Burnbrae Journal

Sunday rest

2012-02-02T22:39:00.000+11:00

The rain keeps falling. The garden is so lush but the plant in this view that brings the most joy to my heart is the massive elk horn you can see around the middle of the shot.

When I first met elk horns
"Come on kids. Who wants to go for a drive." Dad often called on a Sunday afternoon. He never ever worked on a Sunday, it was a day of worship and rest.

We all willingly piled into the small Holden and went for a drive that more often than not ended up at the local forestry. Dad liked to meander along its red dirt tracks spotting native animals on the move around dusk.

We climbed the tall towers the foresters used to watched for bush fires.

My elder brother and sister proudly pointed out the tall pines that were planted the year they were born.

But we all thought the most beautiful spot at the forestry was at the camp headquarters where they had put dozens of elk horns and stag horns in the trees.

Mum, Nana and my little sister at the forestry.

Reflection:
Genesis 2:3 (New International Version (NIV)
Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Be still

2012-01-29T07:00:00.003+11:00

When I walk in the garden God speaks to my heart in the details saying "Be still."

Reflection:
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
...
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
..
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God"

A contribution to this week's Psalm challenge at Daily Athens Photo

Fire

2012-01-25T07:00:00.034+11:00

I found these Nasturtiums on on the weekend, creeping over from the neighbour's side of the fence.

When I first met Nasturtiums
The Grade 1 class laboriously read in unison:

"This is Dick
Run, Dick, run.
Nip is a dog.
Nip, run to Dick.
See Dora run.
Here is Jane.
I see Jane.
Dora has Jane."

Jane was the doll. Oh how I wished I had been named Jane instead of Joan.

But of all Dick and Dora's Happy Ventures there is one standout -- a man planted a red Nasturtium in an old boot. The plant grew and grew until it covered the roof of his cottage and the neighbours called the fire brigade because they thought his house was on fire.

Nasturtium, what a gloriously long word for a five year old fed on "Run, Dick, run" and as for the idea of flowers growing all over the roof -- look at the old detached kitchen that stood in our back yard sandwiched between the dunny and the chook house. It flowered like this every October.

I guess these photos also explain why I have such a fondness for ramshackle backyard sheds.

I've now added photos to the earlier posts. Click here to view them.

Reflection:
Luke 12:28 New International Version (NIV)
"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!"

Enthralled by her beauty

2012-01-22T17:41:00.001+11:00

I am enthralled by the beauty of my garden clothed in her verdant summer attire.

Reflection:
Psalm 45:10-15 New International Version (NIV)
A wedding song
Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
people of wealth will seek your favor.
All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.

A contribution to this week's Psalm challenge at Athens Daily Photo

Red and White

2012-01-18T21:30:00.001+11:00

I don't have any red roses in my garden. I actually prefer yellow ones.

When I first met roses
A little black dress might be a wardrobe staple these days but for a schoolgirl in the 1960s a white dress was a must. And for special occasions, like the school concert or high school speech night, also a perfect red rose bud with feathery fern pinned to the bodice of that best white dress.

Rose bushes bordered the garden, one for each member of the family. The red one was Mum's bush. Mine a scrawny pink one. The boys claimed the beautiful yellow. The fern grew at the corner of the old wash house.

That's me age 13, in my best white dress and with a swag of academic prizes collected at the high school speech night. I'm not wearing the red rose bud because this was taken a day or so later.

Reflection:
Isaiah 1:18
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Ancient

2012-01-15T21:26:00.000+11:00

They say cycads are the most ancient of plants living on from the days of dinosours. Mine is pushing up its annual set of new fronds right now.

Reflection:
Psalm 44:1
"We have heard it with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago."

Participating in the weekly Psalm challenge by Robert in Athens.

Dreaming

2012-01-11T07:59:00.002+11:00

I used to have a lot more fuchsias in my garden. They are quite hardy but the drought knocked them back. This one survived and flowers at this time of year, making my heart dance.

