Love, Joy and Peas

Friday, May 10, 2013

Poem Inspired by "Story of A Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux"

In the middle of reading Story of A Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux, I was inspired to write this little poem. The book is very good, although it's taking me quite a long time to read it. I borrowed it from my local library (using inter-library loan) but have since learned that it's available for free download on multiple websites too, should you desire to read it for yourself.

The Little Flower Still Blesses

Oh, to love with such pureness of heart

To see our precious Lord Jesus so clearly

To forgive so thoroughly

To trust so fully
To be content as a little flower
in God's great garden of souls

To be one with the Holy Spirit

and truly walk by faith.

I thank God for your example,

Saint Therese of Lisieux.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Rest in Peace, Snowball (Haiku Poem / Short Tribute)

Snowball: Photo by Carla Wheeler

Rest in Peace Snowball (Haiku)

Snowball, we'll miss you,
your fluffy white fur, happy
barks and friendly smile.

Cute little Snowball brightened the lives of my mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law for fourteen years. He was an important part of their family and even joined in on "signing" holiday cards throughout the years. He was joyful, loving presence and will be sorely missed. I haven't seen Snowball in years but I remember him fondly and hope he's enjoying heaven (I personally believe that pets go to heaven). May God comfort and bless my in laws as they grieve Snowballs passing and may He bless you too.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

National Day of Prayer Haikus (Short Poems)

Today is the National Day of Prayer and my writing for the challenge resulted in two linked haikus related to the event. It was really neat to watch the activities broadcast live on the internet. Please join me in praying for our nation, leaders, military service members, veterans, families, the homeless, jobless, suffering and whatever else God lays on your heart.

National Day of Prayer Haikus

Praising God today

Lifting up America

in prayer for healing

For peace and kindness

For living the golden rule

For revival now.

May God bless America and may He bless you too!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Challenge: Write Every Day in May! & Cherry Blossom Joy Haiku Poem and Sketches

Cherry Blossom Joy Art & Poem:
Copyright © by Phyllis Wheeler, May 2013

In April I accepted a challenge to write every day in May. I remembered this challenge just before bed last night and wrote two haikus (short poems with 5-7-5 syllable format). So I'm backdating this post to last night (because that's when I wrote the poem I'm sharing; the other one's for my hubby) and issuing my own challenge to all who love to write. Let's write something every day this month! We don't have to post it or share it - just write it and feel good about doing so. However, if you do post some of your writings feel free to comment below with the link and I'll check it out.

In case my handwriting is hard to read, here's a typed version of my poem:

Cherry Blossom Joy Haiku

Pink petals delight

Soft, sweet temporal beauty

Cherry blossom joy.

May's kind of busy for me but I hope to look into doing a link party or prize drawing later this month so keep your eyes open for those posts.

May God bless you and may your writing be fruitful!

Fruitful Pear:
Copyright © by Phyllis Wheeler, May 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Beautiful Azalea Close Up Photos

Yesterday I promised you azalea macro photos so here they are. I love azalea time almost as much as cherry blossom time. There are such a variety of beautiful azalea flowers to enjoy that I try to make multiple trips to catch the early, mid and late season bloomers.

There are so many azalea bushes they overlap a bit in places but that just adds to their beauty.

I thought these peachy red and white azalea blossoms were particularly lovely.

These yellow azaleas look more orange in person and they have a delightful honey like scent.

These red and orange azaleas are unusual and brighten up the shady forest. I love how the variety of flowers demonstrates God's amazing creativity and always lifts my spirits. May the God of all comfort bless you today and always!

Related posts:
Azaleas, Lilacs, Tulips and more: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azaleas-lilacs-ghost-ferns-tulips-and.html
More Azalea Walk Photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/04/amazing-azaleas-wooded-walk-photos.html
Raindrops on Azaleas and Roses: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/raindrops-on-roses-azalea-camellia.html

Recommended related website:
National Arboretum http://usna.usda.gov/

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Amazing Azaleas - Wooded Walk Photos

Today my friend Pam and I enjoyed a walk in the National Arboretum's amazing azalea gardens. They span a huge hill (called a mountain by some locals) and encompass every color azalea I've personally seen. It's a feast for the eyes and delight for the soul. If you live in the Baltimore - Washington DC Metropolitan area and like flowers, it's a great (and free!) day trip to make.

The Arboretum staff seem to have seriously cut back a good portion of the larger bushes but there are still plenty of colorful azaleas to view in their wooded azalea walk.

Pam gets credit for leading me to this shooting location. Thanks Pam!

I liked the contrast of the red azaleas and the blue flowers (from the hyacinth family).

Here's a view from the top of the stairs. The bottom of the stairs is one of the main entry points to the azalea walk. I hope you enjoyed these overview photos. I plan to follow up tomorrow with some azalea close up photos. Thank you for celebrating God's amazing creation with me, Pam! May God bless Pam and may He bless you, too!

Related and recommended posts / websites:
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azaleas-lilacs-ghost-ferns-tulips-and.html
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/raindrops-on-roses-azalea-camellia.html
http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/04/azalea-walk-photos.html
http://usna.usda.gov/

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Cherry Blossoms and National Monuments at Washington DC Tidal Basin

Today my fabulous friend Pam took me to see the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Washington D.C. Tidal Basin. It looked like the blooms were at peak or near peak (the peak bloom period was originally projected for March but the date has been moved back at least twice since then due to our unusually cool weather). The Washington Monument (above) has scaffolding all round the bottom of it but it's hidden by the blooming cherry trees.

Cherry blossom season is my absolute favorite time of the year in the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan area. Being able to view the Tidal Basin blooms near peak on a beautiful blue sky day with a dear friend is a special treat.

Here's the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.

Here's a close up of a pinker than average cherry blossom.

Here's a statue that may symbolize the friendship between Japan and America, surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Here's the Jefferson Memorial surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Here are some of my previous cherry blossom related posts.

I hope you enjoyed my cherry blossom photos! May God bless you and be with you!

What is your favorite time of the year? What is your favorite flower? What is special or do you particularly enjoy about where you live?

Related posts full link: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/search?q=cherry