Thorns and Thistles

Those of you who have that emerald green "thumb" are to be much congratulated! You know exactly which plants go together, what season to plant what, and seem to have a connection with all growing things. Unfortunately, in my world, I look at a plant sideways and it will die. My thumb is of the black variety!

Living in a small mountain "country" town, instead of a city, gives the advantage of all the greenery one could ever want. Lots of rain and a mild winter with a few snow days, makes it so easy to keep plants growing. 

Gardens Galore!

A friend who works miracles with plants, has turned her entire backyard into a garden! Various flowers and plants bloom at certain times of the year and thrive like crazy. Particularly, she is an expert with the gorgeous Iris varieties and belongs to the local Iris Club. She is an amazing woman! What a great passion for any of us to pursue.

It seems she never has problems with any of the unwanted kinds of plants aka weeds, thorns, and thistles. Surely that is because she works hard at keeping them out of her garden. They are prickly and can hurt when accidentally grabbed. They can also choke out the good plants.

The very first garden known was the one in Eden--home to Adam and Eve. It had to have been extraordinary and lush with plant life "bringing all good things in abundance" according to some experts. There was no pollution and environmental disasters as there are today. The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground--trees that were beautiful and produced fruit.

Necessary Weeding

Then, as now, mistakes were made by humans. The lushness in Eden soon gave way to thorny pests that needed to be controlled while trying to keep the best intact. It is ironically reminisce of our everyday lives. We all make mistakes and are trying to do our best to "weed out" the bad and keep the good. 

Hydrangea Fall Favorite

Hundreds of centuries later, we have come far, but it hasn't been easy by any measure. In our own personal lives, we have made important steps into our future. Be encouraged with just those facts alone. Then realize we can keep it going with some planning, planting, and lots of prayers. After all, God is on our side and He will be there for each of us when we need Him. 

Giving up is not an option because who likes thorns and thistles anyway? Let's surround ourselves with the most beautiful flower garden out there! Hydrangeas anyone? 

The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. Psalm 65:12