When I first met fushias
Feminine needlecraft flourished when I was a child. A good country woman could embroider, knit crochet, sew clothes, mend and darn. While I was trained to be nimble with a needle I could only sigh at the neat dainty stitches of Nana, Mum, my smiling aunts and big sister.

Starting on a pristine new piece, I dreamed that this would be beautifully realistic and one day adorn the duchess.

"What are these flowers?" I asked Mum.

"Fushias," she said. "They are very pretty flowers that don't grow much up here." Such things were always said with a wistfulness that signalled that she too was dreaming ... of her old life 'back home' in Melbourne where unlike Queensland there were seasons, sisters and city delights.

The fuchsias lie unfinished in my needlework box. Fondling them today my fingers itch to fill in their bright colours. I dream on.

Nana sitting on the back step in the sunshine knitting.

Reflection:
Ephesians 3:20 The Message
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."

Lead me

2012-01-08T19:35:00.000+11:00

The tall stemmed agapanthus are now beginning to flower all around the garden. Most are blue but we have this growing clump of white ones beside the house.

Reflection:
Psalm 43:3 New International Version.
"Send me your light and your faithful care,
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell."

I have decided to participate in the weekly Psalm challenge sponsored by Robert at Daily Athens Photo.

Begonias

2012-01-03T20:43:00.002+11:00

Begonias are one of my favourite flowers here at Burnbrae. They flower so willingly and for such a long time, though they do have brittle stems and now the cherry tree is growing bigger are finding the shade a little too dense.

When I first met begonias

"Lil, your children a breaking my begonias again," Grandma grumbled.

The truth is I cared very little about those tallish plants with spotty leaves, dangly flowers and names like Bleeding Heart and Bethlehem Star -- the perfect match with Grandma's elderly piety. So I wonder what possessed Grandad to paint the path in a candy box of colours and diamond shapes, enticing a little girl's hop-scotchy feet.

Mounted on the lintel above the gate to that path of great temptation was the yolk from Grandad's bullock team. He was a gentle upright man. His was a team that bent to the will of their bullocky without the need for swearing.

Grandad's Bullock Team

Reflection:
Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

New broom

2012-01-01T07:00:00.005+11:00

It's like a jungle out there in the garden ... so much rain. I've been using the Christmas break to get to some belated Spring cleaning inside and out. And today we have a shiny New Year too.

It's always nice to try something a little different as well as continuing with the tried and true so this year I am going to add a mid-week post where I do a little reminiscing with recollections of when I first 'met' the flowers I find in my garden. Do you remember the first time you noticed, really noticed, an azalea, camelia or forget-me-not? Or perhaps an old fashioned violet or carnation brings back some fragrant memory from the past. I'm going to dig up these stories and dig into my boxes of photos and memorabilia .., so much more fun than digging in the garden.

Happy New Year to each of you. May it be one full of great blessings -- I'm excited and eager for the new things the Lord has in store.

Reflection:
“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 NIV

Emmanuel

2011-12-24T23:57:00.000+11:00

We have just arrived home from the Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral where we listened to the beautiful choir and were reminded again of the wonder and miracle of Christmas - Emmanuel "God is with us."

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas touched with blessings from the Lord.

Reflection:
Matthew 1:21
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Packages

2011-12-18T10:13:00.000+11:00

The garden's Christmas packages are beginning to unwrap.

Reflection:
"Call unto me and I will answer thee and show you great and mighty things." Jer 33:3

Bugs

2011-12-11T10:06:00.000+11:00

With the chilly start to summer the winter bugs seem to be hanging about. We are both a little less than best and looking forward to a break from work soon.

Reflection:
"I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee." Isaiah 41:10

Summer Delights

2011-12-04T18:12:00.000+11:00

The calendar has ticked over to summer. The weather may be confused but the flowers aren't.

After a beautiful warm sunny day yesterday it's rainy and cold again today. I'm sitting by a cosy fire this evening.

