Word says to "Feed my sheep". (John 21:17) I am again restored and reconciled to my Lord able to serve Him wholeheartedly

When we are in God's Word we have food. Food for ourselves. Food to feed and encourage others. For He says "I am the bread of life." (John 6:35)

Sometimes we bloom profusely. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes our appearance is a little different but still reflecting God's beauty. Remember, even if you are not in full bloom, and you only have shades of God's beauty, you are still called to be a "knock off" of Jesus Christ and to feed his sheep by sharing what God has done for you.

The Promise Rose

"But Mom You said...", How many times I heard my children say "But Mom You Said," when they were younger. I had not thought about it until the other day when my granddaughter said "But Gran You Said...", and emphasied again when my grandson said the same phrase - "But Gran You said...". As I thought about this phrase and what I had said to my grandchildren, I was beginning to feel a little guilty. They were right. I had said I would take them somewhere. So what happened to cause them to say, "But Gran You Said" in such a way that they thought I was not keeping my promise to do what I said I would do. How do you make them understand that you intend to keep your promise to them but it was not a good time to go. They were tired. I was tired. It was close to dinner time and bed time. I did intend to keep my promise but Another time would be better to go. A time when everyone was not tired or hungry. Another perspective is that I needed them to be thankful and obedient, not unappreciative and disobedient. But then again, I want to teach them unconditional love not conditional on the way they behave or their response in receiving. And then again, I have learned that what they want today they may not want tomorrow. It becomes unimportant. So I have learned that if I only wait a little while, things will change.


As a mother, my role was to teach and train, I wanted to be loved not to be considered the meanest mother in the world. So now is my chance to be loved as a grandmother and wanting to give them everything they want. So I find myself thinking about these different perspectives. All of this pondering over four little words...But Gran You Said....

Aren't we glad that when God said it, it happened. Aren't we glad that God knows the perfect time to give us what we ask. Maybe sometimes another time would be better. God knows our yesterdays, our todays and our tomorrows. He is growing us in grace and truth and He knows exactly what we need when we need it. All things come through Him. Aren't we glad we don't have to figure it out. He has already done that for us. All promises are Yes in Him. Aren't we glad God keeps His Promises.

God said...and it was so.

My God is an Awesome God

My God is an awesome God!
He turns darkness into light,
Death into life,
Time into eternity.
He makes mud into men,
Wimps into warriors,
Sinners into saints.
My God is an awesome God!

He turns failure into victory,
Enemies become friends,
Strangers become brothers.

He changes poverty into abundance,
Chains into stepping stones,
And scarlet into purest white.

He makes ugly into beautiful,
He turns grief into joy.
Fear into faith,
Defeat into victory.
My God is an awesome God.

He turns mistakes into building blocks,
War into peace,
Weeds into trees,
Wilderness into gardens…

My God is an awesome God…

And what He has done for me He can do for you!
by Dr. Waylon O. Ward see http://mercymatters.org/ or http://waylonward.blogspot.com/

The Prince's Trust

This rose is a medium red and grows in clusters. The scent is very mild. This reminds me of all the issues, conflicts, controversies and tribulations of life that are all clumped together as a bouquet. Who do you trust with your most precious thoughts, your opinions and your trials? Who would you share this bouquet with?

The Lord has been speaking to me about Trust. To have a relationship with someone we must trust them. We must trust them to not ridicule us when we share our thoughts, we must trust them to comfort us when we need comfort, we must trust that we will be valued as a person. We must trust that we will not be shamed, made to feel guilty, or feel unworthy. To trust you must feel safe in what you say, what you feel, what you see, what you hear, what you do in each dimension of your life. This includes trusting your words and feelings regarding spiritual issues, financial issues, your friends, your education, your emotions. We are very lucky to find a friend or spouse that we can trust. Are you a trustworthy person?


The Prince of Peace is One who you can trust when you have no other. Have you ever had nagging questions and doubts? Or asked yourself why you are in the marriage you are in? Why your children have made bad choices? Why you have financial problems? Why life is not fair? Why the evil seem to flourish? Why is there so much pain and suffering? Why has your life not turned out the way you wanted it to? Our children ask many "whys" everyday. I think most of us as adults ask, if not aloud, then to ourselves, "Why God did this happen to me?" But we know "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)

The Lord is Good. All the time the Lord is Good. If we look through the lens of "God is Good all the time" we know that since God is good and He loves us He would never allow anything to happen to us that would not be for our good. We should "live by faith" trusting in God for He is Good ALL the time.

Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. Do you trust God with your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, your heartbreaks, with your trials and temptations. Can you trust the Prince of Peace (Is 9:6) Begin by trusting Him who wants to have a relationship with you. Trust Him and tell Him what you are not happy about. Ask Him "Why?" And then wait for Him to pour out His love and His peace and his goodness on you. He is faithful and He will do it. Trust the Prince of Peace.

'Lovesong" Rose

The "Lovesong" Rose is considered a shrub but can bloom singly as well. The bush is used as a hedge and also blooms through all seasons. Nearly all shrub roses are repeat bloomers and very hardy. Just like the name of this rose implies, Jesus is a hedge around us and is there for us in all seasons. I believe that Jesus softly and tenderly calls us through a love song to come home. Home being where He lives within us. (Col 1:27) "Christ in us the hope of glory."

We all struggle with conflicts and issues in different seasons of our lives. Listen to the "love song" of our Father who loves us so much He sent His son Jesus to die for us. He lives today at the right hand of the Father in Heaven interceding for us. (Romans 8:26) He left the Spirit of truth within us to guide us in all ways and protect us in this life here on earth. (John 14:16,17) It is a mystery how we can go into the secret place to find hope and comfort. Listen to the "Lovesong" of the one who loves you and calls you to come home.

"Playtime"

"Playtime" provides an amazing display of brilliant color in vibrant shades of reddish orange. The fragrance is mild but the rose makes up for the lack of fragrance by generously blooming.



I've just returned from my girl trip and discovered that a new woman emerged from this busy life during my time of playtime. I call it "playtime" because I have been on several girl trips in the past couple of months. We have laughed, shopped, eaten, talked and "played".

I have come to realize while playing with my friends I was actually glorifying God. (Romans 12:1) I have witnessed creation by the Lord who is the creator of Heaven and Earth while being in different parts of the country. I understand the uniqueness of being made in His image by being around so many different "girls". There is an awareness of who I am, the real me, the one who is created in the image of God. I am a divine design drawn with lovingkindness. (Jeremiah 31:3) But not only am I created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) but so are my friends uniquely formed to be a part of God's plan for my life and I theirs. Our diversities give us our strengths. We are actually all part of one another, one spirit, because there is one God. (Ephesians 4) I pray we can all bloom where God has planted us giving Him praise for His creation of the earth, the girls, and "playtime" as we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

The Scribe

Giles de Laval writes about why scribes use the symbol of a rose. "It is a complex symbol comprising enduring love, beauty, the measure of perfection, sacrifice for a heartfelt desire, secrecy, transience of worldly matters. Roses are very commonly met with in a variety of contexts. Associated with the Virgin as the Rosa Mundi (The Rose of the world), it symbolizes her motherhood and perfection, the Biblical flowering stem of Jesse which leads to Christ her son, and through her a symbol of God's love for the world. White eglantine rose is symbolic of purity and the briar rose was emblematic of the pleasures and pains of love." No wonder a "rose" is drawn or given or spoken and used especially in written poems, essays, love notes. It portrays meaning, emotions and feelings.

The Scribes of old were the ones who wrote the words of others to promote the Kingdom of God. Jesus is also a type of Scribe. He writes His words on our hearts. He is the Living Word.

John 1:1-5 "In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created..."

Fragrant Delight

Recently a classmate passed away and it caused me to remember an incident that happened in eighth grade. He was choosing between three girls to give a box of valentine candy too. I wanted that box of candy. I went after the "candy." The candy was presented to me. However, along with the box of candy came the giver of the box of candy. I didn't want the giver. I didn't like him. I just wanted the candy.

This caused me to think about how I responded to God. Do I love the Giver? or Do I just want the blessings and promises? Everytime I do something good or right or serve or give, do I do it because I love the Giver? or Do I do it for the reward? What are the true motives of my heart? Do I truly love people and have a compassion for them? or Do I use people to satisfy my needs or to get what I want? I know I am a "fragrant delight" to the Lord but is the Lord a "fragrant delight" to me?

This highly perfumed rose blooms abundantly. The clustered flowers are peachy pink when new aging to a pale pink revealing a golden heart. Just like the "Fragrant Delight" rose, we must be transformed as we age revealing our true hearts.

Let us be a fragrant delight to the Lord (Is. 5:7 - we are a "garden of delight" to Him), to others (II Cor 2:14 - "through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." and most of all let the Lord be a "fragrant delight" to us (Psalm 37:4 - "delight yourself in the Lord".

"Sissi" Rose

The "Sissi Rose" upright, open with pointed, double petals also known as Blue Moon. The color is a lilac mauve but tinted blue in the sun. A very sweet fragrance. This flower is the parent of "Julia's Rose". Ironically, just as similar as Julia's Rose and the Sissi Rose are, so are the similarities between these two granddaughters. "Sissi" my third granddaughter, daughter of my son. She has three older brothers who all call her "Sissi". "Sissi Rose" is what I call her. She is a rose to me. She is very much like me also. I also have three brothers. It is truly amazing how she looks so much like her mother one instant and so much like her daddy in another. She is a beautiful baby. So much like a rose that you just stare at the uniqueness of her beauty. The fragrance of a little girl in the midst of all the boys makes you wonder just how it is that the God of our universe can create such beauty.

Her name means wisdom and princess. The Scripture I pray for her is Luke 2:40 - "and the child grew and became strong; she was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon her." Zechariah 12:10 says the Spirit of God has poured out his grace upon her. The Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme says Tuesday's child is full of grace. "Sissi Rose" God has found favor on you.

"Riley Rose"

The Alyssa "Riley Rose" is white, sometimes pale pink, and is sometimes called the Japanese Rose because it mostly grows in Japan. It also grows in Riley, Kansas. It grows in the pastures and the fields of Riley, Kansas. It has a thorny stem so it used for borders and hedges to protect the animals and the wildlife. It has a very sweet fragrance. Sometimes the "Riley Rose" is a single flower and sometimes it grows in clusters. So much so like our Alyssa Riley, my second granddaughter. Daughter of my daughter. She loves pink. She wears pink. She has an older sister but she is also her very own unique little girl.


She is so much like her mother when she was a little girl but also so much like me. It continually amazes me how our God designs each one of us just the way He wants us to be. She loves animals. Imagine a rose that is planted especially for the animals. She calls herself the animal angel. The color white is very becoming to an angel. Alyssa who is compassionate and full of mercy. An angel herself carrying the sweet fragrance of her compassion wherever she goes.

Her name means Truthful and Courageous. The Mother Goose Rhyme says Tuesday's Child is full of Grace. And, of course, alyssum is a flower of sweet fragrance. The scripture verse I pray for her is II Corinthians 2:14 - "But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." She is God's fragrant flower and mine too. She is truthful, courageous and full of grace and mercy, a delight to the Lord. I am so glad there is a rose named for this very special unique little girl who loves animals.

"Julia's Rose"

This is a very beautiful "coffee colored" rose. It is open and upright with frilled petals revealing the stamens on the inside. It needs full sunshine. The fragrance is light and fresh. Julia, my first granddaughter. Daughter of my daughter. She is definitely a "jewel" in my crown. She resembles me as a little girl. So much so that my mother and daddy call her by my name. It is as if they are watching their own daughter play years ago in another decade. Watching her reminds me of me. Amazing, how God takes parts of each of us and puts them together to create a little girl in another generation.


Her name means Youthful and Anointed. Jewel means Delight. The Mother Goose Fairy Tale says Friday's child is loving and giving. Her scripture is Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His Name. These are the things I pray over her. Yes, God delights in her and so do I. It is fun to watch her continual exuberance for life in everything she does.


I recently attended her dance recital where she received a five year attendance award. She had a special part in one of her dances for the fifth year in a row. There is something about Julia that brings sunshine into your life. She enjoys life. Whatever she does, she does wholeheartedly. She dances, she plays basketball. She can dress frilly revealing her very heart as she dances or she can play basketball leading her team with her encouragement and brightness. She captures your heart with her openness and uprightness. Julia's Rose, beautiful, sweet, a breath of fresh air, sunshine, laughter, a delight to behold. I am so glad a rose is named Julia.

"Remembrance"

This remembrance rose is scarlet and the scent is light and sweet unlike the fear of aging, a burden that we carry with us continually in our mind and body. The aging process tends to cause people to make lifestyle changes. I found myself dieting, exercising, checking my cholesterol, taking vitamins and calcium and fish oil, eating more vegetables and fruits for my eyes, my heart, my bones, my skin, more and more intensely trying to fight off the aging process and to maintain perfect health for my body. But what about our spiritual health?

The Old Testament Prophet Malachi talks about spiritual heart disease. I am busily trying to maintain my healthy momentum for a body that will turn to dust one day while I need to be focusing on soul construction, the part of me that will live eternally. The heart disease that has come about because of guilt, shame, hypocrisy, idolatry, infidelity, divorce, materialism, anger, bitterness, brokenness, rejection, abandonment, apathy, disillusionment, etc. being oblivious to God's voice and self-absorbed. (For more on "Soul Construction" see http://waylonward.blogspot.com or http://mercymatters.org)

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name." Malachi 3:16. You see, the Lord likes to hear and listen as we share about what He has done for us. Some ways of constructing your soul are: (1) pray (2) meditate on the Word (3) tell others (4) live a pure life (5) fellowship with other Christians.

If you are having a difficult time getting beyond the heart break, seek professional help or someone who can encourage your soul. Soul construction, a light and sweet fragrance pleasing to the Lord so pleasing there is a book of remembrance written before Him.

"Compassion"

The "compassion" rose has a rich, strong and sweet fragrance and can be used as a climbing rose on fences. In other words, it spreads. This is a rich truth from the Word to keep in our soul as we comfort others. The strong sweetness of the fragrance spreads the joy of being a Christian.

II Corinthians 7:5 - For when we came into Macedonia this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn - conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

When we are tired, harassed, have conflicts and fears, our God comforts us. He comforts us by sending friends. He comforts us by the comfort they have received from others. He comforts us by the longing, deep sorrow and ardent concern that our friends have for us so that our joy is greater than ever.

"Many Happy Returns"

I finally made it. "60" My husband surprised me with a party. I was really surprised. My family, my closest friends, my Study Group. I was surprised. You can read all about it on my daughter's blog "Birthdays and Surprises" and see the pictures also. http://lifeoflisasmith.blogspot.com

The Rose "Many Happy Returns" was named from a salutation originating in the 1700's mainly used for birthdays that the birthday year would be repeated again and again. My 60th was definitely once in a lifetime event. However, on reflecting I realized I have been blessed with a wonderful family. My children and grandchildren live lives honoring to me and to the Lord. They love others and are involved in ministering God's love to others. I pray that I will always remember the love bestowed upon me by my family and friends on this birthday.

But the perfectness of this event is knowing the love of my Father. Not just my earthly father but my Father God in Heaven who loves me, who uniquely created me in my mother's womb, numbered my days from beginning to end, who perceives my thoughts, my going and coming and lying down, who knows every word on my tongue and who is familiar with all my ways. He has found favor on me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I praise my Father. (Psalm 139)

Casting Crowns has a song called "Who Am I?" that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name or feel my hurt. It is not because of who I am but because of what the Lord of all the earth has done. It is not because of what I've done but because of who the Father is. And I am His. "I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow." Because God loves me and God's promises are eternal. There will be many happy returns to the blessings He has for me. Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

"Rise 'n' Shine"

This yellow rose has very little scent but it blooms profusely and stands tall and straight with lots of clusters. Its petals are pointed like stars.

In Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God, he mentions the story of Lazarus and when he died. All the way through the final sickness and death, Jesus did not respond. Even though Lazarus was mentioned as the one He loved. Mary and Martha told Jesus that if he had come their brother would not have died. Jesus told them they were correct, Lazarus would not have died because they knew that He would have healed him. Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives, and believes in me will never die."

