[(JD)]

<font color="blue"> So many of our members here have planted some type of garden, and many different sizes. I thought this would be apropo to post. [b]

Every year when I am out planting my garden, a song comes to mind:

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above...

God’s abundant love is evident in a garden; he provides much more than we need. Each seed, bursting with life, will provide food to eat and many more seeds to plant. Unfortunately, if I don’t tend my garden, weeds will choke out many of the plants. Insects will attack others. I will still have a harvest, but it will not be as abundant.

My garden reminds me of my life. God intends for me to love all his children – my sisters and brothers – abundantly. If I don’t tend to my heart, the weeds of bitterness, anger, and selfishness will crowd out love. I may still love, but not as abundantly.

With care, though, I can keep my garden – and my heart – growing with God’s abundant love.

-- Pamela Young-Schultz

Mother and Peace Advocate

[recluse1]

((((Sky)))) Great post!

[(JD)]

Thanks! Here's a poem... unknown

Friendship Seeds
Inside this little package
You'll find some friendship seeds.
Plant with love and tend with care
And guard against the weeds.
Friendship seeds are hard to grow
The roots take hold with time.
But the blooms, which are produced
Are the sweetest you will find.
The petals will not fade away
True friendship never dies.
For friends are beautiful flowers
In the garden of your life.

[(JD)]

and another, also unknown

Faith
Faith is as a tiny seed,
Planted deep within the soul;
Nourished by a trust in God,
The seed begins to grow.
Quietly it opens,
Like a fragrant, blooming flower;
Roots reach out to find a home,
Enriched by God's great power.
There so deep within the soul,
Faith becomes a vine;
The roots grow deep within the heart,
Each tendril entertwined.
Then like a tranquil garden,
Filled with sweet perfume;
Faith blooms forth is color,
From every fragrant bloom.
Then as the season's come and go,
And blooms begin to die;
There still is life within the soul,
From the seed of faith inside.

I'd like to add the following song lyrics:

Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
All it takes is a rake and a hoe
And a piece of fertile ground
Inch by inch, row by row
Someone bless these seeds I sow
Someone warm them from below
'Til the rain comes tumbling down

Pulling weeds and pickin' stones
Man is made from dreams and bones
Feel the need to grow my own
'Cause the time is close at hand
Grain for grain, sun and rain
Find my way in nature's chain
To my body and my brain
To the music from the land

Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
All it takes is a rake and a hoe
And a piece of fertile ground
Inch by inch, row by row
Someone bless these seeds I sow
Someone warm them from below
'Til the rain comes tumbling down

Plant your rows straight and long
Thicker than with pray'r and song
Mother Earth will make you strong
If you give her love and care
Old crow watchin' hungrily
From his perch in yonder tree
In my garden I'm as free
As that feathered thief up there

Inch by inch, row by row
Gonna make this garden grow
All it takes is a rake and a hoe
And a piece of fertile ground
Inch by inch, row by row
Someone bless the seeds I sow
Someone warm them from below
'Til the rain comes tumbling down

'Til the rain comes tumbling down

[Danialla]

Rainbowzz, is that a song that Peter, Paul and Mary may have sung? It sounds so familiar and if it is the one I am thinking of, I love the music too.

Sky, when I first began reading your post I thought you were quoting the song from "Godspell", All Good Gifts. I loved the play, but your poems are very good too. I firmly believe that faith needs to be nurture, not unlike the seed in a beautiful flower garden.

Thank you for the good memories ladies.

Take care everyone!

yep, i think it is. I just googled it and thats what came up!

[(JD)]

The Seed
One
Little
Thoughtful word
Is all we need,
‘Cause when you have heard
That warm and caring seed
Planted by a smiling friend,
It grows within you, without end.

-unknown

[recluse1]

(((((((((Sky)))))))))))) These poems are so lovely! Thanks so much for sharing them here with us!

There is such power in their simplicity! I love it!

[(JD)]

I found another, and I used to use this in scout trainings (for adults) Edited to meet guidelines.
[b]<font color="blue">
Garden of Joy
<font color="darkgreen">
Plant 5 rows of Peas:
Prayers,
Perseverance,
Politeness,
Promptness, and
Purity
<font color="orange">
Plant 3 rows of Squash:
Squash gossip,
Squash criticism, and
Squash indifference.
<font color="green">
Plant 5 rows of Lettuce:
Let us be fruitful to duty,
Let us be unselfish,
Let us be truthful,
Let us follow God, and
Let us love one another.
<font color="brown">
No garden is complete without turnips:
Turn up for fellowship meetings,
Turn up with a smile,
Turn up with new ideas,
Turn up with determination to make everything
count for something good and worthwhile.
</font>
Unknown Origin

[recluse1]

[SeptemberMorn]

Love this poem! I especially like the "Peas," but you gotta have the rest, too.

[(JD)]

http://www.wbir.com/l...

[recluse1]

I cannot get the link to work.....

[(JD)]

ok I'll put the basis in the videos (though the link is an article.)

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showf...vc=#Post901151

[recluse1]

How wonerful is that!!!! Thanks Sky!

[(JD)]

If we all do what we can... I would love to grow flowers to give away ...and share God's love.

[(JD)]

<font color="teal">[b]In My Garden

In my garden, filled with flowers,
I sit in quiet prayer
And, as I look around me,
I see God everywhere.

He's in the fragrant roses,
In glorious array.
Their perfume lingers in the air
And takes my breath away.

A gentle breeze is blowing.
Sunshine warms my face.
How near to God I feel,
In this enchanting place.

I see His hand in everything,
Sweet gifts sent from above.
My soul knows only peace,
As I rest, here, in His love.

Copyright © 2003 by Marian Jones