SUMMER'S ABUNDANT BEAUTY FROM MY GARDEN IN UKRAINE

MY UKRAINE GARDEN

The Lily, by William Blake
The modest Rose puts forth a thorn,
The humble sheep a threat'ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.




Song of Solomon 2:1 – “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” (the lily is used to describe something or someone beautiful!)



And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Matthew 6:28 KJV



"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6: 28-30.





Lilies of the Field could apply to many flowers that were called lilies in Bible times, such as the lotus, the iris, or others, but many think of the anemone as the lily of the field since it could be found growing wildly in great numbers of fields.

FROM MY GARDEN IN UKRAINE

Iris season in Ukraine gardens. These are a couple of my many varieties. I have a Ukrainian friend who loves Iris flowers and each time I visit her she gives me another kind of Iris. So now Iris season is delightful around our yard with much variety and color.

COLEEN'S GARDEN

Here's a little peak into our garden in Ukraine. It was once all forest, but we've been in this location for 13 years (17 in Ukraine), so it slowly keeps changing. Someday I hope to be one of God's gardeners in heaven. Can you only imagine, with the beauty we have here on earth, what it will be like there?

What More Need Be Said!

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Luke 12:27

God's Great Creation

Just wanted to share some of the beauty of our yard. I am a gardener, artist, wife, mother, not in that particular order and I love to share the garden with my family and friends. So, in summer we try to do some outdoor eating and entertaining. We have always felt like our home was a gift from God and thus we enjoy sharing it with others as we can. Since we've gotten older it has become more to keep up with, but we feel we are here until God tells us where else to be, so we continue to do what we can. Hope you enjoy the sights.

Spring Unfolding

Hyacinths have just finished and tulips are in full bloom. We also have vinca, primroses and pansies (some I planted and some volunteer). Each year at this time I have such a wonderful sensation of God's playfulness and love as all the new variations of His creation show themselves in all their pride and glory. We are so grateful for the home God has given us here and try to share the beauty of this garden with others. It is a little bittersweet at times since we know that one day we will be leaving it behind after so many years of working on it. Nonetheless, we know Who is in control of the timing and plans so we rest in Him and will trust Him for his future plans for our lives.

Crawling Out From Under A Rock

Spring is finally in full swing here in Ukraine. I laughed when I saw these daffodils struggling to emerge from around this rock. I laid the rock walk last summer long after the daffodils were gone and obviously forgot they'd been there. Still, I marvel at the tenacity of things God creates. How much more should we be tenacious and enduring when obstacles confront us. I would say these flowers were certainly moving along in faith that they would find the sunlight....and they did. I'm so glad.

Primroses

Though we are still wearing our winter coats on some days here in April, this is some of God's beauty from our garden. We consider our home and yard a place to share with others the blessings God has given us.