Reflection:
"For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them." Jer 31:13

Heads up

2011-11-30T07:00:00.001+11:00

How welcome the sunshine is after the bursts of rain that have been making all the flowers look very bedraggled. But new ones lift their heads ready to smile .. and my face lifts and smiles too.

Summer starts tomorrow, maybe the sun will shine a little more.

Reflection:
"For in the He Himself hath suffered being tempted. He is able to succour them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:18

Rain

2011-11-27T17:58:00.000+11:00

There has been lots of rain lately, interspersed with the occasional bright sunny day.

Reflection:
"I give until them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:28

Unfurled

2011-11-20T16:21:00.001+11:00

Remember the tree fern fronds that were beginning to unfold a few weeks ago. This is the view from the kitchen window today.

Reflection:
"In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path" Proverbs 3:6

Comfort

2011-11-13T07:45:00.000+11:00

Reflection:

"I, even I, am He that comforteth you." Isaiah 51:12

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand.

Together

2011-11-06T22:31:00.000+11:00

We had been away for the day and came home as the sun was setting. I liked the shadow of the picket fence on the house.

Reflection:
"If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask. it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Faithful

2011-10-30T20:08:00.000+11:00

The garden bed may be full of weeds but the little perennials have faithfully returned.

Reflection:
"God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength" 1 Cor 10:13

Small

2011-10-23T21:20:00.000+11:00

What a shame she is such a fidget, it would have been a lovely shot except for her head being obscured. A yellow thornbill I think.

Reflection:
"The Lord is very compassionate and of tender mercy" James 5:11

Another view

2011-10-20T19:28:00.000+11:00

I'm still looking out the kitchen window. If I crane my neck a little to the right I can see that Azalea Walk is in flower.

Reflection:
God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength." 1 Cor 10:13

2011-10-16T21:09:00.000+11:00

Still looking out the kitchen window I see the native frangipani is in flower. That side of the house is heavy with the the fragrance of the Port Wine Magnolia at the moment.

Reflection:
"God helped him ... he was marvellously helped." 2 Chron 28:7,15
"And He helped me." Psalm 116:6

Unfolding

2011-10-12T17:17:00.001+11:00

New fronds unfolding from the tree fern outside the kitchen window.

Reflection:
"They shall not be ashamed that which wait for Me." Isaiah 49:33

High climbers

2011-10-09T17:17:00.000+11:00

The snowball bush was planted below the maple outside the bathroom window. As the maple grew it was being starved of light so has been climbing high to compete. It makes me smile to see that their struggle has paid off.

Reflection:
"I am still with thee" Psalm 39:18

Moving on

2011-10-06T23:21:00.000+11:00

The floral parade has moved onto azaleas now.

Reflection:
For I the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Wild garden

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001+11:00

This is the season of the wild garden. Everything is in leaf now and the forget-me-nots all over the place.

Reflection:
"He giveth power to the feint." Isaiah 40:29

More birdies

2011-10-02T19:08:00.000+11:00

This week the silver-eyes were visiting the garden en-masse. They migrate through the garden twice a year, in the autumn when the maple leaves are in colour and in the spring when their new leaf unfolds.

Reflection:
"Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid." Matt:14:27

Sapphire

2011-10-01T07:00:00.004+10:00

I didn't get such a great shot of the bower bird but if you look close you will see her beautiful sapphire blue eye.

Reflection:
"Fear not ... I am thy shield and they exceedingly great reward." Genesis 15:1

Hunting

2011-09-29T07:00:00.013+10:00

The bird hunt continues. You can see the blossom has all but gone but there is still much of interest to spot from my desk. This lovely creature is a King Parrot. I saw a Brown Cuckoo-Dove in the tree last week but as I was in the middle of a conference call so could not catch it with my camera. It was nonetheless very exciting as it is the first time I have seen one in my garden.

Reflection:
"And the Lord will deliver the from every evil work." 2 Tomothy 4:18

Brief

2011-09-27T07:00:00.003+10:00

Spring blossom is all too brief. Their time is already past but I could not resist showing one more shot. This is our little weeping cherry, a favourite with bees.

Reflection:
"The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants, and none of then that trust in Him, shall be desolate." Psalm 34:22.

Tulip time

2011-09-25T07:00:00.002+10:00

I don't remember having a yellow tulip in my garden. One of those lovely unexpected surprises.

Reflection:
"He that has pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again." Proverbs 19:17

Stunning

2011-09-23T21:12:00.000+10:00

Isn't the neigbour's Crab Apple tree just wonderful.

Reflection:
"My Goodness and my Fortress, my high Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield, and He in whom I trust." Psalm 144:2

Bells

2011-09-20T07:00:00.010+10:00

Despite my neglect the garden delivers its annual delights. Look closer at the dainty bells of these grape hyacinths.

Reflection:
"Oh how great is thy goodness, which though hast laid up for them that fear him." Psalm 31:19

Ah spring

2011-09-18T07:00:00.006+10:00

Five months ago the view from my desk was this and now it is this.

Reflection:
"If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3

Gotcha

2011-09-16T07:00:00.006+10:00

The Eastern Spinebill was singing in the sunshine so I tried again. I just love these little guys but they sure are hard to catch.

Reflection:
"Behold my servants shall sing for joy of heart." Isaiah 65:14

The slow

2011-09-15T07:00:00.004+10:00

These ones aren't so hard. They like sitting around showing off.

Reflection:
"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Heb 16:37

The quick

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000+10:00

This is the best so far of the quick ones.

Reflection:
"Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28

Repetition

2011-09-11T07:00:00.001+10:00

I know I have already shown the magnolias this season but I wanted to come back to them, they have given me such delight.

Reflection:
"The Lord thy God hath been with thee" Deut 2:7
"The Lord thy God is with thee." Joshua 1:9
"The Lord thy God will be with thee" 2 Samuel 14:17

Difficult things

2011-09-09T07:00:00.001+10:00

I find yellow flowers are very difficult to shoot. Usually they come out indistinct. This one was a happy fluke.

Reflection:
"If ye shall ask anything in my name, I shall do it." John 14:14

For the birds

2011-09-07T22:15:00.000+10:00

The birds are driving me batty. They are feasting on the blossoms outside my window. I know a spinebill/rosella/bowerbird/yellowbreasted bird has arrived as I know their calls. I no sooner grab my camera and get up from my desk to grab a shot than they flit away leaving a shiver of blossoms in their wake. I will persist. I don't get enough birds into this blog.

Reflection:
"He shall cover them with His feathers and under His wings shalt thou trust." Psalm 91:4

Close

2011-09-04T13:08:00.000+10:00

Aren't flowers magnificent up close. I love the way the light is picking out the detail on this iris.

Reflection:
"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him." Psalm 145:18

Peaceful

2011-09-03T07:00:00.000+10:00

Soon the time of these delicate little camellias will pass but for several weeks now their flower filled boughs over the pond have been delighting me.

Reflection:
"God is a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear." Psalm 46:1-2

Spring

2011-09-01T07:00:00.002+10:00

I usually herald spring with jonquils. They are so cheerful and oh what a wonderful fragrance.

Reflection:
"Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded." Jer 31:16

Open

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000+10:00

Reflection:
"The Lord who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly," Matthew 6:18

Satisfied

2011-08-28T07:00:00.001+10:00

How satisfying, my magnolia has a lot of flowers on it this year, many more than ever before. And to think that just a couple of years ago I almost lost it in the drought.

Reflection:
"The Lord shall guide the continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought." Isaiah 58:11

Feet

2011-08-21T07:00:00.005+10:00

Daffodils naturalised at the feet of a birch trees, an iconic spring image.

