DebraJ
The Fragrant Olive
We have the most deliciously scented tree growing on our back deck. This Fragrant Olive, also called Osmanthus fragrans or Sweet Olive, has been blooming non-stop since we rescued it from a place in our garden for which it wasn’t well suited. It had been struggling for a few years before we moved it, but now, obviously, it’s flourishing. I’m so glad Keith found the huge 42” pot to put it in, strategically placing it behind his lounger so the sweet perfume would waft on each breeze, wrapping it softly, gently over us as we rest in that place. The Sunset Western Garden Book states that its “flowers are powerfully fragrant, with a sweet scent like that of ripe apricots.” I’m not so sure about the smell of ripe apricots, but I do wish someone would develop a way to include odors and scents in our photos so you could see for yourself how lovely it smells.
What a perfect picture of Psalm 52:8, which says, “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”
Lord Jesus, thank you for transplanting us into your house: the house of God. Thank you for your unfailing, never-ending love, which causes us to flourish. May we be a sweet fragrance wherever we go, drawing others to find rest in you.
Mighty Rushing Wind
Mark 10:27 “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.””
I was sitting on our porch this morning reading this verse in my Bible. Before I’d even had a chance to ponder the depths of its meaning, all at once a mighty rushing wind – a Santa Ana gust – blew through. It scattered leaves and stems from our ash tree all over; seeds from our milkweed plants blew all across the garden, flying on dandelion-like fluff.
As evidence of the wind swirled around me I thought of how this was so like the Holy Spirit coming in power in Acts 2, “like a mighty rushing wind”. And my heart leaped for joy as I remembered that the Holy Spirit lives in me, in all of us who have believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jeremy Camp states in his song, Same Power:
“The same power that rose Jesus from the grave,
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us; lives in us.
The same power that moves mountains when He speaks,
The same power that can calm a raging sea
Lives in us, lives in us. He lives in us, lives in us.
“We have hope that His promises are true.
In His strength, there is nothing we can’t do.
Yes, we know there are greater things in store.
We will not be overtaken, we will not be overcome!”
Oh what joy this brings to my heart!
So, whatever you may be facing today, may your heart be encouraged and filled with joy: this same Power is available to you! And in His strength there is nothing we can’t do…with God ALL things are possible.
Lord Jesus, God Almighty, Ruler of all things, help us to stand firm in the truth of Your Word today!
It’s Raining Leaves!
The leaves on our Modesto Ash tree have finally turned yellow and started falling. They’re a month later than usual, probably due to the warmer temperatures we’ve had in So Cal, although it’s the dark, chilly nights that convinced it that the time was right. As messy as they are, the sound of those golden brown leaves blowing and skittering in the wind is like an underscore of music to our wind chimes…and that brings me joy.
I hope you enjoy this little video from our garden…and may the Lord rain down His blessings and joy on you today!
Click on this link: Raining Leaves