Anyone else still working out the logistics for their garden? You see...I have these lovely hens roaming around that enjoy taking dust baths in my garden beds. A solution to this problem has been found that will be all finished up on Saturday. And that means I can finally get my garden going without fear of it all being eaten up or dug up.
I'm so excited to get outside and to dig in the dirt. It's something that's very relaxing and therapeutic for me. And I need a little "garden therapy" in my life right now. Dear friends, I've been having a really hard time. The kind of hard time where I'm clinging onto my faith for survival, just trying to get through each day, broken-hearted kind of hard. Perhaps that can explain why things have been so slow here on the blog. To get out into God's beautiful creation, enjoy morning prayer sessions in the garden, and feel the warm sun on my face... Yes, that's therapy for me.
My little family has had a lot going on lately. Some things I haven't openly talked about. Other things I've shared. If you've followed along for a while you may have read about my sister suddenly and tragically passing away last May. With the one-year anniversary of her death coming up, my heart has been feeling more burdened than ever. Despite popular opinion, there is no expiration date to grief, friends. Sadly I'm sure many of you have also experienced this. The rest of the world seems to have moved on, but you're left still trying to pick up the pieces. I hadn't even intended to talk about this, but I started typing and the words just started coming out.
Maybe you've been going through a hard time, too. Maybe your life feels like that barren garden that's been neglected. Maybe life's circumstances have pecked and clawed at your heart. But maybe...just maybe it would be encouraging for you to know that you are not alone!
Perhaps there are life lessons to be learned from gardening. We plant seeds with faith, hope, and anticipation that something beautiful will emerge. Time passes with much prayer and patience and those seeds become seedlings which then become plants. Usually, it's gentle showers and sunlight that rain down and nourish the plants. But storms do sometimes come where the winds and rains test its strength. But if we don't lose our faith and we keep tending to the garden, a harvest will emerge.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Listen to me. Here I am getting all philosophical about gardening. Ugh! Truly I had not intended to launch into this little parable. I guess I was feeling a bit chatty. So...let's chat.What's going on with you in this season of life?
Anything exciting?
Anything you'd like me to pray with you about?
Are you planning to do a little gardening this spring?
Perhaps these sweet and simple garden ideas will give you some inspiration! Below you'll find several lovely garden ideas to try this spring. I'm sure you'll create something beautiful, and I'd love to hear about it when you do...
What a super simple and affordable option for planters! Whether you try this with live plants or the faux kind, it's sure to give your space some farmhouse charm.
2. DIY Cedar Window Boxes / Maggie Lois
It's impressive what window boxes can do to add curb appeal. And these are stunning!
3. Funny Painted Planter Pots / Find It, Fix It, or Build It
These painted pots with their humorous encouragements are so cute! And who knows?! Maybe they'll help the plants grow a little better. If nothing else, they add an element of fun to the garden.
4. Stone Walkway / Just Measuring Up
Looking for a budget-friendly and easy way to add a walkway to your garden? This method might just be your answer!
5. DIY Vertical Succulent Garden / Thistlewood Farms
What a conversation piece for the front piece! This vertical garden adds loads of visual interest.
6. Vertical Succulent Garden / Lolly Jane
Here's another take on the vertical garden. This one adds a fun pop of coral color!
You might also enjoy these Stamped Garden Markers!
Or these Mini Decoupaged Flower Pots. They are a great craft for the kids to make for Mother's Day!
Meet your hostesses!
(Be sure to give them a follow!)
Tanya | The Natural Homeschool | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a button...
Party time! A Little Bird Told Me that you've been doing some amazing things! I'd love for you to share! Link up a recipe, craft, home decor project, homeschool post, activity/craft for kids, or any other post you're proud of! Your post will be shown on each host's blog where we will individually pick features each week. We're teaming up to bring you an even bigger and better party!
It's impressive what window boxes can do to add curb appeal. And these are stunning!
3. Funny Painted Planter Pots / Find It, Fix It, or Build It
These painted pots with their humorous encouragements are so cute! And who knows?! Maybe they'll help the plants grow a little better. If nothing else, they add an element of fun to the garden.
4. Stone Walkway / Just Measuring Up
Looking for a budget-friendly and easy way to add a walkway to your garden? This method might just be your answer!
5. DIY Vertical Succulent Garden / Thistlewood Farms
What a conversation piece for the front piece! This vertical garden adds loads of visual interest.
6. Vertical Succulent Garden / Lolly Jane
Here's another take on the vertical garden. This one adds a fun pop of coral color!
You might also enjoy these Stamped Garden Markers!
Or these Mini Decoupaged Flower Pots. They are a great craft for the kids to make for Mother's Day!
Now it's time for...
Meet your hostesses!
(Be sure to give them a follow!)
Jennifer | The Life of Jennifer Dawn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Vanessa | Mama's Happy Hive | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Are you ready to share your own posts and projects? We can't wait to see what you've been crafting, creating, decorating, mixing, and posting!
If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a button...
Party time! A Little Bird Told Me that you've been doing some amazing things! I'd love for you to share! Link up a recipe, craft, home decor project, homeschool post, activity/craft for kids, or any other post you're proud of! Your post will be shown on each host's blog where we will individually pick features each week. We're teaming up to bring you an even bigger and better party!
Follow each host, grab a button, link up, visit others, and be sure to leave some comment love on each other's posts! That same little birdie told me that we all love comments! If you don't have anything to link up, that's okay! Sit back, get comfy, and glean inspiration from the amazing posts shared below...
Remember that you must link back in order to be featured. If your link does get featured, I have a special Pinterest board to further showcase your tremendous talent! Just a few more things... This party is not for giveaways or other link parties. Be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's homepage. By linking up, you are giving us permission to feature your post. All features will be given credit and a link to its source.
Here we go! I can't wait to see what you're sharing this week!
I hope your final week of April has been a good one!
ReplyDeleteThat is beautifully written. My heart goes out to you... Strangely, a lot of people are going through some tough times right now, myself included, so we are definitely not alone. Hope you find peace and comfort in your cherished memories. Wishing you and your family strength to overcome the challenges you face.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your hard times, but hoping something beautiful comes out of it. Yes gardening is good therapy, one reason why I plan to plant my entire yard! Thanks for the party!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, So sorry for your loss. Years ago, I lost my brother very suddenly, so your thoughts really resonated with me. Especially how the world moves on and people expect you to move on, and you are just still so sad. You find a way to go on though and the grief does start to settle. Wishing you lots of peace :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jennifer, I can't imagine what you're going through. And don't worry about getting mushy, it can be good to get your feelings out there. :) I also wanted to give you a huge thank you for featuring my window box and hosting the party, I hope you have a nice weekend.
ReplyDelete