Reflection:
"He will keep the feet of his saints." 1 Samuel 2:9

Unreliable

2011-08-19T07:00:00.002+10:00

I've noticed something odd. The camellias that were so reliable in flowering during the drought have barely flowered this year and the other smaller flowers are the best they have ever been. I dunno, gardens are a mystery to me.

Reflection:
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil" 2 Thess 3:3

Rewards

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000+10:00

Japonica is prickly annoying shrub for most of the year. Then hey presto in spring it lets me know why i put up with it.

Reflection:
"They that sew in tears shall reap in joy." Psalm 126:5

Burdens lifted

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000+10:00

I stepped out into the garden early on Saturday morning, breathed in and sighed with pleasure.

Reflection:
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22

Turning

2011-08-14T16:33:00.000+10:00

Just a surely as the day is turning in this shot, the season is turning as well. The trees are still bare but Winam is right, the cold snaps are not quite as cold as a few weeks earlier. Spring is certainly beginning to unfold in the gardens below even if the trees have another month to go before they too will stir to life.

Reflection:
"For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy one of Israel, thy Saviour." Isaiah 43.3

Twists and turns

2011-08-08T20:45:00.000+10:00

Winam commented that it has felt a lot like spring over the past two weeks, and it has, but I knew not to get too excited. Here in the mountains we will have a couple more months of twists and turns in the weather before we can begin to think of consistent warmth.

I was right to prepare myself, after a bit of rain and the temperature has plummeted. I am feeling quite cold tonight despite sitting on top of the fire.

Reflection:
"I will make darkness light before them and crooked things straight." Isaiah 42:16

Spears

2011-08-04T21:11:00.000+10:00

And here are the jonquil spears still unravelling their bundles of flowers.

Reflection:
"The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:14

Glory

2011-07-31T20:02:00.000+10:00

I popped out into the garden today expecting to take a photo of jonquils as an early sign of spring and was surprised to find the first daffodil in flower.

Reflection:
Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Shy violets

2011-07-27T21:08:00.000+10:00

They are hiding in various nooks around the garden and are all in flower at this time of year.

Reflection:
"Before thy call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

Remembrance

2011-07-24T18:56:00.000+10:00

They say that Rosemary has long been associated with improving memory, hence Rosemary for remembrance.

Reflection:
"Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10:17

All thy sins were laid up on Him,
Jesus bore them on the tree.
God Who knew them, laid them on Him,
And believing , thou art free.

Praise God, some things are not remembered!

Snow flakes

2011-07-21T21:07:00.000+10:00

It was snowing in the mountains earlier this week. I missed out yet again as it was one of my work in the city days. At least these little snow flakes brightening the winter garden hung around for me to get home.

Reflection:
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." 2 Timothy 2:12

Reminder

2011-07-17T19:30:00.000+10:00

I haven't been out in the garden much lately. But I took a short walk around today and even in a winter garden there are spots of joy. A reminder that the desolate times will pass, we just have to wait.

Reflection:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Isaiah 40:31

Stirring

2011-07-10T18:01:00.000+10:00

It's cold outside but there are signs that the earth is stirring with life. Bulbs pushing up shoots through the thick layer of fallen leaves. Makes me think of the great loving heart of God.

Reflection:
"God is able ... and he will" Dan 3:17

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free,
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.

Winter romance

2011-07-06T21:14:00.000+10:00

I'm so glad the tree blew over last week. This week would have been quite a different story, the wind is blowing a gale and there are trees down all over the place. It would have been much harder to get help and may have caused damage rather than its gentle fall.

All the good citizens of Lawson spent a romantic night last night. The power went off at about 5pm and stayed off until 10am this morning so we spent the evening huddled in candle lit rooms beside log fires. Outside it was cold and pitch black except for the tantalising glow of Sydney on the far horizon.

It's very wintery out there.

Reflection:
"My grace is sufficient for thee" 2 Cor 12:9

More troubles

2011-07-03T07:00:00.003+10:00

Oh dear, the limb of the wattle tree should not be leaning on the neighbour's house. Just another distraction as we try to get things back in order. Fortunately the tree man came promptly, cut down the tree and removed the fallen limb gently so there was no damage to their home. It was already half gone when I took this shot, sad because I was eagerly anticipating its flowers next month.

