The Journey -- Mom's Garden

Summer is approaching so I thought it would be fun to talk about flower gardens. I've never been great at growing flowers. But my  mother was. 

We had flowers everywhere--rhododendrons, roses, snap-dragons, daffodils, tulips, carnations, dahlias and lots more. Mom loved flowers and still does.

My brothers did most of the work in the vegetable gardens while my sisters and I helped keep the flower beds tidy and clean. I hated the work, especially weeding. In those early years I didn't appreciate the beauty of the flowers.

Mom had an especially gorgeous dahlia garden. I don't remember working in it. I think it was so special that my mother was the only one who watched over it. The dahlias grew along the front of our property, near the highway. Many a traveler stopped to admire the garden and sometimes they'd chat with Mom. Often, before they went on their way, she'd cut them a bouquet. I'm certain she found special joy in sharing her glorious flowers with others.

It took becoming an adult for me to fully appreciate the gift of flowers. They are clearly designed by the Master Crafter. 

Even though I now see their true beauty I'm not very adept at growing them. Each year, when I plant I wish them well and apologize for being the one who will watch over and raise them. With me for a gardener their chances of reaching their highest potential as flowers, isn't great. 

I especially love roses, but so do the deer. When blooms first appear the night raiders arrive and can decimate an entire rose garden in one night. Because of the deer I now grow a few roses in pots on my deck, safely locked behind a gate. 




Yellow roses are my favorite. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that my father loved them too. He's gone now, and yellow roses remind me of him.




This is a photo of one from last season, covered in dew. I thought it was especially exquisite.

When I was young and working in my mother and father's flower gardens I complained a lot. It wasn't all bad, though. I remember sunshine and long chats while we toiled away. And I especially loved the fragrance of the roses and carnations. Sometimes we'd pluck succulent flowers and drink their sweet nectar.

Today, I have a few flowerbeds, but they're made up mostly of non-flowering plants. I have my garden on my deck in the summer where it's close at hand and I can tend it without help form my husband. I love sitting on my deck with flowers all around.

I especially love the wild flowers that grow in the fields surrounding my home. They don't depend on me to care for them, only the Creator.

My parents love of beauty meant everyone had to work. I'm grateful. Work is good for kids and adults. I learned to stick to a job until it was completed. To keep on working even if I was tired. And to appreciate the fruit of my labors. 

And I'm so grateful for the memories.

Books & Writing -- The Call

  

When I first started creating stories it was just a hobby. I never dreamed it would be anything more. But after being side-lined by an auto accident, God gave me a new vision, a new way to serve Him through the gift of writing. Though I didn’t fully understand what I was saying yes to, I was committed to the call. God threw open every door, and it was clear that writing novels was part of His plan for me. I vowed to remain faithful to the call until and if He led me elsewhere.

Recently, I’ve heard a lot of writers talk about weariness of spirit. The job of writing (which is huge) along with discouragement and the general difficulties of life are wringing the energy and joy from their lives. Writers work hard. Not only do we create stories, but there can be mountains of research to do before we can even begin. And the editing process can feel endless. Plus there’s marketing, which begins long before we’ve completed a book. It eats up huge chunks of our time.

For a lot of us what is required is more difficult than we’d imagined. I’ve heard many voice thoughts of walking away. I’ve been there myself a time or two. Each time the Holy Spirit calls me back, reminding me of what God asked me to do and of the vow I made to Him. Ultimately my spirit is refreshed and I continue this unpredictable adventure.

God has a purpose in choosing the paths He places us on. We each have a journey and commission chosen by Him. If we decide to walk away we lose something precious—God’s best.

 When we set out on this writing quest did we really believe it would be easy? If you’re new to the world of writing get ready to be surprised by its joys and its sorrows. And if you’ve been traveling this road for a while, I pray you’ll hold fast to the dream, remembering God has a bigger picture in mind—it’s not about sales numbers, awards won or achieving fame. It’s about doing what we love and doing it with intention. It can be a tough road, but it’s also full of fun, discovery and remarkable people. And I know no greater sense of accomplishment than writing “The End” when I’ve completed a novel.

Expect rough patches, dry places where we thirst and valleys so dark we fear passing through them. Troubles can throw us off track, but there is always a way back—reach out for God’s helping hand. He is close and will set us back on our feet.

I’m grateful that I get to write. Despite poor wages and long hours, it’s fantastic fun to create characters and leap into their stories. And what a blessing it is to do something with my life that makes a positive difference in the world. I’ve received many letters thanking me and my characters for being an encouragement or helping someone find their way—some who discover Jesus for the first time.

 When we find ourselves worn out or uncertain remember God is our Father.  Seek Him. Talk with Him. Rest in Him. Lay your troubles, your disillusionment, your fatigue and sorrow at His feet. He will reach out with love, mercy and wisdom. His strength will lift us up and once again help us see the path laid out for us and know the joy of serving others.

Sometimes we need rest. Don’t push forward when God says stop. Resting is not deserting our call. We must be wise stewards of the gifts we've been given. If we keep going when God says stop, we’re working in our strength not His, which is no strength at all.

May you find joy in service. Turn your hearts toward Christ. And remember that as writers we have the privilege of glorifying God through our gifts. No matter how difficult it may seem don’t miss God’s best.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie