By Streams of Water

 

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers. ~Psalm 1:3

Do you recall the photo above?  It's taken when our deck plants are first given their new homes with as much love and care as we can muster.  We hope that all our efforts will be a blessing for these newbies who simply long for a chance to live and flourish.

To prosper.  Just as the Lord intended.

A week spent at Oxford, away from our plant babies, produces so much new growth, we can hardly believe it.

The impatiens plants are busting out all over.  Nothing is keeping them down!

And remember how we were promised possible blooms on the sedum?  Well, here they are!

Our other sedum, we think, is a male plant because no blossoms are forming on it.  Still, it's gorgeous in this photo taken by Danny, with raindrops adorning its fronds.

The Petunia Amore has come back to resonating life after a heavy rainstorm damaged its blossoms.

And are you ready for the hydrangea's gender reveal?  Yes?  Well, here it is!

A gorgeous blue to add even more color to the pink/magenta/yellow floral displays on our deck.

After a long, tough week of residing in Oxford in order to be able to visit my mother, coming home to these welcoming blooms gives us much comfort and joy.  I am reminded that when God plants us by streams of His living water, we will all yield fruit in due season, and our leaves that spread the love of His kingdom will neither wither nor fade.

God is always there, willing and able to help us move forward in hope in spite of the seemingly hopeless moments we face.  It is in the moment, the one right there before us, that we can best realize His love for us, and His eternal care.

May each and every one of us bloom where God has planted us.  May His streams of mercy never fail.

Amen!

Update on Mom:  My brother and his daughter visited with Mom for the last several days.  She had her lucid moments, but was also imagining people who weren't there in the room.  When Danny and I visited with her today, Mom was still sleepy from the Benedryl she was given the night before to help her rest.  We couldn't manage to carry on any conversation.  The doctor called us later today and said she is taking Mom off any sleep-inducing drugs for the time being.  We also learned that she has developed shingles, and is on antibiotics for that now.  The pneumonia has disappeared, and that's good news, but she is facing an uphill battle if she is ever to be able to come home.  Your prayers are so appreciated, my friends!