Reflection:
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou shalt revive me." Psalm 138:7

Break in

2011-06-27T21:26:00.003+10:00

A week ago our house was broken into when we were away for the weekend. Fortunately the thieves were disturbed when we arrived home very late at night so left without taking any of the many things they had lined up at the doorways ready to go.

We have not yet managed to get everything back in order, in particular our computer network. Hence my sudden disappearance from the blogosphere. Hopefully things will return to normal soon and I will be back posting and visiting your blogs again.

Reflection:

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Iris

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

Winter iris grow in clumps around the garden.

Reflection:
"The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers." 1 Peter 3:2

Winter window

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000+10:00

I was thinking as I swept the paths how lovely the winter garden is. It's back to its elemental self and as a result you see things differently.

Reflection:
"Blessed are thy that morn for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Clear path

2011-06-12T15:43:00.000+10:00

It's a long weekend (Queen's Birthday weekend). As the road over the mountains gets rather clogged with traffic on long weekends and we have been away four weekends in the row it was time to stay home and do some of the chores here. I am proud to say I have swept all the paths clean of their autumn leaves and pine needles and the garden is looking great in a wintery kind of way. Fortunately I woke full of energy yesterday and did the job because by today rain has set in.

Reflection:
"I am the Lord thy God ... which leadeth thee in the way that thou shouldst go." Isaiah 48:17

Work

2011-06-07T21:08:00.002+10:00

I've been a bit short on posting ... a combination of busy work weeks and spending the weekends out at Whistlers Rest making the most of the mild weather to get the cleaning up tasks done. But more work awaits me at home this weekend. Most of the leaves have now fallen so time to sweep and do the final mow before letting the garden settle into its winter sleep.

Reflection:
"He led them through the depths that they stumbled not." Isaiah 63:13

Winter welcome

2011-06-01T21:39:00.000+10:00

Autumn has passed and winter is here. May was colder than normal, I wonder what winter will bring.

Reflection:
"Who delivered ... and doth deliver .. He will yet deliver." 2 Cor 1:10

He is the same forever;
Though the years may their changes bring.
There is eternal safety
In the love of our Saviour King.

Stand still

2011-05-29T20:15:00.000+10:00

Take time to be still and you are sure to find something to delight you.

Reflection
"Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today." Ex 14:13 (R.V.)

Not resting

2011-05-22T20:40:00.001+10:00

We spent two days away out at Whisters Rest again this weekend, certainly not resting as we were attacking the blackberry again. In the meanwhile the leaves are building up for a big job back home sometime soon.

Reflection:
"When thou liest down thou shalt not be afraid." Proverbs 3:24

Making calls

2011-05-19T20:11:00.000+10:00

We allow the neighbours down the back to go too and fro through our garden rather than them having to take the longer route via the road. As they have teenage daughters a regular parade of young men go up and down our driveway.

Reflection:
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Rom 10:13

Missed it

2011-05-17T21:21:00.001+10:00

I have shown you Rosellas several times before, that's because they are easy to photograph. The red breasted robin is quite a different matter. I've been keeping my eye out for them making their annual visit to the garden and have been thrilled to see one twice but didn't have my camera to the ready on either occasion.

Reflection:
"Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, yet your heavenly father feedeth them." Matt 6:26

Heart's Delight

2011-05-15T20:33:00.000+10:00

Out front the leaves are doing their part to delight my heart.

Reflection:

"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in Me." John 14:1

Colour

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

The rain has cleared from the sky so it is sunny and chilly, perfect for switching on the long awaited autumn colour out the sunroom window.

Reflection:
"But with me thou shalt be in safe guard." 1 Samuel 22:23

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:45:00.001+10:00

It's Mothers Day so I popped out to the garden to see if I could find a white flower to honour my Mum and Mother-in-law. What a surprise to find this camellia which has never flowered before with this pretty white bloom.