Henry Blackaby suggests that not only did Jesus want them to know that He could heal but He wanted them to know a greater revelation of himself. He is the Resurrection and the Life. John Piper states that "we must never forget that God's silences are not his rejections. They are preparation for a greater revelation of him." Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Just as Jesus asked Martha, "Do you believe this?", we should remember that a greater revelation is coming. So, Rise and Shine!

"Friendship Roses"

Our pastor http://TheHarvestNow.com has been talking about relationships. The most important one being our relationship with God. He challenged us to whether we can call ourselves God's friend. James 2:23 says Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." and he was called God's friend." The topic brought to mind the old hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" written in 1855.

What a privilege to carry all our sins and griefs to Him because He promises to bear them. We forfeit peace and bear needless pain just because we do not take it to God in prayer. He makes a way for our trials and temptations and troubles. He is our refuge. We should never be discouraged. He shares our sorrows. Jesus knows our every weakness.Take it to Him in prayer. He is a faithful friend. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you take it to Him in prayer? Are you a friend of God? Check out the website for our church.http://TheHarvestNow.com

"Mary Rose"

This rose is sweetly fragrant, vigorous and spreading. "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary of Magdala went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him."

Peter and the disciple ran to the empty tomb, looked inside and they believed. "Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying." We know the story...she saw two angels where Jesus' body had been. They asked her why she was crying. She told them they have have taken My Lord away and didn't know where. She saw a man she thought was the gardener and asked him where the body was. But when "Jesus said to her, "Mary." "She turned and cried out teacher..." "Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me...Go instead to my brothers and tell them..." Mary went to the disciples to spread the news "I have seen the Lord."

Jesus is alive. He arose from the dead. He lives today. Are we holding on to Him or are we spreading the sweet fragrance of His life, His death, His resurrection. Are we a "Mary Rose"? Jesus is Risen. Hallejuah!

"Deep Secret"

You have to look deep into this rose to behold the color. It is rich and sweet. My THOUGHTS on the Passover may seem deep but they are rich and sweet... Psalm 25:14 says "The Secret of the Lord is with them who fear him and He will show them his covenant." KJV

John 13:21 - "When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples whom He loved. Then leaning back on Jesus breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped bread he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at the table knew for what reason he said this to him.

For some THOUGHT because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him buy those things we need for the feast or that he should give something to the poor." NIV

I pondered how many times have we been in a group of people watching what was going on perplexed about what was being said, not understanding why someone else was chosen to run the errand, who was being talked about and what they did to deserve recognition. The same thoughts these disciples must have thought. The disciples THOUGHT two different things. Neither one was an accurate THOUGHT.

However, Jesus had given them the answer. One would betray Him. It would happen when he dipped the bread. And to do it quickly. But scripture tells us they THOUGHT Judas was leaving to buy more food or to feed the poor. Are our thoughts on the One who loves us so much He gave His life for us that we could be with Him forever? Or are our thoughts focused on wrong thoughts? God's Word promises us that "...his secret is with the righteous." Prov 3:32 KJV We just have to look deep for them.

"Gloire de Dijon"

It occured to me one day that the Scripture gives us the Grace of growing old. This rose is a climber stretching its fragrance and glory to the heavens.

After Peter's denial the Lord restored Peter. "Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted but when you are old you will stretch our your hands and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.' Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him "Follow me."

Jesus says "Follow me."

Jesus says "Feed my sheep."

Jesus says "Stretch out your arms "

and "Glorify Me."

As we age, someone else will dress us and lead us where we do not want to go (hospital, retirement home, nursing home, leaving your home and downsizing), however as we grow older we can still Follow Jesus, Feed His Sheep, Stretch out our arms and Glorify Him.

John 21:20 "Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who leaned back against Jesus at the supper...). John (the one who understood the love of Jesus) was the eyewitness and the one who wrote this account.

Scentsational

The best time to smell the roses is midmorning when the sun has just reached the garden. I found this to be true in spending time with my grandchildren. They are so eager to learn, chatty and full of life midmorning and I enjoy the sweet fragrance of their love.

