A Month of Mercies ~June 2021

I'm sharing this month's post a bit on the tardy side . . . but I didn't want to skip a month, so here it goes . . . :-) 

My children have been enjoying listening to The Sound of Music soundtrack and Maria's words are on my mind this morning~~"Let's start at the very beginning . . " ;-) 

The Lord has blessed me over the past month with joy over all of the growing things in our garden as well as in others' gardens . . . this was one of the first open tomato sandwiches of the year~~does anyone else enjoy eating these? I never liked tomatoes as a child, but now I really love them. 

I'm so thankful--and continually amazed--at all of the goodness that the Lord provides through the garden. Keeping a garden--tending and planning and weeding and harvesting it, has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. It's taught me so many lessons about life in general and the Lord's working in all things. The hard work is good for me and for my kids. And putting one's hands into the soil after the harsh Wisconsin winters is a respite to the soul. 

A reminder to me this month in my kitchen to cast all of my cares upon the Lord~ He knows all things and He alone is the One who can help us in all of our struggles and sorrows . . . 

Hollyhocks blooming in the flower garden bring joy to my heart . . . 

Laundry hanging on the line . . . my children can reach the clothesline now, and are a big help to me in this . . . my niece will often run over too, and help me when she notices me taking the laundry down. I'm thankful for willing helpers . . . 

I've been sewing a bit more lately . . . this has been a blessing in my life . . . I love the smell of the fabric and the feel of it in my hands as I guide it under the needle . . . 

My sister taught my children and I how to can strawberry jam last month! I'm thankful for her taking the time to patiently teach us, and for the fun time that we had making it! Thank you, Lord, for sisters, and for the sweetness that they bring into our lives! 

And finally, I'm thankful for ripe blackberries in our field! My kids love to pick a few here and there and eat them . . . the birds and wild animals love them, too! It amazes me continually to see how the Lord provides in so many different ways for His creation--from the seeds to the berries to the bugs that the birds eat . . . He is a merciful Provider. And if He so feeds the birds, how much more will He provide for His children? 

So there I'll conclude for this month . . . how has the Lord spoken to you and blessed you throughout your days, friends? 

I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou Most High.

 Psalm 9:2