Reflection:
"The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:2

Home fires

2011-05-05T07:00:00.003+10:00

A load of wood dumped under the cherry tree to keep the home fires burning during the cool and damp weather. We are both feeling a little wonky in the bones right now so they might lie here a while longer.

Reflection:
"Thou remainest .... thou are the same" Hebrews 1:11:12

Yes, thou remainest ever present Friend.
Tis on thy strength our weakness must depend.

Stepping out

2011-05-03T07:00:00.001+10:00

Its been very damp as you can see from the haze of mossy green on the sandstone steps and the leaves being stripped from the trees and glued to the stone by raindrops even before they have a chance to change colour properly.

Reflection:
He shall pluck my feet out the net. Psalm 25:15

Cycles

2011-05-01T20:14:00.000+10:00

As our friends in the northern hemisphere welcome spring I can see the potential of spring even before the autumn leaves are fallen. I find calm and reassurance in the cycle of the seasons.

Reflection:
"Thou shall ... be lead forth with peace." Isaiah 55:2

Each day, as our time rolls on
Thus by trusting, watching, praying
We shall find the promised blessing
Daily strength till Jesus come.

Honour

2011-04-25T07:00:00.007+10:00

The important occasions are happening all together this year. Easter barely gone and today is Anzac Day, the day we remember the sacrifice of Australians to preserve our freedom.

Today's tribute photo was taken from the corner of our garden. Honour Ave is named in remembrance of those soldiers. The war memorial and gardens are at the upper end of the Avenue, up near the shopping centre.

Reflection:
"In the time of trouble he shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me." Psalm 27:5

Our Reedemer lives

2011-04-24T07:00:00.005+10:00

Just as he predicted Jesus rose triumphant over death. And just as my sister in law predicted the green tomatoes are ripening.

Happy Easter everyone.

Reflection:

"He shall dwell on high ... bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure." Isaiah 33:16

And while the dear Redeemer lives

We have a boundless store

And shall be fed with what he gives,

Who lives for evermore.

Dark

2011-04-22T07:00:00.005+10:00

It's Good Friday. How dark this day must have seemed to Jesus' followers at the time.

Reflection:
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God ... and it shall be given him." James 1:5

Autumn lineup

2011-04-20T07:00:00.010+10:00

To keep up with my workload my working days are long so I am grateful to be able to work from home 3 days a week cutting down on the awful commute to the city which is getting colder and darker each morning. With the change of season I've moved my desk out into the sun room where I am warmed by our cosy new pot belly stove and which has the added bonus of giving me a ringside seat on the transformation happening outside.

A short week this working week this week and next week ... yipee.

Reflection:
"All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them" Mark 11:24

O Thou by Whom we come to God
The Life, The Truth the Way
Thy path of prayer Thyself had trod,
Lord, teach us how to pray!

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T16:45:00.000+10:00

May you each have a blessed Easter season.

Reflection:
"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father." Matthew 10:29

Magic season

2011-04-14T21:43:00.000+10:00

Autumn is a magical time of year with its cool golden days and soft showers, and I know the season is in full swing when the fairies move in under the big pine tree.

Reflection:
"But God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil 4:15

Wait and see

2011-04-10T09:02:00.000+10:00

My sister-in-law says they will ripen. I will wait and see.

Reflection:
"Be ye also patient ... for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8

It's starting

2011-04-06T07:51:00.000+10:00

The first ones are on the turn.

Reflection:
"Then ...shall ye go and pray unto Me and I will hearken unto you." Jer 29:12

Blessing

2011-04-03T07:00:00.000+10:00

I love this shot of the walnut which is not yet losing its leaves. What a joy and blessing my garden is. I do hope you have a lovely Sunday today.

Reflection:
With God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

Skeleton

2011-04-02T12:00:00.001+11:00

The remnants of agapanthus flowers.