While doing a craft one morning with three of my grandchildren, Alyssa said "I am making mine for the one who loves me the most." And Julia said "Well, we all know that is Gran." I also have a grandson who feels the same way. He said to his dad on the drive to my house last week "I know Gran will be so happy that I am coming to spend the night with her." This caused me to ponder why these two feel that I love them more than the others and why the others thought I loved these two the most. At first I wondered if I did. Did I have favorites?

As I mentally thought about each grandchild and how unique and different but also very much alike, I realized how much I deeply loved each one of them. Nick who is mature, self disciplined, a thinker, compassionate, smart and sensitive. Jack who is smart, determined, inquisitive and compassionate. Julia who is mature, independent, confident, coordinated and charismatic. Alyssa who is smart, cute, cuddly, compassionate, humorous and talkative. Hunter who is friendly, dramatic, expressive, energetic, charming. Cooper who is cuddly, humorous, talkative, coordinated, charming. Palmer who is easy-going, sweet, content, and loved. Sophie who is easy going, content, sweet, happy and loved. They are each one unique but alike and loved very much. And I pray that they will not only know how much I love them but "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ." Eph 3:18

It is written "...the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him." Now all of my grandchildren recline next to me when I sit down or they are in my lap. I believe that the "disciple whom Jesus loved" that reclined next to him understood unconditional love. He understood the love of Jesus. He felt the love of Jesus. He knew the love of Jesus. He felt safe with Jesus. He knew that nothing would ever separate him from this love. He knew, he would never be rejected, abandoned, humiliated, ridiculed or intimated. "...For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Why do some feel more loved? Why do some think others are more loved? As believers in Jesus Christ, we must understand that we are all unique and different but still alike and loved very much. The disciple whom Jesus loved understood. He got it!We need to transfer this love from our head to our heart. We need to live in that realm of unconditional love. Let us enjoy being Your Favorite, O Lord, "the one you love" sending out the sweet fragrance of love to others. This rose is intensely fragrant. A bouquet will perfume the entire room. Zechariah 12:10 promises "I will pour out upon the house...the Spirit of ... favor." (Amplified Version)

In the Rose Garden

It occurred to me today while swinging in the swing with my three year old grandson that my life is like the rose garden.

It was a beautiful, clear, blue sky 80 degree day and we were singing nursery rhymes. God's word says "the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing." Isaiah 35:2 So, we were singing nursery rhymes but my heart was singing with the beauty of the changing of the seasons from winter to spring, from the dry brown grass and dead flower beds to the signs of green grass and budding flowers.

The sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle, the wild violets and wild periwinkles, the blooming pinks, and the budding lillies made me joyful. Then I noticed...the weeds. There were more weeds than blossoms. I realized that as I was emerging from my long winter's nap, I had also accumulated quite a few bad habits myself. Snacking all day, lack of exercise, long naps, lethargy, and "I don't wanta's" could choke out the beauty of the blossoming desert.

But just as the flowers see the glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God, I, too, will keep my eyes fixed on the One who promises that the desert would blossom like a rose, that feeble hands, knees and hearts would be strengthened, and the sick would be healed. Isaiah 35 NIV

So as I pull weeds in the flower garden, I will also pull them from my soul giving thanks to Him who gives us Hope to become all we are meant to be.

I've Arrived

I am approaching my 60th birthday. What better way to begin your 60th year by starting a blog? With the encouragement of my children and my grandchildren, here I go. I've always considered life a journey and welcome the excitement of new adventures. Psalms 84:5-7 says "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca (tears), they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength til each appears before God in Zion." So I am setting out on the "blogging pilgrammage."

I don't feel 60, look 60 or act 60 or think 60. I don't know what 60 is suppose to feel like, look like, act like or think like but I suppose I always thought 60 was old. It is hard for me to say that I am going to be 60 and hard for me to think that I am going to be 60. But 60, I will be. They say 60 is the new 40 for the baby boomers. So, I am trying to remember how I felt at 40. As I remember, 40 did not bother me. Actually, I still feel young because I am a 60 year old child. Yes, my parents are still alive. That makes me still a child. And I still wonder what I will do when I grow up. And the answer is part of the journey.

I have begun a new career as a Pastoral Counselor. http://mercymatters.org How exciting is it to know God has called you to ministry? Psalm 71:18 "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."

So here I am. I have arrived on a Blog!