Reflection:
"These things I have written until you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life." 1 John 5:13

Woodpile

2011-04-01T12:00:00.001+11:00

Looking over the neighbours fence I spotted this neat woodpile under the redwood tree.

Reflection:
"Even if our faith fails, He remains true." 2 Timothy 3:13

Borders

2011-03-31T12:00:00.000+11:00

This one is a weed too. It marched through our garden beds some years ago and with quite a lot of diligence I got rid of them. These ones are on the neighbours side of the fence and I am happy to enjoy their pretty flower just so long as they respect the borderline. (Which of course they won't but nor do the weeds I send the other way).

Reflection:
"The Lord will bless his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Upright

2011-03-30T12:00:00.000+11:00

Catoneaster is considered a weed because of this berries but this is a prostrate form which for some reason doesn't disquiet me in the same was as the upright version that grows huge and annoying ... like the giant one on our block Whistler's Rest.

Reflection:
"The Lord is a sun and shield; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

Coming to an end

2011-03-29T12:00:00.000+11:00

This is the very last ginger flower for this season.

Reflection:
"Commit they way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

In due season

2011-03-28T12:00:00.000+11:00

The little cyclamen have sprung up on cue. I always get excited to see these little flowers appear.

Reflection:
"In due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galations 6:9

Bonus

2011-03-27T19:10:00.000+11:00

I like the variegated foliage of this plant so the flowers that appear at this time of year are just a bonus.

Talking of bonuses, I realised as I walked around the garden today that I have been missing my weekly examination of the minutiae of the garden so I am going to give myself a bonus and post every day this week.

Reflection:
"Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask and think," Ephesians 3:20

Rain coming

2011-03-23T20:37:00.000+11:00

It's been wet outside, alternating between mist and thundering rain. It is common for it to be wet in March in the mountains. I just checked and thus far this month it has been just a little bit wetter than average. We have been happy to stay inside in the dry and warm while Ian rests his arm which is slowly improving .. thank your for your kind thoughts and prayers.

The birds on the window sill remind me of a bird I saw in the tree ferns the other day ... a Fuscous Honeyeater I think. I have been noticing it in the garden of recent months but this is the first time I saw it close enough to identify. Sadly I didn't have my camera at the ready.

Reflection:
"The Lord shall guide the continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought" Isa 58:11

Memory

2011-03-20T07:00:00.002+11:00

We didn't go out to Whistler's Rest this weekend because of Ian's continuing problems with his arm. Also it is very misty and rainy this weekend. However, the rose hips and flowers are a little memento from last weekend.

Reflection:
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their troubles." Ps:34:17

Fading

2011-03-17T19:44:00.000+11:00

The days are getting cooler and the summer flowers are fading fast. Hubby is not well so we are snuggled in by a warm fire tonight.

Reflection:
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. Ps 34:15

Spikes

2011-03-13T07:00:00.002+11:00

I have picked some of these ginger flowers and their fragrance is wafting through my home. Have a blessed Sunday my friends.

Reflection:
"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him" Deut 33:12

Begonia

2011-03-09T07:00:00.003+11:00

Reflection:
"The Lord shall guide the continually" Isaiah 58:11

O my refuge in the days of old
I can trust Thee as the days unfold.

Autumn

2011-03-06T18:11:00.000+11:00

Since my last post the seasons have rolled over. Autumn has arrived and all the normal autumn things are beginning to happen. The belladonna lilies, begonias and ginger lilies are in flower. There is a crispness in the air and the sun is getting milder. It's a delicious season.

Reflection:
"I will bless thee ... and though shalt be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

In all places

2011-02-27T07:00:00.000+11:00

The virginia creeper has been creeping even more aggressively this year. Over the next month it will be getting ready to turn red.

Reflection:
I am with thee and will keep the in all places though goest. Gen 28:15

Trusting as the moments fly
Trusting as the days go by
Trusting him whate'er befall
Trusting Jesus that is all